Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics) (with Foundation Year)

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Cell Biology and Genetics

  Cell biology is the study of how cells work and how they differentiate to form multicellular organisms. 

  This module is your introduction to cell function - you'll study the different types of molecules within cells and build your knowledge about cellular organelles and their functions. You’ll explore the increasing levels of complexity and the diversity of cell types that have arisen through evolution.  

  On this module you’ll also look at genetics. What are genes and how do they work to bring about the traits that we observe in organisms? We will examine cell division in detail and look at how DNA is transcribed into RNA which translates into proteins that do most of the work in the cell.
   

• Communicating Science

  For impact, scientific research findings need to be communicated to reach the relevant audience in a timely manner. The relevant audience can be

  • researchers
  • policy makers
  • public. 

  Science can be communicated by written reports to oral presentations. 

  On this module you’ll have Personal and Academic Support Scheme tutorials over your first year. You’ll receive the support and guidance to adjust to the academic demands of university. Also you'll develop key skills like:

  • reading
  • critical thinking
  • literature searching
  • reporting 
  • presentation in various formats  
  • presenting to varied audiences.
     

• Quantitative Skills for Life Science

  On this module you’ll be introduced to, build upon and practice the key quantitative skills for science. 

  Your key module areas will include:

  • hypothesis testing
  • designing scientific investigations
  • applying mathematical topics 
  • principles and application of statistical methods
  • using statistical software 
  • reporting in scientific research. 

  The timing of this module will help you to practise these skills incrementally on your other first year modules.
   

• Biodiversity

  On this module you'll explore the diversity of life. Looking at classification and the theory of evolution, that links all biology and the interactions between organisms and their environment. Then you’ll examine major structures and patterns in: 

  • plants
  • animals 
  • fungi.

  Looking at how they vary within each kingdom and the interrelationships of some of the phyla. You will learn about how structure is related to function, within the ecological context and you'll also look at the importance of each group. 

  By the end of this module you will have a deep knowledge of interactions between plants and animals; the interactions that are both antagonistic and mutualistic, and the wider environment. You’ll also develop your understanding of the functioning of ecosystems and the biosphere.

• Intro to Biochemistry A

  This module is an introduction to the chemical principles that underpin cellular functions. You’ll study the chemical concepts that range from stoichiometry and reactions, chemical bonds and structures through to chemical equilibrium and chemical change, taking in the organic chemistry of cell macromolecules:

  • DNA
  • Proteins
  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids.

  This will help you build crucial knowledge and skills for the field of biological sciences.
   

• Intro to Biochemistry B

  You'll build your knowledge of chemical concepts. You’ll study energetics and cellular metabolism to biochemical change (enzyme kinetics and mechanisms) and you’ll consider cellular macromolecules, broadly looking at:

  • bioenergetics
  • cellular metabolism
  • enzyme kinetics
  • protein structure and function. 

  You'll further develop and progress your knowledge and skills in Biochemistry and what you also learnt on the module Introduction to Biochemistry A.
   

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Molecular Biology

  In this module, you’ll be introduced to cell biology at a molecular level. Your study will incorporate exploration of the fascinating science behind combined genetic and molecular approaches leading to fundamental biological concepts and cellular processes. Through a combination of practical work and theory-based activity, you’ll be trained in laboratory techniques and introduced to experimental evidence central to your understanding of genetic engineering, and modern molecular tools.

  You’ll pay particular focus to the history of evolution (phylogeny), the study of relationships between living organisms and their physical environment (ecology), and how genetic variation is passed down to successive generations (evolution), all of which shall complement the Genetics module.

• Genetics

  Explore how genetics has revolutionised our understanding of genetic inheritance on many levels, from individuals to population and evolutionary connections from our ancestors to descendants. In this fascinating module, you’ll gain an insight into how certain genes are transferred from parents to offspring, in addition to exploring quantitative, population, ecological and evolutionary genetics. You’ll practice your abilities to analyse and interpret genetic data, enabling you to enhance your general numeracy and research competence skills, increasing your employability into science institutions as a result. 

• Career Development

  In this module, you’ll learn essential training in professional career management skills, designed to assist you in actively planning and preparing for your future career. You’ll explore a career development cycle, starting with discovering your potential, considering opportunities within job roles, postgraduate study or training.

  On completion of this module you’ll feel confident about competing in the graduate job market, whether you are applying for work placements or graduate jobs. You can expect to get hands-on with practical involvement from the university’s Career Consultants and employers.

  After completion of this module you should have a clearer idea of where your career values lie, and a greater understanding of how you may realise your career aspirations.
   

• Interrogating Genomes

  You’ll learn to turn biological data into meaningful information in this module. Interpretation of data in the biological science world is more important than ever, and bioinformatics is an increasingly integral part of modern biological research. As part of your study, you’ll be introduced to computational thinking in biological sciences, enabling you to analyse, interpret, visualise and present data sets.

  You’ll use your programming skills to tailor bespoke solutions to biological problems, make new discoveries, develop capacity for considering data-driven results, and reveal new insights from your findings. You’ll be introduced to the two most important molecules in cell biology, RNA and DNA, from a bioinformatics perspective.

  On completion of this module, you’ll be well placed to forge a career with excellent employment prospects within life sciences, biotechnology, or the pharmaceutical industry. 

• Data Carpentry

  In this module, you’ll learn how to manage ‘big data’ and machine learning techniques for drawing meaningful Biological Science conclusions. You’ll get interactive and hands-on with the fundamentals of programming and analysis across biological, statistical and computer science elements.

  In addition, you’ll get up to speed on managing and communicating data from diverse biological disciplines using the R language for statistical computing. On completion of this module you’ll gain highly transferable skills from across a range of disciplines, making you an asset for both research and employment

Optional modules

• Animal Developmental Biology

  The growth of an animal from a single embryonic egg is a fascinating notion that you'll explore in this module. Through a mixture of practice and theory, you’ll explore developmental themes based on animal development, including the different stages of embryonic growth, tissue specification, biological mechanisms, and gene regulation.

  You’ll be encouraged to investigate deeper into biological development themes to draw fascinating insights about this subject. On completion of this module you'll have gained a broad overview of the development process and regulation in animals.

  This module will present you with an in-depth introduction to the principles of developmental biology, and provide a broad overview of development processes and their regulation in animals.

• Cell Biology

  You'll unravel key research ideas that are helping today’s biologists solve some of the world’s biggest biology questions. The fundamental concept of cell biology is the understanding of how organisms develop and how they interact and respond to their environment.

  You’ll investigate molecular cell structures from animals, plants and fungi through a combination of practical experimental laboratory techniques and theoretical research. You'll be introduced to fascinating established methods such as fluorescent microscopy of living cells. You’ll explore recent advances in cell biology such as novel treatments and therapies for diseases, cell processes such as cell division, and the impact of the environment on biological systems. You’ll also take a closer look at the composition of a cell – its’ components and intrinsic functions. By the end of this module, you will have an excellent grasp of cell biology, which will allow you to progress to more advanced and specialised topics. 
   

• Microbiology

  This fascinating applied science module will introduce you to the study of bacteria, yeasts, viruses and protozoa, from a protein and molecular gene level. You’ll be exploring the structures, metabolism, regulatory signals, replication and growth exhibited by microorganisms.

  The importance of microbiology spans medicine and communities, as we attempt to control microbials in hospitals, yet also seek to employ microbes to benefit us as human beings through live cultures and biotechnological advances.

  Through this module you'll explore the interaction and impact of microbes on humans along with an introduction to the challenges facing medical interventions against pathogenic microbes in different parts of the world. Your study will involve practical aseptic laboratory techniques designed to train you in working safely with microbiological organisms and will give you the opportunity to plan and execute simple experimental procedures. 

• Biochemistry of Cell Function

  In this module you'll take several approaches to exploring mammalian tissue cells, including the chemical make-up and nature of compounds that are involved in cellular processes. You'll implement biochemical knowledge to research examples of diseases caused by malfunction of these processes and identify biochemical relationships between events at cellular level as well as at systemic level.

  You’ll put your skills into action with the most relevant biomedical diagnostic techniques. By the end of this module you'll have a clearer understanding of how the biochemical aspects of cell function determine the outcome of cell processes. 

• Threatened Species

  Study the biological realms of our global plight to rescue our world’s critically endangered species from extinction. You’ll be introduced to the challenges of saving endangered species, most importantly, the role of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and captive populations. You'll investigate conservation genetics and how these specific environments are managed, while exploring in-situ versus ex-situ conservation.
  
  You’ll create a research project about a specific threatened species of your choice and consider how climate change increasingly impacts how populations use landscapes. You’ll draw links between biodiversity and key approaches to conservation landscapes.
  
  You’ll interact with species reintroduction programmes, managing island flora and fauna, and you'll explore the ethical and educational aspects surrounding ex-situ collections.
  
  You will gain an in-depth understanding of how biologists play an integral part in saving today’s endangered species. 

Optional Placement Year

Optional modules

• Professional Placement (compulsory for sandwich year students only)

  This Professional Placement helps you get experience of applying science in a practical environment. You will develop practical skills that enhance your employability. On placement you gain an insight into various aspects of working in a scientific environment. Although it is your responsibility to secure your placement our team will do everything we can to assist you. We can suggest suitable employers through our network of industry contacts. You should look carefully into the financing of placements but this is something we will guide you through every step of the way.
   

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Project

  This is the culmination of your degree, and your chance to delve into the world of research to pioneer your own breakthrough. As part of this module you’ll have the opportunity to create an individual piece of research related to your degree subject, working alongside a supervisor from the Department of Biological Sciences at Oxford Brookes University. You’ll be encouraged to explore opportunities to develop your project outside of the University, under the guidance of your tutor. You’ll participate in formal sessions that are designed to help you consider possible project choices and provide you with the necessary knowledge to search for outside project opportunities. 

• Professional Skills and Techniques

  You’ll focus on the development of your professional skills and personalise your career ambitions. You’ll select your study elements, which will allow you flexibility and draw upon your research expertise and links with external partners. Some of the wide range of topics you’ll cover will be relevant to your degree, such as advanced microscopy, protein biochemistry, species identification, geographic information systems, entrepreneurship or science communication. You’ll gain hands-on experience on how to competently perform techniques, and you’ll hear from professionals working in the sector, who will provide an insight into their career. You'll learn how you can make a difference in the world and existing job market with the new knowledge and skills you’ll gain. Self-reflection is encouraged on this module, and you’ll get the chance to demonstrate your learning through a written report, talk, poster, leaflet, protocol, or oral viva.

   

• Advanced Genetics and Genomics

  You'll learn about major theoretical and technological advances in Genetics and Genomics, and their significance in addressing challenges in biological and medical research. You’ll focus on the variation of population history, selection inference, and analysing variation in complex traits. You’ll also explore the use of comparative genomics and the evolutionary relatedness among groups of organisms (phylogenetics) to make connections between evolutionary relationships, and investigate genome evolution.

  Your learning journey will encompass microbiomes in human health and ecosystems, and the study of gene function. You’ll get hands on with key techniques such as retrieval of data from public resources, population statistics, genome-wide association studies, gene annotation, transcriptome analysis, transcription factor binding prediction and characterisation of epigenetic modifications. You’ll devise a research programme addressing a current challenge in biological and medical science.

Optional modules

• Molecular Biology of Cancer

  This fascinating module will introduce you to the fundamentals of cancerous cells at a molecular level. You’ll explore the nature and causes of cancer with particular emphasis on the underlying biological mechanisms. You’ll investigate the role of oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, and cell signalling. Furthermore, you’ll explore other cellular processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, cell growth and division, and DNA repair in cancer development. You’ll find that a special focus around the concepts of the ‘hallmarks of cancer’ will also introduce you to the emerging field of cancer genomics as well as cover the therapeutic options for tumour patients.

• Advanced Cell Biology and Bioimaging

  Immerse yourself in most exciting research and developmental topics surrounding microscopic cell biology and bio-imaging analysis. In this module, you'll gain an in-depth insight and appreciation of the molecular mechanisms at play in the cell biology of mammals, yeast and plants. You’ll investigate some of the techniques underpinning the latest associated research in the field, and dive into an exploration of fundamental biological processes in topics such as cell signalling and interacting proteins, the endomembrane system, and the cell cycle. Innovative advanced experimental bio-imaging has opened up new avenues to implement highly powerful experimental methods for investigation of cell biology. Light microscopy techniques will allow you to probe important biological questions, observe living cells of animals and plants, and measure intracellular processes including protein interactions in different biological situations.

• Advanced Topics in Wildlife Conservation

  If you’ve ever been interested in the strategies behind conserving wildlife, this module is for you. You’ll study and identify key concepts which will support your ability to formulate solutions for protecting biodiversity at the local and landscape scale. You’ll focus your learning on core conservation issues, with consideration of controversies and alternative approaches to the practical issues involved in land management for successful conservation.  You’ll build on your foundational knowledge from previous modules. As your study progresses you will gain a practical and theoretical understanding of wildlife conservation and the environmental issues that threaten species. 

• Genomic Medicine

  Our understanding of the genome is constantly growing. In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamental elements of genomics, human genetics and genetic variation. You’ll explore genetics in connection to disease and how genomic medicine can be utilised in relation to disease mechanisms. You’ll get the chance to investigate the effects of gene mutations and variations in DNA sequences (gene polymorphisms) in human health, with an opportunity to join in on an in-depth discussion on linkage. In addition, you’ll learn all about personalised medicine and the role of a key enzyme in the liver (cytochrome P450) in the metabolism of drugs and toxicity.

• Evolution and Animal Development

  Understanding the evolution and diversity of animals is a fundamental basis for the growth of both science research and conservation. In this module, you’ll explore the contemporary view of animal diversity and delve into the process by which animal diversity occurs through process of evolution. You’ll explore the evolutionary significance of animals and patterns of diversity at various timescales and levels of the evolutionary journey. You’ll follow the development from egg (cell) to adult in a variety of animal species and will look at comparisons between developmental programmes. You’ll investigate how altering expression patterns in a set of toolkit genes can give rise to morphological variation, both over evolutionary time and in response to environmental variation.

• Science and Humanity

  Science has had an impact on all aspects of our lives, and overall, you’ll learn how to set that influence in its social and historical context, in this module. You’ll address alternative views of the world, how they have been developed or replaced in the context of science, and have a clear look at the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific world view. You’ll explore ideas about the value of other life forms and consider environmental philosophy. You’ll take a refreshing perspective on modern contentious ideas and possibilities such as Genetic Modification, organic farming, fracking, stem cell research, manipulation of the human genome and designer babies. In addition, you’ll turn your focus to the political, economic, and moral context of the current environmental crisis. 

• Work Experience

  This module will involve a supervised work-based learning experience. You'll get the opportunity to spend a minimum of 60 hours in a working environment that is relevant to your career path. You’ll gain key skills in reflective practice and professional development, and will learn how to present your insights in a written essay and in a video. By the end of this module you will have obtained useful skills to enhance your future job applications and further your career.

• Independent Study in Life Sciences

  You'll have the opportunity to choose a topic that is relevant to your programme. Building upon your knowledge from your previous year of study, for those on the MBiol programme, you'll get the chance to immerse yourself in the production of a detailed project plan for your Masters year project/dissertation. For all other study programmes, you’ll pick a project in agreement with your supervisor, which will be submitted for approval by end of week 1 in the semester in which the study is to be undertaken. You’ll start planning your work six weeks before the start of the semester to give you ample time for submission. You’ll have access to Moodle where you’ll be able to view your module learning contract template and find all the information you need to successfully complete your independent study.