Biological Sciences (Extended Degree) BSc (Hons)
Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
International
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Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
UCAS Code
Z093
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Applied Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2026
Fees
Modules
Please note: the first year of entry for this course is September 2026. For 2025 entry, please visit BSc (Hons) Biology.
Gain a deeper understanding of living systems and investigate the technologies, medicines, and research which will shape their future.
Formerly named 'Biology', this course offers a broad and deep understanding of the scientific study of living things and explores important and rapidly advancing topics in modern science, like biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental technology.
You can also opt for a specialist pathway of study - meaning you can choose to continue with your broad degree or specialise in biotechnology or neurobiology.
Whichever pathway you choose, there’ll be opportunities for practical work and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, which can include a sandwich year work placement, study abroad option or work-related training in industry. This means the course is ideal for anyone considering a career in biosciences, or as a basis for further study at postgraduate level.
Please note: the first year of entry for this course is September 2026. For 2025 entry, please visit BSc (Hons) Biology.
Gain a deeper understanding of living systems and investigate the technologies, medicines, and research which will shape their future.
Formerly named 'Biology', this course offers a broad and deep understanding of the scientific study of living things and explores important and rapidly advancing topics in modern science, like biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental technology.
You can also opt for a specialist pathway of study - meaning you can choose to continue with your broad degree or specialise in biotechnology or neurobiology.
Whichever pathway you choose, there’ll be opportunities for practical work and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, which can include a sandwich year work placement, study abroad option or work-related training in industry. This means the course is ideal for anyone considering a career in biosciences, or as a basis for further study at postgraduate level.
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year which has been designed to provide fundamental scientific knowledge and skills in a range of science fields.
Your foundation year will give you a practical introduction to biology, chemistry, food science and forensic science, establishing your laboratory skills, basic numeracy skills, data handling, ICT and study skills. You’ll be taught in large, modern, well-equipped labs with audio-visual facilities to enhance our ability to demonstrate techniques or interesting observations.
The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.
UCAS Code
Z093
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Applied Sciences
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2026
Fees
Modules
64 to 80 Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 64 to 80 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1*: TBC
* Government has yet to announce 26/27 tuition fee levels.
International Fee in Year 1:
TBC
ADDITIONAL COSTS
TBC
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
AP0306 -
Scientific and Numeracy Skills (Core,20 Credits)
You will get the opportunity to improve and practice key numeracy skills that will enable you to complete the tasks for the other modules you are studying during the foundation year. These will include calculations associated with experimental work in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, biomedical science, food science, nutrition, forensic science and sport science, such as making solutions of different concentrations using solid chemicals, preparing dilutions using stock solutions, serial dilutions, making buffers, calculating rates of reaction, equilibrium constants, enthalpies, interpreting outcomes of antibiotic sensitivity testing, processing histological, physiological and biometrics measurements, calculating biodiversity indices, etc.
You will also review your IT skills to ensure you can easily access the eLP, library and other on-line resources, including guidance on correct referencing of scientific literature. You will use Microsoft Excel to process data similar to those that you will acquire experimentally in other modules, do simple statistics and produce graphical representations and tables of your data.
You will learn about the style of scientific writing used in peer-reviewed publications and how to present scientific data in different formats, eg. scientific report using the IMRAD style, short summary, poster, oral presentation, mini-literature review, essay. You will also learn how to find relevant and reliable sources of information and you will practice extracting relevant details from such sources and presenting them in your own words.
AP0307 -
Practical Skills in Science (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn and acquire key practical skills that are needed for subsequent study in your progression degree. You will learn techniques associated with the specialisms of Food Science and Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Forensic Science and Biology. You will learn how to use Excel spread-sheets to process experimentally acquired data and produce graphical representations of your results and you will learn how to present laboratory reports using the IMRAD style.
More informationAP0308 -
Inspirational Science (Core,20 Credits)
This module will teach you about important and inspirational areas of science, focusing on how chemistry and other sciences are embedded in the development of new technologies, medicines, materials and processes. The module is broken down into four main areas namely; Spectroscopy and Analysis; Drugs and Molecule, Material of the Future and Energy. Within each of these key areas you will learn about the fundamental science that underpins these important research areas, why these areas are so important to us all and how recent developments in these fields helped industry, research and understanding.
More informationAP0309 -
Research and Science Communication Project (Core,20 Credits)
This module will teach you how to expand your scientific research, science communication and team work skills through the collaborative research and presentation of a scientific research project. Lectures and seminars will be delivered teaching you how to research a scientific subject, how to work as team in doing this and how to condense large amounts of information into a concise message. All of these are essential core skills for a career in science.
More informationAP0310 -
Introduction to Biology (Optional,20 Credits)
As Biology is the “Study of Life”, in this module we will explore different aspects of the living world around us. In the first teaching block, we will delve into evolution – how did all the different life forms we see around us come into being? How does evolution work? In order to study life, we need to have a good overview of what different life forms there are. This brings us into the realm of Biodiversity and Classification. We will give an overview of the different Kingdoms that dwell on Earth, and with whom we share this planet and are connected in multiple ways.
We then look inwards, and unravel the secrets of our genomes. Our genetic information is stored in our DNA – but how are genes organised, and how do they work? Can the study of genetics help us to understand the world in- and around us, can it help us to “improve” the world by genetic manipulation?
In the last teaching block, we focus on human beings, and explore aspects of our physiology and neurobiology. How does the human body function, how does our nervous system work?
Though the teaching is organised in three blocks (Evolution and Diversity, Genetics, Human Biology), this division is somewhat arbitrary as there are multiple links connecting these areas of study. “In the living nature, nothing happens that isn’t somehow connected to nature as a whole” (Goethe, 1749-1832) In this module, we will regularly explore these connections.
AP0311 -
Introduction to Biomedical Sciences (Optional,20 Credits)
You will receive an introduction to basic biological concepts relating to the organisation of the human organism.
You will learn to describe the molecular, cellular (cytology) and tissue (histology) organisation of mammals, with particular emphasis on humans, and explain relationships between form and function at each level.
You will find out about the basic principles of genetics including the structure and role of DNA in transmission of heritable information and the principles of Mendelian inheritance.
You will begin to describe the biochemical characteristics of living organisms and explain how the human form is built up by the physical and chemical processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation of food and how energy is supplied at cellular level by respiration.
You will learn about the concept of transport in humans by investigating gaseous exchange and transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide round the body by the heart, lungs and vascular system.
You will receive an introduction to the defence functions of the blood and characteristics of mammalian vascular systems which are important in understanding and managing disease (blood pressure, heartbeat, white blood cells, phagocytes, antibody production, blood groups).
You will be introduced to aspects of co-ordination, response and control in the human organism with reference to the processes of homeostasis and the endocrine and nervous systems.
AP0312 -
Introduction to Chemistry (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles underpinning the subject of chemistry. Through discussion of theory and engaging in practical experimentation you will improve your knowledge of the five core areas of chemistry:
1. Organic chemistry: where you will study atomic structure, bonding and reactivity of organic compounds.
2. Analytical chemistry: where you will study reactions to detect specific functional groups, alongside instrumental techniques such as mass spectrometry.
3. Molecular modeling: where you will study how to represent chemical structures using a computer, in addition to developing a better understanding of molecular geometry and isomerism
4. Inorganic chemistry: where you will study the structure and properties of metals and their complexes.
5. Physical chemistry: where you will study factors affecting the rate and progress of chemical reactions.
You will also spend time developing chemistry-focussed laboratory skills including considering the implications of risk management and safety, which is a critical skill for all practising chemists.
AP0313 -
Introduction to Food Science and Nutrition (Human Nutrition) (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn about the biological basis of food and nutrition and will be introduced to a range of elements and compounds which are essential for life. The principles of healthy eating based on UK guidelines and the role of food in maintaining health including the role of microbiota will be explored whilst providing an understanding of the nutritional needs of a population. You will explore through lectures and laboratory practicals some important aspects of food microbiology, food processing, preservation and brewing.
More informationAP0314 -
Introduction to Forensic Science (Optional,20 Credits)
You will experience the forensic application of science to crime investigation. This module will enable you to understand how your scientific thinking and practical laboratory skills can be deployed in a real world context. You will cover how forensic science is utilised to assist a crime investigation, following a case specific example to illustrate key points along the investigation process. You will further develop your microscopy and pipette skills through laboratory practicals designed around the recovery, examination and analysis of forensic material of relevance to a particular case. Your attention to detail, precision and inquisitive mind will be core skills covered during the laboratory practical.
You will also explore how science is communicated to others. Forensic scientists have a high level of scientific understanding that underpins the forensic evidence that they give in a statement or court room. However, the audience - police, jury - aren't expected to have any scientific knowledge or experience but do need to understand how the scientific forensic evidence assists a crime investigation. This requires the forensic scientists to 'translate' complex information and relay it to others at a level that they can confidentally understand it. You will work together with colleagues in small groups to prepare a poster, conveying complex scientific information to a non-scientific audience.
Your involvement in this module will help you learn what it is to be a professional scientist, understanding the importance of observations, attention to detail and clear communication. These are key transferable skills for those in the scientific profession and are directly applicable to all of the degree programmes that you could progress onto after successful study of your foundation year.
AP0404 -
Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about the diversity of life and the unifying cell theory including, DNA as the universal information store and the central dogma of molecular biology as the unifying mechanism in all life. You will learn the structure and function of cells and the organelles they contain along with their life cycle, division, self-replication and eventual death.
You will learn the basic principles of heredity, including molecular, classical , human and microbial genetics. You will learn the structure, function, regulation of genes and genomes. You will also learn the fundamentals of applied genetics including an introduction to clinical genetics and the identification of genetic mutations and polymorphisms and their influence on disease processes.
Underpinning these theoretical concepts and principles covered in the lecture course you will be trained in basic techniques of handling DNA in the laboratory.
AP0406 -
Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will learn the primary skills required to be a student of a science degree. These skills will cover both laboratory based and data/information retrieval and handling. As part of the laboratory skills you will study the importance of health & safety, ethics and appropriate sample handling. You will then move into the laboratory where hands on sessions offer you an opportunity to develop key skills in areas of liquid handling, microscopy, buffers, making solutions and dilutions, and enzymatic analysis. You will use your generated laboratory data to then study and understand appropriate methods of data manipulation and presentation. You will also on this module gain experience and confidence in searching for, understanding of and appreciation of scientific literature.
More informationAP0407 -
Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)
This module will provide you with an important and invaluable introduction to the structure and function of the principal molecular components of living systems, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. In addition, you will learn about the actions and properties of enzymes. The first part of the module will provide you with a foundation for this by explaining relevant chemical concepts which underpin chemistry in biological systems, including atomic structure, chemical bonding and the nature of molecular interactions. Then we will consider several carbon containing compounds that are present in biological systems and their chemical and physical properties. Following this, an investigation will be conducted into the structure, nomenclature, functions and significance of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. The role of proteins as enzymes will also be investigated to provide a foundation for the study of biochemistry in successive years.
More informationAP0408 -
Anatomy and Physiology (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn and understand the basics of Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body. You will also be introduced to the pathophysiology of some common diseases. You will learn about the general organisation of the human body and some of the body systems including the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous and respiratory systems. This module will provide you with the necessary basic knowledge required for the understanding of more advanced biomedical courses. The content of this module also fulfils the necessary requisites (i.e. core competencies) for course accreditation purposes with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for students following the Human Nutrition degree pathway.
More informationAP0412 -
Animal and Plant Biology (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit the Earth and the principles of taxonomy and systematics which provide the basis for the classification of living organisms into hierarchical groupings. The relationships between form and function will be explored in a selection of representative animals and plants, through the study of the anatomy and physiology of the major plant and animal groups. You will gain experience of appropriate practical skills for laboratory and field-based investigations and techniques and software used to monitor animal and plant diversity and community composition. Examples of interactions between plants and animals will be used to illustrate the key concepts in the evolutionary theory and you will learn about current areas of research in animal and plant biology, in the context of challenges to global biodiversity and conservation initiatives.
More informationAP0413 -
Introduction to the Microbial World (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about the range of micro-organisms which will include; bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms that inhabit the earth. You will learn about the importance of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses with respect to biotechnology and the bioinformatic approaches that are used to investigate the diverse habitats they inhabit. You will also learn about the principles of taxonomy and systematics which provide the basis for the classification bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and single-celled organisms into hierarchical groupings.
Underpinning theoretical concepts and principles will be covered in a lecture course that will be informed, illustrated and applied through a strong practical element. You will be trained in basic techniques of bacteriology and virology involving the selective isolation and identification.
JE5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
AP0508 -
Biology of Disease (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the causes and consequences of damage to cells, including those caused by the generation of free radicals. You will increase your understanding of the pathological bases of cancer, such as characteristics of cancer cells, malignant and benign tumours, tumour suppressor genes, invasion and metastases. The introduction of the inflammatory processes in the human body underpins taught material in immune diseases later in the module. You will explore causes, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of many organ disorders: cardiovascular disorders will provide information on areas such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Information on diabetes and disorders of the reproductive hormones will be included in the endocrine section. Chronic obstructive and restrictive diseases will be taught within the respiratory disorders. Information on reproductive disorders will be taught within the section on infertility in men and women.
More informationAP0511 -
Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the basic principles of molecular biology and gain an understanding of how the many different modern techniques can be applied to understanding genetics at the level of the nucleic acids - deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). You will learn why and how DNA and RNA can be manipulated in the laboratory in order to clone and sequence DNA, and produce useful proteins. In addition, you will gain practical experience in representative molecular biology methods and understanding in the context in which they are used. You will also learn how mutations in DNA can lead to human disease and discover the techniques that have been developed to identify normal and mutant DNA sequences in complex mixtures. There will be a focus on the use of molecular biology in understanding human genetics, in particular the diagnosis of disease at the chromosome and nucleic acid levels, and also the methods used for testing and screening for genetic susceptibility. You will learn how techniques have been developed to sequence the human genome and to identify individuals based on features within their DNA. The broader influence of molecular biology in non-human species will be included in your learning using examples of applied genetics.
More informationAP0514 -
Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)
In ‘Human Metabolism’ you will learn of how the body breaks down various biological molecules such as sugars, fats and proteins to gain energy and how it converts these molecules into the other various essential components required to function normally. You will learn about the disorders that can arise and the resulting consequences, with a food and nutritional sciences approach. Consequences such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes and obesity will be discussed. You will learn about these various aspects in a system/organ-specific manner which will include the liver, the kidneys, heart and digestive tract, allowing you to clearly understand the relationship between normal and disrupted function.
More informationAP0515 -
Environmental Biology (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn how animals and plants interact with their environment, and with each other. How do factors like temperature, drought and the availability of nutrients affect plants and animals? The module will explore these issues. This is important, as the current climate change has an impact on both animals and plants. You will learn how in the course of evolution plants and animals have adapted to different climate conditions. With regards to plants, you will study how they have adapted not only their morphology, but also their photosynthesis to survive in a range of habitats. You will learn how animals have adapted their morphology, physiology and biochemistry to respond to variations in different environmental parameters and survive and function in various habitats, including extreme habitats such as the deep sea hydrothermal vents and very dry deserts. The interaction between plants and animals will also be studied.
More informationAP0516 -
Biology in Action (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn how to apply your theoretical knowledge and skills to solving new scientific problems in the fields of animal, plant and microbial biology. Examples from the recent research activity of the tutors teaching on this module will be used to teach you the stages of the scientific method, which starts with having an idea and seeking the answer to a scientific question. You will be guided through this process in relation to two tasks: a structured problem-based approach to learning about the response of plants to herbicides, followed by a more open task of a small-scale project to investigate animal behaviour in an enriched captive environment. Your learning journey for each task will start with researching the relevant scientific literature and formulating hypotheses, followed by planning experiments, selecting the most appropriate methods of data collection (laboratory and field-based or via zoo web-cams, respectively), and putting your experimental design into practice and collecting data. You will then be guided through processing, analysing (including hypothesis-testing statistics), discussing and presenting the data collected in the most appropriate scientific format.
More informationAP0517 -
Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn information technology and computing sufficient to comprehend the theoretical basis of bioinformatics; the principles and basic applications of various bioinformatics tools in the analysis of biological data; and practical competence in the use of bioinformatics at a basic level to analyse biological data and understand the limitations of these techniques. You will also learn how to perform molecular biology experiments in a competent and safe manner; be able to carry out work independently; be able to write in a concise and coherent fashion; and be able to demonstrate an awareness of the wider social and political implications of the topics covered in the module.
More informationAP0518 -
Investigative Biotechnology (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn how to conduct a scientific investigation, including how to formulate a scientific hypothesis and then initially write an investigative proposal on how the actual laboratory work will be carried out. You will learn specific methods that will enable you to safely grow, identify and count various food spoilage micro-organisms. The effects of these organisms on various beverage products will be investigated by using various scientific methodologies such as Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) and the abundance of certain microbes will be investigated using Next Generation Sequencing.
More informationAP0519 -
Principles of Neuroscience (Optional,20 Credits)
This module develops your understanding of the principle of control of the nervous system over bodily functions. In addition, you will be introduced to the neuropathology of some common neurological problems. Topics covered will include neurodevelopment, the somatosensory and motor systems, the autonomic nervous system and its role in homeostatic control, the special senses such as vision, olfaction, gustation and audition, and memory and aging. This module will provide you with the basic knowledge required for understanding topics covered in more advanced neuroscience modules associated to the BSc Biology (Neurobiology) degree.
More informationAP0520 -
Neuroscience Case Studies (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn about various Neuroscience Disorders by exploring the cause(s), anatomy and physiology of a disorder, the rationale for tests
in assisting in the diagnosis of a disorder, as well as application and ethics associated to treatment of a disorder. Topics that may be covered
include;
• Inherited neurological disorders and genetic
selection
• Movement disorders
• Neuromuscular problems
• Sensory and/or motor disorders
• ANS disorders
• Memory loss
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Rehabilitation.
AP0553 -
Bioscience Research & Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will explore and apply the fundamental biological and chemical principles used to develop important analyses in modern bioscience. You will learn how the composition of complex mixtures of molecules are analysed and interpreted to support clinical diagnosis or to illuminate bioscience research. Additionally, the use of cell culture to support biomedical analyses in cytotoxicity testing and also their responses to modelled pathophysiological challenges in biomedical research will be an important and exciting feature. You will learn about performing clinical diagnostics and its underpinning quality assurance. As well as the content illustrating important biological and analytical principles, the mode of assessment will develop your generic research skills in literature searching and evaluation, data analysis, critical appraisal of methodologies and report writing to prepare you for your final year research project and beyond in life as a professional scientist. Professionalism will be fostered through developing an understanding of the requirements needed for a modern diagnostic laboratory.
More informationAP0536 -
Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
This study abroad module is designed for standard full-time undergraduate programmes to provide you with the option to take an additional one year study abroad within your programme.
Study abroad provides an opportunity to develop personal skills in a different learning environment with a partner university. The module does not affect the classification of your degree, but if successfully passed the study abroad year is recognised in your transcript and degree certificate. There is a competitive selection process for placements and places cannot be guaranteed.
AP0552 -
Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
The Industrial Placement Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a Industrial Placement year which is taken as an additional year of study between levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of Industrial Placement at an approved placement partner. This broadens your overall experience of learning by embedding your current and future learning of your discipline within a regimented and target-oriented work environment. The course of Industrial Placement will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your Industrial Placement year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Industrial Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Industrial Placement Year)”.
More informationAP0606 -
Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
You will learn how to plan a literature investigation on a specific research topic, exploit appropriate sources and databases to search for information, evaluate and critically review the primary literature articles and assess their significance in the broader context, evaluate experimentation protocols required to carry out the proposed research, conduct experiments in a safe and effective manner and discuss the validity and significance of the data provided, present the project work in the form of an oral presentation and written report in an appropriate style and format.
More informationAP0607 -
Molecular Cell Interactions (Core,20 Credits)
In the early part of the module you will learn about mammalian cell signalling processes correlated with their role in disease pathogenesis and cellular responses to toxic compounds. These lectures will provide a sound theoretical understanding of concepts that will be further explored in material designed to consider the molecular mechanisms underpinning carcinogenesis. To augment this approach you will then also learn about the molecular basis of bacterial signalling and bacterial pathogenesis. As the module further develops you will then learn about therapeutic strategies designed to alleviate disease/pathogenesis. The content of this material will include the molecular basis of therapeutic design including drug action, chemotherapy and gene therapy. These lectures will serve to provide a molecular therapeutic complement to the pathogenesis lectures. Finally through case studies and essay writing you should learn to effectively, and critically, evaluate modern molecular based research.
More informationAP0609 -
Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will explore essential advanced analytical techniques relevant to the practice of modern Biomedical Sciences. You will learn about the scientific principles underpinning these methodologies and also how they are applied to both medical diagnostics and to research. You will gain an understanding of genetic engineering strategies and purification of recombinant proteins for analysis. In addition you will also learn about advanced separation techniques such as flow cytometry and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) as well as automated enzyme analysis. You will also gain an insight into cutting edge technologies such as next generation sequencing and microarray technologies in the context of both RNA (transcriptomics), protein (proteomics) and small molecules (metabolomics). In addition to learning the theoretical aspects and gaining hands-on laboratory experience in these techniques, you will learn to evaluate, compare and make sound evidence-based choices regarding analytical approach and experimental design that will prove a key skill in your future career.
More informationAP0612 -
The Impact of Science on Society (Core,20 Credits)
The world around us is continually being shaped by science, and by society's relationship to it. Increasingly people need to be informed users and consumers of scientific knowledge, but are unlikely ever to be producers of new scientific knowledge, thereby highlighting the importance of effective science communication, its impact on public engagement with science and the subsequent public understanding of science.
In this module you will review a range of contemporary bioscience and technology topics in terms of [i] the underpinning research/evidence base, [ii] the associated ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI), [iii] how science is communicated to the public and [iv] subsequent impact(s) on modern society. Subjects for review will include modern (bio) medical practice such as genetic screening, the allocation of scarce life saving resources, the use of animals as experimental research subjects, and biodiversity conservation. A case study based approach will be used for delivery of topics. Transferable skills in reading, research, writing, analysis and presentation will also be covered in the context of effective science communication to enable application of critical thinking skills when reading, writing and talking about science. An assessment seminar will be form part of the module schedule.
This module will give you the opportunity to explore the changing ethical, legal and social implications of research within the biosciences, with an overall aim of developing graduates who are ready to talk about science, interpret its influences in modern society and analyse contemporary science and technology based issues, so that they are able to communicate their understanding to others and contribute informed views to ongoing debates.
AP0613 -
Current Topics in Biology and Microbiology (Optional,20 Credits)
In this module, there is a strong emphasis on independent work. The module will start with a short series of lectures, in which current and relevant topics in biology and microbiology will be presented. These lectures provide you with a basis of knowledge and insight in the topics. Apart from the factual knowledge, the problems associated with the topics and the scientific approach in the research studies will give you a greater insight in the topics and their scientific and social-economical, agricultural and/or ecological relevance. You then will explore one of these topics in depth by performing an independent focussed literature study. You will make extensive use of literature searches using relevant academic databases to gather information on your topic, and to obtain an overview of the current state of knowledge and research in the world wide scientific community in this area. You will locate and access the relevant data in the scientific literature, compare and contrast these data and critically evaluate your findings in a focussed literature review of your topic. These are important skills to master – all scientific research starts with exploring and evaluating what is known already. The module equips you with the skills needed to set up and write a scientific review paper.
More informationAP0614 -
Applied Bioinformatics and Post Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)
You will learn the fundamental importance of bioinformatics to 21st century biology and how it can be applied to the investigation of human disease, and how it shapes research in a post-genomics era. Topics include:
• The human genome
• Microarray and next-generation sequencing
• Analysis of genome-wide disease datasets
• Identification of differentially expressed genes
• Construction of classifiers
• CRISPR-Cas and its biotechnological applications
• Post-genomic approaches to research
AP0615 -
Neuroscience in Practice (Optional,20 Credits)
In both basic neuroscience research, and within the investigation of a neurological disorder, different neuroscience disciplines contribute to the investigation process. In the lecture/seminar series you will learn about techniques utilised in these investigations and will study aspects of practical Neuroscience to include lecture based discussion on e.g. Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Molecular neuroscience, Ethics and Law. Taking the principles you have learned from the lecture/seminar series you will apply these to the creation of a group portfolio on an area of either basic research or disease study. This will aid you in learning the negotiating and social skills required to successfully navigate team dynamics in a constructive manner.
More informationWe encourage our students to graduate with subject-specific knowledge, practical laboratory skills, research skills and more, enabling you to make informed contributions to the understanding of what underpins life here on earth.
Biological Science graduates are sought-after in many specialist fields including biotechnology and medicine, scientific civil service, environmental protection, forensic science and science education, as well as by employers who value their high-level skills in communication, analysis and numeracy.
Many of our recent graduates have gone on to work for leading global organisations including GlaxoSmithKline, Brenntag and Covance, whilst others have gone into teaching and research roles or on to postgraduate studies.
We have a fantastic service for students' to use to gain advice and tips on furthering careers and enhancing their employability.
Careers and Employment Services
Our expert staff members come from a broad range of backgrounds, including the biotech industries, health care, food technology and consulting.
In addition to regularly contributing to prestigious scientific journals, our staff are all actively engaged in applied research ensuring that they remain at the forefront of changes in biosciences and science education, so that your learning remains current.
You’ll learn in spacious, modern laboratories fitted with a vast array of highly specialised instruments and equipment to help you get the very most from your studies.
Throughout the course you’ll also utilise Technology Enabled Learning (TEL) which provides online access to module information, key texts, assessment briefs and a range of teaching-related materials.
You’ll also be able to benefit from Northumbria University’s wider facilities, including a 24-hour access library.
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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