BSc (Hons) Biology Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

This module introduces students to studying and working in the biosciences, with an emphasis on practical laboratory skills, scientific observations, and correct use of terminology. The handling of data including basic statistical analyses is also introduced, ensuring that the whole scientific process is covered from hypothesis formation to drawing conclusions backed by data which is interpreted without prejudice. Students will carry out microbiology experiments in the laboratory, of relevance to understanding biodiversity and evolution in practice. The module provides an introduction to microbiology, which is a sound basis for understanding cells, ecology, evolution, and macroscopic life wh

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

In this module, you will be introduced to a range of global issues for which graduates in the biosciences can play a role in solving. The module will also engage students early on in aspects of career planning, including activities designed to help you get the most out of your university experience and work towards becoming a highly employable graduate. Academic exercises focused on exploring and contextualising global issues are used to develop a range of transferrable skills and engage you in planning for your own professional development. You will be given opportunities to pursue topics that interest you and are required to work in small groups for some activities.

Assessment: Coursework

Ecology is the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. This module develops a basic understanding of the fundamental ideas and concepts that have been used to understand these interactions and the consequential distribution and abundance of species. The module will explore these aspects at different levels ranging from a focus on the individual up to full communities. The practical side of the module will introduce students to field techniques useful for both practical and scientific ecological investigations. The module will therefore form a sound basis of knowledge for studying ecological topics in the second and third

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module provides students with a range of underpinning knowledge that can support their learning and development in the programme. It takes a deep learning problem-solving approach to teach, practice and apply a range of sciences including maths, physics and chemistry to the biological sciences. Sessions will investigate a range of biological questions and explore how we can use other sciences to help us answer such questions. In doing so the module seeks to get away from the traditional approach of learning other sciences and then applying them to biology – but instead encourages learning the background science required to explore biological questions. It is envisaged that this biologic

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module introduces students to the range of biodiversity on the planet, including lower and higher plants, insects and spiders, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. In addition to covering the classification and biology of these groups, wider evolutionary topics will be covered. These will include co-evolution of plants and animals and the causes of extinction, as well as fundamental anatomical and physiological concepts. Students will learn about systematic processes, identification skills and some aspects of the biology and ecology of the animals and plants that they study. This module forms a useful base for other modules as well as providing fundamental knowledge and skills that a

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

The module aims to provide a broad introduction to key concepts in classical and molecular genetics, giving students a mechanistic understanding of the processes underpinning evolution and the diversity of life. The concept of species is explored for microscopic and macroscopic organisms, along with learning about phylogenetics and molecular taxonomy, and their applications. The development and history of evolutionary thought will be given to provide scientific and historical context to the current state of knowledge. Students will gain an understanding of modern molecular genetics, and have opportunities to apply their learning in laboratory and computer based lessons. The module also addre

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

This module builds upon the Personal Development Planning from Stage 1 module “Personal Development and Global Issues”. Students must demonstrate professionalism in their subject area by engaging in a wide range of activities both inside and outside of the University. Within the University you will be further trained in the scientific method, writing skills, digital literacy, and standards of scientific conduct (e.g. Good Laboratory Practice, ethics, safety etc.). This module is also used for the planning of final-year research projects. By engaging with all of the module activities, you will enhance your knowledge of the sector and refine your aims and objectives. You will be supported in d

Assessment: Coursework

This module will support you in developing a solid understanding of experimental design processes and considerations, as well as key probability and statistical analysis concepts. It builds upon skills and conceptual development from Stage 1 modules “Bioscience in Practice” and "Personal Development & Global Issues". Additionally, supporting concepts and approaches are covered in the Stage 2 module "Personal Development and Problem Solving". This module covers a substantial amount of numeracy and statistics based on data which will be collected in lab or field classes. Building on concepts introduced at Stage 1, you will be taught basic probability theory, leading to an understanding of prob

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

The Molecular Biology module builds directly on a range of aspects of genetics covered in the first year modules; particularly ‘Genetics’ and ‘Chemistry for Life’. The module also provides direct support to a wide range of material that will be covered in both biological and forensic modules in the third year. The module covers both theoretical and practical aspects of evolutionary and forensic genetics. A range of skills will be developed which are directly relevant to the workplace.

Assessment: Coursework

Microorganisms have adapted to every available habitat on earth and are widely used in biotechnical applications. This module looks at the functional effects of microbes and microbial communities in nature, in the built environment, and in health and disease. You will be taught to take an ecological approach to understanding microbial function in diverse situations, and then given the freedom to apply your knowledge in an independent project of your own choice. The module also contains a large amount of laboratory work for teaching skills which can be credited in the skills passport system, and for generating microbiological laboratory data which must be scientifically interpreted to give in

Assessment: Coursework

The student will have the opportunity to discover how organisms are adapted to real environments and integrated into functioning ecosystems. The module offers training in practical field techniques. The module consists of both lectures and real field experience. Students will collect data using a variety of techniques and learn to analyse the data using a range of relevant statistical methods. A variety of locations may be offered in the UK or abroad.

Assessment: Coursework

The diversity of terrestrial and aquatic life can be divided into several large, distinct regions, biomes that are characterised by their plant and animal life. This module will consider this diversity, explore the underlying reasons for it and how plants and animals are adapted life in different biomes. The interactions of organisms within biomes will be considered. The module aims to develop an understanding of the impact of abiotic/biotic factors on the characteristics of life in different biomes. This is contextualised in terms of the impact of human activities and resilience of natural systems to unsustainable practices.

Assessment: Coursework

All living organisms are composed of cells. Some organisms are themselves a single cell. The evolution of multicellular organisms enabled cellular specialisation in the form of different tissues dedicated to specific physiological functions. Cellular adaptation is the ability of cells to respond to various types of stimuli and adverse environmental changes. Based in their structures, cells can be grouped into two major evolutionary classes (Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes). This module focusses on cells and their evolution; their molecular adaptations and the processes that enable such cells to maintain their functional integrity to the end of their lifespan. The module also looks at some of the

Assessment: Coursework, Exam

Over the last 20 years, land management has moved in a new direction, where nature is quantitatively valued for the benefits it provides to people. These benefits are called ‘ecosystem services’. This way of thinking about the natural world allows nature to be integrated with economic, political and social considerations that inform land management at large and small scales. Ecosystem service assessment is still a fairly new and rapidly developing field in policy and research. The module will explain the origins of the ecosystem services approach, the disciplines involved, and the practical application in research and in current policy and land management. Different approaches to valuation o

Assessment: Coursework

The module develops the concept of disease within the context of the normal physiological mechanisms that underlie some key body systems. The module will discuss the pathology and medical relevance of an aspect of each of the key physiological systems studied. Assessment will be via a series of tests taken at regular intervals throughout the module, and questions relating to epidemiology study design and data analysis.

Assessment: Coursework

This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil

Assessment: Coursework

This module builds upon personal and professional skills developed in earlier stages, culminating in the creation of new knowledge through the pursuit of an original research project. Students are expected to demonstrate initiative, creative thinking, and organisational skills in the completion of their project. Central to this module will be a degree of problem solving, as well as formulation and testing of hypotheses. Students will develop and carry out a piece of original scientific work supported by peer-reviewed literature. Projects may follow any format which enables students to effectively demonstrate the learning outcomes. Steps along the way include gaining ethical approval, risk as

Assessment: Coursework

Ever increasing pressures are being placed on the natural environment whilst at the same time there is a necessity to maintain global biodiversity. It will only be possible to achieve both in a crowded world by carefully managing selected areas for their wildlife. Such management, if carried out scientifically, has the potential not only to maintain or enhance biodiversity but to restore it. This module looks at the ecological principles behind the management of habitats for their biodiversity. It takes a scientific evidence-based approach to habitat management, translating ecological theory into hands-on practical management.

Assessment: Coursework

Effective communication of scientific information to a wide audience is vital social, economic and political tool for society. This module will investigate the implementation of effective science communication through examination of a series of contemporary issues. The module will critically evaluate a range of physical and digital science communication modes for engaging the general public in science discourse. Students will explore the implications of science communication on policy, public opinion, and society through critical evaluation of a range of case studies.

Assessment: Coursework

The conservation of biological diversity is a complex multidisciplinary science. Despite a rapid growth in public interest, funding and local regional and international efforts the loss of species and habitats continues at a rate consistent with historical mass extinctions. Currently, in 2016, the IUCN estimates that up to 37% of mammals, 14% of birds and 56% of amphibian species are threatened with extinction. This module examines the factors that are causing this decline and the strategies that can be implemented to preserve as much of the remaining biological diversity of the Earth as possible. These issues are complex and multifaceted and, whilst the module will concentrate on the biolog

Assessment: Coursework

This module draws on the expertise of members of staff and trains students in various areas of research, focussing on the application of particular research methodologies. As such it does not address one all-encompassing subject but addresses skills that are rarely taught within Biological Sciences degrees, and will therefore provide students with knowledge and abilities that link the degree level with post-graduate research levels. In addition to developing new skills, students will gain valuable experience in utilising freely available software that is widely utilised by current researchers. Indicative example topics that maybe included: linear regression analysis using R, Home-range analy

Assessment: Coursework

The Tropical Marine Biology module builds directly on a range of aspects of general biology and zoology covered in first and second year modules, particularly, Evolution of Life, Invertebrates, and Rainforests, Deserts and Oceans. The module also provides a unique opportunity for students to experience the theory in real world scenarios with a tropical field trip. The module covers both theoretical and practical aspects of tropical marine biology specifically focusing on reef ecosystems. A range of skills will be developed which are directly related to marine biology and field research. Students will gain experience in conducting their own projects, presenting their findings in a conference

Assessment: Coursework

The structure of DNA was elucidated in 1953. Major innovations in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical drug development, microbiology, vaccines, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, genetically modified organisms, stem cell research and tissue technologies, etc. have been the direct result, or have cascaded from, this single momentous event. Many ‘benchtop research discoveries’ have been developed, scaled-up, commercialised, and brought to the competitive open market; the application of which, in turn, have led to new research discoveries and further repeats of this cycle. This iterative process is true for the development of new ‘biomolecules’, laboratory techniques an

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to provide a route for individual learners to undertake an activity or range of activities that allow them to achieve specific learning goals. The module allows students to take responsibility for their own learning needs, effectively building on their existing skills and experiences as a basis for engagement in more in-depth learning relevant to their degree, personal development and future career plans. Student learners will be paired with an advisor (and sometimes a mentor) and will negotiate a learning contract that identifies what they want to achieve and how they will be assessed (subject to the requirements and standards of the University and the QAA). As such the mod

Assessment: Coursework

This module focuses on what has been learned through NGS and genomics about the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, at individual, population, and global scales. Moreover, the module assesses the use of NGS and metagenomic approaches for selected aspects of environmental monitoring. The UK is a World leader in the field of genomics; a rapidly advancing subject, genomics plays an important part in the growing UK bioeconomy. While still growing, even in 2014, the UK bioeconomy was estimated to have contributed £220 billion of output, supporting 5.2 million jobs. Following the April 1953 publication of Watson and Crick’s proposed structure of DNA, it took just under 50

Assessment: Coursework

This module provides an opportunity for students to gain knowledge of two specialised areas of human biology; oncology and immunology. Subjects covered will include the genetics of cancer biology, carcinogenesis and epidemiology, virology and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. The teaching team will include experts from medicine and research, and careers in these fields will be emphasised. Assessment will be via an essay and an exam.

Assessment: Coursework, Exam