Biological Sciences

This module centres around a 5-day residential field course at Dale Fort in Wales, during which you get intensive, hands-on experience studying various UK ecosystems from coastlines and woodlands to rivers and sand dunes. You’ll then head back to London, where data collection in the field continues, including bringing samples into the lab for further inspection. The training in this module develops high level field and laboratory skills for the expert naturalist.  

You will conduct various biochemical and molecular laboratory investigations to understand and diagnose genetic, metabolic and malignant diseases. You will also use case studies to appreciate the emerging role of big data sets resulting from comprehensive molecular surveys in biomarker and drug discovery, disease classification, and understanding disease mechanisms. 

Understanding of the scientific method, including how to develop and undertake robust studies and subsequent data analyses, is critical for you in your professional career. You will learn how to critique published work, classic pitfalls of experimental design and how to analyse ‘big data’ with stats packages and by coding.

Organisms rarely exist in isolation, rather the interact with other individuals and other species, sometimes synergistically and other times antagonistically. Understanding species interactions is vital for ecology, conservation, and predicting the impacts of environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. In this module you’ll study a plethora of species interactions within various ecosystems, including pollination, predation, competition, mutualism and parasitism. Themes include survival, reproduction and community structure.  

You will learn how the immune system responds to injury and infections. You will understand how it “learns” about past infections, responds appropriately to different infectious organisms, and regulates itself. You will understand how the immune system contributes to disease, whilst also giving us tools to diagnose and treat diseases. 

In this module, you’ll be acquiring an in depth understanding of a focussed area of research, completing a year-long sustained and rigorous investigative project. You’ll be deploying rigorous scientific techniques to research and analyse the zoological topic of your choice, supported all the way by a supervisor with international expertise in the field.

You’ll gain invaluable vocational experience, with insights and understanding about graduate work associated with a Biological Sciences degree. Supported by an academic tutor, along with 50 hours minimum at work, you will be given a professional edge by graduation. 

Explore how animal behaviour has evolved and is adaptive to particular environmental pressures. You’ll explore foraging, mating, communication, social structures and predator-prey interactions, revealing how an animal’s behaviours works, and how it enhance its survival and reproduction.

All Biomedical Science lecturers are experts who carry out and supervise research in specialist biomedical subjects. This programme will expose you to a range of biomedical research conducted in our School. We will take you to the current edge and work with you to explore related research literature.

This dynamic module focusses on current global ecological threats and the associated cutting-edge topics in ecology and zoology. Planetary crises like climate change, habitat loss, plastic pollution and biodiversity decline threaten life-giving global ecosystems. How robustly can we predict future scenarios for our changing world, and how effective might mitigation strategies be? Moreover, how do politics and science interact to influence humanities response to these issues? On this module you will become equipped to understand these complex, interconnected issues, and how society might best navigate competing interests and information to develop sustainable solutions. 

Biomedicine has succeeded in improving human health and extending life, but many challenges remain. In this module, you will use an interdisciplinary approach to investigate “wicked” problems in biomedicine, such as obesity and metabolic disease, autoimmune and post-viral conditions, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental conditions, and cancers that are difficult to treat.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

The module provides you with an essential introduction to the core principles and concepts that underpin biological sciences and offers you a multidisciplinary approach to understanding life at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

You will examine how genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors affect biological processes, with a focus on how certain groups may experience differing health risks or benefits. For example, you will study how genetic disorders, and metabolic diseases manifest differently across ethnic groups, and how access to healthcare or diagnostic tools can vary globally.

Throughout the module, case studies and discussions will emphasize the importance of inclusive practices in scientific research and healthcare, ensuring that biological studies and their applications reflect and serve the needs of all communities. Additionally, career-focused workshops will address the importance of diversity in STEM fields, providing you with a broader understanding of career opportunities and the role inclusivity plays in advancing biological sciences.

The module addresses sustainability through its focus on human health, environmental factors influencing biology, and the role of biological sciences in solving global challenges.

Topics such as metabolic processes, water balance, and body fluid composition can help you understand the body’s need for sustainable nutrition and hydration. Furthermore, by discussing diagnostics such as blood glucose testing and the effects of pollutants or chemicals (like endocrine disruptors in cosmetics), the course encourages you to think critically about sustainable practices in healthcare and their impact on individual and environmental health.

You will learn about genetic disorders and viral infections that affect populations worldwide, gaining insight into health issues across different regions. Case studies on health disparities and global diseases will be integrated into lessons to ensure you are aware of the worldwide scope of biological and medical science.

Teaching and learning

Through a combination of lectures, interactive seminars, laboratory sessions, and group projects, you will explore topics such as cellular structure and function, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and homeostasis.

The module also gives you the opportunity to develop practical laboratory skills, critical thinking, and quantitative analysis, ensuring you are well-prepared for advanced study, research and undergraduate level.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, small group learning on relevant case studies and practical lab sessions.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, which will consist of formal preparation/review of lab sessions, or exam preparation (e.g. quizzes).

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an open book in-class test and a lab report and reflection.

50% - open book in-class test, consisting of 30 multiple choice questions.

50% - lab report and reflection, the report will include detailed analysis (quantitative and qualitative) of a chosen practical lab session, with an evaluative reflection of the practical limitations and implications of the undertaken research/experimentation.

30 credits

This module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to the principles of human health, the mechanisms underlying diseases, and the tools used to study them.

This interdisciplinary module integrates knowledge of physiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and biostatistics to equip you with a well-rounded understanding of the factors that influence human health and the burden of disease.

The module explores health disparities and inequities across global populations, emphasising how factors like ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, and geography influence health outcomes. You will analyse worldwide health statistics, such as life expectancy, infant mortality rates, and access to healthcare, to understand systemic inequalities. Case studies will focus on specific healthcare challenges, such as the unequal burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries, or disparities in vaccination rates across regions.

Sustainability is embedded by exploring the role of health systems in promoting long-term wellbeing and reducing environmental impacts. Topics such as the rise of sustainable healthcare practices, including reducing medical waste and using renewable resources in healthcare delivery, will be discussed. You will also reflect on how public health policies can contribute to sustainable development goals by promoting preventative care and addressing environmental factors that affect human health.

Global engagement is incorporated through an examination of how diseases and health interventions are influenced by global factors such as pandemics, climate change, and globalisation.

You will analyse global health policies, including the role of organisations like the WHO in managing health crises, and investigate variations in disease prevalence and healthcare access across different countries. Comparative research tasks will help you appreciate the global nature of health challenges and solutions, such as those experienced during the COVID pandemic.

Teaching and learning

Through a blend of lectures, practical sessions, and research-focused activities, you will explore the key physiological systems that maintain homeostasis, the causes and mechanisms of diseases, and the role of public health interventions.

The module will also introduce you to fundamental research methodologies and statistical analysis, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in health sciences.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Lectures will cover core indicative content, while seminars will consist of research workshops, small group learning on relevant case studies and practical lab sessions.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, which will consist of formal preparation/review of lab sessions, or exam preparation (e.g. quizzes).

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an infographic and a data analysis report.

50% - infographic, you will design an engaging and evidence-based infographic that communicates a key public health message to a target audience.

50% - data analysis report, you will be required to complete a structured data analysis report based on the analysis of a provided dataset related to a public health issue.