The modules listed below are for the academic year 2025/26 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Modules may include:
Year 0 (Foundation Year)
Fundamentals of Biology – Mandatory (20 credits)
You’ll be introduced to fundamental topics in Biology providing a foundation for further study in several areas of Bioscience and Life sciences. You’ll also experience important laboratory procedures.
Further Biology – Mandatory (20 credits)
This module builds on the concepts and skills from Fundamentals of Biology, providing an opportunity for you to expand your experience of laboratory activities.
Fundamentals of Chemistry – Mandatory (20 credits)
You’ll cover fundamental concepts in chemistry as well as experience chemical phenomena and practice using key pieces of equipment in the laboratory.
Further Chemistry – Mandatory (20 credits)
This module will provide an opportunity for further experience of important laboratory techniques, especially in the synthesis, purification and analysis of compounds. You’ll learn important topics that have relevance in both chemical and biological contexts.
Foundation Mathematics - Mandatory (20 credits)
All mathematical and statistical skills necessary to succeed in Biology and Chemistry will be covered in this module.
Academic Skills – Mandatory (20 credits)
You’ll develop the key academic skills required for success in the Foundation Year and beyond. Important academic and scientific conventions will be introduced, enabling you to produce work of a professional standard.
Year 1
STEM Toolkit – Mandatory (20 credits) You’ll acquire and develop a range of skills including transferable, personal, interpersonal, numerical, academic and subject-specific skills that will enable you to succeed in science as part of this module.
Biomolecules and cells - Mandatory (20 credits)
This module contains the knowledge and understanding of the major biomolecules and structures which occur inside all cells. You’ll explore cells and cellular organelles, examining in detail how these work as entities as well as how they work together for whole cell function.
Anatomy and Physiology - Elective (20 credits)
This module explores the structure and function of the human body and its systems. You’ll explore how your body is changed by disease processes. This would appeal to those seeking employment in the biomedical sector.
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)
This module covers a range of fundamental concepts in chemistry and introduces topics that will be important if you hope to pursue a career that requires significant knowledge of chemistry. You’ll be introduced to key ideas and theories, as well as practical skills.
Integrated Practical Skills - Mandatory (20 credits)
This module covers a broad range of fundamental techniques in chemistry and biology. You’ll learn practical skills that are fundamental to working in any commercial or academic laboratory.
Data Analysis - Mandatory (20 credits)
This module aims to develop knowledge of statistical techniques and procedures to support academic learning in scientific subjects.
Biochemistry – Elective (20 credits)
This module aims to deliver knowledge and understanding of the major biochemical processes which occur inside all cells. You’ll explore complex biochemical pathways to determine how they work and contribute to cellular function.
Organic Chemistry - Elective (20 credits)
This module will explore the chemistry of, and methods of identifying, common organic compounds as well as give you the chance to experience some synthetic and analytical practical activities.
Year 2
Pharmacology and Therapeutics (20 credits) – Mandatory (20 credits)
This module covers the pharmacology of the major body systems and offers a perspective on the therapeutic interventions in modern medicine. You’ll complete this module with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to enter careers in medical science, pharma or related industries.
Microbiology and Biotechnology - Elective (20 credits)
This module develops the core knowledge about microorganisms and their increasingly important role in industrial processes across a range of applications including the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Analytical Chemistry – Elective (20 credits)
In this module you’ll get to use a range of equipment such as spectrometers, photometers and chromatograms to perform procedures that are common in analytical labs such as food testing, environmental monitoring or forensics services, as well as quality control departments in industries such as pharmaceutical companies.
Work Related Learning - Mandatory (20 credits)
Achievement of the module requires a minimum of 20h documented work experience. In addition to the taught elements, you’ll complete a series of lab-based technical competencies such as the use of the autoclave and sterile technique amongst others.
Scientific Investigation - Mandatory (20 credits)
You’ll have the opportunity to plan and practically investigate a topic of your choice, using the practical skills gained during the first year, and acquiring new laboratory skills. At the end of this module, you will be able to confidently use industry-standard laboratory equipment such as UV-Vis spectrophotometers, rotary evaporators, autoclaves, micropipettes, electrophoresis rigs, centrifuges and chromatography columns.
Immunology - Elective (20 credits)
This module aims to develop your knowledge of how the immune system works in addition to demonstrating the importance of immunoassays and specific reagents in science and medicine. You’ll develop knowledge of non-specific and specific works immunity, how function changes in disease states and how this knowledge is used and applied practically.
Genetics - Elective (20 credits)
This module develops the knowledge and understanding needed to analyse and evaluate the inheritance of physical properties passed between generations as well as gives insight into genes that affect biological processes in human and bacterial cells.
Medicinal Chemistry – Elective (20 credits)
This module explores the ways in which drug molecules cause their effects in the human body. You’ll study how medicinal chemists design new drugs or alter existing ones to improve their properties. This will include the use of computer software to make predictions about molecular properties based on their structures. You’ll also get the chance to learn to synthesise some medicinal compounds in our laboratories.
Year 3
Undergraduate Research Project – Mandatory (40 credits)
This module allows you to develop a laboratory-based research project in a subject of your own interest. You’ll receive support from tutors as you research your chosen topic and apply your practical skills in our well-equipped laboratories.
Research Skills - Mandatory (20 credits)
You’ll learn valuable skills that underpin scientific research, as well as developing your understanding of scientific writing and journalism.
Genetic Mechanisms of Disease - Elective (20 credits)
In this module you’ll have the opportunity to explore how human disease, treatment and diagnoses are made using modern technologies such as proteomics and genomics.
Drug Synthesis - Elective (20 credits)
Learn to design syntheses of new molecules that can be used in the preparation of novel drugs or to improve existing synthesis routes for existing compounds. This module will cover the theoretical strategies used by synthetic chemists in working out how to make molecules as well as allowing you to improve your laboratory techniques as you perform your own syntheses of several compounds.
Recombinant Technology - Elective (20 credits)
Through study of this module, you’ll advance your modern biological knowledge relating to informatics, gene therapy and knowledge of rare disorders.
Microbial Pathology - Elective (20 credits)
You’ll investigate the mechanisms of pathogens relating to the cause of infectious disease and the identification of microbial infections.
Pharmaceutical Analysis – Elective (20 credits)
This module will allow you to gain hands-on experience with a range of analytical and purification techniques, and to develop your skill at using industry-standard instruments. You’ll learn how to process data to ensure accurate determinations of the identity, purity and quantity of substances present in medicinal formulations.
Natural Product Preparation – Elective (20 credits)
This module will introduce students to techniques used to extract and synthesise chemicals found in living organisms. The module will cover some medicinal chemistry of compounds that are derived from natural sources.