MSci (Hons) Biology Integrated Master's degree at Lancaster University

We introduce some of the key concepts in evolution, focusing on natural selection, sexual selection, coevolution, biodiversity, adaptation and phylogenies. You will learn about natural selection as the primary mechanism of adaptation, shaping species through differential survival and reproduction and you will explore sexual selection, emphasising how mate choice and competition influence animal characteristics and behaviour. Additionally, the module introduces phylogenies, the study of evolutionary trees, which help trace the evolutionary history of species. This will develop your understanding of the diversity and interconnectedness of life on Earth, to provide a solid foundation for future

Explore the fascinating world of genetics and biotechnology, from the fundamentals of inheritance to cutting-edge genomics. You’ll examine Mendelian genetics and the molecular basis of inheritance through learning how DNA is replicated and how genes are transcribed and translated. You’ll examine the human genome, genome sequencing and be introduced to the role of bioinformatics in understanding genetic data. You’ll also discover how DNA damage can lead to genetic mutations that can in turn lead to heritable and non-heritable diseases and explore genetic testing techniques used today. The module also introduces other key molecular biotechnologies, including microbial, plant and animal technol

This module introduces you to the essential skills required to support your studies in the biosciences. You will learn how to design and undertake safe, ethical, hypothesis-driven experiments, and gain hands-on experience of essential laboratory skills and equipment. This is complemented with training in carrying out scientific calculations and the use of computational tools to effectively analyse and present diverse types of data. Finally, this module prepares you to communicate your research to a scientific audience through effective presentation of results and developing a scientific writing style that summarises and critically evaluates your results in the context of current scientific l

Cells are the basic building blocks of life. In this module you will be introduced to how cells use biological molecules to perform specific functions. All cellular life, from single celled bacteria and yeast to complex multicellular organisms, including plants and humans, synthesise simple organic molecules such as sugars, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. You will learn how organisms are able to synthesise these molecules to build complex biomolecules to store energy and genetic information. In addition, you will gain knowledge about the function of specific cell types, and intracellular organelles that perform essential processes within cells. You will learn how cells use defined pr

Conservation of biodiversity is crucial in a rapidly changing world. This module explores how biodiversity is generated, maintained and distributed across the planet, providing a foundation in biodiversity patterns and processes. You'll examine ecological and evolutionary drivers of biodiversity, from speciation and extinction to ecosystem dynamics. In the ‘threats and responses’ part, you’ll assess human-induced pressures such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution and overexploitation, alongside species’ ecological and evolutionary adaptations to these challenges. Finally, the solution section explores conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, species management, sustaina

Collecting, analysing and communicating biological data are core skills you'll need as an ecologist or biologist. In this module, you'll explore research questions about UK ecosystems while learning the essentials of study design, field data collection, data wrangling, statistical analysis and clear communication, both through data visualisations and written reports. You'll gain hands-on experience with ecological fieldwork during a residential field course in the UK, where you'll apply these methods directly. Throughout the module, you'll focus on best data science practices and develop open, reproducible and robust analyses.

Pharmacology is a cornerstone of modern medicine. It provides the basis for the discovery, development, and use of drugs for the management and treatment of human health and disease. In this module you will learn about the key concepts and principles that underpin the science of pharmacology. We will consider how drugs interact with targets in the body, to cause their physiological effects, and how our bodies interact with these drugs. We will also explore how these are impacted by factors like age, sex, and ethnicity. We’ll then explore drug discovery and development, including the stages involved in taking a new drug from initial concept through to clinical use. Finally, we’ll consider the

This module will introduce you to the incredible world of microbiology. You’ll learn how some microbes are harmful, but others have important roles in the environment, in our bodies and are even exploited in the food industry. Through hands-on practical sessions and workshops, you’ll learn how to identify microbes and understand the dynamics of microbial growth. You will also learn about how the human host responds to exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. We will explore the intricate relationship between pathogens and human health and explore how pathogens cause disease. The biology of infecting organisms and the host’s immune response will both be examined as these are vital components in

In this module you’ll explore the molecular principles that govern cellular function and metabolism. You’ll study the structure and function of key biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, with an emphasis on their roles in metabolic pathways and other essential cellular mechanisms. Topics include enzyme kinetics, metabolic regulation, and the biochemical basis of energy transfer within the cell. The module will provide you with the molecular underpinnings of human health and highlight how disruptions in biochemical pathways contribute to disease development. Laboratory sessions will let you gain a more in-depth and practical understanding of the topics covered. By the end o

Scientists need to understand scientific method, design robust experiments, collect data unbiasedly, use appropriate statistical methods and present research in a clear and concise format suitable to a relevant audience. They also need to be flexible to adjust research plans as needed, a quality that will make you resilient and resourceful in the face of challenges. In this research skills module, you will work in groups to design and deliver a research project from start to end. Activities include appraising information critically and establishing a working hypothesis or prediction, developing a robust experimental design, performing experiments and collecting data, carrying out statistical

In this module you’ll explore the intricate processes through which cells respond to environmental and developmental signals. You’ll study the cellular signalling pathways, gene expression regulation, and the molecular mechanisms that guide processes such as growth, differentiation, migration, and survival. The contribution of stem cells to these processes and how tightly regulated mechanisms shape tissues and organs will also be examined. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the dynamic interplay between cells and their surroundings, and how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to developmental disorders and disease.

This module takes you through the process of drug development - from initial discovery to market. We'll cover target identification and validation followed by hit identification and lead discovery. You’ll learn about different approaches for finding new drugs: from high throughput screening of compound libraries to focused screens, virtual screens and structure-based drug design. You’ll gain insight into challenges in assessing the efficacy and safety of new drugs, including the testing strategies and legal requirements involved. We will explore how preclinical models are used to test pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and how this helps determine factors like drug formulation an

Explore the scientific foundations of conservation biology and ecosystem ecology by examining how species, communities and environments interact. You'll develop an understanding of the significant threats to global biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and overexploitation and learn the ecological reasons why conservation is vital. Through a mix of theory, real-world case studies and practical work, you'll learn how to quantify biodiversity, assess population sizes and threats and apply conservation strategies at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Key topics include ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity, conservation prioritisation and designing pr

Graduates looking for employment as field biologists or ecologists need to have gained skills in basic field biology, including identification of different kinds or organisms and experience of commonly used field survey techniques. The module will focus on building identification skills and the use of identification keys on several groups of organisms including plants and animals. Experience of sampling methods for these taxonomic groups will also be developed, as well as familiarity with basic habitat survey techniques. During this module there will be excursions to natural habitats in local reserves.

Evolution is the fundamental concept in biology and an understanding of its processes and effects are important for biologists in all disciplines. Discover how animals and plants are shaped by the environments they live in and the species they interact with, whether predators, parasites, competitors, or their own kin. You’ll explore how natural and sexual selection influence individual traits and behaviour and how these adaptations ripple out to affect entire populations. Blending key theoretical concepts with real-world examples from cutting-edge research, this module gives you insight into the evolutionary forces that drive biodiversity and behaviour across ecosystems.

In this module you'll gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the nervous system. You will learn how the diverse cell types of the nervous system work together to allow it to perform its various complex functions. We will cover aspects from the microscopic scale, such as the molecular inner workings of single neurons and synapses, up to the large-scale complexity of how brain areas work together to process information and produce behaviour. How these processes are impacted in a variety of neurological disorders will also be considered. You will also gain new insight into the range of experimental approaches and techniques that have been used to reveal fundamental aspec

In this module you will develop your understanding of the key stages in the life cycle of proteins, from their synthesis to their breakdown. You will explore amino acid biosynthesis, protein translation by ribosomes, the intracellular trafficking of proteins, and the post-translational modifications that influence protein function. Protein degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin-proteasome system, will be considered. The importance of regulation of protein homeostasis in health and disease will also be discussed. The module will integrate experimental approaches and techniques used to study proteins and provide you with new insights into their applications.

This module explores the positive and negative roles of microbes with regards to human health. You will learn how our indigenous microbes help with numerous physiological functions, protect us from invasion by pathogens and how they are tolerated by our immune system. We will take a detailed look at the pathogenic mechanisms of a range of microbes and what makes some more virulent than others. You will learn about our natural defence, the innate and adaptive immune system and how its various components (organs, cells, and messengers) collectively function to fight off infections. We will also examine human interventions to control infections, i.e., prevention (e.g. disinfectants, vaccination

In this module you will gain a deep understanding of the molecular processes that underpin the normal function of genes and genomes, with a focus on eukaryotes, and how these processes can become disrupted in disease. We'll discuss DNA replication and the importance of faithful transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. We will also consider the molecular mechanisms used by cells to ensure the information encoded in the genome is transcribed and translated appropriately to produce proteins. You'll gain insight into the crucial role epigenetics plays in genome function through its regulation of gene expression and learn about how mutations arise in genomes and their

This module will equip you with an in-depth understanding of critical concepts in the science of pharmacology through exploration of real-world examples. You will gain deeper insight into how pharmacodynamic parameters determine how drugs are administered and their effects on the body. In addition to looking at how drugs affect the body, we'll also discuss how the body affects drugs - exploring in detail the pharmacokinetic parameters of absorption, distribution metabolism and excretion (ADME). You'll learn how drug formulation and delivery route can alter ADME characteristics, enabling a drug's effects to be fine-tuned to achieve the required clinical outcome. We will cover adverse effects

Life on earth is fuelled through plants, algae and other organisms using solar energy to fix carbon into organic compounds. The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, which originated in cyanobacteria, marked a turning point in the path of life on Earth. Its adoption through symbiosis in algae and its impact through oxygenation of the atmosphere, enabled the emergence and evolution of multicellular life, including macroalgae and land plants. Building on core ideas from ecology and biology, you will explore the diversity of photosynthetic organisms and their interactions with the environment, with an emphasis on land plants. Topics include insights from the fossil record, functional diversity

Vertebrates (including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) display a staggering diversity of shapes and sizes, and are adapted to a wide array of environments, from hot deserts to freezing oceans. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the broad range of forms and functions, putting physiological and behavioural processes firmly within a whole organism and evolutionary context. You will be able to apply your general knowledge of vertebrate biology to species-specific examples: comparing and contrasting different groups and their adaptations; and critically evaluating hypotheses to explain vertebrate diversity. You will learn through critical discussion, data analysis and in

The research project provides you with first-hand experience of research and the opportunity to be immersed in an area of work of current interest in biomedical and life sciences. Your research project is underpinned by training in research methods to support you in planning, conducting, and reporting on an open-ended investigation. Throughout your project, you’ll receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff with expertise in your specific area of study. Projects cover a wide variety of topics and may be carried out in a variety of ways. They involve a significant amount of original work and analysis, so you gain experience in a range of skills, including experimental design an

This module will provide an in-depth exploration of novel pharmacological approaches that are revolutionising the treatment of many conditions. You will be introduced to new concepts in the design and use of small molecules to treat disease. For example, we will look at how PROTACs and molecular glues can be used to degrade target proteins rather than inhibit them. We will also discuss recently emerging therapeutic avenues such as biologics, nanotechnology, cell and gene therapy, immunological therapies, and other medicine modalities. You'll understand how these approaches work and the benefits they offer in treating and preventing disease.

In this module you will learn how brain circuits are set up and how they work to process information and produce behaviour. This module will give you a deep and broad understanding of nervous system function, from the mechanisms involved in the development of the nervous system, to how it is set up to process sensory information. You will learn about the neural control of complex behaviours, learning and memory and higher order cognitive processes. You’ll also learn about the valuable role that experiments conducted in a diverse range of model organisms has played in elucidating the developmental pathways, molecular mechanisms and neural circuits underlying behaviours. Practical exercises wi

Animal behaviour has been captivating scientists for centuries and it remains a key subject in ecology, evolution and conservation. Explore how and why animals behave in the way that they do by applying an evolutionary framework to investigate the costs and benefits to the individuals involved. You will learn about the very latest research on animals of all kinds, introducing you to amazing behaviours that at first seem puzzling to understand, but also challenging you to think differently about well-known examples. Topics include reproduction, sociality and communication and how the study of non-human animals helps us to understand behaviour in our own species. You will develop skills in cri

Bioinformatics is a technical field that uses software applications to analyse many kinds of information relevant to biochemistry and other branches of biology. These include databases of biological sequences, structures, networks, and functional annotations. In this module you’ll learn how to apply various important software tools to investigate a protein. Specifically, you will learn how to visualise and manipulate protein structures, how to detect evolutionary pressures in gene sequences and how to track their history using phylogenetics. The scientific computing skills you will acquire are also a valuable transferrable skill for other disciplines.

Ageing is perhaps the most multidisciplinary area of study and certainly one of the remaining great mysteries in biology. Although we have known for decades why we age, our understanding of the biological mechanisms of ageing remains incomplete. In this module you will learn about current evolutionary and mechanistic thinking on ageing. We will cover how the advent of modern molecular biology tools has empowered experimentalists to put theories to the test, unravelling context-specific and conserved mechanisms of ageing, to paint a complex, but hopeful picture of human ageing. You'll journey through the intricate, sometimes shocking, history of biogerontology, from early rate of living and m

This module will examine the fundamental genetic causes of cancer, before discovering how modern genomics is transforming our understanding and treatment of this disease. You’ll explore the genetic and environmental factors that drive cancer, including inherited predisposition syndromes and lifestyle risks. You’ll learn about cancer prevention strategies, screening techniques and diagnostic methods used in clinical practice. You will also explore the latest advances in cancer treatment, from targeted therapies to immunotherapy and the challenges of turning scientific discoveries into real-world treatments. You’ll engage with current research, gaining insights into the future of cancer care a

In this module you will examine the role of cell signalling in maintaining health and the results of its dysfunction in disease. You will cover key signalling pathways and second messenger systems and their roles in cellular communication. Emphasis is placed on experimental techniques used to study signalling pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets. Through case studies, research literature and experimental approaches you will develop a critical understanding of signalling mechanisms in both normal physiology and disease states.

Coral reefs are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and have inspired the development of some of the most far-reaching theories in ecology. These ecosystems are distributed throughout the tropics and often dominate shallow seas. They are important for billions of people worldwide yet are under increasing threat from climate change and direct disturbances. This module will provide you with a grounding in biology, ecology and evolution of hard corals and reef fishes, building on broad ecological principles from previous years. You will apply this understanding to evaluate threats and their potential solutions, developing critical knowledge on the most complex habitat in the oceans.

Advances in biomedicine raise complex ethical challenges that shape research, policy, and healthcare. In this module you will explore key ethical principles, examining how cultural, social, and political factors influence biomedical debates. This module will equip you with the critical thinking skills to navigate dilemmas across public health, genetics, regenerative medicine, and clinical trials. Through interactive seminars and workshops, you'll engage with real-world ethical controversies, enhancing your ability to assess biomedical advancements and their societal impact. Key topics include the development of ethical principles in biomedicine, ethical considerations in human and animal res

Whilst scientific advances have led to tremendous improvements in human health over the past century, significant challenges remain. These include, problems associated with an ageing population and an increase in non-communicable diseases, new and re-emerging infectious diseases, the impact of environmental factors and social determinants on health, as well as continued disparity in access to healthcare provision across different population groups. In this module you will study challenges of global significance that will provide you with a real-world perspective on human health and the multi-disciplinary and collaborative approaches required to tackle challenges on a national and internation

Conservation is as much about human behaviours and values as it is about species and biological diversity. As a field, conservation science has come to recognise the complex nature of environmental challenges, requiring a blend of knowledge from various disciplines. While the foundations of conservation are still in traditional biology, the incorporation of social sciences, economics and law are increasing. This module introduces you to the increasingly holistic approach to conservation, emphasising the interplay between ecological and social systems, that recognises human behaviours, economic pressures and cultural values alongside biological factors. The need for collaboration across diver

Based on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde, gain hands-on experience studying UK intertidal and subtidal ecosystems, focusing on ecological patterns, processes and field research techniques. You’ll explore rocky shores, sandy beaches and underwater habitats while investigating biodiversity, species interactions and the effects of environmental gradients. Activities will include ecological surveying, species identification, habitat mapping and experimental design. You’ll learn to analyse ecological data using statistical techniques and interpret marine community structure and function patterns. A major part of the module is an independent research project, giving you the chance to des

In this module you will deepen your knowledge of clinical genetics and immunology. The genetic bases for diseases will be covered, along with the role of the clinical geneticist, the variety of diagnostic approaches and the future of genetics in medicine. Examining immune function and immunopathologies, you'll consider clinical conditions such as autoimmunity, allergy and immunodeficiencies and how immunological techniques facilitate diagnosis and treatment. You will examine genetic and environmental causes of immune dysfunction and learn how this knowledge can be harnessed clinically in the context of transplantation and genetic disease.