Zoology BSc

This module allows you to undertake a research project tailored to your own interests and aligned with the expertise of an academic staff member. You’ll carry out original research, applying the skills and methodologies you’ve developed in the research skills module.

Your work will culminate in a dissertation, where you’ll document the research process, analyse and interpret your findings, and present a thorough discussion of the results. This module provides you with invaluable experience in independent research and the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a specialised area of your choice.

In this module, you’ll explore the dynamic relationship between science and society, delving into how scientific advancements influence and are influenced by the world around us. You’ll examine the ethical frameworks that shape the practice of science in modern societies and consider the pathways by which discoveries are transformed into commercial or therapeutic applications.

You’ll also investigate how scientific knowledge is communicated to the public and its role in addressing pressing global and societal challenges of the 21st century. This module encourages a critical perspective on science's impact, offering valuable insights into its potential for both progress and controversy.

This course is taught by 6 lecturers and explores the need for new vaccines and therapeutics against infectious diseases and unpacks the fundamental biology of how infectious agents cause disease. The course begins with a lecture on Vaccinology during which the principles of vaccine design will be taught. This will be followed by 3 lectures on viral pathogens and 3 lectures on bacterial pathogens that cause major mortality and morbidity today and for which vaccines are needed. Specifically, viral lectures will cover emerging viruses, blood borne viruses and respiratory viruses including Coronaviruses, and bacterial lectures will cover pathogenic Neisseria, Enterics and TB. Each of the 6 lectures will be followed by group learning whereby students will select a pathogen from that session and apply the principles of vaccine design to come up with their optimal vaccine. The weekly group activities will be practice for the summative assessment whereby each group will choose their final pathogen to present a joint oral presentation on their design of a new vaccine against this pathogen. Two workshops will be held after the last lecture to help the development of vaccine design projects.

This module delves into the genetic, biochemical, and pathophysiological foundations of neurological disorders, shedding light on how dysfunction arises in the brain and nervous system. You’ll explore key topics such as neuron-glial cell interactions, neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier dysregulation. Additional focus will be placed on molecular mechanisms like protein misfolding, cellular stress, and synaptic dysfunction that contribute to neurodegeneration.

The module also examines interdisciplinary fields like neuroimmunology and neuro-oncology, investigating immune interactions in autoimmune diseases and brain cancers. Emphasising real-world applications, it highlights how scientific discoveries drive advancements in diagnostic tools, innovative treatments, and improved patient outcomes. By understanding these complex mechanisms, you’ll appreciate the pivotal role of research in addressing neurological disorders and shaping healthcare.

In this module, you’ll explore the biological processes behind ageing and their impacts on human physiology, health, and frailty. You’ll delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of ageing, investigating how they affect the entire body and contribute to age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and liver diseases.

You’ll also examine how nutrition and exercise play critical roles in regulating metabolism and reducing disease risks. The module highlights their dual role in disease prevention, progression, and as therapeutic interventions. By evaluating strategies for promoting healthy ageing and managing diseases, you’ll gain valuable insights into supporting well-being throughout the ageing process.

In this module, you’ll examine the extensive ways human activities impact the environment and affect species health on a global scale. You’ll explore the distribution and biological effects of pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and microplastics. The module also investigates how habitat loss and human-wildlife interactions influence pathogen transmission, gut microbiome dynamics, and parasitic infestations, offering insights into the ecological consequences of anthropogenic changes.

You’ll delve into additional topics like the effects of natural toxins, volatile compounds, and climate-driven habitat shifts. Through case studies and critical discussions, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how human actions disrupt ecosystems and biological health, equipping you with the knowledge to address these pressing environmental challenges.

This module examines current debates and classic conundrums about evolution in the context of behaviour. It consists of a series of student-led presentations and discussion groups, supported by workshops. Example topics include: adaptation, sexual and asexual reproduction, sexual selection, kinship theory, communication, and human behavioural ecology. During the module we will develop your skills in understanding assessment criteria, presenting to an audience and writing and editing. This module requires you to work productively in a group of your peers. Students are advised that assessed coursework is due early in this module and joining the module after the first session will reduce your preparation time accordingly. Late enrolment will not normally constitute an extenuating circumstance.

This module delves into the transformative intersection of biology, data science, and computational techniques, showcasing how big data is reshaping modern biological research. You’ll explore the principles of bioinformatics and computational biology, learning how to analyse large-scale biological datasets using cutting-edge tools and algorithms. Key topics include data mining, machine learning applications in biology, and effective data visualisation methods.

In addition, the module addresses the ethical considerations of working with biological data, fostering a critical understanding of this rapidly evolving field. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications, you’ll develop essential skills for navigating the complex world of biological big data.

This module examines the transformative power of genomics and its real-world applications, from revolutionising medicine and disease tracking to advancing conservation and evolutionary biology. You’ll explore how genomic technologies offer insights into healthcare innovation and trace the origins of species, shedding light on processes such as adaptation, speciation, and their relevance to modern populations.

The module also highlights the pivotal role of genomics in conservation, showing how genetic data helps monitor biodiversity, protect endangered species, and support ecosystem restoration. By connecting these diverse topics, the module demonstrates how genomics addresses critical challenges in human health, environmental conservation, and industrial applications, providing a holistic view of its impact across multiple fields.

This module delves into advanced concepts of tumourigenesis and tumour progression, providing insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind tumour development. You’ll explore the multistep nature of tumour progression, its divergence from normal biological development, and key topics such as tumour immunology, tumour evolution, and the tumour microenvironment.

The module places a strong emphasis on cancer research, highlighting how understanding the fundamentals of cancer biology contributes to the creation of innovative therapies. You’ll also examine the biochemical foundations of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, offering a comprehensive view of how cutting-edge science drives advancements in cancer care.

This module delves into the principles and cutting-edge applications of imaging technologies within biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll gain theoretical knowledge of key imaging techniques and explore their practical applications in both research and industry, discovering how they contribute to advancements across the life sciences.

A strong focus is placed on critically evaluating the role of imaging in deepening our understanding of biological systems. By engaging with these technologies, you’ll develop the skills and insight needed to assess their impact and potential in transforming the field of life sciences.

Consider a range of approaches to conservation biology, such as the measurement and monitoring of biodiversity, and the legal frameworks and management strategies that exist to protect it. You will discuss particular threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss and invasive species. You will spend around four hours per week in lectures and have four three-hour practicals to study for this module.