MBB110 Maths for Molecular Bioscience
Teaching Block 1
Module Co-ordinator: Dr R Barnes
Confidence in basic calculations is essential for all scientists. In this module, designed for first-year students who have not studied maths to A-level (or equivalent), we will develop the mathematical know-how needed to excel as a molecular bioscientist. Students will build their skills using video tutorials, problems classes, and self study, providing scope for extensive practice. Topics covered include: manipulating different kinds of numbers, solving equations, exponential numbers and logarithms, mathematical notation, presentation of data, and precision and accuracy of measurements and calculations. Enrolment will normally be restricted to MBB level 1 students who have not studied Mathematic to A-level or equivalent.
MBB161 Biochemistry
Both semesters
Module Co-ordinator: Dr JB Rafferty
This module examines the molecules that carry out and control all the chemical reactions in biological cells. The basic chemical concepts underlying the structures of biomolecules are covered, together with the functions and mechanisms of action of biomolecules and the interplay of metabolic pathways. The regulation of these pathways is addressed as well as cellular signalling and the important role and structure of biomembranes. These processes are set in the context of the molecular details of the cellular cytoskeleton and the energetics of the system through consideration of the thermodynamics and kinetics of enzyme driven reactions.
MBB162 Genetics
Both semesters
Module Coordinator: Prof RW Anderson
This module introduces the principles of genetics and considers the application of these principles to diverse aspects of biology and human welfare. The genetic systems of higher organisms and microbes are described, including mechanisms of gene transmission and genetic exchange, mutation, and gene mapping. Human examples are stressed where appropriate. Applications include fundamental studies in other biological disciplines, such as evolutionary and developmental biology, as well as topics more directly concerning human welfare, such as single gene disorders, the genetic basis of predisposition to common diseases and the genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
MBB163 Microbiology
Both semesters
Module Coordinator: Dr DJ Gilmour
This module is an introduction to the broad subject area of microbiology. Topics covered will include a comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure; the concept of the three domains of life; conventional and molecular taxonomy; bacterial biodiversity; origin of life; environmental microbiology; fungi, bacteria, viruses as pathogens; antibiotic resistance; possible roles for microorganisms in cancer; diversity of viruses; metabolic diversity; eukaryotic microorganisms; microbial biotechnology. The final 20% of the module will cover the principles of immunity, including cellular and molecular components of the immune system and integration of the immune system.
MBB164 Molecular Biology
Both semesters
Module Coordinator: Dr PJ Mitchell
This module provides an introduction to molecular biology, and is focused on how cells store and express genetic information, together with the application of this knowledge to genetic engineering. Although the fundamental nature of the biological processes of replication, transcription and translation are universal in living systems, mechanistic differences between these processes in bacteria and in higher organisms will be highlighted. The ability to manipulate genetic information is central to molecular biology research, and technologies involved in isolating, characterising and functionally analysing genes will be reviewed.
MBB165 Practical Molecular Bioscience 1
Both Semesters
Module coordinator: Dr RL Barnes
This module introduces students to the laboratory skills that underpin modern molecular bioscience. By carrying out a wide range of laboratory-based experimental work in the areas of biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and molecular biology, students develop expertise in basic laboratory techniques and an understanding of laboratory safety rules, as well as a broader appreciation of the nature of experimental science. The theoretical basis of the laboratory exercises is reinforced by a series of non-laboratory-based ‘analysis sessions’. In parallel with the development of laboratory skills, this unit also provides tutorial-based support for the development of transferable skills, such as the preparation and delivery of oral and written presentations.
MBB265 Practical Molecular Bioscience 2
Teaching Block 1
Module Coordinators: Drs L Alvey and E Jones
This module provides detailed knowledge in key areas of practical molecular bioscience, emphasising the integration of the disciplines of biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. An important aim of the module is to provide experience in the preparation of written laboratory reports, and in the correct interpretation and representation of biological data. Laboratory, computer and data analysis sessions build on the skills gained during first year and allow students to develop a high level of technical competence and theoretical understanding. Tutorial-based support is also provided for the enhancement of transferable skills, such as the preparation and delivery of oral and written presentations.
MBB266 Biostructures, Energetics and Synthesis
Teaching Block 1
Module Coordinator: Dr M Johnson
In this module, students will develop a working knowledge of the structures and functions of globular and membrane proteins and nucleic acids. Consideration of the nature of membrane proteins (particularly the energy-transducing proteins that are in or on those membranes), and the principles of chemiosmosis, light absorption and biological redox reactions, will lead to explanations of the basic principles of how energy is made available (transduced) for essential biological functions, such as ATP synthesis, solute transport, motility and “housekeeping”. Finally, the control and integration of biochemical pathways will be considered.
MBB267 Genes, Genomes and Chromosomes
Teaching Block 1
Module Coordinator: Dr PJ Mitchell
This module is organized into three sections that are focused on aspects of bacterial genetics, the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic systems and the analysis of genomes. The first part of the module will show how classical and molecular techniques are applied to study bacterial genomes, covering mutagenesis techniques, the selection of mutants, genetic mapping approaches and the analysis of genetic regulatory elements. The middle section of the module addresses the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and its regulation in eukaryotes, with an emphasis on chromatin structure and transcriptional control by both protein and RNA, receptor-mediated signalling pathways, the processing, localization and degradation of mRNA, and translational control. The final part of the module covers the organization of chromosomes and genomes, the functions and origins of non-genic sequences, gene evolution, genome sequencing strategies and functional genomics.
MBB261 Biochemistry 2
Teaching Block 2
Module Coordinator: Dr PJ Baker
This module provides an advanced treatment of some of the biochemical topics introduced in earlier modules, in particular reaction mechanisms, enzyme kinetics, protein evolution and signal transduction within biological membranes. Proteins carry out almost all the reactions in the cell, and their activities are tightly regulated and controlled to achieve correct function. Protein function therefore lies at the heart of Biochemistry, and in this module we enable you to gain a deeper understanding of enzyme function at a more fundamental level. We look at the physical basis of reactions and give you a hands-on appreciation of enzyme kinetics. We look at the chemical essentials of enzyme catalysis, to introduce you to the beauties of enzyme function and we look at ways in which enzymes can be studied and measured using current technology.
MBB262 Genetics 2
Teaching Block 2
Module Coordinator: Dr L Alvey
This module builds upon the introduction to genetics provided by MBB162 Genetics. A range of eukaryotic genetic systems will be considered, including humans and a number of model organisms, ranging from yeasts and filamentous fungi to Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thaliana and Mus musculus. Topics to be covered include methods for isolating and genetically analysing mutants with specific phenotypes, extranuclear inheritance, developmental genetics, cytogenetics, quantitative inheritance, and population genetics.
MBB263 Microbiology 2
Teaching Block 2
Module Coordinator: Prof DJ Kelly
This module is divided into two themes. The first (lectures 1-24) provides a comprehensive view of key aspects of microbial cell biology and physiology. The second (lectures 25 onwards) then goes on to illustrate the important role of microbes as human pathogens. In theme I we will discuss bacterial structure and function in detail, show how bacteria respond to changes in environmental conditions by differentiating into new cell types and describe the growth kinetics of bacteria in batch and continuous culture. In theme II we will discuss the mechanisms used by pathogenic bacteria to subvert and fool the host’s defences, describe some important infectious diseases and the virulence mechanisms involved, the use of vaccines and antimicrobial agents in control and treatment, the problems associated with newly-emerging pathogens and the role that resistance to antimicrobial agents is playing in the re-emergence of certain diseases.
MBB210 History and Philosophy for Molecular Bioscience
Teaching Block 2
Module Coordinator: Dr E Hoiczyk
This module aims to provide an introduction to the history and philosophy of science that is appropriate for molecular bioscience students. Examples of famous discoveries and some famous researchers will be used to illustrate how important scientific concepts emerged and changed over time to give rise to our current understanding of biology. In addition to the development of scientific concepts, we will discuss philosophical and ethical issues in modern science including the nature of scientific discovery, the role of the peer review system, the importance of chance (serendipity) in discoveries and the nature of experiments.
FCP201 Molecules to Market
Teaching Block 2
Module Coordinator: Drs L Alvey and E Jones
This module will introduce students in the Faculty of Science to the application of science for economic and social benefit. Online background materials will introduce specific examples of successful and unsuccessful commercial applications, for example how new drugs have been discovered or have failed. Suitable examples will be available to suit students from different departments, and will be discussed in facilitated discussion group sessions. Students will also be introduced to the structure of a business plan. Working in groups of six, students will develop an idea for a business that they might set up in an area of their choice, and each group will present their proposal in the form of a poster.
MBB301 Dynamic Proteins
Teaching Block 2A
Module Coordinator: Prof MP Williamson
It is increasingly clear that many, if not most, processes in the cell occur as coordinated activities driven by many proteins acting together. The analysis of such processes requires rather different ideas and skills than those used in ‘traditional’ biochemistry. In particular, they require one to understand the underlying physical requirements of the system rather than merely learn a list of components. In this module, we focus on two fairly self-contained systems and analyse them in some detail, as a means of getting you to develop some of the skills that you are likely to require when studying a field such as this. These are: the interaction of the chemotherapeutic agent methotrexate with dihydrofolate reductase; and the function of molecular motors such as myosin, dynein and kinesin. Throughout, we encourage an interactive approach to the subject, because we believe that understanding only comes from a closer involvement with the experimental data and the molecular details.
MBB302 Physical Methods for Studying Biological Structures
Teaching Block 1A
Module Coordinator: Prof DW Rice
The module aims to describe the methods used in the study of biological molecules, concentrating on the methods used to obtain structural information. Students will have an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the following: spectroscopy (UV/visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, infra-red spectroscopy, and the applications and limits of each of these techniques in biological systems); the techniques and basic principles of NMR spectroscopy, of protein crystallography, and of electron microscopy, and electron diffraction; the structural information that these techniques reveal; structural restraints, electron density, protein conformation and protein flexibility. The course will focus on the application of these techniques to selected case studies
MBB303 Cells as Factories
Teaching Block 1B
Module Coordinator: Dr DJ Gilmour
The introductory lecture will introduce students to the idea of “Red” (health care, pharmaceuticals), “Green” (agriculture, food) and “White” (industrial) biotechnology. The topics covered in the course will be organised within this framework. Algal biotechnology is an example of white and green biotechnology leading to the synthesis of bioproducts such as glycerol, beta-carotene and phycocyanin and it can utilise land unfit for agriculture. Bioremediation falls within white biotechnology and utilizes inherent properties of cell metabolism to degrade toxic pollutants of soil and water. Traditional fermentations will be examined for the production of pharmaceuticals (red biotechnology), bioenergy (algal biomass, ethanol fermentation), and fine chemicals (amino acids, antibiotics), all of which are examples of white biotechnology. Modern process systems e.g. immobilised catalysis using plant or animal cells will be discussed in terms of production of vaccines and human growth hormone. Finally, genetic modification systems for the production of peptides will be covered.
MBB304 Plant Biotechnology
Teaching Block 2A
Module Coordinator: Dr S Casson
Plant biotechnology is a profitable but contentious sector. The first plant biotech crops were planted in 1996 and now over 175 million hectares are grown world-wide (over 7 times the land area of the UK), whilst seed sales alone from the top 10 plant biotech firms are over $14.5 billion! This module considers the application of biotechnology to plants, for both agricultural use and the translation of basic research. It covers the production of transgenic plants and how this technology has resulted in genetically engineered crop plants that have improved qualities or produce novel products including vaccines! It introduces modern alternative techniques such as marker assisted plant breeding and genome editing technology that can be used to produce genetically improved non GM crop varieties, as well as detailing some of the grand challenges for the next generation of crop improvement. The release of engineered crops is having a major impact on society raising issues of economic, ethical, moral and ecological importance. An appreciation of these issues will be developed.
MBB308 Molecular Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology
Teaching Block 1B
Module Coordinators: Prof DP Hornby
This module explores how the outlook of biology has changed over recent years through the use of high throughput data and computational methods to construct and test models of cell and organism behaviour. The resultant networks, webs and pathways of interactions and reactions produce system properties that cannot be predicted from the study of the individual molecular components. These network properties, such as emergence, robustness and modular convergent design principles, need to be taken into account when synthesising cells and organisms with novel properties for medical use and for biotechnology, and when trying to perturb disease states for therapeutic purposes.
MBB309 Membrane Protein Structure and Function
Teaching Block 1B
Module Coordinator: Prof PA Bullough
The aim of this module is to impart a thorough understanding of the structure and function of membrane proteins, a topic which has been the subject of four Nobel awards in the last twenty years. These protein complexes mediate the transfer of excitation energy, electrons and protons upon which all life depends. They also control the entry and exit of proteins, ions, nutrients, drugs and antibiotics from cells and the transfer of signals across membranes. We will examine energy transducing proteins involved in respiration and photosynthesis. Students will have an opportunity to acquire knowledge of the organisation of energy transducing membranes of mitochondria, bacteria and chloroplasts using biochemical and electron microscopic methods. They will also cover the use of protein engineering, crystallography and spectroscopy to probe structure/function relationships in energy transducers, channels and transporters. The principles underlying the efficiency of energy transduction and redox chemistry taking place in these complexes will be covered.
MBB310 Protein folding and misfolding in health and disease
Teaching Block 2B
Module Coordinator: Dr RA Staniforth
This module examines the mechanisms employed by proteins to adopt unique functional folds and explores the causes and consequences of mis-folding, with a particular reference to neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion diseases. Students will have an opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of the following: methods used to study the assembly of protein complexes; folding of molecules: background thermodynamics; folding pathways; investigating intermediates; kinetic labelling; mutagenesis; modules of folding; the role of disulphide bonds; accessory proteins; isomerases; rotamases; chaperones. Protein mis-assembly: off-pathway species, aggregation, amyloids, accessory proteins, chaperones and disaggregases. Control of protein folding and mis-folding in vivo: recognition of unfolded protein, the UPR or unfolded protein response, proteostasis, and the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system.
MBB311 Molecular Immunology
Teaching Block 1A
Module Coordinator: Dr LJ Partridge
The aim of this course is to provide students with knowledge of how multi-cellular organisms have evolved defence mechanisms that are foreign to the body. The course will provide an understanding of the molecules and cells involved in normal immune defence mechanisms. This will include an account of differences between innate and adaptive immunity, humoral and cellular immunity, structure/function relationships in antibody classes, antibody synthesis and the genetic mechanisms for antibody diversity, molecular basis of T-cell activation, role of cytokines in adaptive immunity and inflammation. Immunological methods for the production and application of antibody molecules as tools for research, diagnosis and treatment will also be discussed. The final part of this course examines the molecular basis of inherited and acquired immune deficiency diseases and places particular emphasis on the genetic and immunological methods employed to identify the underlying causes of such processes.
MBB313 Genome Stability and Genetic Change
Teaching Block 2B
Module Coordinator: Dr B Hu / Prof S El-Khamisy
The course examines in detail the mechanisms that generate genetic variation and maintain genome integrity. There is a strong emphasis on eukaryotes. Underlying mechanisms of genetic recombination, mismatch repair, excision repair and mutagenesis will be discussed. Wherever possible, experimental detail is included to illustrate how conclusions on gene function and interactions are determined.
MBB323 Microbial Structure and Dynamics: Genes and Populations
Teaching Block 2A
Module Coordinator: Professor SJ Foster
This module will examine the molecular structure and dynamics of bacteria. In particular how they cope with, and respond to, environmental stress. The module will consider the latest advances in understanding bacterial ultrastucture and how key extracellular and intracellular environmental factors such as nitrogen availability and cyclic nucleotide signals are transduced to bring about changes in gene expression. Important mechanisms of gene regulation will also be discussed.
MBB325 The World of RNA
Teaching Block 1B
Module Coordinator: Prof SA Wilson
This module will analyse the vital roles that RNA plays in the life of a cell and how RNA is increasingly used as a tool to understand biology. The course will cover the following 'cutting edge' research topics: RNA interference, CRISPR Genome Editing, non-coding RNAs, together with the latest work on well known RNA based activities. These include transcription, RNA splicing, RNA stability, RNA export and translation and how all these processes are coupled in the cell to ensure efficient, quality-controlled gene expression. The module aims to present the latest innovations and discoveries in the RNA world and their application.
MBB328 The Organisation of Bacterial Cells
Teaching Block 1A
Module Coordinator: Dr R Fagan
This module will address the current state of the art in our understanding of subcellular organisation in bacteria; challenging the idea of bacteria as bags of enzymes and DNA. The course will be largely centred around the primary literature and will cover the development of our understanding of bacterial organisation over the last 20 years against the backdrop of the microscopy resolution revolution. This will involve detailed coverage of high-resolution microscopic techniques and their application to the study of membrane microdomains, bacterial homologues of the actin, tubulin and intermediate filament cytoskeletons, and the subcellular localisation of supramolecular complexes.
MBB329 The Genetics of Human Disease
Module Coordinator: Dr A Hodgson
This module will address the ways in which genetic factors influence our lifetime health. The module will focus on the methodology used to identify genetic factors involved in human genetic disease; that is, next generation sequencing, diagnostic PCR, karyotype analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) and microarray, and how genetic abnormalities result in disease. The rapid advance in the understanding genetic basis of disease has led to the importance of genetic diagnostic testing in healthcare. The scientific tests used in this industry and the real-life patient cases will be addressed in this module.
MBB334 Biochemical Basis of Human Disease
Teaching Block 2A
Module Coordinator: Prof M Williamson
The aim of this course is to provide students with an insight into how a fundamental biochemical analysis of the mechanisms of human disease plays a crucial role in understanding the causes of disease and points the way to novel therapeutic interventions. The course aims to show how the combined efforts of biochemists and clinicians are needed to arrive at a complete characterisation of a given disease and to identify possible targets for intervention. During the course we will consider some of the most common major diseases in the population, and how novel treatments will be necessary to address the increasing prevalence of particular health problems, including obesity, amyloid-related diseases, cancer, atherosclerosis and renal scarring. The lecture series will provide examples of diseases, discuss the pathogenesis and current treatments, and highlight how knowledge of biochemical pathways and mechanisms are being used to develop novel treatments.
MBB335 Bacterial Pathogenicity
Teaching Block 2B
Module Coordinator: Dr R Fagan
Infectious diseases account for the majority of deaths worldwide. This will continue to be the case until we have a greater understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and thereby develop counter strategies. This module builds on the principles introduced in MBB245 and begins by showing how molecular genetic approaches are being used to unravel the complex strategies employed by bacterial pathogens. Following an introduction to the regulation of virulence genes, the pathogenic mechanisms of selected bacterial pathogens are explored in detail, demonstrating the involvement of multiple virulence determinants and their genetic regulation in the disease process. Pathogens discussed in detail will include some giving particular cause for concern, such as Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Virulence mechanisms that represent common themes in bacterial pathogenesis will be highlighted and, where applicable, the appearance of antibiotic resistant strains and strategies adopted to tackle this problem will be considered.
MBB340 The Microbiology of Extreme Environments
Teaching Block 2A
Module Coordinator: Dr DJ Gilmour
The module is divided into three sections. The first section deals with a discussion of the basic metabolic strategies that allow microbes to live, e.g. chemoheterotrophy, chemoautotrophy, phototrophy. This is then followed by a brief survey of the geochemical cycles, e.g. the S and N cycles. The second section is devoted to a study of how microorganisms are able to live in extreme environments on Earth, e.g. salt lakes and hydrothermal vents. The final section deals with the possibility that microorganisms exist in extreme, non-Earth environments such as Mars. This section concludes with a discussion of how life might have originated on the prebiotic Earth.
MBB342 Genetics of Cell Growth and Division
Teaching Block 1A
Module Coordinator: Dr E Jones
This unit will illustrate how genetic approaches have been used to identify the components and the mechanisms of eukaryotic cell growth and division. The first section will consider how mitochondria behave during the cell cycle, including the underlying mechanisms that regulate fusion and fission, and how the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA is regulated in a range of organisms. Material to be covered in the second section focuses primarily on yeast and includes polarised growth, asymmetric cell division, and organelle formation, inheritance and degradation.
MBB343 Biochemical Signalling
Teaching Block 1A
Module Coordinator: Professor JE Gray
The aim of the module is to give students an understanding of the mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells communicate. Students will acquire knowledge of: cell-cell communication involving hormones and growth factors; cell surface receptors, their characterisation and specificity; the role of G-proteins in signal transduction; intracellular signals and reversible phosphorylation mechanisms. Examples considered in detail are: cyclic AMP; protein kinase A; inositol phosphates in calcium regulation; diacylglycerol and activation of protein kinase C; calcium as a second messenger. Examples of oncogene-derived proteins in signalling will be considered.
MBB344 Genomic Science
Teaching Block 1B
Module Coordinator: Dr RR Chaudhuri & Dr IM Sudbery
This unit builds on MBB267 and addresses the current experimental strategies for elucidating functional information from the growing number of organisms for which genome sequences are now available. The course begins with an introduction to RNA interference and its application to the analysis of gene function. Then we consider how the technique of RNA interference can be used to carry out genome wide screens for gene function in a range of organisms, including humans, C.elegans and Drosophila. The course then considers how we might use bioinformatics to analyse gene function on a genome wide scale and finally we address how other technologies such as mass spectrometry can help elucidate the function of proteins on a genome wide scale.
MBB345 Human Reproduction and Fertility
Teaching Block 2B
Module coordinator: Dr E Jones
This module will address the processes underlying fertility: that is, the hormone cycle underlying female egg production, gametogenesis, fertilisation, preimplantation development and implantation. The module will then consider reasons for infertility, assisted conception, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, and cloning and stem cells. Chromosomal abnormalities that are inherited or arise during gametogenesis limit fertility. The nature of these abnormalities and the ways these arise from mistakes in meiosis and the consequences for fertility will be covered in detail.
MBB346 Genetic pathways from zygote to organism
Teaching Block 1A
Module coordinator: Dr S Casson
Multicellular organisms develop from a single zygote and in the case of humans, culminates in a mature human body consisting of over a trillion cells and around 200 different cell types. This module will examine the developmental mechanisms and genes that regulate pattern formation and cell identity in multicellular eukaryotes. We will focus on the role of key genes in the regulation of different developmental processes and the mechanisms that determine the correct temporal and spatial expression of these genes. We will illustrate these principles using examples from model organisms including Mus Musculus, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster and Arabidopsis thaliana. These systems have significantly informed our understanding of human disease but also demonstrate the different mechanisms through which cell fate and complexity are controlled.
MBB361 Literature review
Teaching Block 2
In this module students are required to write a literature review on a topic chosen from a wide range suggested by members of staff. Students will develop a range of transferrable key skills associated with searching for, analysing and critically evaluating information from the literature, together with presentation skills in writing and presenting their review.
MBB362 Biochemistry data handling
Teaching Block 1 & 2
The module aims to develop problem solving, interpretative and numerical skills by the study of deductive questions drawn from the broad area of biochemistry. Students will gain experience in the handling, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of published biochemical data of different types. The module also contains an element that develops the skills required by the students to write on a broad topic drawn from across all their areas of study.
MBB363 Genetics data handling
Teaching Block 1 & 2
The module aims to develop interpretative skills by the study of deductive questions drawn from the broad area of molecular genetics and cell biology. Students will gain experience in the analysis, interpretation and evaluation of published data of different types through a directed programme of reading, discussion and question answering. The module also contains an element that develops the skills required by the students to write on a broad topic drawn from across all their areas of study.
MBB364 Microbiology data handling
Teaching Block 1 & 2
The module aims to develop problem solving, interpretative and numerical skills by the study of deductive questions drawn from the broad area of microbiology, including gene regulation, microbial physiology and pathogenicity. Students will gain experience in reading scientific papers and in the handling, analysis, interpretation and evaluation of microbiological data of different types. The module also contains an element that develops the skills required by the students to write on a broad topic drawn from across all their areas of study.
MBB380 Research Project
Teaching Block 1 & 2
This module is a research project in the molecular biosciences that allows students to apply their core subject knowledge to develop key skills in an area related to their career aspirations. Students have the opportunity to design, plan, and undertake an investigation, either within the Department or externally. Project choices include laboratory-based research; biotechnology; computational biology and bioinformatics; science communication; science teaching in a local school; and clinical diagnostics.
All projects are undertaken under the supervision of a member of academic staff; most placements are within the Department, but a small proportion of students undertake projects in other locations, such as the Medical School. Students will develop skills in the collation, interpretation, presentation, and communication of data and ideas. Students will submit their work in the form of a formal written report and present their research to the department during a showcase poster event.
MBB401 Introduction to Research Methodology
Teaching Block 1
This unit provides an opportunity to revise and update knowledge of technologies used routinely in biological research and introduces some advanced methods, with particular emphasis on raising awareness of the opportunities afforded by complementary technologies. The course engages students with aspects of immunology, molecular biology and genetics, functional genomics, protein expression, statistics and bioinformatics. Diverse teaching formats, including formal lectures, guided small group work, discussion groups and student presentations are used to deliver content.
MBB402 Advanced Literature Review
Teaching Blocks 1 & 2
This unit builds upon the skills in literature searching and interpretation developed in the Library Project and Data Handling units at level 3. It is designed to lead to a comprehensive understanding of the literature, approaches and techniques relevant to the Extended Research Project (MBB403) or Project in Industry (MBB404). It will result in the production of a literature review appropriate for inclusion in a postgraduate thesis. The exact nature and scope of the literature review will be determined by discussion between the student and the supervisor, with additional input from the industrial supervisor for those students taking MBB404. Assessment will be on the basis of the literature review.
MBB403 Extended Laboratory Project
Teaching Blocks 1 & 2
This module provides an extended period of laboratory work, with training in experimental techniques, record keeping and writing up. Projects are supervised by a member of staff and related to ongoing research projects within the Department, although a proportion of students undertake projects in other locations such as hospitals and the Medical School. This unit is designed to provide students with experience of undertaking investigations independently on a specific research topic, so that they can develop a research oriented approach, and gain experience of lab work in preparation for a future career in science.
MBB404 Project in Industry
Teaching Blocks 1 & 2
The Project in Industry will be styled along the lines of the first year of a PhD project, and while being of shorter duration, will contain all the key elements of independent scientific research. The student will be a member of an industrial research group and be expected to attend the laboratory in normal working hours. Each student will be allocated a supervisor in MBB, who, as well as the industrial supervisor, will meet with the student on a regular basis to provide guidance and feedback on the research work and the various types of reports. The industrial supervisor and/or other members of the research group will provide day-to-day technical and safety oversight of the project work, within the appropriate regulatory framework. Each student will also receive formative feedback on a plan and a draft of the main project report. Carrying out the project will support a student in developing as an independent researcher with competencies approaching the professional level required for higher level study or employment, especially in a research science area.
MBB405 Advanced Research Topics
Teaching Blocks 1 & 2
This module will develop the ability of students to acquire information through the medium of research seminars and published scientific papers. Students will attend Departmental research seminars and monitor the publication of new scientific papers relevant to their research area. They will also attend a journal club, in which they will present a recently published research paper and summarise the presentations of other students. Assessment of the unit will be on the basis of the journal club presentation and a series of short reports on research seminars, journal club presentations and newly published scientific papers.