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Molecular Biology
Molecular biology is the understanding of cellular processes in terms of interaction between individual biological molecules. It focuses on the formation, structure and function of macromolecules (such as nucleic acids and proteins) and the processing of genetic information. Techniques of molecular biology are being applied in many areas of biology such as drug development, forensic science, environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics and therapeutics and are fundamental to contemporary studies in biochemistry and genetics.
Year One
In the first semester students take a series of modules that consolidate and build knowledge across the whole breadth of biology. This runs from the chemistry within cells through their structure and function to the diversity of life. Students also take modules in practical laboratory and mathematical skills, where they work with academic staff and demonstrators. They attend a series of tutorials with an academic tutor (4 –8 students) that continue throughout the first two years of the degree to develop transferable skills in writing, IT, communication and organization.
After the Christmas vacation, students choose a different series of modules. These include ones that lead towards the degree in Molecular Biology, along with others to maintain a broad knowledge of the biological sciences that are essential to a molecular biologist. The themes of lecture modules include Biochemistry, Organic and Physical Chemistry, Molecular Biology Technologies, Immunology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology and the Genetics of Higher Organisms. Practical modules introduce laboratory skills in Biochemistry, and also skills in Experimental Design and Analysis.
Year 1 Modules
CHEMICAL PRINCIPLES OF LIFE (BIOL121) (Required)
CELL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION (ANAT123) (Required)
BIODIVERSITY OF MICROBES AND PLANTS (BIOL125) (Required)
PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (BIOL127) (Required)
GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (BIOL129) (Required)
BIODIVERSITY OF ANIMALS (BIOL131) (Required)
PRACTICAL SKILLS (BIOL133) (Required)
QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 1 (BIOL135) (Required)
GENETICS OF HIGHER ORGANISMS (BIOL138) (Required)
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIES (BIOL146) (Required)
BIOCHEMICAL METHODS (BIOL154) (Required)
KEY SKILLS (BIOL150) (Required)
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FOR THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (CHEM012) (Required)
Year Two
Students take further lecture and practical modules, typically eleven lecture modules, four practical modules and a tutorial module. These are chosen to fit with each student’s interests, as well as leading towards the degree in Molecular Biology. Lecture modules will include: Biological Catalysis, Biochemistry of Disease, Cell Signaling, Gene Expression and Protein Biotechnology, along with others about Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology or Physiology, depending on each student’s interests. Practical modules will include experience of the techniques of molecular biology and cell biology, as well as advanced work in biochemistry. In tutorials, students gain experience in writing reports, essays, examination technique and the application of problem-based learning.
Year 2 Modules
FROM GENES TO PROTEINS (BIOL207) (Required)
REPLICATION, RECOMBINATION AND REPAIR (BIOL209) (Required)
HUMAN AND ANIMAL BIOCHEMISTRY (BIOL217) (Required)
MOLECULAR SCIENCE (BIOL225) (Required)
ADVANCED BIOCHEMICAL TECHNIQUES (BIOL274) (Recommended)
ADVANCED GENETIC TECHNIQUES (BIOL276) (Required)
KEY SKILLS 2 (BIOL290) (Required)
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOL204) (Recommended)
ANIMAL PARASITOLOGY (BIOL205) (Recommended)
COMPARATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY (BIOL208) (Recommended)
BIOCHEMISTRY OF DISEASE (BIOL212) (Recommended)
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL SYSTEMS (BIOL218) (Recommended)
MICROBIAL PHYSIOLOGY (BIOL219) (Recommended)
CELL SIGNALLING (BIOL220) (Recommended)
PROTEIN BIOTECHNOLOGY (BIOL222) (Recommended)
VIROLOGY (BIOL224) (Recommended)
TECHNIQUES IN CELL BIOLOGY (BIOL227) (Recommended)
PROTEINS IN ACTION (BIOL259) (Recommended)
GENES AND DEVELOPMENT (BIOL273) (Recommended)
Year Three
In the final Honours year students receive advanced instruction in Molecular Biology through lectures and seminars, including talks by visiting speakers. Five lecture modules are chosen from the following: Gene expression, Molecular aspects of infectious disease, Genome maintenance and rearrangement, Oncogenes and cancer, Macromolecular structure and function, DNA replication and the cell cycle, Genome organisation and evolution: Molecular studies, Molecular immunology, Genetics and molecular biology of development, Human genetics, molecular biology and disease. Also taken are one module in Technical, Analytical and Communication Skills and a double module Research Project. Students spend about three days per week throughout the whole of the final year on their research projects and are encouraged to become involved with their chosen research group's activities, both academic and social.
Year 3 Modules
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