Module Aims

The module aims to give an understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, how they are regulated and some of their basic functions. 

Module Content

• The biology of cells of higher organisms to include their structure and function and synthesis of cell membranes and cell organelles.
• Transport of molecules in, out and around the cell; endocytosis, exocytosis, vesicular transport, membrane receptors and intracellular signalling.
• The cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix and movement of cells.
• The cell cycle and its regulation.
• Stem cells and differentiation.
• Cell death.
• Genetic basis of cancer and personalized treatment.

Module Aims

• The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of:
• the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics.
• the application of genetic analysis to human disease.
• bacterial genetics.
• the processes of gene transcription and translation and how they are regulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Module Content

• Mendelian genetics.
• Cytogenetics. 
• Modern evolutionary theory.
• Molecular genetics.
• Transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Regulation of gene expression

Module Aim

• To give students an understanding of the variety of microorganisms and their cell biology.
• To appreciate relationships between health, microorganisms and the environment.
• To understand selected environmental health issues relevant to water and food microbiology.
• To develop analytical skills in data handling and in appropriate practical investigations relevant to human health. 

Module Content

• Microorganisms - classification.
• Applications of microbes in medicine and industry.
• Bacterial, fungal and viral structures and growth.
• Introduction to microbial pathogenesis.
• Parasitic organisms.
• Antibiotics and bacterial resistance.
• Development of public health service and WHO.
• Public water supply: sources, treatment and uses.
• Microbiological issues relating to water quality and health.
• Microbiological hazards in food – analysis of selected issues.
• Investigation of microbiological food poisoning/infection.
• Immune responses to infection

Aims

To give the student a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it works in health and how that healthy state is maintained at both organ and cellular level.

Module Content

The study of the systems of the body at the organ and cellular level to include:

• Nervous system
• Cardiovascular system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Digestive system
• Respiratory system
• Renal system
• Reproductive system
• Study the interdependence of the various systems in health and how homeostasis is maintained
• How cells communicate and send signals to other cells, hormones, cytokines, electrical impulses 

Module Aims
The main aim of this module is to introduce and develop skills relevant to life science students with a specific focus on the following areas: literature and referencing, numerical skills, practical and data-analysis skills, communication and IT skills and professional development skills. The module provides students with the opportunity to understand and develop key skills and concepts required to support the material covered in other modules at Level 4 and in preparation for more advanced study at levels 5 and 6.

Module Content

Literature & referencing skills

• Types of scientific literature and different writing styles
• Literature searching skills
• Reading academic literature
• When and how to reference (APA referencing style)
• Use of reference management software (e.g. EndNote)

Numerical skills

• Basic laboratory maths

Practical, analytical and data-interpretation skills

• Laboratory health and safety regulations
• Basic laboratory practical skills and techniques
• Recording and analysing data in the laboratory
• Data entry and spreadsheet design (Excel)
• Statistics – statistical significance and basic statistical tests
• Data entry and statistical analysis using appropriate software (e.g. SPSS or Jamovi)
• Interpretation of statistical analysis

Communication, presentation and IT skills

• Data presentation
• Forms of academic writing within life sciences and the use of appropriate scientific language
• Report writing (Word processing)
• Oral presentation skills (PowerPoint including audio capture function)
• Poster presentations

Professional development skills

• Independent and group work
• Time management
• Note-taking skills
• Revision skills
• Professional practice
• CVs, cover letters and interviews 

Aims

The module is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure, properties and function of biologically important macromolecules. It will also provide them with the concept of bioenergetics, enzymes and metabolism. additionally the use of spectroscopy in biochemistry and how macromolecules are purified will be covered. 

Module content

• An overview of the chemical components of the cell
• Amino acids and proteins
• Lipids and carbohydrates
• Energy in Biochemistry - thermodynamics, bioenergetics and the role of ATP
• Properties of enzymes
• Principles of metabolism and regulation
• Glucose metabolism -glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and the Krebs cycle, etc
• Mitochondria and the electron transport chain
• Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry – UV-visible, fluorescence IR, NMR and Mass Spectrometry
• Protein structure and function
• Protein and DNA purification methods