Bioscience BSc (Hons)

This module introduces the use of statistics and computing software in the biosciences. Although we focus on biological applications, the quantitative and IT skills you will gain will be of benefit in a number of graduate employment roles. You will be shown how to use information in the form of data to answer questions about biological systems, and learn a range of visual data presentation and statistical techniques. We will also show you how to choose the most appropriate technique for a range of data types and circumstances, perform and interpret numerical and graphical analyses correctly, and communicate the results clearly and transparently.

This module, which runs throughout the year, addresses key biological concepts and the scientific methods which underpin our study of biology. We introduce a broad range of topics including among others, chemistry for the biosciences, cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, and the fundamentals of animal and plant biology. We explore the history of the different disciplines of biology, and put into practice a number of fundamental scientific techniques. These lectures will help you to understand how we have arrived at the major theories of biology. These topics will then be explored in greater detail in other modules. We also introduce the main disciplines of biomedical science, themes which run through the entire course. Key scientific skills will be developed, such as the ability to design experiments, carry them out competently, and present and describe your data effectively. As part of Core Biology, personal tutorials help you develop those key skills needed to succeed in higher education. You will write a personal development plan, to help you foster those transferable skills which are part of a broader university education.

Cells are the fundamental units of life. In this module, you will be introduced to the many different types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with their identifying characteristics, structures and properties. You will examine eukaryote cellular organelles, including the plasma membrane, nucleus, endomembrane system, lysosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts and the cytoskeleton, together with the cell growth and division cycle, with particular emphasis on mitosis and meiosis. An overview of bacterial, viral and organelle diseases is given, which underpins the ‘General Microbiology’ and ‘Principles of Pathology’ modules, delivered later in the course. Laboratory skills, including microscopy, spectroscopy and sub-cellular fractionation techniques are developed throughout the module, as are key numerical skills in analysing and presenting data.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms - organisms that are too small to be seen without magnification. The taxonomic diversity of microorganisms is reflected in the huge diversity of their lifestyles. In this module you will explore the major groups of microorganism: bacteria, archaea, algae, fungi, protists and viruses. In so doing, you will learn the basic concepts of microbiology and apply them to a scientific understanding of the subject area. You will consider the diversity of microorganisms from many different perspectives including their cell structure (if present), function, taxonomy and ecology. Microorganisms have a long history of association - mostly negative - with humans, and the importance of microorganisms as human pathogens is explored, as are their actual and potential uses. Throughout this module you will be introduced to the latest advances in microbiology, whilst also learning a sound basic understanding. Furthermore, through a series of laboratory-based classes, you will be given training in handling microorganisms and the use of the aseptic technique as the basis for preparing cultures. You will also acquire the fundamental practical skills required by microbiologists and biomedical scientists, including performing a Gram stain, viable counts, subculturing techniques and maintaining safe and efficient working practices. The laboratory sessions are held within a well-equipped microbiology suite. The range of laboratory techniques experienced in this module coupled with the broad theoretical basis will be useful for a range of laboratory-based careers, particularly in the biomedical sciences.

This module goes hand in hand with topics covered in 'Foundations of Cell Biology' and provides a sound basis for understanding the processes of life at the molecular level. Key aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology are considered, including the four major classes of biological macromolecules, enzyme structure, function and kinetics. An overview of the central, energy generating pathways of metabolism (Glycolysis, Krebs cycle and Oxidative phosphorylation) is provided to underpin more advanced material delivered in ‘Metabolism and its Control’, later in the course. Genetic material, its replication and the mechanisms and control of gene expression are also studied. Throughout the module a number of different biochemical techniques, including chromatography, measuring enzymatic reactions and protein purification will be discussed and then employed in laboratory practicals. The module concludes by looking at the basics of genetic engineering, focusing on the use of restriction enzymes and cloning vectors. Students will also be guided through some of the basic calculations which are used daily in working Biomedical Science laboratories.

Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology introduces the biomedical science diagnostic disciplines of medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, cellular pathology, haematology and immunology. This will include the day to day workings of an NHS pathology department as well as the scientific background of the diagnostic procedures performed. In this module you will learn to describe and discuss basic sample handling, storage and screening within the various pathology laboratories. There is a firm grounding in the legal requirements for safe working practice, ethical issues and quality assurance procedures and you will study legislation governing these, which will enable them to identify potential risks and hazards within pathology laboratories. You will explore the concepts of reference ranges and the use, analysis and evaluation of quality control data, as well as a range of separation techniques and the principles behind some of the major analytical methods. Finally you will learn the fundamental principles used in obtaining results and how results are communicated to service users. Assessment is based on a series of linked assignments, some of which can also be used as supporting evidence for the construction of the IBMS registration portfolio. Teaching is delivered by appropriately qualified academic/biomedical scientists.

This module is designed to develop your experience and understanding of techniques that are used in the Biomedical Sciences in both clinical and research settings. You will be provided with experience in a variety of laboratory skills appropriate to the key subjects of Molecular Biology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology and Medical Microbiology. In addition to equipping you with essential laboratory skills, you will have continued engagement with good laboratory practice and health and safety practices that are required of biomedical scientists in research and clinical laboratories. You will also be provided with further experience in the analysis of experimental data. Additionally, this module will introduce you to techniques and experimental skills that could be employed during your final year research project. The majority of the teaching will be through practical classes where you will gain hands on experience of the techniques taught. Lectures will be used to provide further theoretical background to the techniques used and the processes required for the analysis, interpretation and presentation of results. Lectures and feedback sessions will take place during practical classes where appropriate. Teaching will be predominantly delivered by our lecturers but where appropriate, external lecturers will be employed to provide expert tuition, professional support and assistance. These will include biomedical and research scientists.

This module aims to cover some of the most topical and exciting recent developments in biomedical science, focussing particularly on those advances which are likely to become key elements of biomedical careers in the near future. You will learn about next generation DNA sequencing, the gut microbiota, metabolomics, proteomics, stem cell therapy and CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing. This module is taught in a variety of ways; as well as going to lectures, you will learn through going to journal clubs, workshops, a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style group exercise, and by attending three conference days. The first conference day offers insight into the different career paths that are open to graduates of Biomedical Science, through presentations by speakers at various stages of diverse careers. The second conference day focusses specifically on routes of entry into research-centred careers. The third day aims to develop your skills of critical analysis, by presenting a poster and attending a series of presentations by eminent guest researchers. This module places emphasis on self-directed learning, you are encouraged to rely more on current journal articles than standard texts.

Before the advent of recombinant DNA technology, molecular genetics were largely limited to studying laboriously obtained mutant organisms. Only phage and prokaryotic genes were readily transferable from one cell to another using the natural processes of transformation, conjugation, and transduction. Over recent years, however, our understanding of the structure and function of the genome, individual genes and the techniques for manipulating them have increased enormously. Recombinant DNA technology has now made it possible to study virtually any gene in detail by using one, or more, of a number of biochemical tools and methods. This module provides you with an in-depth study of the techniques, strategies and applications of recombinant DNA technology, gene manipulation, DNA analysis and the polymerase chain reaction. Increasing use is now been made of such techniques from areas as diverse as criminal investigations to the genetic screening of human embryos. As such, practical work will form a significant part of this module to allow you to acquire hands-on experience of a number of industry-standard techniques. This module will also help develop a number of transferable skills, relevant to general employment, including report writing, data collection, handling and presentation.

Our increased understanding of genetics has had a profound impact on human affairs. Much of our food and clothing and increasingly, therapeutic agents, come from genetically improved organisms. An increasing proportion of human illnesses have been shown to have a genetic component. Genetic knowledge and research have provoked new insights into the way we see ourselves, particularly in relation to the rest of the biological world. Building from the concepts introduced in ‘Core Biology’, ‘Principles of Genetics’ and ‘Metabolism and its Control’, you will focus on the enormous input genetics has had into our understanding of, and developing treatments for, human disease. Topics such as epigenetic and chromosomal changes, genetics of inborn errors of metabolism, pharmacogenetics and the advent of personalised medicine, developmental genetics, and genetics of cancer are discussed, among others. There will also be an opportunity for you to put your views forward with regards to the ethical dilemmas presented by our greater understanding of and ability to manipulate the genome.

Cambridge is regarded as the ‘home’ of molecular cell biology, and is the hub of the UK biotechnology industry. This module will extend your knowledge and understanding of cell structure, function and disease at the molecular level, with particular emphasis on the evaluation and discussion of the experimental evidence that has contributed to current concepts, models and treatments. Processes such as signal transduction, protein sorting, protein targeting, phagocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis are discussed as part of your overall consideration of the relationship between molecular structure and biological function in cells and their substructures. Viral infection of eukaryotic cells will also be given detailed consideration, as will the role of viruses in oncogenesis and other factors that contribute to the molecular basis of cancer. Case studies are used to extend your ability to critically analyse data derived from the increasingly sophisticated techniques used to study biology at the molecular and cellular level. This module is recommended for those undertaking their research project in allied subjects.

The knowledge and skills of biomedical science and pathology are being applied to an ever increasing number of specialist fields. In this module you’ll develop a deeper understanding of these advanced specialisms. It will build upon your knowledge of routine diagnostic pathology disciplines gained in the ‘Diagnostic Techniques in Pathology’ module and you will learn to apply these to a range of specialist fields in the clinical, pharmaceutical and forensic pathology sectors, ranging from reproduction and fertility, through paediatrics and neonatology to gerontology, and from pharmacology and neurology to drug monitoring and forensic pathology. You’ll consider the theoretical and practical aspects of pathology through the application of knowledge and practical skills in each discipline. Additionally, you’ll gain an appreciation of the governance and legislations involved in these specialisms. This module is designed to impart a systematic knowledge of the theory, skills and techniques required of a graduate biomedical scientist and additionally, prepare you for careers in a variety of specialist fields.

Identify and develop detailed knowledge and understanding of topics at the forefront of the study of Cell and Molecular Biology. Over the 12 week semester you’ll choose a series of topics for discussion and debate, both within the classroom setting and online. You’ll work to promote awareness and understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of current theory and research focus as well as considering the ethics of science, its public understanding and how advances in science can be effectively communicated to the wider public audience. You’ll improve your research and discussion skills with many of the exchange of ideas will take place using the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic of your choice. You could choose your topic from a variety of sources including research groups, previous/current work experience, your current employer, a suggestion from your tutor or a topic you are specifically interested in. You will identify problems and issues, conduct literature reviews, evaluate information, investigate and adopt suitable development methodologies, determine solutions, develop hardware, software and/or media artifacts as appropriate, process data, critically appraise and present your finding using a variety of media. Regular meetings with your project supervisor will ensure your project is closely monitored and steered in the right direction.