Biology and Biochemistry Unit Catalogue
BIOL0001: Skills & techniques 1 (basic laboratory & communication skills)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW50 PR50
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire proficiency in a range of basic laboratory and communication skills.
Content:
Practical skills: Basic quantitative laboratory skills; micro-organism handling; radioisotope techniques. IT skills: Introduction to IT and campus IT facilities; word-processing, BIDS. Presentation skills: Essay writing. Small group discussion work.
These skills will be developed during tutorial sessions which have the additional aim of identifying and rectifying weaknesses in subject background.
BIOL0002: Skills & techniques 2 (quantitative skills)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to develop their proficiency in handling basic mathematical and statistical procedures, including the use of IT facilities.
Content:
Introduction to quantitative biology, including elementary statistics. Use of Minitab. Numerical calculation workshops. Small group discussion work. Verbal and written presentation.
BIOL0003: Biochemistry 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course aims to teach the students the pathways of central metabolism and to relate the regulation of these pathways to the homeostasis of the whole organism. In order to appreciate and understand metabolism, the students are taught the fundamental aspects of enzymes and their regulation, and this in turn is necessarily preceded by lectures on protein structure.
Content:
Proteins: amino acids - structures, ionisation and physical properties; primary structure and an overview of protein folding and conformation. Enzymes: catalysis, kinetics, regulation Metabolism: chemistry of monosaccharides, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, glyoxylate cycle, regulation of central metabolism.
Students must have A-level Chemistry in order to undertake this unit.
BIOL0004: Biochemistry 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003
Aims & learning objectives:
To learn about biochemistry - after taking this unit the student should be familiar with the subjects listed below.
Content:
The course is a direct follow - on from Biochemistry I. Topics studied are 1) Mitochondrial bioenergetics, respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. 2) lipid metabolism - structure of lipids, catabolism and anabolism of fatty acids, ketogenesis and coordination with other metabolic pathways. 3) Biochemistry of animal tissues and organs, such as mechanisms of neurotransmission and muscle contraction.
BIOL0005: Cell biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the techniques available for determining the structure and function of cellular components and processes, to describe the structure and function of cells and cell organelles and to show the diversity of cells.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
Describe the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, describe the structure and explain the function of cell organelles, make comparisons between related structures and functions, critically appraise methods available to determine the nature and function of cellular processes, understand the dynamic nature of cell behaviour.
Content:
Introduction: eucarya, eubacteria and archaea; microscopical techniques; cytochemistry; cell fractionation and autoradiography. The structure and function of cell membranes, plant walls, intercellular channels. Cellular processes such as cell signalling, cytoskeleton and cell movement, secretion and absorption. Organelles involved in energy metabolism: chloroplasts and mitochondria, plant microbodies. Nucleus, chromosomes, cell growth and proliferation, mitosis and meiosis.
BIOL0006: Cell & molecular biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0005
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the structure and function of nucleic acids; To introduce the concepts and methodology of genetic modification; To introduce the processes of animal development.
Content:
The structure and function of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) in relation to organisms, genes, gene expression and protein synthesis. How organisms, genes and gene expression can be altered and studied via the technology of genetic modification. How the changing patterns of gene expression in cells and tissues can lead to the development of an egg into an animal, using examples from Xenopus, Drosophila and mouse.
BIOL0007: Genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the principles of inheritance, to describe the chemical nature of inheritable material and the molecular basis of mutagenesis, to describe the structure and expression of genes and genomes in cells, to enable the student to appreciate how genetic data are generated and interpreted, to show basic genetic techniques in a wide range of organisms.
After taking the course the student should be able to: Explain Mendelian principles and their underlying concepts, explain and create a genetic map, describe how the chemical structure of DNA accounts for information encoding and its change, appreciate the structure and dynamic nature of the genome, understand the basis of the gene transfer in prokaryotes.
Content:
Topics: Principles of inheritance in eukaryotes; chemical nature of the gene; structure of genomes; gene expression; mutagenesis; non-Mendelian genetic systems. Practical sessions cover: Random assortment of two genetic markers in the fruit fly (Drosophila); sex linkage in Drosophila; tetrad analysis in a fungus (Sordaria); complementation testing in the yeast Saccharomyces; genetic mapping in the fungus Aspergillus; mutagenesis in the bacterium Salmonella; genetic polymorphism in Homo sapiens.
BIOL0008: The diversity of bacteria & fungi
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To consider the major adaptive and evolutionary themes within the bacteria and fungi emphasising the adaptive significance of the organizational innovations which have evolved within the constraints imposed by each group.
Content:
A review of the structural and functional diversity of bacteria.
A consideration of the development and functioning of more complex life forms and life cycles within the fungi.
BIOL0009: The diversity of animals & plants
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0008
Aims & learning objectives:
To consider some of the major adaptive and evolutionary themes within the animals and plants emphasising the adaptive significance of the organizational innovations which have evolved within the constraints imposed by each group.
Content:
A review of the structural and functional diversity of animals as centrally organised, mobile, heterotrophic life forms.
A consideration of the functioning of plants as non-mobile, photo-autotrophic life forms with federal organisation.
BIOL0010: Introductory animal physiology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The course aims to develop an understanding of the how animals function at the level of systems, organs and physiological processes.
Content:
Basic organisation- tissues and organs; Body fluids- plasma, blood cells, haemostasis; Gut - digestion and absorption; Heart & circulation - control of blood pressure, exchange with tissues; Lung - respiration; Kidney - salt and water regulation; Nervous system - electrical properties of neurones, synapses and chemical transmission, the brain, autonomic nervous system; Endocrine system - homeostasis; Reproductive organs - production of male and female gametes - fertilisation; immune system - cellular and humoral defences, inflammation. Most material concerns mammalian physiology. However, where appropriate, comparisons are made with other groups of animals.
BIOL0011: The biosphere
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of this course is to provide a global perspective of the communities and ecosystems of the world and the role of these systems in the flow of energy and matter.
Content:
The flow of energy and matter: the global cycles and the flow through the major ecosystems. The major terrestrial and aquatic biomes, including tundra, taiga, temperate grassland, deciduous forest, tropical forest. The impact of humankind on the environment, with particular emphasis on pollution and deforestation
BIOL0012: Ecology & evolution
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Co BIOL0011
Aims & learning objectives:
The course examines the role of individuals, populations and communities in the evolution of ecological systems.
Content:
Key concepts in evolution are introduced and reviewed including the nature of evolutionary selection, including kin-selection, sexual selection and natural selection. The dynamics of ecological populations are examined both through field and laboratory examples and mathematical models. These include population growth, intraspecific and interspecific competition and predator/prey relationships. The structure and development of plant, animal and fungal communities is also examined and evidence is described from studies of the limits of similarity, island biogeography and food webs.
BIOL0013: Directed studies 1
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES50 CW30 OR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student experience in the study of biological information and in its written and verbal presentation.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
make appropriate use of the various forms of biological publication; organize information and use OHP facilities to present a short talk to a small group of students: carry out searches using BIDS and EMBASE; to give each student experience of interpreting and reviewing biological literature.
Content:
The course consists of a series of small group sessions with and about 6-8 students.
BIOL0014: Directed studies 2
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: ES50 CW30 OR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student experience in the evaluation of written and quantitative biological information, and in its written, graphical and verbal presentation.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
carry out statistical analysis and graph plotting using Minitab; interpret quantitative data; organize information and use OHP facilities to present a short talk to a small group of students; to give each student experience in the evaluation of quantitative biological information and its presentation.
Content:
The course consists of a series of small group sessions with about 6-8 students.
BIOL0015: Biochemical problems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Ex BIOL0096
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To learn to assimilate compilations of experimental data and to draw valid conclusions from them.
After taking the course, the student should be able to: Study a collection of biochemical observations, such as the Results Section of a publication or simply a series of related observations compiled specifically for the exercise, and assess their significance. Indications of this ability could be, eg answering particular questions or writing the Discussion section of a paper. It is especially important that the student learns to draw only such conclusions as are fully justified by the data.
Content:
Several members of academic staff will participate in the Course, each providing a particular problem. This will be handed out and explained to the class, who will then have some 4 days to provide written answers. These will be marked, returned
BIOL0016: Professional training in Biochemistry 1
Semester 2
Credits: 15
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
1. To understand the principles of statistics as applied to biological problems
2. To understand the principles and application of the various methods for the purification and characterisation of proteins.
3.To understand the principles and practice of working in a professional research environment.
After taking this course the student should be able to: Integrate into a commercial or academic research environment; understand the need for team work; be able to keep stringently accurate and logical lab books; write a major report about the professional placement; to be able to live in the UK or overseas and work as a professional biochemist.
Content:
Preparatory courses in the principles and practice of statistics and protein biochemistry.
Laboratory or other professional experience which is deemed suitable by the Director of Studies (Placements).
BIOL0018: Enzymology A
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre CHEY0007
Aims & learning objectives:
To learn about the catalytic behaviour of enzymes and explore their properties as proteins
Content:
Ligand binding; steady-state and transient kinetics; theories of catalysis; allostery; multienzyme complexes; chemical modification; effects of inhibitors and pH; isoenzymes; heterocyclic chemistry and coenzymes; purification and assay
BIOL0020: Physical biochemistry & proteins
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0003, Pre BIOL0004, Pre CHEY0007, Pre CHEY0008
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand protein conformation in terms of noncovalent interactions between amino acid side chains, the thermodynamic principles underlying the protein folding problem. Also to understand the various physical methods available for the characterisation of biological macromolcules and their application to the study of protein conformation.
After taking this course the student should be able to : give a qualitative description of the interactions that maintain the native conformation of a protein and determine the stability of the native conformation; appreciate the structural information that various spectroscopic techniques can give; understand the structural information that various scattering and diffraction techniques can give.
Content:
Polypeptide chain folding, the role of non-covalent interactions, the protein folding process, denaturation and renaturation, protein conformational change, spectroscopic techniques (UV/visible/IR, Ramn, circular dichroism, nmr, esr), scattering techniques (X-ray diffration, solution scattering), Microscopy (optical and electron)
BIOL0021: Protein purification
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020, Ex BIOL0097
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles and application of the various methods for the purification and characterisation of proteins; to understand the principles and application of the ultracentrifuge in the biochemistry laboratory.
After taking this course the student should be able to : plan a purification scheme for the isolation of a protein from various starting materials, taking account of requirements for both purity and yield of the product; design experiments that involve the use use of ultracentrifugation techniques.
Content:
Protein separation by column chromatography based on differences in molecular size, charge, hydrophobicity and specific affinity for ligands; electrophoretic methods for the purification and characterisation of proteins; theory and practise of preparative and analytical ultracentrifugation
BIOL0022: Practical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Ex BIOL0098
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of the practical aspects of biochemistry. After taking this course the students should be able to : Arrive at their second year placement and understand the basic aspects of required biochemical techniques; have the practice and ability to work in teams.
Content:
Topics in enzyme purification: Kinetics of yeast isocitrate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase: apply modelling techniques to protein structure and aspects of molecular biology; analyse transport phenomena; lipgenesis and organic synthesis of enzyme substrates.
BIOL0023: DNA (making, breaking & disease)
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the relationship between DNA synthesis, DNA repair, the animal cell growth cycle and apoptosis. After taking this course the student should be able to : give a detailed account of the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair in a variety of living systems; show how DNA metabolism and cell cycle controls are related to cancer; give an account of antitumour therapy.
Content:
DNA replication, and where relevant DNA in (x174, E.coli, SV40, and human cells. Cross talk between synthesis, repair and the cell cycle in complex systems. Immortality and carcinogenesis. Site of action of antifolates, fluorouracil, magic bullets.
BIOL0023: DNA (making, breaking & disease)
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the relationship between DNA synthesis, DNA repair, the animal cell growth cycle and apoptosis. After taking this course the student should be able to : give a detailed account of the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair in a variety of living systems; show how DNA metabolism and cell cycle controls are related to cancer; give an account of antitumour therapy.
Content:
DNA replication, and where relevant DNA in (x174, E.coli, SV40, and human cells. Cross talk between synthesis, repair and the cell cycle in complex systems. Immortality and carcinogenesis. Site of action of antifolates, fluorouracil, magic bullets.
BIOL0024: Cell biology 2
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To familiarise students with the concepts and vocabulary of key aspects of cell biology, mainly with reference to vertebrates. Coverage will include the commonly used techniques in these fields of study and emphasis will be given to the relationship of cellular events to the physiology or development of the whole organism. Students should be sufficiently familiar with the topics covered that they will be able to readily extend their knowledge by reference to primary research articles in these areas.
Content:
Cell adhesion and the extracellular matrix; membrane transport (carrier proteins and ion channels); intracellular trafficking; cytoskeleton; cell signalling (growth factors, hormones, neurotransmitters, receptors and signal transduction); growth and genomic imprinting.
BIOL0025: Practical molecular biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: PR80 OR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide practical experience of some commonly used molecular biology techniques and to evaluate these in comparison with other available methods so that the students are aware of a range of techniques used for the characterisation of gene structure and gene expression. This will allow students to understand how and why these techniques have been applied when they encounter them in journal articles, and to consider these methods when they design their own experiments. The second objective is to interpret the data obtained from experiments and to present this in clear written reports.
Content:
Techniques will include: handling of nucleic acids, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Data interpretation will involve DNA sequence analysis and interrogation of protein and nucleic acid databases, and analysis of gene expression. This unit is run as an open access practical lasting three weeks.
BIOL0026: Recombinant DNA techniques
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: PR75 OT25
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce some of the basic practical skills and techniques of recombinant DNA technology. To work independently and evaluate their own data. To learn to integrate theory and practice in genetic modification. To gain an insight into the exploitation of microbes as genetic model systems.
Content:
Basic cloning techniques: isolation of plasmid and lambda DNA, restriction digestion, ligation, transformation into E. coli, biological and physical analysis of recombinant clones. Yeast and bacteriophage genetics
BIOL0027: Animal physiology - Animal reproduction and immunology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To discuss the biology and endocrine control of reproduction in mammals, with occasional comparison with lower vertebrates. To introduce the basics of the immune system in vertebrates.
Content:
Reproduction (approx 2/3 of course): reproductive strategies; the development of reproductive systems; the regulation of male reproduction; oestrous cycles in females; pregnancy and parturition; in vitro fertilization and other medical interventions.
Immunology (approx 1/3 of course): the basics of the system, how it responds to infections and how the response is modulated by different physiological states such as stress or pregnancy.
In laboratory classes, students will have an opportunity to examine specimens and slides of different reproductive organs, and engage in some in vitro analyses and experiments.
BIOL0028: Cellular neurobiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Ex BIOL0099
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction and broad overview of cellular neurobiology which should serve as a basis for more in-depth study in this area.
Content:
A brief description of basic aspects of neuronal development and anatomy: the cells of the nervous system: the subcellular architecture of neurons including features in common with other cells and unique aspects such as axons, dendrites, synaptic vesicles and the neuronal cytoskeleton; synaptic transmission and intercellular communication; and signalling in the nervous system including the electrical properties of neurons, resting and action potentials and ion channels.
BIOL0029: Insect biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0009
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of the morphological, physiological and developmental diversity of insects, particularly in relation to their role as crop pests, and methods for their control.
Content:
Characteristics of the major orders of insects; aspects of the biology of aphids; aspects of the physiology of insects that are important or peculiar (therefore relevant to pest control); a survey of synthetic pesticides - chemical classes, mode of action and mechanisms of resistance. Practical sessions: the range of insect external morphology; types of post-embryonic development; experiments on the major "life-systems" of insects: excretion; water balance; neuroendocrine system; pheromone communication.
BIOL0030: Plant biochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce some important aspects of plant metabolism and their role in the functioning of the whole plant.
Content:
Utilisation of light energy in photosynthesis; CO2 incorporation; carbohydrate synthesis, storage and breakdown; the metabolism of stored carbohydrate to yield energy (respiration) and intermediary metabolites; the function and metabolism of lipids; pigments, with particular reference to porphyrins and carotenoids. Emphasis will be placed on sites where herbicides disrupt normal metabolism and biochemical protective and detoxification mechanisms (e.g. cytochrome P-450) in plants.
Practical sessions provide experience in the use of a variety of techniques for the study of plant processes. An equivalent period of directed study will be provided for students who already have adequate experience of practical biochemistry.
BIOL0031: Plant biotechnology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the techniques used in Plant Biotechnology and discuss its applications in Crop Production and Protection.
Content:
This unit introduces the methods of plant tissue culture, genetic transformation and regeneration. The techniques of ~ITALLA_ON~Agrobacterium - mediated and direct transformation e.g. particle bombardment are described. Applications of plant genetic engineering are discussed with examples drawn from a wide range of Crop Production and Protection situation e.g. manipulation of floral development; fruit ripening; pest and disease resistance. The socioeconomics of Plant Biotechnology as well as its role in germplasm conservation is discussed. Practical sessions provide experience in the use of tissue culture and transformation techniques in the study of Plant Development and Biotechnology.
BIOL0032: Plant pathology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0009
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a thorough understanding of the biology and control of the major groups of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. To introduce the physiological, biochemical and genetical basis of host-parasite interaction.
Content:
Pathogenic strategies and modes of nutrition; the biology, disease cycles and control via host resistance, fungicides and cultural practice of the major groups: plasmodial fungi eg clubroot; Phytophthora species; downy mildews; powdery mildews; vascular wilt fungi; smuts; rusts; bacterial pathogens. The concept of disease management and integrated control. The genetic basis of host-parasite interaction; host resistance mechanisms. The mathematical modelling of plant disease epidemics and the relationship between these models and practical disease forecasting.
BIOL0033: Bacteriology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0008
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of the diversity and importance of bacteria and the ways in which they affect people, directly and indirectly. To provide experience in the handling and characterization of bacteria.
Content:
Population growth dynamics and technical aspects of liquid cultures; chemical and physical methods of inactivating and eliminating bacteria - heat sterilization, filtration, antiseptics, disinfectants; characterization and classification of bacteria; properties of the main groups; organisms of ecological significance, of public health importance - food and water-borne pathogens, and agents of plant and animal disease. Practical sessions involve quantitative bacterial growth experiments; the isolation of bacteria of different types and with different properties; methods for characterization, including rapid and miniaturized testing procedures.
BIOL0034: Virology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic characteristics of viruses, both as microorganisms and as agents of disease of animals and plants.
Content:
The physical, chemical and biological properties of viruses; the life cycle and replication strategies of representative RNA and DNA viruses; the effects of viruses, including methods of pathogenesis, at the whole organism, cellular and biochemical levels; principles of virus detection and disease diagnosis; virus transmission, ecology and control; emerging viruses and novel virus-like agents. Practical sessions introduce common methods for identification and characterisation of viruses.
BIOL0035: Genes & development 1
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To answer the question: how does a single cell, the fertilised egg, form a complete animal body consisting of many distinct organs and cell types?
Content:
To explain how animal structure arises in development by the operation of inducing signals, the regulation of gene expression, and cell movements. We shall cover general methods for studying development, including isolation of mutants, cloning of genes, microscopic techniques and in situ hybridisation to visualise the spatial domains of gene expression. We shall examine in detail the development of three model organisms, Xenopus, Drosophila and the mouse. Each of these organisms exemplifies best one aspect of our understanding of developmental mechanisms. So the operation of inducing factors is understood best in Xenopus, the genetic programme of development in Drosophila, and the methods for making transgenic animals or ablating particular genes from the genome are most advanced in mice. It has recently been discovered that the developmental mechanisms of different animals are remarkably similar at the molecular level and the nature of these conserved features will be explored.
BIOL0036: Genes & development practicals
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035, Ex BIOL0100
Aims & learning objectives:
To familiarise students with the appearance and handling of embryos, and with a number of techniques used in modern developmental biology.
Content:
The course is complementary to BIOL0035, and consists of a series of 3 hour laboratory sessions dealing with Xenopus, insect and mouse embryos. The Xenopus practicals include isolation, staging and culture of Xenopus embryos, exercises on lithium effects, maternal inheritance and tissue explanation, and the interpretation of sections. The insect practical involves dissection of Manduca embryos and interpretation of Drosophila sementation mutation. The mouse practicals involve isolation of preimplantation embryos, analysis of a gene trap ES line, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry.
Students should be advised that if they wish to take this unit they should also choose BIOL0035.
BIOL0037: Crop protection & weed biology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The course aims to provide an understanding of the measures which can be taken to prevent losses of crops due to the effects of pest, diseases and weeds. Approaches range from those used in developed countries, often based on sophisticated technology involving application of pesticides and herbicides, to low cost cultural methods more practicable in developing countries.
Content:
The history, principles and practice of protection of crop plants from parasitic microorganisms, pests and competing weeds; biological physical and chemical approaches to crop protection; pesticides and herbicides, their design, screening, formulation and application; legislation; strategic and safe use in view of non-target organisms; development of pest and herbicide resistance and environmental pollution; integrated control measures. Practical sessions include identification of weed plants and excursions to conventional and organic farms to study methods of weed and pest control.
BIOL0038: Environmental physiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course aims to explore how organisms respond to their environment.
Content:
How variations in the phenotypic and genetic attributes of organisms is brought about by means of interaction between external environmental factors and internal metabolic and reproductive processes. The processes that produce genetic and phenotypic variation in microorganisms, plants and animals. The way that external factors such as temperature, light, gravity, aeration, inhibitory chemicals impinge on these processes. Chemical and electrical mechanisms that co-ordinate developmental programmes and physiological and behavioural responses to environmental change.
BIOL0039: Autumn field course
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student an appreciation of the diversity of life and to examine natural populations and communities to provide insights into the mechanisms and processes underlying distribution patterns. To give each student an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of standard field methods for the interpretation and description of observed patterns and of current hypotheses which attempt to identify the phenomena that determine community structure. To give each student an appreciation of the importance of experimental design and of statistical analysis and the opportunity to design and carry our field-based investigations.
After taking the course the student should:
Know how to approach the problem of finding and identifying a variety of kinds of organisms within their natural habitats; know how to quantify distribution patterns using a variety of techniques and sampling procedures; appreciate how distribution patterns are influenced by selection; begin to question how observed distribution patterns have come into being, may change or be maintained as a result of dynamic processes.
Content:
The course introduces students to ecosystem types of varying complexity and subject to different kinds of selection process, such as rocky shore, sand dune, coastal grassland, salt marsh, woodland. The use of appropriate sampling patterns, experimental design data gathering, statistical analysis and presentation are introduced. An introduction is given to the observation and quantification of animal behaviour in the field. Each student designs and carries out a half-day and a two-day field-based investigation. The data from these are analysed and graphically presented after the trip using University computing facilities.
Students are required to make a financial contribution to the field course (currently £95 in 1997/98).
Natural science students may only select to attend one of the field courses (either Autumn or Spring) but not both.
BIOL0040: Concepts in ecology & evolution
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student an appreciation of the dynamic relationships between ecological patterns and evolutionary processes. To identify parallels and disparities between pattern generating processes operating across and within kingdom boundaries, in relation to developmental and behavioural mechanisms and the levels at which selection operates.
Content:
Topics: General concepts relating to evolutionary processes regulating the stability and instability of living systems; concepts of niche, competition, symbiosis, ecological strategies and self/non-self discussed qualitatively in terms of their significance to the understanding of pattern formation, and in the context of chaos theory; concepts of natural selection and its role in the evolutionary process; the application of kin selection theory in the evolution of behavioural interactions between relatives; the concept of optimality in ecology and evolution, optimal foraging theory; self organisation, division of labour and the superorganism.
The course ends with two group discussions, whose purpose is to ensure full cohesion between the parts of the course.
After taking this course, the student should be able to:
Utilise concepts from nonlinear systems theory (including chaos theory) kin selection theory, natural selection theory, behavioural ecology, community biology and ecological genetics in understanding ecological and evolutionary issues.
Appreciate the consequences of interpreting these issues within the constraints which these concepts impose.
Understand the nature of probabilistic, deterministic and random process, and their role in ecology and evolution.
BIOL0041: Spring field course
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040, Pre BIOL0012
Aims & learning objectives:
To explore natural habitats in ways that enable the student to recognise natural patterns of distribution and behaviour of organisms and to question the basis of these patterns. To give each student an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of standard field methods for the interpretation and description of observed patterns and of current hypotheses which attempt to identify the phenomena that determine community structure. To give each student an appreciation of the importance of experimental design and of statistical analysis and the opportunity to design and carry out field-based investigations.
After taking the course the student should:
Appreciate how communities are structured and how this structure can be investigated; understand and appreciate how this structure may have arisen and is maintained; appreciate the philosophical base of community biology and how this influences interpretations of community structure.
Content:
The course introduces students to ecosystem types of varying complexity and subject to different kinds of selection process, such as rocky shore, sand dune, coastal grassland, salt marsh, woodland. The use of appropriate sampling patterns, experimental design data gathering, statistical analysis and presentation are introduced. An introduction is given to the observation and quantification of animal behaviour in the field. Each student designs and carries out a half-day and a two-day field-based investigation. The data from these are analysed and graphically presented after the trip using University computing facilities.
Students are required to make a financial contribution to the field course (currently £95 in 1997/98).
Natural science students may only select to attend one of the field courses (either Autumn or Spring) but not both.
BIOL0042: Investigative project
Semester 1
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: PR100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation, analysing and interpreting the results and reporting the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment. The investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data. Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form of a written report.
BIOL0042: Investigative project
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: PR100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation, analysing and interpreting the results and reporting the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment. The investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data. Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form of a written report.
BIOL0043: Biological data interpretation
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide experience of the interpretation of biological data.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
Understand and interpret information on biological phenomena, using quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (text or image) sources. Make logical statements and reach sound conclusions from biological data. Be aware of the limits of interpretation and be capable of selecting suitable statistical tests. Be able to interpret the outcome of a statistical test on biological data.
Content:
The course comprises a series of assignments and problems which are undertaken by the students and then analysed and discussed in weekly workshops. Using examples which illustrate different types of biological information, the course covers the interpretation of simple data sets, data transformation, graphical presentation, interpretation of trends, selection of appropriate statistical tests for particular data sets. As far as possible, the examples are generic, designed to be capable of interpretation without a requirement for in depth understanding of any particular area of biology.
BIOL0044: Neurochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of brain biochemistry, including an historical perspective of certain aspects and discussion of current controversies. The student should acquire a general knowledge of brain anatomy, as well as an understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms important in neuronal function and synaptic transmission. Practical experience of classical neurochemistry procedures.
Content:
Twenty four lectures, covering: brain anatomy; ion channels and the action potential; myelin biochemistry; neurotransmitters and synaptic transmission, including receptor structure and pharmacology; neuronotrophic factors and neuronal placticity; peptides and pain mechanisms, visual perception.
One 2-day practical on brain subcellular fractionation and analysis
BIOL0045: Cell membranes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles governing the structure of the lipid bilayer and the arrangement of proteins in the membrane, the importance of biosynthesis of membrane proteins, and the structure and catalytic mechanism of membrane transporter proteins.
After taking the course the student should be able to: Interpret emerging literature data on the biosynthesis, cellular distribution, and regulated subcellular trafficking data of membrane proteins; give quantitative interpretation of kinetic, biochemical and biophysical data on transport of ions and sugars through membrane transporters.
Content:
Topics: Functions and common structural features of membrane lipids and proteins. Case study of the erythrocyte membrane proteins. Lateral diffusion of membrane components. Biosynthesis and sub-cellular trafficking of membrane proteins. Structures and functions of cell adhesion molecules. Common features of membrane transporters for ions and neutral molecules together with the specialised features that provide substrate specificity . Kinetics of transport. Structural features of membrane transporters.
BIOL0046: Proteins & immunochemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the molecular basis of antibody function and the principles of their application in immunochemical techniques; to understand the significance of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions.
After taking this course the student should be able to: understand the molecular basis for antigen-antibody interaction, appreciate the role of antibody as a component of the immune system, understand the basis of specific immunochemical methods and their applications,
Content:
Overview of the immune system and the biological role of antibodies, structure of an antibody molecule and its relationship to antigen-binding and effector functions, principles of immunochemical techniques, protein-protein interactions and their importance for the function of oligomeric proteins, protein-nucleic acid interactions and their relevance to restriction enzymes and repressors.
BIOL0047: Carbohydrate polymers
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles determining the structure and metabolic importance of the storage carbohydrates glycogen and amylpectin, the structure and biosynthesis of glyoprotein components in membrane proteins, and the structure and biosynthesis of mucopolysaccarides.
After taking the course the student should be able to: Give an account of the means by which glycogen metabolism is regulated by the hormones adrenalin and insulin and by metabolic substates; show how an understanding of carbohydrate polymers is giving insights into how inherited metabolic diseases of carbohydrate metabolism can be controlled; understand the basic structural patterns of glycoproteins and how these may be determined. Appreciate the distribution and roles of glycoprotein, particularly the functions of their carbohydrate components.
Content:
Topics: Glycogen structure, biosynthesis and catabolism. Regulation of glycogen metabolism by hormones; inborn errors of carbohydrate metabolism; amino sugar synthesis and incorporation into polymers; proteoglycan biosynthesis; relationship between mucopolysaccaride structure and function and distribution; common structural patterns of glycoproteins, emphasising detail of carbohydrate portions; methods of structural analysis of carbohydrate polymers and glycoprotein carbohydrates; general distribution of glycoproteins, biosynthesis and functions.
BIOL0048: Enzymology B
Semester 1
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018
Aims & learning objectives:
To learn about enzyme mechanisms
Content:
The course addresses the methods used to study end elucidate mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Three aspects of evidence are discussed:
1) Study of the overall reaction
2) Study of enzymes as proteins
3) Use of non-enzymic models.
These approaches are applied to case studies of individual enzymes: ATP citrate lyase, citrate synthase, acetoacetate decarboxylase, ribonuclease and chymotrypsin.
BIOL0049: Biochemical parasitism
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018
Aims & learning objectives:
To examine the biochemical adaptations required for existence as a successful parasite. Students will be able to define a virus and understand the concept of parasitism; they will appreciate the metabolic constraints caused by occupancy of this niche and the effects that parasitic infections and infestations have on the host. They will be able to conceive of ways of subverting parasite biochemistry to design effective treatments.
Content:
Parasitology: protozoan and helminth biochemistry and its modifications in parasites. The modes of action of anti-parasite drugs and what these tell us about target metabolism.
Natural Science students MUST take BIOL0077 at the same time as this unit.
BIOL0050: Biochemical problems
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0048
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To learn to assimilate compilations of experimental data and to draw valid conclusions from them.
After taking the course, the student should be able to: study a collection of biochemical observations, such as the results section of a publication or simply a series of related observations compiled specifically for the exercise, and assess their significance. Indications of this ability could be, e.g. answering particular questions or writing the discussion section of a paper. It is especially important that the student learns to draw only such conclusions as are fully justified by the data.
Content:
Several members of academic staff will participate in the course, each providing a particular problem. This will be handed out and explained to the class, who will then have some 4 days to provide written answers. These will be marked and returned.
BIOL0051: Laboratory project in biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 12
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of advanced laboratory practice with emphasis on the choice of analytical systems and development of team based research. After taking this course the student should be able to : Elucidate defined biochemical problem by designing appropriate practical experiments.
Content:
Molecular biology, enzymology, protein separation, Molecular transport, neurochemistry, immunochemistry, tissue culture, structural studies in biology.
BIOL0052: Dissertation
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire proficiency in a range of communication skills. After taking this course the student should be able to: compose pieces of scientific journalism, write a grant proposal, understand management of laboratory work.
BIOL0053: Professional training in Biochemistry 2
Semester 2
Credits: 30
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: OT80 CW20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims:
1. To understand the principles of writing and presenting a major dissertation.
2. To understand the principles and application of advanced laboratory work.
3. To understand the principles and practice of working in a professional research environment.
After taking this course the student should be able to: Integrate into a commercial or academic research environment; understand the need for team work; be able to keep stringently accurate and logical lab books; write a major report about the professional placement; to be able to live in the UK or overseas and work as a professional biochemist.
Content:
Preparatory workshops in scientific journalism, grant proposals, ethics, management.
Laboratory sessions in advanced biochemistry.
Laboratory or other professional experience which is deemed suitable by the Director of Studies (Placements).
BIOL0055: Genes & genomes
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 PR20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0007
Aims & learning objectives:
A comparative study of the genome structure and expression in eukaryotes, protozoan & metazoan. Students will gain a thorough appreciation of the complexities of gene regulation and the various stages at which expression is regulated; they will also know how to use genome structural information to distinguish between individuals and will be able to devise a strategy for the identification and mapping of genes.
Content:
Genome structure and mapping (genetic & physical). Repetitive DNA, its origins and use in DNA fingerprinting. Assembly of the eukaryotic RNA synthetic machinery and its regulation by trabscription factors. Eukaryotic expression systems. RNA splicing and its control.
BIOL0056: Plant molecular biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce recent work on plant development and genetics as elucidated by a molecular approach. To demonstrate the importance of genes and gene expression in the development and life-cycle of the plant as a whole.
Content:
The course examines plant gene-structure, gene-expression and molecular aspects of development. Topics include: plant genome size and repetitive DNA; plant transposable elements; the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; cytoplasmic male sterility; plant development and the genetic control of floral morphology; self-incompatibility; embryogenesis and seed formation; fruit ripening; seed germination.
BIOL0057: Cell growth & proliferation
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0023, Pre BIOL0024
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of cell growth and division, the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the different constraints on free-living and metazoan cells, and the regulation of the cell cycle.
After taking this course the student should be able to: Give quantitative interpretation of growth curves; account for the regulation and dependency relationships in cell cycles; give an account of the control of DNA replication in cells; give an account of the cell cycle controls that ensure ordered progress of the cell cycle; show how genetics and biochemistry have been used to elucidate the cell cycle; relate cell cycle principles to the causes of cancer; show how an understanding of the molecular biology of cell cycle controls is providing therapeutic insights into the treatment of cancer.
Content:
Topics: Methods for analysing growing cells and proliferating cell populations; batch culture; continuous culture; Escherichia coli cell cycle; cell cycle of yeasts; cell cycle of metazoan cells and cancer; specialised seminar topics presented by each participating member.
BIOL0058: Microbial genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0023
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an overview of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetic systems, to relate the genetics of microorganisms to their wider biological role, and give an indication of the diversity of genetic systems.
After taking this course the student should be able to: Compare critically methods of mapping genes in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes; understand the unity and diversity amongst bacterial plasmids; explain the mechanism and implications of transposition; provide a critical understanding of the molecular basis and types of recombination; provide an account of the development of bacteriophage lambda with an understanding of the regulation of promoters and the nature of a genetic switch; relate the possible evolutionary relationships between different replicating genetic elements.
Content:
Topics: Advanced Mendelian genetics; recombination and repair; mitotic analysis; extranuclear genetics of yeasts; genetics of bacterial plasmids; genetics and development of bacteriophage lambda; specialised seminar topics presented by each participating member.
BIOL0059: Insect-microbe interactions
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0029
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide insight into the nature of symbioses between insects and their microbial flora; from commensal through parasitic to mutualistic association. In particular to provide an understanding of the nature of diseases in insects caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses; mechanisms of pathogenesis, virulence and host specificity. To explore the basis of immunity and insect defence against microbial pathogens.
Content:
Concepts of symbiosis; Ice nucleating agents and insect cold hardiness; Mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis - host recognition, host invasion, role of fungal toxins; host specificity of fungal pathogens; Entomopathogenic bacteria; Endotoxins from Bacillus thuringiensis, B. sphaericus; Entomopathogenic viruses - overview, baculoviruses, poly-DNA viruses, host immune systems, gut barrier and cuticle, cellular defence, humoral defence, immune proteins, comparison with vertebrate systems; Mutualism- exogenous symbionts, cellulose digestion, intracellular mutualists.
BIOL0060: Neurobiology (a) - Systems
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0028
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a detailed understandin of selected examples of integrated neurobiology in various physiological contexts.
Content:
12 lectures on neural systems, including memory and LTP, vision, pain perception and language.
BIOL0061: Advanced endocrinology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The aim of the course is to study aspects of endocrinology in depth, consolidating some topics which were introduced in the second year, and introducing some new topics. After taking this course, the student should be able to: Understand the techniques involved in hormone research; interpret research literature in endocrinology.
Content:
Techniques used in studying endocrinology; the neuroendocrine-pituitary axis and the neuroendocrinology of stress; the behavioural effects of hormones, including the regulation of appetite and sexual activity; the role of the pineal gland and its hormone melatonin; hormone therapy and medical endocrine problems; the biosynthesis of hormones from large precursors. Folders with relevant papers are placed in the library as required reading.
BIOL0062: Fungi & people
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES15 OR5
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To achieve understanding of the many ways in which fungi are of direct importance to people; how beneficial fungal activities or effects can be exploited or enhanced and how detrimental fungal activities or effects can be remedied or avoided.
After taking the course, the student should be able to:
categorize and describe the ways in which fungi are of practical importance to [people; identify the constraints which currently limit our ability to control and make use of fungi; identify the opportunities which are available for the practical exploitation of fungi.
Content:
Fungal diseases of people and animals; mycotoxins and mycotoxicoses; cultivation of edible and industrially or medically important fungi; ethnomycology; biodeterioration and biodegradation; fungi and pollution; future uses of fungi.
BIOL0063: Microbial physiology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0033
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce principles of microbial pathogenicity, with particular regard to the roles of the cell envelope and bacterial toxins. To give a sound understanding of the physiological and biochemical processes involved.
Content:
Introduction to microbial pathogenicity; iron transport and the bacterial cell membrane; the mechanisms of cell adhesion; bacterial biofilms: their nature, formation and involvement in health problems; introduction to toxins and their role in disease; structural [properties and detection of toxins; cell envelope structural components and their role in vaccine development; AIDS.
BIOL0064: Plant-microorganism interactions
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0032
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an understanding of the processes involved in infection and colonization of plants by parasitic microorganisms which lead to disease. To detail the chemical signals exchanged between the two species as key components of recognition events. To reveal the potential range of defences of plants: constitutive, induced non-specifically by damage, or specifically by pathogens.
After taking this course, the student should be able to:
Understand the biochemical and physical factors which determine the outcome of interactions between microorganisms and plants; appreciate how pathogens can avoid, negate or suppress host defences; recognize different pathogenic strategies for obtaining nutrients from plant hosts; appreciate alternative strategies for control of plant diseases.
Content:
Constitutive resistance based on existing structural barriers such as cuticle, secondary cell walls and on antimicrobial chemicals such as saponins and phenolics; detoxifying enzymes; toxin binding sites. Induced resistance comprising formation of physical barriers such as new or altered cell walls, vascular occlusions, de novo synthesis of phytoalexins. Triggering of defence by stress responses, microbial elicitors or a recognition event. Infection structures of pathogenic fungi. Pathogenicity determinants including depolymerases, toxins, polysaccarides, siderophores, detoxifying enzymes; their structure, modes of action and role. Contrasting strategies of obligate biotrophs and facultative necrotrophs.
BIOL0066: Bacterial ecophysiology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0033
Aims & learning objectives:
To introduce the concept of ecophysiology as an interface of physiology with ecology and to examine in detail the physiological properties of certain types of bacteria, having regard to their habitat and/or mode of life.
Content:
Introduction to nitrogen fixation; oxygen relations of nitrogenase, with emphasis on protection strategies in cyanobacteria; symbiotic nitrogen-fixing associations; a) cyanobacterial, b) rhizobial; bacterial movement (flagellar, gliding), tactic responses; buoyancy regulation, gas vesicle physiology; adhesion to surfaces, biofilms and their control; responses to low nutrient levels, ultramicrobacteria; prosthecate bacteria; bacterial life in extreme conditions (temperature, pH, hydrostatic pressure, low water availability).
BIOL0067: Genes & development 2
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035
Aims & learning objectives:
This is an advanced course in developmental biology that will communicate the excitement of recent research advances.
Content:
This course builds on BIOL0035 to give a comprehensive grounding in developmental biology. The vertebrate development lectures will cover HOX genes, somitogenesis, myogenesis, neural development, epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, limb development and regeneration, and developmental defects. Invertebrate model organisms are increasingly being used for molecular genetic analysis of genetic systems important in human medicine. We shall introduce the important model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, and extend the analysis of Drosophila development to include the mechanisms of segmentation and the patterning of the imaginal discs.
BIOL0069: Plant development & exploitation
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a molecular genetic description of the main developmental pathways operating within the higher plant life cycle, and illustrate how the biotechnology industry is modifying plant development for crop improvement.
Content:
The course is in two parts. The first part considers the molecular genetics of plant development and covers the basics - growth and differentiation; embryogenesis; life cycle and life styles; flower development; paradigm of combinatorial control; gerontocracy - cell fate specification in the root; the nature of developmental signals - Fucus embryogenesis. The second part of the course covers manipulating plant development in Biotechnology; fertility control; tomato fruit ripening; flower colour and shade avoidance. plants.
BIOL0070: Plant biotechnology & the environment
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To define 'Plant Biotechnology' and describe the categories included within the definition and their applications. By the end of this course the student should have gained: A general understanding of the various categories of plant biotechnology; an understanding of the direct and indirect effects of plant biotechnology on the environment in terms of socio-economic costs and benefits; an appreciation of policy and institutional issues related to the exploitation of plant biotechnology by both the public and private sectors in a democratic society.
Content:
The definition of 'Plant Biotechnology', the categories included within the definition and their applications. The link: population + consumption level + (bio) technology = environmental impact. World, regional and national trends in population size and food consumption levels and their implications for agricultural and natural ecosystems. The contribution of plant biotechnology to agricultural systems and their environmental implications. Ex situ and in situ biodiversity conservation strategies and the impact of biotechnology. Risk analysis and the release of genetically manipulated organisms into the environment. Public and private sector research, ownership of biological resources and intellectual property rights. Control of biotechnology R & D and implementation: priority setting; public participation; policies and institutions; developed and developing countries. The Cassava Biotechnology Network as an example of control and implementation of plant biotechnology.
BIOL0071: Topics in environmental plant virology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0034
Aims & learning objectives:
To explore the relationship between viruses, plants (including fungi) and people through the appreciation of plant viruses as pathogenic entities that move and survive, at the molecular level, within cellular environments, and at the whole plant level, within and between natural and crop environments. The student should gain an understanding of the biology of plant viruses and their impact on plants and people.
Content:
The nature of plant viruses. Viruses within the cellular environment; virus movement and distribution in plants; viruses in seed and pollen; secondary compounds in virus-infected plants; antiviral compounds; viruses and dsRNA in fungi; Viruses within crop and natural environments: symptom expression; emerging crop virus disease problems (especially in developing countries); virus vector transmission mechanisms, especially nematodes, aphids and fungi; the origins and epidemiology of plant viruses; viruses as pathogens of fungi
BIOL0072: Biology as a world view
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
How science views the world, what aspects of the world it considers worth investigating and how it conducts its investigations reflect and shape culture. This unit will examine these issues, focusing on modern biology and its predecessors. Particular attention will be given to the philosophical and social implication of the biological worldview, and the extent to which this worldview reflects reality.
Content:
The origin of the Western worldview and its subsequent development in ancient Greece and mediaeval Europe. The influence of the scientific revolution and of the Enlightenment on the development of the scientific worldview. Issues covered include: how science is possible; how science identifies areas for study; the scientific approach; the role and implications of classification; prehistory and history of theories of the initiation and development of individuals; the role of inductive and deductive reasoning in fashioning the worldview. The unit will conclude with an investigation into the mind-body problem and its implications for science.
BIOL0073: The evolution of genetic systems
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040, Pre BIOL0039
Aims & learning objectives:
To apply classical evolutionary genetics to understand the organization of genetic systems.
Content:
The course will discuss issues such as:
Can we use Darwinian thinking to understand why there are only two sexes, why organisms have sex and the forms of meiosis they employ? At a more detailed level the course seeks to ask whether natural selection shapes genomes: does it determine genome size, mutation rate, the number of chromosomes, the number of copies of certain genes, where on a chromosome a gene resides, which others it is linked to. Students must have A-level Mathematics to undertake this unit.
BIOL0074: The evolution of social behaviour
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX80 ES20
Requisites: Pre BIOL0040
Aims & learning objectives:
To discuss in detail the principles of the evolution of social behaviour. To provide a good understanding of theoretical issues and principles of experimentation and analysis.
Content:
This course debates the hottest topics in the evolution of social behaviour in animals including Homo sapiens. These topics include kin selection, inclusive fitness theory, sexual selection, kin recognition, altruism, genetic determinism, the evolution of co-operation and conflict, selfishness and spite and human sociobiology. This is a course based largely on seminars presented by students on the basis of their reading of primary publications, reviews and text book examples.
BIOL0075: Professional training placement 1
Semester 1
Credits: 30
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The placement period aims to provide experience of the application of Biological Science in the world.
By the end of the placement year, the student should be able: To take individual responsibility for a piece of work within an agreed programme; To organise a personal work schedule, including setting of targets and objectives; To carry out practical work accurately and to appropriate specifications; To take the necessary steps to learn a new technique; To analyse, interpret and report scientific information; To produce a substantial report on the institution and on the personal work programme undertaken.
Content:
The placement period consists of 6 months, undertaken in an establishment, in the UK or abroad. The establishments include government-funded research institutes, commercial research establishments, public health laboratories, agricultural, food science and educational establishments. The majority of placements involve laboratory and/or field experimentation. A small number involve administrative and/or journalistic activities.
BIOL0076: Research project
Semester 1
Credits: 18
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: RP100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation in biochemistry at the level of advanced research. After taking this course the students should be able to undertake research at the advanced level, interpret the results and report the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment. Investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data. Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form of a written report.
BIOL0076: Research project
Semester 2
Credits: 18
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: RP100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To develop skills in planning and undertaking a scientific investigation in biochemistry at the level of advanced research. After taking this course the students should be able to undertake research at the advanced level, interpret the results and report the outcome.
Content:
All stages are undertaken under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The planning stage involves defining the problem and devising an appropriate strategy to investigate it within constraints of time and resources. Risk assessment. Investigation stage involves the acquisition of (usually) quantitative data. Experimental design. Carrying out quantitative techniques, evaluating sources of error. The analysis and interpretation stage involves the use of appropriate statistical techniques and the evaluation of results in relation to published work. The final phase is to communicate the outcome of the project in the form of a written report.
BIOL0077: Molecular evolution
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
This course has been designed to draw on the wealth of biochemical and molecular biological information that the students have accumulated over the previous years of their course. The revolution in molecular biology has created an enormous data base of sequences and correlations between protein structure and function; to appreciate and analyse this, it is essential to understand the principles of molecular evolution. This course aims to provide that understanding.
Content:
Topics: Evolution - what is it and why study it? Chemical evolution and the origin of life. The RNA world. Genome evolution. Evolution of proteins: gene duplication, mutation and divergence, adaptation and selection. Construction of pylogenetic trees.
Natural Science students MUST take BIOL0049 at the same time as this unit.
BIOL0078: Biotechnology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles and practice of advanced Biotechnology as described by industrial speakers. After taking this course the students should be able to: Give an account of how Biochemistry relates to Biotechnology in animal cell culture; Describe the commercial use of extremophiles; Understand therapeutic use of biopharmaceuticals; Describe approaches to vaccine development and account for the world wide implications of Biotechnology.
Content:
Animal cell culture, extremophiles, biopharmaceutical production, vaccine development, clinical diagnostics, biosensors, viral products, computer aided drug design.
BIOL0079: Clinical biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0006
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of biochemistry as applied to medicine. After taking this course the students should be able to: understand the molecular biology and appreciate the medical significance of various congenital and other defects in humans: give an account of the biochemical aspects of cystic fibrosis; abnormalities of post absorptive blood sugar, glycogen storage diseases, plasma lipids.
Content:
Topics: ion channels, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
BIOL0080: Pathogenesis
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the molecular details of pathogenesis by a variety of microbes and to identify targets for drug therapy. After taking this course students should be able to: understand common mechanisms used viruses, bacteria and parasites to attach/invade mammalian cells' connect the characterisation of diseases with the molecular mechanism of infection; understand potential targets for intervention and drug treatment.
Content:
Molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in: influenza viruses, retroviruses, hepatitis, malaria, trypanasomiosis, leishmania, cholera, a range of disease causing bacteria. Mechanisms of host cell attachment, invasion, replication, infection. Methods of therapy and targets for drug design.
BIOL0081: Biochemical ethics
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the ethical issues that arise from advances in the life sciences. After taking this course the student should be able to: Give quantitative interpretation of advanced techniques which are ethical concern; Provide balanced argument for a particular ethical stance.
Content:
Biochemical heretics, AIDS controversy, rights to genetic knowledge; embryo research, artificial chromosomes, gene therapy, genetic counselling scientific misconduct, cell transplants.
BIOL0082: Neurochemistry option
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX78 CW20 ES2
Requisites: Pre BIOL0044
Aims & learning objectives:
To gain an insight into current topics and controversies in the neurosciences,
* To acquire knowledge of neurological and psychiatric diseases, with reference to underlying neurochemical dysfunctions and potential therapies;
* To develop presentation and discussion skills.
Content:
Topics selected from: BASIC NEUROSCIENCE
* exocytosis and synaptic transmission
* molecular and cellular mechanisms in neuronal growth and development
* sensory systems (taste, olfaction, auditory mechanisms)
* sleep and dreaming
* cortical processing (vision, language) and consciousness
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
* Alzheimers disease
* Parkinsons disease
* Huntingdons chorea
* Epilepsy
* Multiple sclerosis
* Jacob Creutzfelt
* Stroke
* HIV dementia
* Depression
* Schizophrenia
* Anxiety / Panic
BIOL0083: Enzymes in biotechnology & medicine
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: ES100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To use enzymological information to explore biotechnology and medicine.
Content:
Enzyme engineering; electro-enzymology and biosensors; enzyme chaperones; enzymes in organic solvents; pepzymes; clinical enzymolgy; enzyme therapy; enzymes as target for drugs; catalytic antibodies.
BIOL0084: Cell biochemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW70 ES30
Requisites: Pre BIOL0019, Pre BIOL0024
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide experience in the preparation and presentation of seminars. To encourage students to think critically about the current state of knowledge of biochemical processes within eukaryotic cells.
After taking this course students should be able to : prepare and present a 40 minute seminar on an advanced area of cell biology; critically assess recent scientific literature; prepare a research proposal to address areas of ignorance.
Content:
Signalling molecules, signalling proteins, cell structure and organisation, cell compartmentalisation.
BIOL0085: Medical option
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0004
Aims & learning objectives:
Aims: To generate an understanding of the extent to which Biochemical knowledge influences current clinical practice and therapeutic approaches. After taking the course, the student should be able to: appreciate the increasing contribution of biochemical science to drug design and to the day to day activities in both hospital and general clinical practice. He/she should also have a knowledge of the areas of biochemical research that are most relevant to clinical medicine.
Content:
A series of lectures/discussions will be led by invited clinicians from Regional Hospitals in the Bath and Bristol area. The specialists will discuss their clinical and related research areas and stress the extent of the foundation of their work on basic science. In a second aspect of the Option, students will prepare and present a 30 min talk on a particular area of clinical biochemistry, chosen, in general, from a list provided by the Option organiser. The talks will be followed by general discussion. Contributions of students to both their own talk and discussion of others will be assessed.
BIOL0086: Molecular immunology
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0004, Pre BIOL0024, Pre BIOL0046
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of particular aspects of Molecular immunology. After taking this course the student should be able to: Give qualitative interpretation and description of the human immune systems; show how this system breaks down to give various disease states; show how the immune system can be used in therapy.
Content:
Antigen processing and presentation, T cell receptors and receptor complexes, cell adhesion, self tolerance, allergic reactions, autoimmunity, antibody engineering, therapeutic antibodies, catalytic antibodies, cancer vaccines.
BIOL0087: Vaccines options
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand how recent advances in knowledge about the viral and microbial factors required for virulence and the immune response to infection are now leading to the development of new vaccines based on rational design.
Content:
Historical vaccines and eradication of smallpox and polio; diphtheria, tetanus and cholera vaccines; subunit vaccines against pertussis and meningococcal disease; malarial vaccines; possibilities synthetic peptides, chimeric antigens, vaccinia virus recombinants and anti-iodiotype antibodies as novel vaccines; mode of action and different types of adjuvants i.e. depots, emulsions, cell-wall components and liposomes. Specialised seminars presented by invited speakers and participating students.
BIOL0091: Data interpretation in molecular & cell biology
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment: EX100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide experience of the interpretation of molecular and cellular biological data.
After taking this course the student should be able to:
Understand and interpret information on biological phenomena, using quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (text or image) sources. Make logical statements and reach sound conclusions from biological data. Be aware of the limits of interpretation and be capable of selecting suitable statistical tests. Be able to interpret the outcome of a statistical test on biological data.
Content:
The course comprises a series of assignments and problems which are undertaken by the students and then analysed and discussed in weekly workshops. Using examples which illustrate different types of molecular and cellular biological information, the course covers the interpretation of gels and autoradiographs as well as simple data sets, data transformation, graphical presentation, interpretation of trends. As far as possible, the examples are drawn from molecular and cellular biology.
BIOL0093: Practical microbial genetics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OR70 PR30
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide practical experience of the use of advanced microbial genetics techniques.
After taking this course the student should be able to: organise working in a pair on two mini-projects; plan their own time schedule; make their own materials in advance for the growth and selection of cells; convert written protocols into practically designed experiments; perform good aseptic technique; make comprehensive and accurate records of their work; critically evaluate their own microbial genetics data; understand the theoretical basis of the experiments they have performed; interpret their results in relation to expected outcomes.
Content:
Interrupted mating experiment in Escherichia coli; bacterial conjugation and transposition; resistance factor plasmid transfer; transduction with bacteriophage lambda; genetics of lactose operon; Luria and Delbruck fluctuation experiment with yeast mutants; gene expression following mating in E. coli.
BIOL0094: Professional training placement 2
Semester 2
Credits: 30
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
The placement period aims to provide experience of the application of Biological Science in the world. By the end of the placement year, the student should be able: To take individual responsibility for a piece of work within an agreed programme; To organise a personal work schedule, including setting of targets and objectives; To carry out practical work accurately and to appropriate specifications; To take the necessary steps to learn a new technique; To analyse, interpret and report scientific information; To produce a substantial report on the institution and on the personal work programme undertaken.
Content:
The placement period consists of 6 months, undertaken in an establishment, in the UK or abroad. The establishments include government-funded research institutes, commercial research establishments, public health laboratories, agricultural, food science and educational establishments. The majority of placements involve laboratory and/or field experimentation. A small number involve administrative and/or journalistic activities.
BIOL0095: Advanced presentations
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student experience in the presentation of scientific data to international standards. After taking this course the student should be able to present research communications to Biochemical Society Standards.
BIOL0095: Advanced presentations
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Undergraduate Masters
Assessment: CW100
Requisites:
Aims & learning objectives:
To give each student experience in the presentation of scientific data to international standards. After taking this course the student should be able to present research communications to Biochemical Society Standards.
BIOL0096: Biochemical problems [for MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0018, Ex BIOL0015
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0015.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0015.
This unit covers the content of BIOL0015 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.
BIOL0097: Protein purification [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0020, Ex BIOL0021
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0021.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0021. This unit covers the content of BIOL0021 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.
BIOL0098: Practical biochemistry [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Ex BIOL0022
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0022.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0022. This unit covers the content of BIOL0022 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.
BIOL0099: Cellular neurobiology [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Ex BIOL0028
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0028.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0028. This unit covers the content of BIOL0028 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.
BIOL0100: Genes & development practicals [for MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0035, Ex BIOL0036
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0036.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for BIOL0036. This unit covers the content of BIOL0036 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.
BIOL0101: Neurobiology (b) - development
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 3
Assessment:
Requisites: Pre BIOL0028
Aims and Learning Objectives: To provide a detailed understanding of selected examples of the origins of neural tissues and the mechanisms that control their development.
Content:
12 lecturs on neural development, including neuronal specification, survival and proliferation, and axon guidance to target tissues.
CHEY0007: General chemistry
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX65 PR25 CW10
Requisites: Co CHEY0008
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide a broad introduction to the principles governing chemical reactivity and to illustrate these with a range of examples. At the end of the course students should be able to analyse experimental data and classify reactions. To establish the need for theories which explain structure and bonding in compounds and how they can be used to rationalise reaction and structural chemistry.
Content:
Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics with a range of case-study examples to illustrate how the basic principles can be applied to real reactions. Chemical equilibria and coupled reactions. An introduction to atomic and molecular structure and bonding in compounds and how this is used to explain trends in structure and reactivity across the Periodic Table.
Students must have A-level Chemistry to undertake this unit.
CHEY0008: Introductory organic chemistry
Semester 1
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 1
Assessment: EX65 PR25 CW10
Requisites: Co CHEY0007, Ex CHEY0001, Ex CHEY0002, Ex CHEY0003, Ex CHEY0004, Ex CHEY0009, Ex CHEY0010, Ex CHEY0011, Ex CHEY0012
Aims & learning objectives:
To provide an introduction to the subject of organic chemistry as a basis for understanding molecular processes affecting other areas of sciences, with reference to the themes of structure and bonding, reactivity, mechanism and synthesis.
Content:
Structure and bonding: Lewis theory, formal charge; resonance; hybridization conformation, configuration, chirality. Reactivity: chemistry of functional groups including alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, thiols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, acyl halides, thioesters, amides, amines; aromatics.
Mechanism: energy profiles, heterolyis, homolysis, acidity, basicity, nucleophilicity, electrophilicity, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic substitution, elimination; nucleophilic addition/elimination, electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution, kinetic vs. thermodynamic control.
Students must have A-level Chemistry to undertake this unit.
MATH0108: Statistics
Semester 2
Credits: 6
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: EX50 CW50
Requisites: Pre BIOL0001, Pre BIOL0002, Ex MATH0127
Aims & learning objectives:
To understand the principles of statistics as applied to Biological problems. After the course students should be able to: Give quantitative interpretation of Biological data.
Content:
Topics: Random variation, frequency distributions, graphical techniques, measures of average and variability. Discrete probability models - binomial, poisson. Continuous probability model - normal distribution. Poisson and normal approximations to binomial sampling theory. Estimation, confidence intervals. Chi-squared tests for goodness of fit and contingency tables. One sample and two sample tests. Paired comparisons. Confidence interval and tests for proportions. Least squares straight line. Prediction. Correlation
MATH0127: Statistics [For MBiochemistry students]
Semester 2
Credits: 3
Contact:
Topic:
Level: Level 2
Assessment: OT100
Requisites: Pre BIOL0001, Pre BIOL0002, Ex MATH0108
Aims & learning objectives:
Please see the catalogue entry for MATH0108.
Content:
Please see the catalogue entry for MATH0108. This unit covers the content of MATH0108 for the first few weeks of semester 2 before students leave to take up their placement.