BSc (Hons) Biology with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Keele University

This module introduces you to the vast diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals and takes a comparative approach to the study of their structure and function. This forms the underpinning knowledge of animal biology that later modules in your degree build upon. Data presentation and analysis and group working are vital employability skills developed on the module as you link practical work undertaken in the lab and field to theory content.

The module will introduce you to the major physiological systems and anatomical structures of the human organism, including the digestive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems. You will also explore how different pathologies can develop as a result of dysfunction in these systems and their impact. Through group-based activities you will produce content on select module topics, developing key skills in teamwork and leadership, and in communicating to different audiences.

Embarking on the study of biology from a genes to ecosystems level requires knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in biology. From the structure and function of biological macromolecules, cellular organisation and division, foundations of genetics to evolutionary theory and the organisation of life. This module gives you the underpinning knowledge and skills you'll need as you start your exciting journey into the biological world. You will develop scientific report writing skills a

Commence an exhilarating journey into ecology, delving into organisms' habitats, interactions, and environmental dynamics. Learning about plants and organisms will give you an insight into the world around you. This foundational module introduces key ecological concepts, laying the groundwork for advanced studies in your degree programme. Engage in immersive fieldwork, enriching lectures, and hands-on workshops to deepen your understanding of the natural environment. Enhance your writing, fieldw

In this module you will develop a range of core practical laboratory skills, applying theoretical concepts from across your programme and deepening your understanding of the subject through hypothesis-driven practical investigation. Additional workshops support your development of wider academic skills, including effective study practice, data analysis and communication. Aspirational career talks from invited speakers, including former graduates, and further employability skills workshops will s

The safe and ethical study of biology in the field is a vital skill in much of the biosciences and essential for those seeking a career in ecology and conservation. This module takes you on a summer field course, part of which uses Keele's wonderful campus, to study in a range of terrestrial and marine aquatic habitats. In addition to developing vital surveying and species identification skills in groups, you will also collaborate on a field biology hypothesis-driven project, which is excellent

Here you will study the biology of bacteria, viruses and parasites, considering a range of pathogenic organisms and the diseases they cause. You will explore approaches to treatment and management of disease, ranging from development of novel antimicrobials to vaccination strategies, and the use of select viruses and microorganisms as research tools. Key skills in literature analysis and communicating to different audiences will be developed through the produce content on a select module topic.

In this module, you will explore how we can study and manipulate genetic material, from sequencing technologies to gene cloning and genetic engineering. You will learn how these techniques can be used to study the structure and function of single genes and proteins, design and engineer DNA molecules and produce novel gene products such as therapeutics. Through tutorials and workshops, you will develop skills in introductory bioinformatic tools, whilst also considering some important ethical prin

This module brings together skills of experimental design and data analysis which are a vital step in the process of scientific research. In this module you will explore the different forms of scientific experimental design that you may encounter in your final year experimental projects. The data analysis skills you will hone will be essential in your final year and onwards into postgraduate study or employment in a data-driven world.

A broad range of biological challenges facing society today will be featured in a series of expert talks. Advantages and disadvantages of science-based solutions will be considered. After each of these, you will discuss what you have heard with your peers in debate seminars. You will summarise and then synthesise topics of your choice. Skills in critical thinking, information processing and public speaking and will be developed and awareness of science in society increased.

Explore the pressing question of a potential sixth mass extinction, where you will learn all about human impacts on our environment. Uncover the essence of biodiversity and its measurement, examining global threats to biodiversity through compelling case studies. Navigate endangered organisms and habitats deeply through in-depth analyses. Gain key employability skills, including data analysis using the IUCN Red List database and participation in journal clubs fostering communication, leadership,

This module will expand your practical skills through enquiry-based, hypothesis-driven laboratory investigations applying key skills and competencies to more advanced molecular and analytical techniques. Through additional workshops, you will develop higher-level skills in the acquisition and analysis of information from online sources, including journal databases and generative AI. Further sessions will also support you in evaluating your career readiness with employability skills-focused works

In this module we will delve into the study of animal behaviour. Through lectures, field trips, and labs you'll learn how animals behave in different environments, from zoos to wild settings and why they behave the way they do. This module will teach you how to ask questions about animal behaviour, formulate hypotheses, then test them by observing and analysing animal behaviour whilst using rigorous research methods. By module end, you'll possess vital research skills applicable to diverse anima

In this module, you will look at some of the applications of key genetic concepts at the level of the individual and the population. Focusing mainly on medical genetics, you'll learn how a person's genetic make-up can affect their health and how to estimate genetic risk and explore some of the applications of molecular genetics in the study of, diagnosis of and treatment of genetic diseases. You will develop group working and communication skills as your progress through the teaching and learnin

Advances in molecular biology, analysis and sharing of genomic data have important applications in the plant, ecological and conservation sciences. You will study how genetic and genomic tools, both in the lab and at the desktop, are being used to enhance our understanding