Biology and Biochemistry Unit Catalogue
BIOL0001: Skills & techniques 1 (basic laboratory &
communication skills)
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide students with an opportunity to acquire basic laboratory skills
((general microbiological practice and biochemistry techniques) and communication
skills delivered by directed tutorial assignments and computer practical sessions).
Tutorial sessions will develop group discussion and presentation skills. Computer
sessions will introduce students to Windows, MS Work and BIDS. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
* present reasoned arguments and analyses in the form of a word-processed document
* to cite references (in recognised format) which they have obtained form an
on-line bibliographical database
* possess skills of accurate autopipetting and spectrophotometric determinations.
Content:
Practical skills: Basic quantitative laboratory skills; micro-organism handling;
radioisotope techniques. IT skills: Introduction to IT and campus IT facilities;
word-processing, BIDS. Presentation skills: Essay writing. Small group discussion
work. These skills will be developed during tutorial sessions which have the
additional aim of identifying and rectifying weaknesses in subject background.
BIOL0002: Skills & techniques 2 (quantitative skills)
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0001
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide students with an opportunity to develop data analysis and mathematical
skills through statistics workshops, directed tutorial assignments and computer
session with Minitab. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* decide on an appropriate statistical test for the analysis of scientific data
* execute basic statistical tests using Minitab and interpret the outcome of
such tests
* manipulate and transfer data from one software application to another.
Content:
Introduction to quantitative biology, including elementary statistics. Use of
Minitab. Numerical calculation workshops. Small group discussion work. Verbal
and written presentation.
BIOL0003: Biochemistry 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Co BIOL0001
Pre A-Level Chemistry Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To teach the students the pathways of central metabolism and to relate
the regulation of these pathways to the homeostasis of the whole organism. In
order to appreciate and understand metabolism, the students are taught the fundamental
aspects of enzymes and their regulation, and this in turn is necessarily preceded
by lectures on protein structure. After taking this course the student should
be able to:
* know the pathways of central metabolism
* understand the way in which the cell degrades nutrients in small steps to
allow the energy to be trapped and converted to a useful form
* appreciate the way in which central metabolism connects catabolism and anabolism
* understand the regulation of central metabolism with respect to the needs
of the organism in relation to its environment
Content:
Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation and physical properties; primary
structure and an overview of protein folding and conformation. Enzymes: catalysis,
kinetics, regulation. Metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, glycolysis,
gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, regulation of central
metabolism.
BIOL0004: Biochemistry 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the central pathways of fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial
oxidation and integrate these into overall cell function. To inculcate appreciation
of the metabolic pathways into function at the organ and tissue level. To teach
the implications of stereochemistry into the biochemistry of key metabolic intermediates.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* appreciate the principles of mitochondrial oxidative function
* understand lipid structure and the pathways of fatty acid oxidation and synthesis
* understand the mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle contraction
* comprehend the stereochemistry of small organic molecules of biological importance
Content:
The course is a direct follow on from BIOL0003. Topics studied are 1) mitochondrial
bioenergetics, respiration, oxidative phosphorylation and the chemiosmotic theory;
2) lipid metabolism structure of lipids, catabolism and anabolism of fatty acids,
ketogenesis and coordination with other metabolic pathways; 3) biochemistry
of animal tissues and organs, such as mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle
contraction; 4) stereochemistry of simple carbohydrates and citric acid cycle
intermediates with applications of biochemical mechanisms.
BIOL0005: Cell biology 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the techniques available for determining the structure and
function of cellular components and processes, to describe the structure and
function of cells and cell organelles and to show the diversity of cells. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
* describe the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
* describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles
* make comparisons between related structures and functions
* critically appraise methods available to determine the nature and function
of cellular processes
* understand the dynamic nature of cell behaviour.
Content:
Introduction: eucarya, eubacteria and archaea; microscopical techniques; cytochemistry;
cell fractionation and autoradiography. The structure and function of cell membranes,
plant walls, intercellular channels. Cellular processes such as cell signalling,
cytoskeleton and cell movement, secretion and absorption. Organelles involved
in energy metabolism: chloroplasts and mitochondria, plant microbodies. Nucleus,
chromosomes, cell growth and proliferation, mitosis and meiosis.
BIOL0006: Cell & molecular biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0005
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the structure and function of nucleic acids; To introduce
the concepts and methodology of genetic modification. To introduce the processes
of animal and plant development. After taking this course the student should
be able to:
* understand how the structure of nucleic acid determines their biological function
* understand the power of the techniques of genetic modification for studying
and manipulating organisms, especially micro-organisms, for fundamental and
applied science
* appreciate the role changing patterns of gene expression play in modulating
development during animal embryogeny
Content:
The structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in relation to organisms,
genes, gene expression and protein synthesis. How organisms, genes and gene
expression can be altered and studied via the technology of genetic modification.
How the changing patterns of gene expression in cells and tissues can lead to
the development of an egg into an animal, using examples from Xenopus, Drosophila
and mouse.
BIOL0007: Genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX60 PR30 OT10
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the principles of inheritance, to describe the chemical nature
of inheritable material and the molecular basis of mutagenesis, to describe
the structure and expression of genes and genomes in cells, to enable the student
to appreciate how genetic data are generated and interpreted, to show basic
genetic techniques in a wide range of organisms. After taking the course the
student should be able to:
* explain Mendelian principles and their underlying concepts
* explain and create a genetic map
* describe how the chemical structure of DNA accounts for information encoding
and its change
* appreciate the structure and dynamic nature of the genome
* understand the basis of the gene transfer in prokaryotes.
Content:
Topics: Principles of inheritance in eukaryotes; chemical nature of the gene;
structure of genomes; gene expression; mutagenesis; non-Mendelian genetic systems.
Practical sessions cover: Random assortment of two genetic markers in the fruit
fly (Drosophila); sex linkage in Drosophila; tetrad analysis in
a fungus (Sordaria); complementation testing in the yeast Saccharomyces;
genetic mapping in the fungus Aspergillus; mutagenesis in the bacterium
Salmonella; genetic polymorphism in Homo sapiens.
BIOL0008: Diversity I
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce students to the characteristic features and biological properties
of bacteria (prokaryotes) and fungi (eukaryotes). The two strands of the unit
are taught separately to provide a thorough grounding in the cellular, morphological
and general physiological properties of the two groups of organisms through
lectures and complementary practical sessions. These are related to the diversity
of habitats, modes of life and practical and environmental importance of the
two groups. After taking this course the student should be able to: (in bacteria)
* describe in detail the size and anatomical features of typical bacterial cells
* show a clear understanding of the structure and function of important cellular
components
* discuss bacterial growth in terms of nutritional requirement and the influence
of physicochemical factors on growth and survival
* demonstrate the acquisition of aseptic manipulative skills and accuracy, staining
techniques, microscopic examination methods and observational and interpretative
faculties (in fungi)
* have an outline knowledge of fungal classification and how this is related
to diversity in form and function
* appreciate the scientific, environmental and practical importance of fungi
* know where and how fungi grow and reproduce
* know how to study fungi macroscopically, microscopically and in culture.
Content:
Bacteria: relative to the other domains of cell-based life; bacterial cell shapes
and size, ubiquity and adaptability; methods for their visualisation; anatomy,
from chromosome to capsule, via ribosomes, cytoplasmic inclusions, cell membrane,
cell wall, pili, flagella and endospores; growth/cultivation; nutritional requirements,
modes of energy-yielding metabolism, influence of physical factors (temperature,
pH, redox potential, water activity). The essentials of practical bacteriology,
embodying good laboratory practice. Fungi: Diversity and significance of the
fungal Kingdom; hyphal structure and growth and the nature of mycelium; sexual
reproductive cycles; asexual reproduction; nutritional ecology fungi as saprotrophs,
biotrophs and necrotrophs, decomposers, parasites and symbiotic partners.
BIOL0009: Diversity II
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To demonstrate the diversity of invertebrate animals, to use comparative
anatomy and embryology to reveal clues about invertebrate evolution. To demonstrate
the diversity of plants, emphasising the adaptive significance of the organisational
innovations which have evolved within the constraints imposed. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
*define the terms deuterostome, protostome, coelom, diploblastic, triploblastic,
radial and bilateral symmetry
*describe aspects of structure and function which contribute to the success
of animals at different levels of complexity
*give an account of the defining feature of the major groups of invertebrate
animals.
*give an account of the defining features of the major groups of plants
*understand how the different groups of plants use light energy for the biosynthesis
of biomolecules
Content:
What is an invertebrate - defining terms, simple metazoans (sponges and coelenterates),
3 types of work-like animal (Nematodes, flatworms and Annelids), shell bearing
animals (molluscs), focus on squid, cuttlefish and octopus (cephalopods), invertebrates
with an external skeleton - why are insects so successful (arthropods)? A consideration
of the functioning of plants as non-mobile, photo-autotrophic life forms with
federal organisation.
BIOL0011: The biosphere
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide a global perspective of the communities and ecosystems of the
world and the role of these systems in the flow of energy and matter. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
* identify the main flows of energy through the biosphere
* understand how minerals cycle in the environment and how soils form
* appreciate the main features of aquatic environments and terrestrial biomes
* have an awareness of the effects that humans have on the environment
Content:
The flow of energy through the biosphere; the global biogeochemical cycles;
soils and aquatic environments; the major terrestrial biomes(tundra, northern
coniferous forests, temperate deciduous forests, temperate grasslands, and tropical
forests). The impact of humankind on the environment, with particular emphasis
on pollution.
BIOL0012: Ecology & evolution
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide a broad introduction to key concepts in ecology and evolution.
To approach issues in ecology and evolution in a rigorous, cohesive way that
will provide the students with a conceptual framework that will help them to
examine other areas of biology in a fuller context of evolution and ecology.
To provide a firm foundation for more detailed study within the specific fields
of evolution and ecology later in their course. It aims to introduce students
to the unique position of ecology and evolution in the biological sciences;
why these disciplines pose unusual challenges such as huge time scales and an
attendant paucity of experimental information; why ecology and evolution tend
to be analytical rather than experimental sciences; reasons why these are theory
driven sciences and the special role of mathematical models in these disciplines.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*outline certain key principles in evolution and ecology
*demonstrate an understanding of the unique position of evolution and ecology
in the biological sciences
*demonstrate an understanding of the logic of the arguments used in the construction
of simple mathematical models for population growth, competition and predator
prey relationships
*synthesise evidence of many kinds that animal, fungal and plant communities
have evolved in highly structured ways
*show some appreciation of the role of ecological and evolutionary thinking
in areas such as conservation and biodiversity
*have some basics skill in obtaining, processing and evaluating ecological data
in laboratory and field based practicals.
Content:
Key concepts in evolution, including the nature of evolutionary selection, including
kin-selection, sexual selection and natural selection. Dynamics of ecological
populations including field and laboratory examples and mathematical models.
Population growth, intraspecifc and interspecific competition and predator/prey
relationships. The structure and development of plant, animal and fungal communities
are also examined and evidence is described from studies of the limits of similarity,
island biogeography and food webs.
BIOL0013: Directed studies 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: Tutorial 100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To give each student experience in the study of biological information
and in its written and verbal presentation. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* make appropriate use of the various forms of biological publication
* carry out searches using BIDS and EMBASE
* write and word-process a substantial essay on a biological topic, with appropriately
listed references to published literature.
Content:
The course consists of a series of small group sessions with a lecturer and
about 6-8 students.
BIOL0014: Directed studies 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: Tutorial 100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0013
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To give each student experience in the study of biological information
and in its written and verbal presentation.After taking this course the student
should have further developed the learning objectives of BIOL0013.
Content:
The course consists of a series of small group sessions with a lecturer and
about 6-8 students.
BIOL0015: Biochemical problems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Pre BIOL0020, Ex BIOL0096
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop students' abilities to assimilate compilations of experimental
data and to draw valid conclusions from them. After taking the course, the student
should be able to:
* study a collection of biochemical observations, such as the Results Section
of a publication or simply a series of related observations compiled specifically
for the exercise, and assess their significance. Indications of this ability
could be, eg answering particular questions or writing the Discussion section
of a paper. It is especially important that the student learns to draw only
such conclusions as are fully justified by the data.
Content:
Several members of academic staff will participate in the Course, each providing
a particular problem. This will be handed out and explained to the class, who
will then have some 4 days to provide written answers. These will be marked
and returned.
BIOL0016: Professional training in Biochemistry 1
Semester 2
Credits: 30
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: Placement report 100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims:
* to provide experience of the application of biochemistry
* to promote understanding of the principles and practices of working in a professional
environment After taking this course the student should be able to:
* undertake and report on a piece of work in an agreed programme
* integrate into a commercial or academic environment
Content:
Laboratory or other professional experience which is deemed suitable by the
Director of Studies (Placements).
BIOL0018: Enzymology A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre CHEY0007
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide a fundamental basis for understanding the action of enzymes
as catalysts, mainly at a physical level, and also those properties of enzymes
arising from their nature as proteins. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand the nature of steady-state kinetics of simple enzyme-catalysed
reactions
* appreciate the influence that protein structure and organisation has on the
catalytic and regulatory functions of enzymes.
* understand the requirements of reliable assay procedures, including practical
ability.
* discuss the purpose of studies of the transient phase of enzyme-catalysed
reactions.
* from simple mechanisms, to derive steady-state rate equations.
* appreciate the role of coenzymes and their underlying basis in heterocyclic
chemistry.
* understand reversible inhibition and covalent modification, and the effects
of pH on catalytic activity.
Content:
Ligand binding; steady-state and transient kinetics; theories of catalysis;
allostery; multienzyme complexes; chemical modification; effects of inhibitors
and pH; isoenzymes; heterocyclic chemistry and coenzymes; purification and assay
BIOL0020: Physical biochemistry & proteins
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre CHEY0007, Pre CHEY0008
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide understanding of protein conformation in terms of noncovalent
interactions between amino acid side chains, the thermodynamic principles underlying
the protein folding problem. Also to provide understanding of the various physical
methods available for the characterisation of biological macromolecules and
their application to the study of protein conformation. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
* give a qualitative description of the interactions that maintain the native
conformation of a protein and determine the stability of the native conformation
* appreciate the structural information that various spectroscopic techniques
can give
* understand the structural information that various scattering and diffraction
techniques can give.
Content:
Polypeptide chain folding, the role of non-covalent interactions, the protein
folding process, denaturation and renaturation, protein conformational change,
spectroscopic techniques (UV/visible/IR, Raman, circular dichroism, nmr, esr),
scattering techniques (X-ray diffraction, solution scattering), Microscopy (optical
and electron)
BIOL0021: Protein purification
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020, Ex BIOL0097
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide understanding of the principles and application of the various
methods for the purification and characterisation of proteins. To provide understanding
of the principles and application of the ultracentrifuge in the biochemistry
laboratory. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* plan a purification scheme for the isolation of a protein from various starting
materials, taking account of requirements for both purity and yield of the product
* design experiments that involve the use of ultracentrifugation techniques.
Content:
Protein separation by column chromatography based on differences in molecular
size, charge, hydrophobicity and specific affinity for ligands; electrophoretic
methods for the purification and characterisation of proteins; theory and practise
of preparative and analytical ultracentrifugation
BIOL0022: Practical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide practical experience of some commonly used molecular biology
techniques and to evaluate these in comparison with other available methods
so that the students are aware of a range of techniques used for the characterisation
of gene structure and gene expression. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand how and why these techniques have been applied when they encounter
them in journal articles
* consider these methods when they design their own experiments
* develop planning and organisational skills in carrying out a scientific project
* develop data handling and interpretation skills
Content:
The course involves a series of linked experiments that form a mini-project.
This begins with the preparation of cellular RNA, its conversion to cDNA and
the amplification of gene fragments using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Specific fragments are cloned in a bacterial plasmid, these screened by restriction
enzyme digestion and one or two are subject to DNA sequencing. Data interpretation
involves DNA sequence analysis and the interrogation of remote nucleic acid
databases, chromosome physical maps and mutational databases. A demonstration
of various methods for analysing gene expression is included.
BIOL0023: DNA (making, breaking & disease)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW10 ES10
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide understanding of the relationship between DNA synthesis, DNA
repair, the animal cell growth cycle and apoptosis. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
* give a detailed account of the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and
repair in a variety of living systems
* show how DNA metabolism and cell cycle controls are related to cancer
* give an account of antitumour therapy.
Content:
DNA replication, and where relevant DNA in øx174, E.coli, SV40, and human
cells. Cross talk between synthesis, repair and the cell cycle in complex systems.
Immortality and carcinogenesis. Site of action of antifolates, fluorouracil,
magic bullets.
BIOL0024: Cell biology 2
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0005, Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To familiarise students with the concepts and vocabulary of key aspects
of cell biology. To give students an understanding of current models of how
cells attach to and move upon their substrate, how they maintain their composition
and shape, how they communicate and how they grow. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
* outline and distinguish the roles of carrier proteins and ion channels, and
describe current models of their functional mechanisms
* describe the major components of the cytoskeleton and their function in cell
integrity, in intracellular trafficking and in cell motility
* differentiate the various types of plant and animal cell-cell junctions
* summarise the major extracellular matrix components in plant and animal tissues
and how cell attach to them
* discuss the key signals and mechanisms permitting targeting of protein components
to various subcellular locations
* demonstrate knowledge of the major inter cellular signalling systems and intracellular
signalling pathways, and also the ways that these are studied
* understand the principles of cellular signal generation, control, recognition,
integration and interpretation to generate a response
* extend their knowledge in these areas by reference to primary research articles
Content:
Cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix; membrane transport (carrier proteins
and ion channels); intracellular trafficking; cytoskeleton; cell signalling:
growth factors and regulation of vertebrate cell proliferation and differentiation;
tyrosine kinase receptors and the MAP kinase intracellular signalling pathway;
G-protein coupled receptors and the cAMP and Ca2+ second messenger systems;
hormone signalling via the intracellular receptor family.
BIOL0025: Practical molecular biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: PR80 OR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0005, Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide practical experience of some commonly used molecular biology
techniques and to evaluate these in comparison with other available methods
so that the students are aware of a range of techniques used for the characterisation
of gene structure and gene expression. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand how and why these techniques have been applied when they encounter
them in journal articles
* consider these methods when they design their own experiments
* develop planning and organisational skills in carrying out a scientific project
* develop data handling and interpretation skills
Content:
The course involves a series of linked experiments that form a mini-project.
This begins with the preparation of cellular RNA, its conversion to cDNA and
the amplification of gene fragments using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Specific fragments are cloned in a bacterial plasmid, these screened by restriction
enzyme digestion and one or two are subject to DNA sequencing. Data interpretation
involves DNA sequence analysis and the interrogation of remote nucleic acid
databases, chromosome physical maps and mutational databases. A demonstration
of various methods for analysing gene expression is included.
BIOL0027: Integrative animal physiology and immunology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre PHAR0002, Pre BIOL0010
Aims & learning objectives:
This course is in two parts. The aim of the first part of the course is to develop
and understanding of how animals integrate function at the level of systems,
organs and physiological processes. It will enable you to appreciate the range
of evolutionary solutions to physiological challenges by comparing human and
laboratory model mammalian physiology with that of other vertebrate and invertebrate
animals living in different environments. The second part of this course aims
to provide you with an understanding of the immune systems of mammals, with
some comparisons to the simpler defence systems of lower animals. The approach
will stress the integrative features of systemic immunobiology, rather than
the biochemistry of immune effector molecules. After taking this course the
student should be able to:
* have knowledge of animal structure and function; neronal and endocrine function,
muscle heart and circulation, respiration, osmoregualtion, nutrition and metabolism
* have knowledge of animal defences against pathogens and parasites
* analyse, disply, interpret and draw conclusions form experimental data in
the field of animal physiology and immunology.
Content:
A. Physiological systems. Animal structure and function: functional genomics,
tissues and organs; size and shape; body fluids; control systems and homoestasis;
diffusion, countercurrent systems. Neronal and endocrine function: cellular
and gross anatomy of nervous system; bioelectric signals; resting potential;
action potential; synapses; integration; reflex arcs; endocrine glands, secretions,
actions, cellular signalling systems, steroids, peptides, eicosanoids, growth
factors, cytokines. Muscles: structural basis of contraction; E-C coupling;
mechanics of contraction; force velocity relations; energetics, fibre types;
adaption to function; motor control; cardiac muscle; smooth muscle. Heart and
circulation: open and closed circulation; heart as a pump; initiation and spread
of the heartbeat; control of the heart; comparative cardiac physiology; haemodynamics;
peripheral circulation; blood pressure and its control; capillary exchange;
lymphatics; effects of exercise, diving. haemorrhage; nitric oxide. Respiration:
haemoglobin; other respiratory pigments; oxygen dissociation curve; carbon dioxide
transport; pH regulation; diffusion form vessels to tissues, lung structure;
pulmonary circulation; breathing; surfactants; heat and water loss from lungs;
fish gills; birds' eggs; insect tracheal systems, neural regulation of breathing;
exercise; hypoxia; hypercapnia; diving mammals; living at altitude. Osmoregulation:
problems of osmoregulation; obligatory exchange of ions and water; osmoregulators
and osmoconformers; challenges of marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments,
mammalian kidney structure and function; urine production, clearance, pH regulation;
production of concentrated urine; aquaporins; regulation of kidney function;
ADH, aldosterone, renin-angiotensin system; atrial natriuretic hormone, extrarenal
ion and water regulation in vertebrates (salt glands etc); invertebrate systems;
excretion of nitorgenous wastes. Nutrition: structure and function of the digestive
tract; digestive enzymes; absorption; nutritional requirements. Metabolism:
metabolic rate, calorimetry, RQ, energy storage, specific dynamic action; body
size and metabolic rate; costs of locomotion. Thermal relations: metabolic effect
of environmental temperature; homeothermy; ectothermy vs endothermy; dormancy
(sleep, torpor, hibernation). B. Defences against pathogens and parasites. Non
specific defences; barriers; skin; innate immunity; secreted antimicrobials;
cellular defences; classes of leukocytes; phagocytosis; cell killing; acute
inflammation; complement; humoral defences, haemostasis. Antibodies: acquired
immunity; immunoglobulins, Ig classes; genetic basis of Ab diversity; MHC; T-cell
receptors. Development of B and T-cells. Immunity mediated by B and T cells.
Immunity to infection: adversarial strategies of hosts, pathogens and parasites.
Vaccines and vaccination; hypersentitivity, allergy etc. AIDS: HIV and what
it does; epidemiology of AIDS; immunisation against HIV, a cure for AIDS.
BIOL0028: Cellular neurobiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006, Ex BIOL0099
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an introduction and broad overview of cellular neurobiology
which should serve as a basis for more in-depth study in final year courses.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* give a general description of the organisation of the nervous system including
the basic anatomically subdivisions
* relate neuronal cell structure with function
* discuss the similarities and differences between receptor classes and their
association with various signalling cascades
* describe the principles of electrical signalling in neurons including the
properties of ion channels
Content:
A brief description of basic aspects of neuronal development and anatomy: the
cells of the nervous system; the subcellular architecture of neurons including
features in common with other cells and unique aspects such as axons, dendrites,
synaptic vesicles and the neuronal cytoskeleton; synaptic transmission and intercellular
communication; and signalling in the nervous system including the electrical
properties of neurons, resting and action potentials and ion channels.
BIOL0029: Insect biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0009
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an introduction to the biochemistry, physiology, morphology
and behaviour of insects, particularly in relation to their role as crop pests
and the development of methods of control. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
*define the elements of structure and function that have contributed to the
diversity and numerical success of insects
*identify aspects of insect biochemistry, physiology and behaviour that provide
or potentially could provide targets for exploitation in pest control.
Content:
Insect classification and types of post-embryonic development; characteristics
of the major orders of insects; polymorphism as found in aphids and locusts;
biochemistry and physiology of some major life systems; insect plant relations;
a survey of chemical pesticides - chemical classes, mode of action and mechanisms
of resistance; biological pest control.
BIOL0030: Plant biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR/CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce some important aspects of plant metabolism and their role
in the functioning of the whole plant. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand how plants (by definition static) are able to utilise light energy
for the biosynthesis of important biomolecules, yet cope with the potential
problems posed by excess solar radiation and drought.
* understand how plant protection systems will not only explain plant survival
in an ever changing environment, with the possibility of animal predation, but
also how the disruption of proteins and detoxification systems can lead to plant
death via herbicides.
Content:
Utilisation of light energy in photosynthesis; CO2 incorporation; carbohydrate
synthesis, storage and breakdown; the metabolism of stored carbohydrate to yield
energy (respiration) and intermediary metabolites; the function and metabolism
of lipids; pigments, with particular reference to porphyrins and carotenoids.
Emphasis will be placed on sites where herbicides disrupt normal metabolism
and biochemical protective and detoxification mechanisms (e.g.cytochrome P-450)
in plants. Practical sessions provide experience in the use of a variety of
techniques for the study of plant processes. An equivalent period of directed
study will be provided for students who already have adequate experience of
practical biochemistry.
BIOL0031: Plant biotechnology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the techniques used in Plant Biotechnology and discuss their
applications in Crop Production and Protection. After taking this course the
student should be able to
* understand the role that biotechnology and recombinant DNA techniques play
in the development of novel plant genotypes:
Content:
This unit introduces the methods of plant tissue culture, genetic transformation
and regeneration. The techniques of Agrobacterium - mediated and direct
transformation e.g. particle bombardment are described. Applications of plant
genetic engineering are discussed with examples drawn from a wide range of Crop
Production and Protection situation e.g. manipulation of floral development;
fruit ripening; pest and disease resistance. The socioeconomics of Plant Biotechnology
as well as its role in germplasm conservation is discussed. Practical sessions
provide experience in the use of tissue culture and transformation techniques
in the study of Plant Development and Biotechnology.
BIOL0032: Plant pathology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0009
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the biology and control of the major groups
of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. To introduce the physiological, biochemical
and genetical basis of host-parasite interactions. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
* name the major groups of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens and describe
their key biological features and methods of controls
* understand the molecular and biochemical basis of host-pathogen interactions
* be able to describe the modes of action of key fungicides
Content:
Pathogens' strategies and modes of nutrition; the biology, disease cycles and
control via host resistance, fungicides and cultural practice of the major groups:
plasmodial fungi eg clubroot; Phytophthora species; downy mildews; powdery
mildews; vascular wilt fungi; smuts; rusts bacterial pathogens. The concept
of disease management and integrated control. The genetic basis of host-parasite
interactions; host resistance mechanisms. The mathematical modelling of plant
disease epidemics and the relationship between these models and practical disease
forecasting. Fungicide modes of action and resistance.
BIOL0033: Bacteriology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0008
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To give students an appreciation of the diversity and importance of bacteria,
their ecology and associated physiology, their isolation, characterisation and
classification, and their influences on mankind. It also provides training and
quantitative experimental/investigative experience in mainstream bacteriology.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* understand the dynamics of bacterial population growth and how this can be
quantified
* know how bacteria can be inactivated and extinguished
* be familiar with procedures (ranging from phenotyping to genotyping) for characterising
and recognising bacteria
* have an outline knowledge of the 'Bergey' system for bacterial classification
* describe the main features of some key groups of bacteria and have more detailed
knowledge of selected examples with medical, veterinary, environmental, public
health and food industry relevance
Content:
Population growth dynamics, with emphasis on batch liquid culture systems; chemical
and physical methods for inactivating and eliminating bacteria - heat sterilisation,
filtration, antiseptics, disinfectants; characterisation and classification
of bacteria, the 'Bergey' system; properties of main groups of bacteria; more
detailed consideration of organisms of ecological and public health significance,
food and water-borne human pathogens, and agents of plant disease. Practical
sessions include quantitative experiments on bacterial growth, bacterial isolation
from natural sources and demonstration of some biochemical properties; methods
for bacterial characterisation, from traditional tests to state of the art rapid
and miniaturised procedures.
BIOL0034: Virology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce students to the basic characteristics of viruses, both as
microorganisms and as agents of disease of animals and plants. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
* define the main characteristics of plant and animal viruses
* know how to detect and identify viruses
* understand the role of viruses in disease
* recognise the importance of new and emerging virus infections
* appreciate how some viruses spread and are controlled
Content:
The physical, chemical and biological properties of viruses; the life cycle
and replication strategies of representative RNA and DNA viruses; the effects
of viruses, including methods of pathogenesis, at the whole organism, cellular
and biochemical levels; principles of virus detection and disease diagnosis;
virus transmission, ecology and control; emerging viruses and novel virus-like
agents. Practical sessions introduce common methods for identification and characterisation
of viruses.
BIOL0035: Genes & development 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the study of animal development, making use of the three
most important animal models viz. Xenopus, Drosophila and the mouse,
to demonstrate basic embryological concepts and the functions of developmentally
important genes. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* demonstrate a knowledge of the descriptive embryology of the three model species.
* demonstrate a knowledge of selected methods for the study of gene expression,
overexpression and ablation.
* discuss how information from anatomy, molecular biology and genetics can be
integrated in the explanation of a particular developmental process.
Content:
Xenopus development covering normal development, fate mapping, specification
map, induction, morphogen gradients, DV patterning in egg, mesoderm induction,
dorsalisation, neural induction, AP patterning. Drosophila development covering
normal developmental genetics, dorsoventral and anteroposterior patterning.
Mouse development covering gametogenesis and fertilisation, normal pre and post
implantation development, ES cells, transgenesis and targeted mutagenesis. Cell
adhesion. Extracellular matrix. Cell movement and morphogenesis.
BIOL0036: Genes & development practicals
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: PR100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035, Ex BIOL0100
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce students to the appearance of Xenopus, insect and
mouse embryos; to the use of dissecting and compound microscopes; to simple
microsurgical procedures and to immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* recognise the stages of Xenopus and mouse embryos.
* carry out simple experiments on Xenopus embryos.
* relate the appearance of two dimensional microscope sections to three dimensional
embryos.
* identify selected Drosophila mutants
* carry out immunohistochemical or in situ hybridisation procedures
Content:
12 laboratory practical sessions: sorting and staging Xenopus embryos;
embryo culture; maternal inheritance; simple micromanipulations; interpretation
of sections; morphology of insect embryos; isolation of preimplantation mouse
embryos; analysis of a gene trap ES cell line; in situ hybridisation
and immunohistochemistry.
BIOL0037: Crop protection & weed biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the measures which can be taken to prevent
losses of crops due to the effects of pest, diseases and weeds. Approaches range
from those used in developed countries, often based on sophisticated technology
involving application of pesticides and herbicides, to low cost cultural methods
more practicable in developing countries. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* decide upon optimal strategies for controlling pests, diseases and weeds
* evaluate the risks involved in a control method and be aware of relevant legislation
* identify key UK weed species
Content:
The history, principles and practice of protection of crop plants from parasitic
microorganisms, pests and competing weeds; biological physical and chemical
approaches to crop protection; pesticides and herbicides, their design, screening,
formulation and application; legislation; strategic and safe use in view of
non-target organisms; development of pest and herbicide resistance and environmental
pollution; integrated control measures. Practical sessions include identification
of weed plants and excursions to conventional and organic farms to study methods
of weed and pest control.
BIOL0038: Environmental physiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To explore how animals (a) detect and react to environmental change, and
(b) are influenced by environmental toxicants. After taking this course the
student should be able to:
* demonstrate understanding of the cellular and physiological mechanisms by
which animals sense change in their environment, and co-ordinate developmental,
physiological and behavioural responses to environmental change.
* demonstrate how environmental toxicants affect some physiological and cellular
mechanisms and mechanisms by which organisms may show tolerance.
Content:
Bacterial chemotaxis as an example of sensorimotor function; structure and function
of animal sense organs; nervous and endocrine encoding of sensory information;
central modulation of sensory function; extraordinary sensory modalities (eg
electroreception); pheromones, kairomones and allomones, biological clocks -
phenomenology, properties, cellular and systems location, genetic analysis;
sleep. Impacts of environmental pollutants on animals in terrestrial and aquatic
environments. The accumulation of environmental toxicants by animals. What are
the consequences of accumulation? (heavy metals as examples). Interactions between
toxicants during exposure to mixtures of toxicants. Mechanisms and processes
to reduce toxicity. Organochlorines and hydrocarbons as pollutants.
BIOL0039: Autumn field course
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To enhance students' awareness of the diversity of forms and behaviours
to be found in natural populations and communities of organisms and of how the
patterns in which this diversity occurs may be studied, described and understood.
After taking the course the student should be able to:
*know how to find and identify a variety of kinds of organisms within their
natural habitats
*know how to characterise distribution patterns using qualitative and quantitative
methods and sampling procedures including conventional descriptive, mapping,
quadrat, transect and trapping techniques and estimates of fractal dimension
*recognise the influence of selection on distribution patterns
*begin to question and understand how distribution patterns may arise from dynamic
processes of energy transfer and feedback within and between living systems
and their environment
*have developed presentational skills enabling them effectively to convey, discuss
and analyse ideas and information about natural diversity.
Content:
Two members of academic staff spend six days in full-time residence with students
at a suitable location in the south west of the UK. This involves visits to
intertidal, sand dune, coastal grassland, moorland/heathland, salt marsh and
woodland habitats; sampling, identification, descriptive and recording methods
for plants, animals and fungi; data presentation and analysis using statistical
and non-linear mathematical approaches; consideration of evolutionary and ecological
relationships between genotypes, phenotypes and environment; investigative project;
oral and written discourse. Students are required to make a financial contribution
to the field course (currently £95)
BIOL0040: Concepts in ecology & evolution
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop an understanding of a) the nature of selection; b) the role
of self-organisation in evolution; c) population dynamics and conservation;
d) behavioural ecology and optimal foraging theory; e) the contribution of Darwin
to the development of modern evolutionary theory. After taking this course the
student should be able to:
* utilise concepts from natural selection theory, kin selection theory, optimisation
theory, behavioural ecology, community biology, and ecological genetics in understanding
ecological and evolutionary issues
* understand the role of self-organisation in social insects.
* offer a critique of the first edition of Darwin's 'The Origin of Species'
and understand how key issues raised by Darwin as problems for his theory have
been resolved.
Content:
The role of selection in evolution; agents of selection; units of selection;
selection and adaptation; selection and fitness; natural selection and kin selection;
genetic drift. Conservation and habitat fragmentation; exploiter mediated co-existence.
Optimality in ecology and evolution; optimal foraging theory; self organisation;
division of labour and the super-organism; battle strategies in social insects.
Students are also requested to read 'The Origin of Species' and to discuss it
in reading groups.
BIOL0041: Spring field course
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the student to natural habitats in ways that enable the students
to recognise patterns of distribution and behaviour of organisms and to question
the basis of these patterns and behaviours. To introduce the student to the
use of appropriate sampling patterns, experimental design, data gathering and
statistical analysis. After taking the course the student should be able to:
*appreciate how aspects of behavioural ecology and of community structure can
be investigated
*understand how these behaviours and structure may have arisen and how they
are maintained
*design and perform a short field-based investigation; analyse and graphically
present data
*prepare a written report of field-based investigations.
Content:
Visit to ecosystem types of varying complexity and subject to different kinds
of selection process, such as rocky shore, sand dune, coastal grassland, salt
marsh, woodland, moorland and fresh water. Investigation of components of these
ecosystem types including spatial distribution, size and age distributions,
reproduction and behaviour. Each student designs and carries out a half-day
and a two-day field-based investigation; a preliminary report of the two-day
investigation is presented as a short talk on the last day of the field trip;
the data from the investigations are analysed and graphically presented using
University computing facilities after the field trip. Students are required
to make a financial contribution to the field course (currently £95)
BIOL0042: Investigative project
Semester 1
Credits: 12
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide students with skills in planning and undertaking a scientific
investigation, analysing and interpreting findings and reporting the outcome.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*appreciate the intellectual, time- and resource-management and technical requirements
for productive, rigorous and responsible scientific investigation and reporting
*have gained experience of scientific writing at the level of a primary research
paper and/or review
*have acquired technical, time and resource management, analytical, interpretative
and literature-accessing skills appropriate to the undertaking and presentation
of their project
*have contributed to knowledge.
Content:
Selection and definition of a problem that can be investigated effectively within
constraints of safety, time and resources; strategic planning; gathering, processing,
analysis and interpretation of information; literature searching and reviewing;
scientific writing and presentation.
BIOL0042: Investigative project
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide students with skills in planning and undertaking a scientific
investigation, analysing and interpreting findings and reporting the outcome.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*appreciate the intellectual, time- and resource-management and technical requirements
for productive, rigorous and responsible scientific investigation and reporting
*have gained experience of scientific writing at the level of a primary research
paper and/or review
*have acquired technical, time and resource management, analytical, interpretative
and literature-accessing skills appropriate to the undertaking and presentation
of their project
*have contributed to knowledge.
Content:
Selection and definition of a problem that can be investigated effectively within
constraints of safety, time and resources; strategic planning; gathering, processing,
analysis and interpretation of information; literature searching and reviewing;
scientific writing and presentation.
BIOL0043: Biological data interpretation
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide experience of the interpretation of biological data. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand and interpret information on biological phenomena, using quantitative
(numerical) and qualitative (text or image) sources
*make logical statements and reach sound conclusions from biological data
*be aware of the limits of interpretation and be capable of selecting suitable
statistical tests
* interpret the outcome of a statistical test on biological data.
Content:
The course comprises a series of assignments and problems which are undertaken
by the students and then analysed and discussed in weekly workshops. Using examples
which illustrate different types of biological information, the course covers
the interpretation of simple data sets, data transformation, graphical presentation,
interpretation of trends, selection of appropriate statistical tests for particular
data sets. As far as possible, the examples are generic, designed to be capable
of interpretation without a requirement for in depth understanding of any particular
area of biology.
BIOL0044: Molecular & medical neuroscience
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0028
or Pre BIOL0099 Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: An advanced review of the molecular and cellular processes underlying
intercellular communication in the mammalian nervous system to provide an understanding
of the neurochemical basis of brain disorders, their causes and treatments.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* understand the properties of the various classes of receptors and ion channels
present in the mammalian CNS, and how these molecules interact to co-ordinate
neuronal activity.
* describe a number of brains disorders in terms of their neurochemistry.
* comprehend the gross regional anatomy of the human brain
* read and comprehend the relevant scientific literature
Content:
Lectures: Receptors and ion channels- the existence of families and super-families.
The structure of these various families of polypeptide. The functional consequences
of this diversity and how it might be regulated at the gene and protein levels.
Synthesis, release and uptake of neurotransmitters. Methods of studying human
brain dysfunction. The altered neurochemistry of selected neurodegenerative
and psychiatric diseases will be reviewed, with respect to neurochemical aspects
of their causes, symptons, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Video presentations
will illustrate some of the clinical conditions.
BIOL0045: Cell membranes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0024
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce the student to the principles governing the structure and
function of biological membranes. To introduce the principles governing the
structure of the lipid bilayer and the topological arrangement of proteins in
the membrane. To introduce the principles and mechanisms involved in the transport
of solutes across cell membrane. To introduce the student to mechanisms involved
in sorting membrane proteins to specialised subcellular compartments. To provide
an understanding of the overall importance of membrane processes in cellular
function. After taking the course the student should be able to:
*outline how membrane lipids and proteins are structurally organised in the
membrane
*describe how ions and sugars are transported across membranes
*describe the mechanisms by which membrane proteins are sorted into specialised
subcellular compartments and the routes by which membrane trafficking occurs.
Content:
Functions and common structural feature of membrane lipids and proteins. Case
study of the erythrocyte membrane proteins. Lateral diffusion of membrane components.
Common features of membrane transporters for ions and neutral molecules together
with the specialised features that provide substrate specificity. Simple kinetic
features of the membrane transport process. Mechanisms for membrane vesicle
budding and fusion and the functional significance of these processes in terms
of membrane protein sorting and trafficking.
BIOL0046: Proteins & immunochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the molecular basis of antibody function
and the principles of their application in immunochemical techniques. To provide
an understanding of the significance of protein:protein and protein:nucleic
acid interactions. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand the molecular basis for antigen:antibody interaction
*appreciate the role of antibody as a component of the immune system
*understand the basis of specific immunochemical methods and their applications
Content:
Overview of the immune system and the biological role of antibodies, structure
of an antibody molecule and its relationship to antigen-binding and effector
functions, principles of immunochemical techniques, protein:protein interactions
and their importance for the function of oligomeric proteins, protein:nucleic
acid interactions and their relevance to restriction enzymes and repressors.
BIOL0047: Carbohydrate polymers
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the principles of carbohydrate conformation
and of chemical synthesis of simple oligosaccharides as a basis for structural
analysis. To teach methods of structural analysis of complex oligosaccharides.
To outline the structure, biosynthesis and metabolic importance of glycogen,
of glycoproteins and of mucopolysaccharides. After taking the course the student
should be able to:
*understand the principles of conformational analysis as applied to monosaccharides
*appreciate the methods and applications of chemical synthesis of oligosaccharides
*give an account of the means by which glycogen metabolism is regulated by the
hormones adrenalin and insulin and by metabolic substrates
*describe the structure and function of mucopolysaccharides
* understand the basic structural pattern of glycoproteins and how these may
be determined
* outline the pathways of glycoprotein biosynthesis and discuss their function
Content:
Topics: Conformational analysis; simple chemical approaches to oligosaccharide
synthesis, glycogen structure, biosynthesis and catabolism; regulation of glycogen
metabolism by hormones; inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism; relationship
between mucopolysaccharide structure and function and distribution; common structural
patterns of glycoproteins; methods of structural analysis of carbohydrate polymers
and glycoprotein carbohydrates; general distribution of glycoproteins, biosynthesis
and functions.
BIOL0048: Enzymology B
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims To provide an outline of the various approaches that may be used to elucidate
the mechanism of enzyme action, illustrating these with specific examples. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand how information on kinetics and protein chemistry and structure
can be used to provide mechanistic evidence.
*appreciate general approaches and specific types of catalysis in the context
of enzyme mechanisms.
Content:
the course addresses the methods used to study end elucidate mechanisms of enzyme
catalysis. Three aspects of evidence are discussed. 1) Study of the overall
reaction 2) Study of enzymes as proteins 3) Use of non-enzymic models. These
approaches are applied to case studies of individual enzymes: ATP citrate lyase,
citrate synthase, acetoacetate decarboxylase, ribonuclease and chymotrypsin
BIOL0049: Biochemical parasitology
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Pre BIOL0055
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To examine the biochemical adaptations required for existence as a successful
parasite. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand the definition of a parasite and give examples of important human
parasitic diseases.
*appreciate the metabolic constraints caused by occupancy of this niche and
the effects that parasitic infections and infestations have on the host
*note unique aspects of parasite molecular biology & physiology.
Content:
Parasitology: protozoan and helminth biochemistry and molecular biology. Its
modifications in parasites. The modes of action of anti-parasite drugs and what
these tell us about target metabolism.
BIOL0050: Biochemical problems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0015, Pre BIOL0048
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop students' abilities to assimilate compilations of experimental
data and to draw valid conclusions from them. After taking the course, the student
should be able to:
*study a collection of biochemical observations, such as the results section
of a publication or simply a series of related observations compiled specifically
for the exercise, and assess their significance. Indications of this ability
could be, e.g. answering particular questions or writing the discussion section
of a paper. It is especially important that the student learns to draw only
such conclusions as are fully justified by the data.
Content:
Several members of academic staff will participate in the course, each providing
a particular problem. This will be handed out and explained to the class, who
will then have some 4 days to provide written answers. These will be marked
and returned.
BIOL0051: Laboratory project
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Pre BIOL0021
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the principles of advanced laboratory practice
with emphasis on the choice of analytical systems and development of team based
research. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*elucidate defined biochemical problem by designing appropriate practical experiments.
Content:
Could include molecular biology, enzymology, protein separation, immunochemistry.
BIOL0052: Scientific communication
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0015
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To examine good and bad practice in communicating science to a variety
of professional and lay audiences using written and oral methods. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
* communicate new findings in biochemistry to professional, student and lay
audiences. They will have produced an education poster suitable for use by "A"
level or first year undergraduate students, written a 1,000 word article for
publication in the science section of a broadsheet national newspaper and given
a short "journal club" oral presentation explaining a recent biochemical paper
to an advanced scientific audience. Contents: Students are required to produce
three pieces of work for assessment: 1.An education poster suitable for "A"
level students or first year undergraduates. 2.A 1,000 word article on a recent
advance in the biochemical sciences. 3.A 10-12 minute "journal club" presentation
on a recent article in the biochemical literature. The presentation should summarise
the paper and its significance and should critically evaluate the methods used,
the results obtained and their interpretation.
BIOL0053: Professional training in Biochemistry 2
Semester 2
Credits: 30
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0016
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims:
* to provide experience of the application of biochemistry
* to provide a second placement experience, thereby building upon and extending
the skills, techniques and knowledge gained in the second year.
* to promote understanding of the principles and practices of working in a professional
environment After taking this course the student should be able to:
* undertake and report on a piece of work in an agreed programme
* integrate into a commercial or academic environment
Content:
Laboratory or other professional experience which is deemed suitable by the
Director of Studies (Placements).
BIOL0055: Genes & genomes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0007
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an advanced study of genome structure and expression in eukaryotes.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*appreciate the complexities of gene regulation and the various stages at which
expression is regulated
*review the ways in which mRNA differs from the primary transcript.
*know how to use genome structural information to distinguish between individuals
*devise a strategy for the identification and mapping of genes.
Content:
Genome structure and mapping (genetic & physical). Repetitive DNA, its origins
and use in DNA fingerprinting. Assembly of the eukaryotic RNA synthetic machinery
and its regulation by transcription factors. Chromatin remodelling in transcription.
RNA splicing, editing and other modifications and their control.
BIOL0056: Plant molecular biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce recent work on plant development and genetics as elucidated
by a molecular approach. To demonstrate the importance of genes and gene expression
in the development and life-cycle of the plant as a whole. After taking this
course the student should be able to:
* demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of key topics of plant genetics and development.
* critically evaluate experimental evidence within this field.
* understand the importance of a molecular approach, amongst others, to elucidating
aspects of plant biology.
Content:
The course examines plant gene-structure, gene-expression and molecular aspects
of development. Topics include: plant genome size and repetitive DNA; plant
transposable elements; the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; male sterility;
epigenetics, plant development; self-incompatibility; embryogenesis and seed
formation; fruit ripening; seed germination.
BIOL0057: Cell growth & proliferation
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0024
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the principles of cell growth and division,
the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the different constraints
on free-living and metazoan cells, and the regulation of the cell cycle. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
*give quantitative interpretation of growth curves
*account for the regulation and dependency relationships in cell cycles
*give an account of the control of DNA replication in cells
*give an account of the cell cycle controls that ensure ordered progress of
the cell cycle
*show how genetics and biochemistry have been used to elucidate the cell cycle
*relate cell cycle principles to the causes of cancer
*show how an understanding of the molecular biology of cell cycle controls is
providing therapeutic insights into the treatment of cancer.
Content:
Topics: Methods for analysing growing cells and proliferating cell populations;
batch culture; continuous culture; Escherichia coli cell cycle; cell
cycle of yeasts; cell cycle of metazoan cells and cancer; specialised seminar
topics presented by each participating member.
BIOL0058: Microbial genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an overview of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetic systems,
to relate the genetics of microorganisms to their wider biological role, and
give an indication of the diversity of genetic systems. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
*compare critically methods of mapping genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
*understand the unity and diversity amongst bacterial plasmids
*explain the mechanism and implications of transposition
*provide a critical understanding of the molecular basis and types of recombination
*provide an account of the development of bacteriophage lambda with an understanding
of the regulation of promoters and the nature of a genetic switch
*relate the possible evolutionary relationships between different replicating
genetic elements.
Content:
Topics: Advanced Mendelian genetics; recombination and repair; mitotic analysis;
extranuclear genetics of yeasts; genetics of bacterial plasmids; genetics and
development of bacteriophage lambda; specialised seminar topics presented by
each participating member.
BIOL0059: Insect-microbe interactions
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0029
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an insight into the nature of symbioses between insects and
their microbial flora - from commensal through parasitic to mutualistic association;
to provide an understanding of the nature of the diseases in insects caused
by bacteria, fungi and viruses; to explore the basis of immunity and host defence
against microbial pathogens; to demonstrate some of the complexity of the mutualistic
associations that have evolved between insects and their flora. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
*discuss the concepts of pathogenesis, virulence and specificity as they relate
to microbial pathogens of insects
*compare and contrast the strategies used by different types of microbial pathogen
of insects
*define the strengths and weaknesses of insect immune systems
*compare and contrast insect and vertebrate immune systems
*define criteria for establishing a mutualistic role for a micro-organism.
Content:
Concepts of symbiosis; ice nucleating agents and insect cold hardiness; mechanisms
of fungal pathogenesis in insects - host recognition, host invasion, role of
toxins, molecular approaches to the study of virulence; entomopathogenic bacteria;
endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis and B. sphaericus; entomopathogenic
viruses - overview, baculoviruses, polyDNA viruses, host immunity - cuticle
and gut barriers, cellular defence, humoral defence, immune proteins, comparison
with vertebrate systems; mutualism - exogenous mutualists, cellulose digestion,
intracellular mutualists.
BIOL0060: Neurobiology - systems
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0028
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of some holistic systems in neurobiology to
illustrate the integrated functioning of the nervous system After taking this
course the student should be able to:
*describe a number of integrated neuronal systems in terms of their physiology
and neurochemistry
Content:
Model systems: Aplysia, C. elegans; Sensory systems: pain, vision; Memory: Plasticity
& LTP; Motor control; Language & Lateralisation.
BIOL0063: Microbial physiology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0033
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce principles of microbial pathogenicity (of humans), with particular
regard to the roles of the cell envelope and bacterial toxins. To present detailed
aspects of the physiological and biochemical processes involved. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
* have a sound understanding of a range of physiological properties and biochemical
mechanisms, particularly in relation to bacterial pathogenicity towards humans
Content:
Introduction to microbial pathogenicity; iron transport and the bacterial cell
membrane; the mechanisms of cell adhesion; bacterial biofilms - their nature,
formation and involvement in health problems; an introduction to bacterial toxins
and their role in disease; structural properties and detection of toxins; cell
envelope structural components and their role in vaccine development; E.
coli H0157, an important 'new' pathogen; AIDS.
BIOL0064: Plant-microorganism interactions
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0032
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the processes involved in infection and
colonisation of plants by parasitic microorganisms which lead to disease. To
detail the chemical signals exchanged between the two species as key components
of recognition events. To reveal the potential range of defences of plants:
constitutive, induced non-specifically by damage, or specifically by pathogens.
After taking this course, the student should be able to:
*understand the biochemical and physical factors which determine the outcome
of interactions between microorganisms and plants
*appreciate how pathogens can avoid, negate or suppress host defences
*recognise different strategies by pathogens for obtaining nutrients from plant
hosts
*appreciate alternative strategies for control of plant diseases.
Content:
Constitutive resistance based on existing structural barriers such as cuticle,
secondary cell walls and on antimicrobial chemicals such as saponins and phenolics;
detoxifying enzymes; toxin binding sites. Induced resistance comprising formation
of physical barriers such as new or altered cell walls, vascular occlusions,
de novo synthesis of phytoalexins. Triggering of defence by stress or
wounding, microbial elicitors or a recognition event. Infection structures of
pathogenic fungi. Pathogenicity determinants including depolymerases, toxins,
polysaccharides, siderophores, detoxifying enzymes; their structure, modes of
action and role. Contrasting strategies of obligate biotrophs and facultative
necrotrophs.
BIOL0066: Microbial communication & development
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES10 CW10
Requisites: Pre BIOL0033
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To examine the dynamic interaction between the microbial world and the
environment and to explore the principles of microbial communication and development.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* discuss the role of the environment in controlling microbial physiology
* have a detailed knowledge of the various ways by which microbes monitor their
environments
* to describe, in detail, various examples of microbial differentiation and
development
* to communicate scientific ideas and concepts both orally and in written form
Content:
Definitions of different microbial relationships with the environment; microbial
mechanisms for monitoring their environments e.g. nutrient sensing, two-component
pathways, quorum sensing; microbes as communities i.e. biofilms and the gastrointestinal
tract; various examples of microbial differentiation and development including
sporulation in Bacillus, swarming in Proteus mirabilis. heterocyst formation
in Anabaena. Students will be expected to write an essay on a given topic relating
to the lecture course and present a seminar on any primary research paper relating
to microbiology.
BIOL0067: Genes & development 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an advanced course in developmental biology that will communicate
the excitement of recent research advances After taking this course the student
should be able to:
*understand the basic principles underlying invertebrate development and organogenesis
in higher organisms
*relate the mechanisms of development to cellular and molecular events
*understand the applications and implications of research in developmental biology
to human developmental defects
Content:
This course builds on BIOL0035 to give a comprehensive grounding in developmental
biology. The vertebrate development lectures will cover HOX genes, somitogenesis,
myogenesis, neural development, epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, limb development
and regeneration, and developmental defects. Invertebrate model organisms are
increasingly being used for molecular genetic analysis of genetic systems important
in human medicine. We shall introduce the important model organism Caenorhabditis
elegans and extend the analysis of Drosophila development to include
the mechanism of segmentation and the patterning of the imaginal discs.
BIOL0069: Plant development
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Pre: BIOL0038 or BIOL0031 Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide a molecular genetic description of the main developmental pathways
operating within the higher plant life cycle and to illustrate the principal
experimental techniques used in plant developmental biology. After taking this
course the student should be able to:
* understand the principal mechanisms that 1) regulate body plan specification
in plants 2) pattern the flower and the root and 3) regulate leaf development
* describe the processes of cell and tissue differentiation at the molecular
genetic level
* design experimental approaches to investigate developmental pathways in Arabidopsis
Content:
The course starts by contrasting life cycle and styles of higher plants with
that of animals; next we consider the establishment of the basic body plan of
plants and again contrast the mechanisms adopted in plants with that of various
animal models. The various molecular genetic techniques used in plant development
research are then described and illustrated with a focus on plant embryogenesis.
Cell fate specification is described in some depth with frequent examples from
various organisms. Post-embryonic development is illustrated using flower development.
Cell and tissue differentiation is described using anther and carpel development
as examples.
BIOL0070: Plant biotechnology & the environment
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To define 'Plant Biotechnology' and describe the categories included within
the definition and their applications. By the end of this course the student
should have gained:
*a general understanding of the various categories of plant biotechnology
*an understanding of the direct and indirect effects of plant biotechnology
on the environment in terms of socio-economic costs and benefits
*an appreciation of policy and institutional issues related to the exploitation
of plant biotechnology by both the public and private sectors in a democratic
society.
Content:
The definition of Plant Biotechnology, the categories included within the definition
and their applications. The link: population + consumption level + (bio) technology
= environmental impact. World, regional and national trends in population size
and food consumption levels and their implications for agricultural and natural
ecosystems. The contribution of plant biotechnology to agricultural systems
and their environmental implications. Ex situ and in situ biodiversity
conservation strategies and the impact of biotechnology. Risk analysis and the
release of genetically manipulated organisms into the environment. Public and
private sector research, ownership of biological resources and intellectual
property rights. Control of biotechnology R & D and implementation: priority
setting; public participation; policies and institutions; developed and developing
countries. The Cassava Biotechnology Network as an example of control and implementation
of plant biotechnology.
BIOL0071: Topics in environmental plant virology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0034
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To explore the relationship between viruses, plants (including fungi)
and people through the appreciation of plant viruses as pathogenic entities
that move and survive, at the molecular level, within cellular environments,
and at the whole plant level, within and between natural and crop environments
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand the biology of plant viruses and their impact on plants and people.
Content:
The nature of plant viruses. Viruses within the cellular environment; virus
movement and distribution in planta; viruses in seed and pollen; secondary
compounds in virus-infected plants; antiviral compounds; viruses and dsRNA in
fungi; viruses within crop and natural environments: symptom expression; emerging
crop virus disease problems (especially in developing countries); virus vector
transmission mechanisms, especially nematodes, aphids and fungi; the origins
and epidemiology of plant viruses; viruses as pathogens of fungi
BIOL0072: Biology as a world view
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop an understanding of the history of biological thought in western
culture. To develop an understanding of the extent to which the biological world
view reflects and shapes the broader western world view. To provide an introduction
to debates conducted within the philosophy of science about the potential of
science to obtain an accurate picture of reality; this debate is illustrated
with a case study which looks at philosophical and biological issues of the
mind-brain problem. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*discuss the development of biological thought in ancient Greece, in medieval
Europe and between the onset of the Scientific Revolution and the present
*debate problems associated with scientific methodology and discuss the implications
for the biological world view of these problems.
Content:
Views of nature in ancient Greece, from presocratic philosophers to Plato, Aristotle
and the neoplatonists, and in Europe from the medieval period to the present.
Topics include: the nature of reality; what exists and why; the relationship
between individuals, universals and classification. A critique of science which
will include the following issues: how science is possible; how science identifies
areas for study; the scientific approach, including the role of inductive and
deductive reasoning, theory-ladeness and theory choice.
BIOL0073: The evolution of genetic systems
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX70 CW30
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040, Pre BIOL0039
(recommended but not essential) Pre: A level Mathematics Aims & learning
objectives:
Aims: To provide an introduction to mathematical population genetics and its
application as regards understanding problems related to the organisation and
structure of genetic systems. After taking this course the student should be
able to:
*demonstrate competence in the analysis of simple recursion equations as applied
to one locus problems
*understand the operation of two locus recursion equations with application
to modifier analysis
*understand the methods for testing evolutionary hypotheses
*understand basic concepts within evolutionary genetic and molecular evolution.
Content:
The first four lectures provide an introduction to the mathematics of gene frequency
change.This provides the basis for asking the following questions:1) Why do
organisms have sex? 2) What determines the mutation rate? and 3) Why be diploid?
After this the notion of selfish elements is introduced and their relevance
to understanding the number of sexes and to genome structure is examined. Use
of molecular evolutionary data comparative analysis and experimental tests of
hypotheses are discussed.
BIOL0075: Professional training placement
Academic Year
Credits: 60
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Pre A good record of achievement at level 1 and 2 Aims & learning
objectives:
Aims:
* to provide experience of the application of biological science
* to promote understanding of the principles and practices of working in a professional
environment. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* undertake and report on a piece of work in an agreed programme
* integrate into a commercial or academic environment
Content:
Laboratory or other professional experience which is deemed suitable by the
Director of Studies (Placements).
BIOL0076: Â鶹´«Ã½ project (MBiochem)
Semester 1
Credits: 18
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0053
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation
in biochemistry at the level of advanced research. After taking this course
the students should be able to
*undertake research at the advanced level, interpret the results and report
the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The
planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy
to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment.
Investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data.
Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources
of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate
statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published
work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form
of a written report.
BIOL0076: Â鶹´«Ã½ project (MBiochem)
Semester 2
Credits: 18
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0053
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation
in biochemistry at the level of advanced research. After taking this course
the students should be able to
*undertake research at the advanced level, interpret the results and report
the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The
planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy
to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment.
Investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data.
Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources
of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate
statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published
work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form
of a written report.
BIOL0077: Molecular evolution
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Pre BIOL0020, Pre BIOL0055
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To draw on the wealth of biochemical and molecular biological information
that the students have accumulated over the previous years of their course.
The revolution in molecular biology has created an extensive database of sequences
and correlations between protein structure and function; to appreciate and analyse
this, it is essential to understand the principles of molecular evolution. This
course aims to provide that understanding. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand the current theories of molecular evolution
* appreciate that changes occur to the genotype, but selection is of the phenotype
* interpret evolutionary changes in protein structure with respect to changes
in function
* apply what we learn from the evolution of proteins to the engineering of enzymes
* understand the way in which phylogenetic trees are constructed
* evaluate critically current theories of cellular evolution
Content:
Topics: Evolution - what is it and why study it? Chemical evolution and the
origin of life. The RNA world. Genome evolution. Evolution of proteins: gene
duplication, mutation and divergence, adaptation and selection. Construction
of phylogenetic trees. Current concepts of cellular evolution.
BIOL0078: Biotechnology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006, Pre BIOL0007, Pre BIOL0018
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the principles and practice of advanced
Biotechnology as described by industrial speakers. After taking this course
the students should be able to:
*give an account of how Biochemistry relates to Biotechnology in animal cell
culture
*describe the commercial use of extremophiles
*understand therapeutic use of biopharmaceuticals
*describe approaches to vaccine development
*account for the world wide implications of Biotechnology.
Content:
Animal cell culture, extremophiles, biopharmaceutical production, vaccine development,
clinical diagnostics, biosensors, viral products, computer aided drug design.
BIOL0079: Clinical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006, Pre BIOL0007, Pre BIOL0018
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the principles of biochemistry as applied
to medicine as described by invited clinical speakers. After taking this course
the students should be able to:
*understand the molecular biology and appreciate the medical significance of
various congenital and other defects in humans
*give an account of the biochemical aspects of cystic fibrosis; abnormalities
of postabsorbtive blood sugar, glycogen storage diseases, plasma lipids.
Content:
Topics: ion channels, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
BIOL0081: Biochemical ethics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre BIOL0007, Pre BIOL0023
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide an understanding of the ethical issues that arise from advances
in the life sciences. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*give quantitative interpretation of advanced techniques which are ethical concern
*provide balanced argument for a particular ethical stance.
Content:
Biochemical heretics, AIDS controversy, rights to genetic knowledge; embryo
research, artificial chromosomes, gene therapy, genetic counselling scientific
misconduct, cell transplants.
BIOL0082: Neurochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW 100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0044
Aims & learning objectives:
To acquire knowledge of neurochemical mechanisms underlying complex, integrated
systems and processes in neuroscience
* To gain an insight into current topics and controversies in the neurosciences
* To develop presentation and discussion skills
Content:
e.g.synaptic transmission; plasticity in the nervous system (learning and memory
development); biological clocks; sensory systems (olfaction, vision etc)
BIOL0083: Enzymes in biotechnology & medicine
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre BIOL0018, Pre BIOL0048
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To use our current knowledge of enzymes to explore their applications
in biotechnology and medicine. After taking this course the student should be
able to:
* appreciate the wide potential applications of enzymes with respect to their
properties
* understand how enzymes can be engineered to meet the needs of biotechnology
and medicine
* know a wide range of examples of biotechnological and medical uses
* appreciate the economic factors involved in the use of enzymes
* appreciate the impact of genome sequencing on enzymes and their applications
Content:
Enzyme engineering; electro-enzymology and biosensors; enzyme chaperones; enzymes
in organic solvents; pepzymes; clinical enzymology; enzyme therapy; enzymes
as target for drugs; catalytic antibodies; extremozymes; genomics and proteomics.
BIOL0084: Cellular biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0045
Pre BIOL0028 or Pre BIOL0099 Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To encourage students to think critically about the current state of knowledge
of biochemical processes within cells. Current literature is studied in detail
with a view to understanding the molecular basis of cell regulatory processes.
The cellular basis for disease states including Diabetes and Cancer are discussed
with a view to evaluating the key steps in research required for further progress
in these areas. After taking this course students should be able to:
*prepare and present a 40 minute seminar on an advancing area of cell biology
and present their own views as to where progress is being made
*critically assess recent scientific literature and be able to comment on areas
of the literature where there are controversial or contrasting views.
*prepare a research proposal which identifies a research problem in cell biology
and describes a series of experiments which seek to solve the problem.
Content:
Signalling molecules, signalling proteins, cell structure and organisation,
cell compartmentalisation and membrane protein trafficking. The cellular basis
of disease.
BIOL0085: Medical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0004, Ex BIOL0102
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To generate an understanding of the extent to which Biochemical knowledge
influences current clinical practice and therapeutic approaches. After taking
the course, the student should be able to:
*appreciate the increasing contribution of biochemical science to drug design
and to the day to day activities in both hospital and general clinical practice
*have a knowledge of the areas of biochemical research that are most relevant
to clinical medicine.
Content:
A series of lectures/discussions will be led by invited clinicians from Regional
Hospitals in the Bath and Bristol area. The specialists will discuss their clinical
and related research areas and stress the extent of the foundation of their
work on basic science. In a second aspect of the Option, students will prepare
and present a 30 min talk on a particular area of clinical biochemistry, chosen,
in general, from a list provided by the Option organiser. The talks will be
followed by general discussion. Contributions of students to both their own
talk and discussion of others will be assessed.
BIOL0086: Molecular immunology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0046
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To describe the principles of particular aspects of Molecular immunology.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
*give qualitative interpretation and description of the human immune systems
*show how this system breaks down to give various disease states
*show how the immune system can be used in therapy.
Content:
Antigen processing and presentation, Tcell receptors and receptor complexes,
cell adhesion, self tolerance, allergic reactions, autoimmunity, antibody engineering,
therapeutic antibodies, catalytic antibodies, cancer vaccines.
BIOL0087: Vaccines
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To describe how recent advances in knowledge about the viral and microbial
factors required for virulence and the immune response to infection are now
leading to the development of new vaccines based on rational design. After taking
this course the student should be able to:
* understand pathogenic mechanisms and role of action of whole cell, whole virus
and purified subunit vaccines in protecting against various human diseases
* appreciate how recent advances in molecular biology, protein and peptide purification
and immunology might lead in the next century to new vaccines of well-defined
specificities and low toxicity based on rational design.
Content:
Historical vaccines and eradication of smallpox and polio; diphtheria, tetanus
and cholera vaccines; subunit vaccines against pertussis and meningococcal disease;
malarial vaccines; possibilities synthetic peptides, chimeric antigens, vaccinia
virus recombinants and anti-iodiotype antibodies as novel vaccines; mode of
action and different types of adjuvants i.e. depots, emulsions, cell-wall components
and liposomes. Specialised seminars presented by invited speakers and participating
students.
BIOL0088: Bioinformatics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW 100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0046
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the concept of Bioinformatics; to become familiar with some of
the most important tools of Bioinformatics; to recognise the ways in which Bioinformatics
can be used to gain understandings about the biological function of genes and
proteins. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* understand the basis of sequence alignment, database searching, protein structure
prediction, the recognition of pattern and compositional bias and phylogenetic
inference.
* know how the tools of Bioinformatics can be used in the prediction of protein
functions and evoultionary relationships.
* be aware of and understand the limitations of Bioinformatics methods
*be familiar with some "hands-on" sequence analysis.
Content:
Despite the title, the unit in Bioinformatics is not about computing or programming.
The series of topics will cover the current methods being used to compile and
understand the mass of sequence data from the human and other genome projects.
It will cover pattern recognition in DNA and protein sequences, the identification
of compositional biases in DNA sequences, methods of sequence alignment and
databese searching, prediction of protein structures, phylogenetic inference,
and a discussion of how all this information can be put together in order to
gain insights into biological function.
BIOL0089: Biochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce students to the fundamentals of central metabolism and to
relate the regulation of these pathways to the homeostasis of the whole organism.
In order to appreciate and understand metabolism, the students are taught the
fundamental aspects of amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid structures. After
taking this course the student should be able to:
* know the pathways of central metabolism & energy conversion of the cell
* appreciate the way in which central metabolism connects catabolism and anabolism
* understand the regulation of central metabolism with respect to the needs
of the organism in relation to its environment
* appreciate the principles of mitochondrial oxidative function
* understand lipid structure and the pathways of fatty acid oxidation and sythesis
* understand the mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle contraction
* comprehend the stereochemistry of small organic molecules of biological importance
Content:
1) Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation and physical properties; primary
structure and an overview of protein folding and conformation 2) Enzymes: catalysis,
kinetics, regulation 3) Metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, glycolysis,
gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, regulation of central
metabolism. 4) Mitochondrial bioenergetics: respiration, oxidative phosphorylation
and the chemiosmotic theory. 5) Lipid metabolism: structure of lipids, catabolism
and anabolism of fatty acids, ketogenesis and coordination with other metabolic
pathways. 6) Biochemistry of animal tissues and organs, such as mechanisms of
neurotransmission and muscle contraction.
BIOL0091: Data interpretation in molecular & cell biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide experience of the interpretation of molecular and cellular
biological data. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*understand and interpret information on biological phenomena, using quantitative
(numerical) and qualitative (text or image) sources
*make logical statements and reach sound conclusions from biological data
*be aware of the limits of interpretation and be capable of selecting suitable
statistical tests
* interpret the outcome of a statistical test on biological data.
Content:
The course comprises a series of assignments and problems which are undertaken
by the students and then analysed and discussed in weekly workshops. Using examples
which illustrate different types of molecular and cellular biological information,
the course covers the interpretation of gels and autoradiographs as well as
simple data sets, data transformation, graphical presentation, interpretation
of trends. As far as possible, the examples are drawn from molecular and cellular
biology.
BIOL0093: Practical microbial genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OR70 PR30
Requisites: Pre BIOL0007
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide practical experience of the use of advanced microbial genetics
techniques. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*organise working in a pair on two mini-projects
*plan their own time schedule
*make their own materials in advance for the growth and selection of cells
*convert written protocols into practically designed experiments
*perform good aseptic technique
*make comprehensive and accurate records of their work
*critically evaluate their own microbial genetics data
*understand the theoretical basis of the experiments they have performed
*interpret their results in relation to expected outcomes.
Content:
Interrupted mating experiment in Escherichia coli; bacterial conjugation
and transposition; resistance factor plasmid transfer; transduction with bacteriophage
lambda; genetics of lactose operon; Luria and Delbruck fluctuation experiment
with yeast mutants; gene expression following mating in E. coli.
BIOL0095: Integrated biochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX75 OT25
Requisites: Pre BIOL0016, Pre BIOL0075
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To enable students to use information from their courses, their placements
and their attendance at departmental seminars to give themselves a competent
overview of the subject of biochemistry. To gain expertise in expression of
biochemistry research through poster presentation. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
*demonstrate the communication of a research (placement) experience through
a poster presentation
*in an examination at the end of the course, write two essays of a global nature
that will illustrate the comprehension of biochemistry as an integrated subject.
Content:
See above
BIOL0095: Integrated biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: EX75 OT25
Requisites: Pre BIOL0016, Pre BIOL0075
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To enable students to use information from their courses, their placements
and their attendance at departmental seminars to give themselves a competent
overview of the subject of biochemistry. To gain expertise in expression of
biochemistry research through poster presentation. After taking this course
the student should be able to:
*demonstrate the communication of a research (placement) experience through
a poster presentation
*in an examination at the end of the course, write two essays of a global nature
that will illustrate the comprehension of biochemistry as an integrated subject.
Content:
See above
BIOL0096: Biochemical problems [for MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Ex BIOL0015
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0015.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0015. This unit covers the content of
BIOL0015 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take
up their placement.
BIOL0097: Protein purification [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020, Ex BIOL0021
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0021.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0021. This unit covers the content of
BIOL0021 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take
up their placement.
BIOL0098: Practical biochemistry [For MBiochemistry
students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Ex BIOL0022
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0022.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0022. This unit covers the content of
BIOL0022 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take
up their placement.
BIOL0099: Cellular neurobiology [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Ex BIOL0028
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0028.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0028. This unit covers the content of
BIOL0028 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take
up their placement.
BIOL0100: Genes & development practicals [for MBiochemistry
students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035, Ex BIOL0036
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0036.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0036. Students should attend either the
first half or the second half of BIOL0036.
BIOL0101: Neurobiology - development
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0028, Pre BIOL0099
Aims and Learning Objectives: Aims: To provide a detailed understanding of selected
examples of the origins of neural tissues and the mechanisms that control their
development. After taking this course the student should be able to:
*outline the processes involved in generating a nervous system
*explain current models of the mechanisms of neural plate specification and
patterning
Content:
Neural development, including neuronal specification, survival and proliferation,
and axon guidance to target tissues
BIOL0102: Molecular mechanisms of disease
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW 100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0024, Ex BIOL0085
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To describe how a defect at the level of the gene results in an observed
disease phenotype. To show how such patients can be treated with modern molecular
medicine. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* understand the common themes of genetic disorders, and how they relate to
the overall phenotype
* understand the principles of tools involved in diagnosis and treatment of
the disorders.
Content:
Diseases: diabetes, glycogen storage diseases, hyperbilirubinaemia, familial
hypercholesterolaemia, fibroblast growth factor receptors and skeletal dysplasia.Diagnosis
and treatment: PCR/cloning, antibody engineering, gene therapy, gene targeting
in the mouse, mouse models for human disease.
BIOL0103: Molecular biology of animal adaptation
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW20 EX80
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To demonstrate to students how novel molecular tools can be used to address
questions central to natural selection theory After taking this course the student
should be able to:
*describe central examples of natural selection such as pesticide resistance,
mimicry and current examples from the growing field of evolution/development,
and have examined the impact of molecular biology on these examples
Content:
Possible topics include: how do genotypes produce phenotypes; pesticide resistance,
sex determination, colour pattern formation and mimicry, population genetics,
neutral theory
BIOL0105: Third year pre-placement course (MBiochem)
Semester 2
Credits: 15
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW50 ES25 PR25
Requisites: Pre BIOL0016
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To provide preparation for the third year placement and final year work.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
* be able to use current methods to understand sequence data from the human
and other genome projects
* be able to communicate new findings in biochemistry and/or the nature of biochemical
employment in writing. At least one of these presentations will be aimed at
a lay audience.
* be able (alongside earlier practicals) to perform the full range of biochemical
techniques used in the Department
* study a collection of biochemical observations, such as the results section
of a publication or simply a series of related observations compiled specifically
for the exercise, and assess their significance. Indications of this ability
could be, e.g. answering particular questions or writing the discussion section
of a paper. It is especially important that the student learns to draw only
such conclusions as are fully justified by the data.
Content:
Workshops in bioinformatics. Preparation of presentation of scientific work.
Laboratory sessions in advanced biochemistry. Problem classes.
BIOL0106: Plant-animal interactions
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW10 ES10 EX80
Requisites: Pre BIOL0009, Pre BIOL0014
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To explore by means of lectures, directed study and student-led seminars,
the biochemical, physiological, toxicological, ecological and evolutionary interactions
between plants and animals, leading to an understanding of how these relationships
have contributed to the evolution of these groups and of present day biodiversity.
After taking this course, the student should be able to:
* Display an appreciation of the richness of interactions between plants and
herbivores at the biochemical, physiological, and toxicological levels.
* Describe the host-finding and food-selection mechanisms of a number of herbivores,
relating these to the properties of the plants and the environments in which
they are found.
* Describe a number of named examples of plant defensive mechanisms and herbivore
strategies to overcome these.
* Understand the feeding behaviour of herbivores in terms of optimal foraging
and optimal digestion/nutrition strategies.
* Relate the present status of plant-herbivore interactions to the existence
of past evolutionary arms races.
* Discuss other kinds of plant-animal interactions, including mutualisms connected
with pollination, seed dispersal, and the trophic relations between carnivorous
plants and their prey.
* Display a critical appreciation of the experimental and field ecological methods
used to study these phenomena.
Content:
Various examples of plant herbivore and other kinds of plant-animal interactions,
taken from the scientific literature will be presented in introductory lectures,
will form the subject of directed study by the class, and will be presented
as topics in student led seminars. The course will focus very largely on angiosperm
plants and insects, although examples of other groups will be used as appropriate.
BIOL0107: Plant biochemistry [MBiochem]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR/CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To introduce some important aspects of plant metabolism and their role
in the functioning of the whole plant. After taking this course the student
should be able to:
* understand how plants (by definition static) are able to utilise light energy
for the biosynthesis of important biomolecules, yet cope with the potential
problems posed by excess solar radiation and drought.
* understand how plant protection systems will not only explain plant survival
in an ever changing environment, with the possibility of animal predation, but
also how the disruption of proteins and detoxification systems can lead to plant
death via herbicides.
Content:
Utilisation of light energy in photosynthesis; CO2 incorporation; carbohydrate
synthesis, storage and breakdown; the metabolism of stored carbohydrate to yield
energy (respiration) and intermediary metabolites; the function and metabolism
of lipids; pigments, with particular reference to porphyrins and carotenoids.
Emphasis will be placed on sites where herbicides disrupt normal metabolism
and biochemical protective and detoxification mechanisms (e.g.cytochrome P-450)
in plants. Practical sessions provide experience in the use of a variety of
techniques for the study of plant processes. An equivalent period of directed
study will be provided for students who already have adequate experience of
practical biochemistry.
BIOL0108: Life, environment & people
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the varied ways in which people and other life forms interact with
one another and their surroundings as dynamic, responsive systems to produce
the conditions for environmental and cultural stability and change. To use this
exploration as a basis for examining topical issues concerned with the way we
perceive and manage our relationship with the living world, and how this relationship
affects our 'quality of life'. After taking this course the student should be
able to:
* understand the fundamental nature and complex outcome of dynamic, interactive
processes affecting enviromental and cultural stability and change over scales
ranging from microscopic to global.
* use this understanding to think critically about the origins and underlying
assumptions of various kinds of knowledge, value-judgements and assertions about
the environment and environmental impacts.
* communicate this understanding in a variety of scientific and social contexts.
Content:
Lectures on pattern, process and relationship in living systems, including concepts
of differentiation and integration, self and non-self, symbiosis and competition,
degeneration and decomposition, chaos and complexity, life history strategies,
succession. Discussion groups on topical issues, e.g. 'the relevance of biodiversity',
'biotechnology and bioengineering', 'food and food webs', 'sustainability and
vitality', 'changing cultures', 'human needs and values'.
BIOL0109: Structural biology in biotechnology & medicine
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0046
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: to use our current knowledge of biomolecules to explore their applications
in Biotechnology and Medicine, with particular emphasis on Structural Biology
techniques. After taking this course the student should be able to:
* Describe a wide range of examples of biotechnological and medical uses.
* Understand the applications of state-of-the-art techniques in Structural Molecular
Biology.
* Show development of presentation and discussion skills
Content:
Protein structures and interactions; protein-peptide, protein-receptor, antigen-antibody,
protein-nucleic acid and protein-carbohydrate interactions. Nucleic acid interactions
with small molecules. Large macromolecular assemblies. Protein-engineering.
Structure-based drug design; high-throughput screening; structure-sctivity relationships
by NMR. Enzyme catalysis. Structural genomics.
CHEY0007: General chemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX65 PR25 CW10
Requisites: Ex CHEY0001, Ex CHEY0004, Ex CHEY0009, Ex CHEY0010, Ex CHEY0011,
Ex CHEY0012
This unit is not available to students on Chemistry programmes. Aims & learning
objectives:
To provide a broad introduction to the principles governing chemical reactivity
and to illustrate these with a range of examples. After studying the Unit, students
should be able to:
* Analyse experimental data and classify reactions.
* Use thermodynamic principles to account for chemical reactivity
* Describe the determination of rates of chemical reactions
* Describe simple theories of bonding in compounds.
* Rationalise reaction and structural chemistry in terms of the bonding models
Content:
Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics with a range of case-study examples
to illustrate how the basic principles can be applied to real reactions. Chemical
equilibria and coupled reactions. An introduction to atomic and molecular structure
and bonding in compounds and how this is used to explain trends in structure
and reactivity across the Periodic Table.
CHEY0008: Introductory organic chemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
This unit is not available to students on Chemistry programmes. Aims & learning
objectives:
To provide an introduction to the subject of organic chemistry as a basis for
understanding molecular processes affecting other areas of sciences, with reference
to the themes of structure and bonding, reactivity, mechanism and synthesis.
After studying the Unit, students should be able to:
* Account for the mechanism by which simple organic reactions occur
* Name and draw diagrammatically a selected range of organic compounds and functional
groups
* Describe methods for the interconversion of selected functional groups
* Solve straightforward problems involving the material covered
Content:
Structure and bonding: Lewis theory, formal charge; resonance; hybridization
conformation, configuration, chirality. Reactivity: chemistry of functional
groups including alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, thiols,
aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, acyl halides, thioesters, amides,
amines; aromatics. Mechanism: energy profiles, heterolyis, homolysis, acidity,
basicity, nucleophilicity, electrophilicity, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic
substitution, elimination; nucleophilic addition/elimination, electrophilic
and nucleophilic aromatic substitution, kinetic vs. thermodynamic control.
MATH0108: Statistics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of statistics as applied to Biological problems.
After the course students should be able to: Give quantitative interpretation
of Biological data.
Content:
Topics: Random variation, frequency distributions, graphical techniques, measures
of average and variability. Discrete probability models - binomial, poisson.
Continuous probability model - normal distribution. Poisson and normal approximations
to binomial sampling theory. Estimation, confidence intervals. Chi-squared tests
for goodness of fit and contingency tables. One sample and two sample tests.
Paired comparisons. Confidence interval and tests for proportions. Least squares
straight line. Prediction. Correlation
MATH0146: Mathematical & statistical modelling for biological
sciences
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW50 EX50
Requisites:
Pre: A-level Mathematics; MATH0108 or MATH0032 Aims & learning objectives:
This unit aims to study, by example, practical aspects of mathematical and statistical
modelling, focussing on the biological sciences. Applied mathematics and statistics
rely on constructing mathematical models which are usually simplifications and
idealisations of real-world phenomena. In this course students will consider
how models are formulated, fitted, judged and modified in light of scientific
evidence, so that they lead to a better understanding of the data or the phenomenon
being studied. the approach will be case-study-based and will involve the use
of computer packages. Case studies will be drawn from a wide range of biological
topics, which may include cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and epidemiology.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to
* Construct an initial mathematical model for a real-world process and assess
this model critically; and
* Suggest alterations or elaborations of a proposed model in light of discrepancies
between model predictions and observed data, or failures of the model to exhibit
correct quantitative behaviour.
Content:
* Modelling and the scientific method. Objectives of mathematical and statistical
modelling; the iterative nature of modelling; falsifiability and predictive
accuracy.
* The three stages of modelling. (1) Model formulation, including the art of
consultation and the use of empirical information. (2) Model fitting. (3) Model
validation.
* Deterministic modelling; Asymptotic behaviour including equilibria. Dynamic
behaviour. Optimum behaviour for a system.
* The interpretation of probability. Symmetry, relative frequency, and degree
of belief.
* Stochastic modelling. Probalistic models for complex systems. Modelling mean
response and variability. The effects of model uncertainty on statistical interference.
The dangers of multiple testing and data dredging.
PHAR0163: Recent advances in molecular signalling
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: ES20 EX80
Requisites:
Pre PHAR0142 or Pre BIOL0106 Aims and Learning Objectives: This unit
will familiarise the student with recent advances in molecular signalling and
current areas of research which are of particular interest and importance. Knowledge
gained from previous units in cell biology, and in particular molecular pharmacology,
will be built upon with more advanced and specialised treatment of specific
topics encompassing cellular signalling events in different model systems. The
tutorials are integral to the unit, allowing for open discussion of pertinent
current research papers. After taking this unit the student should have an in
depth understanding of the complex interactions which occur in cellular signalling
events. They should have developed the ability to read and interpret original
research papers in this area in a logical and critical manner and recognise
the intricacies of cellular signalling mechanisms.
Content:
An in-depth treatment of selected topics covering recent advances in molecular
signalling, to include signalling events occuring in immune cells in response
to cytokines and other mediators; protein interaction modules; kinase cascades;
tyrosine kinases and phosphatases; lipid signalling; regulation of transcription.
PSYC0001: Psychology 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to basic concepts and current
themes and debates within psychology. Students will understand basic ideas in
psychology and have a familiarity with some classic studies and methods. They
will understand how psychologists approach problems of mental processing.
Content:
Lectures will be broadly based on the question "Who am I"? They will put forward
the idea that in order to understand ourselves and our behaviour we need to
remember that we are members of human societies with histories and cultural
traditions: that who we are is, at least in part, determined by those around
us, our families and our friends and the social groups to which we belong. The
topics covered include: society and the individual, conformity and deviance,
gender and social identity, the self, language and social life, thinking and
reasoning, personality, life-span developments, clinical psychology.
PSYC0002: Mind, brain & behaviour
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding, at a basic level, of brain functioning
and the relationship between mind and brain. No prior biological training is
required. Students will understand the basic brain functions that relate to
psychological processes. They will have a introductory level understanding of
consciousness and of what can be learnt from studies of brain damage.
Content:
The brain - a user's guide. How we encounter our world through our senses and
how the brain processes and organises input and output. Conscious and non-conscious
functioning. Sleep and dreaming. Emotions, stress and anxiety. What can we learn
from brain damage and dysfunction - when things go wrong.
PSYC0008: Cognitive psychology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of cognitive psychology including
current methodological and theoretical issues. Students will understand the
principles of human cognitive functioning, and the main debates and theoretical
controversies. They will be familiar with the methodological issues surrounding
research on cognition.
Content:
How psychologists model and investigate information processing, problem solving,
reasoning, perception and the representation of knowledge. Consciousness, monitoring
and attention. How we use tools, and their relationship to thinking. Models
of mind/brain relations. Problems of logic and rationality. Individual and interpersonal
factors in tasks and problems. Experts and novices. Decision making.
PSYC0009: Social psychology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the relationship between individual, social and cultural psychological
processes Students will understand the ways in which psychologists approach
problems of communication and the construction of meaning. They will be familiar
with the debates about the individual and the social and cultural context.
Content:
Language as dialogue and social negotiation. Rhetoric and discourse: how to
persuade, argue, negotiate and interpret. The construction and communication
of representation of meaning. The relationships between individual schemas,
representations and lay theories, and social and cultural repertoires. Effective
and ineffective communication. The role of metaphor and narrative in individual
and cultural meaning.
PSYC0010: Clinical psychology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001, Pre PSYC0002
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the work of clinical psychologists in the main areas of Adult Mental
Health, Learning Disabilities and work with older adults. At the end of the
course students should be able to set this work within the context of organisational
change within the NHS and to contrast a psychological approach with other approaches,
such as those of psychiatry. Students will also have more extensive knowledge
of a specific psychotherapeutic technique.
Content:
The basis of psychiatric diagnosis; introduction to counselling and psychotherapy;
depression; loss and bereavement; anxiety; schizophrenia; learning disabilities;
older adults; eating disorders; the context of work and evaluating interventions.
PSYC0057: Becoming a social person
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX50 ES50
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To equip the student with an understanding of how we become 'social beings'.
Students will understand the core questions of social psychology and the development
of social processes. They will be acquainted with classic studies in social
and developmental psychology and the ways in which psychologists have approached
the social nature of the human.
Content:
The unit will use 'classic' studies in social and developmental psychology to
address the following: How do we form early relationship and attachment? How
do we make friends? How do we form impressions of others? How do we behave in
groups? How do groups affect our identity? What is the basis of prejudice, discrimination
and inter-group relations? How do we develop and change our beliefs and attitudes?
PSYC0058: The intelligent being
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre PSYC0001
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a foundation understanding of cognitive processes. The student will
understand the basic questions that psychologists have addressed regarding learning,
memory and reasoning. They will have been introduced to the methods and theories
by which research has been conducted in general psychology.
Content:
This unit will introduce some of the classic studies which address the questions:
How do we learn? How do we remember? How do we reason and solve problems? How
have psychologists thought about learning, remembering and reasoning? How have
psychologists thought about intelligence and how has it been measured? How does
intelligence develop? What is the role of emotion in our understanding of the
world? What can we learn from the errors we make? The unit will highlight different
approaches in psychology and where they contrast.
SCNC0046: Human physiology (Physiology, pathology &
pharmacology 1)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Ex SCNC0044, Ex SCNC0045
This unit is not available to students registered on Pharmacy & Pharmacology
Programmes. Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this unit is to provide an overview of human physiology, with particular
emphasis on how the major systems of the body are integrated and controlled.
After taking this unit, the student should be able to (a) demonstrate an understanding
of the structure and function of the major physiological systems of the human
body, and (b) demonstrate knowledge of how the function of major organs and
systems is integrated and regulated.
Content:
Cell membranes as controllable permeability barriers within and between cells
and the external medium; neuronal conduction, synapses and the neuromuscular
junction, cholinergic neurones; Muscle types, activation and contraction; the
autonomic nervous system; the central nervous system; the endocrine system;
physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems
to understand how the major systems of the body are integrated and controlled.