Biology

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education

This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.

Introduction to Biological Sciences 1

This module covers basic knowledge on cells and biological molecules and how they are connected to the function of major organ systems in animals, plants and humans. The main topics are cell structure, exchange and transport, the genetic code, microbiology and energy processes.

Introduction to Data Analysis

You'll be introduced to different ways of analysing qualitative and quantitative data, learn how to code qualitative data and use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse quantitative data.

Group Challenge (Sciences)

In a group, you'll formulate questions that can be tested by scientific investigations and take part in weekly workshops with academics.

Introduction to Biological Sciences 2

Explore a range of biological topics relating to whole organism biology, diversity and adaptations. Through lectures, workshops and practical sessions you will delve in to the world of classification and identification, natural selection and evolution, food security, population biology, environmental monitoring and human impacts.

Foundation Maths Skills

This module delivers core mathematics skills at level two and three to give a solid basis for future studies. You will study the following topics: manipulation of numerical data and converting between different units of measurement; exponentials and logarithms; and standard form and problems involving ratio, proportion and percentages.

Foundation Mathematics A

You will study pure mathematics topics, including proof, algebra, trigonometry, differentiation, integration, exponentials, logarithms, sequences and series. The applied topic is probability and statistics.

Microbiology

How does microbiology govern our world? In this module you will learn the basic principles of microbiology before exploring the interplay between microbes, ourselves, and the wider environment.

Cells and Organelles

Explore the fascinating inner workings of cells, giving you a foundation in areas such as cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. 

Diversity of Life

​Through practical workshops, this module introduces you to the diversity of life and the fascinating adaptations that enable organisms to inhabit nearly all conceivable ecological niches.

Molecular Biology and Genetics

DNA holds the secrets to life itself. Find out how key information is stored within the genes and the processes by which cells decode and interpret this genetic information to bring about essential cellular functions. In this module, you will discover how genetic information is inherited and what happens when things go wrong. Explore how molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques allow us to uncover why genetic changes can lead to human disease and can potentially offer opportunities to diagnose and even treat them. 

Evolution

Why did sex evolve? Why do we die? What is a species? How can evolutionary medicine help us? This module will provide you with an understanding of how life on earth came to be what it is, from genes to species. Without evolution, nothing in Biology makes sense.

Human Physiology

Explore topics including the circulatory system, blood and cardiac and skeletal muscles; the nervous system; reproduction; respiration; the gastro-intestinal system; and the endocrine system.

Ecology (with optional Dive Training)

Ecology is the study of interactions among living organisms and their environment, and is the basis for nature conservation and understanding human impact on the planet. Gain an understanding of ecological theory, applied ecology, and the collection and analysis of ecological data. You can choose to complete integrated PADI Advanced Open Water training, with an opportunity to develop specialist diving skills relevant to ecological science.

Genetic Analysis

You'll take a  problem-based approach to understanding modern molecular genetics and genomics of eukaryotes. 

Vertebrate Zoology

This module provides an integrated view of vertebrate biology by showing how changes over time and geography drive morphology, physiology, behaviour, and ecology in different vertebrates. Structure-function relationships are presented to appreciate how different animals evolve similar solutions and adaptations to the same ecological challenge while closely-related animals diversify in response to different environmental challenges.

Molecular Evolution and Genomics

This module will focus on the big topics in molecular evolution. What do genomes contain and why? How do we build trees from DNA sequences? How can recombination or gene duplication or transposons lead to adaptation? How do we detect selection in the human genome? We’ll cover these in theory and in practice with some fascinating examples from nature.

Metabolism

Examine the biological processes that allow the ‘symphony of life’ to occur. Understanding key metabolic concepts will further your understanding of biology itself, from human disease to the flow of energy through ecological systems so will feed in well with the other modules available to study.

Principles of Conservation

Have we entered a new era of mass extinctions? Examine current threats to biodiversity and the characteristics that make some species more vulnerable than others. Learn to use scientific evidence to support biological conservation strategies.

Biological Basis of Disease

In this module, you will gain an understanding of the biological, biochemical and genetic basis of several diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Cellular Regulation and Biotechnology

This module will explore the inner workings of the cell, and how our understanding of cell biology can be used in biotechnology. We will consider a range of human, animal, microbial and plant based signalling systems, as well as core techniques. 50% of the module will be based around a lab based project using fluorescent reporter proteins (e.g. GFP). The module will also support you in reading and critically evaluating research papers.

Ecological Monitoring

Linking theory to practice, this module looks at how we monitor our natural world in the context of conservation and environmental objectives set by governments or conservation organisations. You'll learn industry standard protocols, interpreting and communicating the findings to inform conservation practice or ensure environmental regulations are met.

Animal Behaviour

Develop your understanding of why wild animals behave the way they do. You’ll study the proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour, and the interactions between animals and their environment.

Biological Futures

How can Biology make the world a better place? In this module you will co-organise and present at our annual ‘Biological Futures’ conference, collaborating on an exciting whole class project, developing collaborative and professional skills alongside biological understanding.

Practical Conservation

Work in partnership with local environmentally orientated organisations to learn about the day-to-day practicalities of species and habitat management.

Final Year Projects

Show off what you have learned across your degree! Undertake traditional research-based projects with experts in subjects like climate change, or try something a bit different like creating a documentary on shark attacks. Whatever you choose, it will be something that takes pride of place on your CV. 

STEM Education Projects

On this module you will gain valuable experience in the professional environment of education via placements at local schools, colleges or other educational organisations. You will be a role model for science in the classroom and at the same time train your communication and collaborative skills. You will also develop and deliver an Educational Activity as part of your placement on a topic of your choice.

This module will give you valuable teaching experience if you decide to go into postgraduate teacher training, but also if you plan to work in the conservation sector, educating the public in their perception of the natural world.

Red Listing Conservation Project

The IUCN Red List is the “world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus and plant species”. In this module, you will learn how to undertake Red List assessments of species, determining their vulnerability against the Red List criteria, and could gain an official IUCN endorsement of your abilities. You’ll then apply your knowledge to undertake a desk-based research project to explore extinction risk, threats and conservation of a species group, habitat or geographical region that interests you.

Ecotoxicology

Pollution and the impact of chemicals in the environment is one of the big global challenges along with global warming and biodiversity loss. Understanding the molecular level, mechanistic impact of different types of chemicals in organisms, such as microplastics in aquatic organisms, or PFAS in polar bears, is required before policy makers and regulators can begin to mitigate and introduce regulations.

Sensory Physiology of Animals

Discover the fascinating world of animal communication to learn how sensory systems control behaviour, and how this is applied to and affected by human activity, including climate change.

Field Studies (Biology)

Recent students have selected from destinations including a dive-based trip in Malaysia and an exploration of the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil (financial contribution required).

Sex and Social Behaviour

You'll develop a deeper understanding of fascinating topics such as the evolution of sex, cryptic female choice, sperm competition, sexual conflict, parental care, brood parasitism, co-operative breeding and much more.

Pharmacology and Diagnostics

A deep dive into how your biological and biochemical knowledge is applied to the discovery, design, and evaluation of pharmacological compounds.

Practical Conservation

Work in partnership with local environmentally orientated organisations to learn about the day-to-day practicalities of species and habitat management.

Cancer Biology

Gain an understanding of the key concepts in cancer biology. You'll learn how current research impacts diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.

Molecular and Medical Parasitology

Explore how medically important parasites have a major impact on populations around the globe. You'll also develop practical skills in parasitology.

Saving our Seas / Saving our Planet

Earth’s natural systems are under unprecedented threat. Complex global challenges such as climate change and food security threaten our ecosystems and wildlife. But what can we do about it and how do we reverse the damage?

This module aims to nurture a generation of graduates with the capacity to answer these questions. Using real world examples tailored to your programme of study, we will analyse conservation and management strategies in place to deal with the numerous threats to our natural world (focusing on marine or terrestrial ecosystems depending on your course).

You will gain experience of producing “real-world” conservation evidence documents that influence how our environment is managed and conserved and develop the social science and interpersonal skills essential for many environmentally-focused careers.