Biochemistry with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms. 

You will explore various topics, including cell division, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, cell specialisation, microorganism structure and physiology, identification and classification of microorganisms, control of microorganisms, causes and pathology of common diseases, lifestyle impact on human health, investigation and diagnosis of diseases, therapeutic strategies, human life cycles and aging, and the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine. 

By the end of the module, you will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the intricate relationship between cells, microorganisms, and human health.

This module has been designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences. You will arrive at University with a wide range of skills and proficiencies, so this module aims to support your transition and equip you with the essential skills you need at later stages of the course.

The aim of this module is to provide an appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry for you across different disciplines including biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, and pharmacology. 

Using workshops and practical sessions, this module will deliver an integrated understanding of matter, and the connection between the structure of atoms, molecules and compounds and their physical and chemical properties (eg, bonding and energy). 

It also supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatography etc.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology. It aims to explore the structure and function of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, lipids and carbohydrates) as well as the biochemistry of processes that support life and metabolism. These concepts will be taught using lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals.

This module provides knowledge and understanding of the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these molecules encode the properties of cells – providing you with a basic grounding in the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.

This module will introduce you to human anatomy. You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology. By combining the exploration of computational tools for high-throughput biological data analysis with in-depth network analysis and modelling, the module aims to foster critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Through these learning experiences, you will be equipped to comprehend complex biological data, apply computational methods effectively, and interpret network properties, thereby preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the field of bioinformatics and systems biology.

This module aims to equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of genetics, inheritance, and the mechanisms that drive evolution. Through the lens of various bioscience and biomedical sciences disciplines, you will explore the intricate world of genetics, gaining practical laboratory skills, an understanding and application of molecular biology, and the ability to analyse biological data. The module will also cover the integration of knowledge across bioscience/biomedical sciences disciplines to tackle complex biological inquiries and foster effective communication of scientific concepts.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to modern protein science including investigating the relationship between protein structure and function, techniques for analysing protein sequences and for determining protein structure and function such as fluorescence, spectroscopy, and protein engineering. 

The opportunities provided by genetic approaches to engineer proteins and their therapeutic and biotechnology applications will also be discussed. Enzyme mechanisms and regulation will be taught complementing learning content in the Cell Metabolism module. 

The module introduces you to the basics of bioinformatics, increasingly used in biological research and is a skill in high demand by employers. This module builds on the key concepts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry taught at Level 4 which elucidate the importance of macromolecules in the cell.

Metabolism describes the complex, interrelated network of chemical reactions responsible for the controlled production of macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and polysaccharides and the generation of energy needed to sustain life. Learners will review critical principles that govern metabolism including the pathways used for the production of biological molecules, regulatory strategies such as signalling pathways and the role of enzymes in converting cellular chemicals. In addition, the essential role of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation in cellular metabolism will also be discussed.

The aim of this module is to help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases. You will learn about how drugs interact with the body, how doses affect responses, different ways drugs can be given, types of drugs, how the body processes and removes drugs, and the potential dangers. You will also explore methods for discovering new drugs and the idea of personalised medicine.

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, methods, and applications of biochemical investigations used for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. 

The module also covers the investigation, diagnosis, and monitoring of human diseases, as well as the impact of lifestyle on human health. Additionally, the module explores therapeutic drug monitoring, substance abuse investigation, and the application of NPT (Near Patient Testing) / POCT (Point of Care Testing) equipment in patient pathways. 

The module also addresses relevant quality assurance considerations, human life cycles and aging, and the concepts of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

This module aims to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic.

Theoretical concepts are reinforced through laboratory practical sessions which will introduce you to diagnostic microbiological and basic immunological techniques and data analysis which are broadly used in a variety of clinical settings and scientific disciplines.

The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. You will learn to develop an appreciation of how scientific knowledge advances through research including the challenges and limitations. With the support of a supervisor, and shared discussions with other students, you will work independently to carry out a research project to completion.

The origin of disease may be genetic, due to infectious agents, or pollution, however, there is almost always a biochemical explanation for a disease condition. This module provides an overview of the general principles of metabolic disorders and illuminates the key biochemical pathways and enzyme mechanisms involved in selected diseases. Techniques and biochemical procedures for studying diseases will also be discussed.

You will learn about the use of molecular and computational approaches in the study and treatment of human disease. The module will demonstrate how regenerative medicine and the extracellular matrix defines specific disease processes and their treatments. The use of stem cell therapeutics will be examined. 

This module will provide an understanding of antibacterial chemotherapy applied to human diseases which is as a consequence of some commonly known viruses.

It will further investigate the mechanisms of actions and practical applications of chemotherapy, and the role of neuropharmacology agents.

The module aims to provide an understanding of the regulation and function of the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. You will learn in detail how any dysfunction of these systems may be addressed by using the appropriate drugs. You will also be taught what side effects if any can be attributed to the drugs, how these can cause disease and how to manage the patient.

In this module, you will have an understanding of how new drugs are developed and brought to patients. In particular, the process for identification and validation of new therapeutic opportunities, sources of new medicines, role of preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assessment, and safety. You will learn about the stages of clinical trials and the key principles in clinical trial design.

The module aims to equip you with bioinformatics skills to analyse the genetic makeup of biological populations and understand how various factors, including natural selection, influence changes in genetic composition. You will explore theories and concepts explaining the genetic, genomic, and environmental factors contributing to human diversity, variations in disease responses, and drug therapies.