Advances in molecular medicine (SL50168)

Credits: 20 (equivalent to 40 CATS credits)

This unit is aimed at synthesising and advancing our knowledge of how molecular, cellular and genetic/ epigenetic processes regulate human health and disease. Topics will include:

• Molecular genetics/epigenetics of cancer, diabetes, stem cell reprogramming, medical neuroscience, immunology and epidemiology of infections.
• Molecular approaches used to develop interventions (genomics for vaccine and chemotherapeutic target identification, Next Generation Sequencing, epidemiology and prediction, regenerative medicine, personalised medicine).

Broadening Horizons (SL50170)

Credits: 10 (equivalent to 20 CATS credits)

The unit advances biosciences as integral to addressing the challenges of global environmental sustainability, and allows you to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future. In this unit, you will learn about global citizenship and environmental stewardship in the context of biosciences and its impact on your future professional and personal lives; engaging in real-world activities relating to environmental sustainability based on your own interests and aptitude; and cultivating a future-facing outlook, learning to think about social justice, ethics and wellbeing, and how these relate to ecological and economic impact of actions.

You'll also develop employability skills for the global workplace such as:

• A creative and analytical approach to tackling sustainability issues
• Agility in complex problem-solving
• Managing projects, setting goals and implementing tasks effectively as part of a team
• Deploying a range of effective communication tools

Research Project 1 (SL50187)

Credits: 15 (equivalent to 30 CATS credits)

The aim of this unit is to provide students the opportunity to learn and apply cutting-edge molecular biological techniques, such as CRISPR-cas9 / homologous recombination, to address novel research questions. A laboratory-based research unit which provides the foundation for conducting molecular bioscience research using a range of molecular biological techniques (such as including CRISPR, homologous recombination, nucleic acid manipulation, cloning, bacterial and fungal transformation).

Research Project 2 (SL50189)

Credits: 30 (equivalent to 60 CATS credits)

A research project carried out over 17-20 weeks which provides you the opportunity to plan, execute and report a scientific investigation in the format of a research paper. In this unit, you'll build on the skills gained in Research Project 1a and apply these to address a question or problem. You'll conduct an extensive review of related research work, choosing appropriate methods and approaches, leading to the implementation of the chosen solution, its testing and evaluation. You'll then write a report in the style of a research paper, synthesising an analytical approach to solving or investigating a substantial biological question or problem.

Cancer Genetics and Therapy (SL50171)

Credits: 15 (equivalent to 30 CATS credits)

The unit aims to provide students knowledge of contemporary cancer research and the challenges and opportunities in developing treatments for cancer. Topics include the genetic hallmarks of cancer development including oncogenesis (oncogenes/tumour suppressor genes/viral oncogenesis), angiogenesis, metastasis, metabolic reprogramming, cancer stem cell niches. This will be followed by exploration of the latest research in treatments for cancer, including conventional (radio/chemotherapy) and rationalised treatments, such as immunotherapies etc.

Tissue Engineering (SL50205)

Credits: 15 (equivalent to 30 CATS credits)

The unit aims to provide students with knowledge of current research in tissue engineering and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in developing strategies for tissue repair and replacement. Topics will include cell therapy and applications in bioengineering, biomaterial design, decellularisation and bioprinting, bioartificial organs, tissue engineering in clinical practice, methods of analysis for tissue engineering, ethics and good manufacturing practice in biotechnology. This will be followed by exploration of the latest research in tissue engineering strategies for tissue repair, replacement and regeneration.