Biochemistry and Genetics BSc

Core modules:

Biochemistry 1

This module provides a broad introduction to Biochemistry and examines the molecules that carry out and control all the chemical reactions in biological cells. The basic chemical concepts underlying the structures, functions and mechanisms of action of biomolecules.

20 credits

Molecular & Cell Biology

This module considers the fundamental processes at the heart of all life on this planet. Students will learn about the basic molecular processes that enable cells to store and use genetic information to make proteins, as well as the mechanisms that allow cell growth, division, and ultimately cell death. Learning materials will be delivered through a combination of lectures, videos, practical classes and independent study.

20 credits

Microbiology 1

This course is an introduction to the field of microbiology. Students will explore the diversity of microorganisms including Bacteria, Archaea, unicellular Eukaryotes and viruses. They will examine the diversity of the structure and the function of these microorganisms, emphasising the fundamental role that they play in our everyday lives by using examples in medicine and biotechnology.

20 credits

Genetics 1

This course is an introduction to the principles of genetics. Students will explore the genetics of pro- and eukaryotes by studying the mechanisms of gene transmission, genetic exchange, mutations and gene mapping. Additional topics are the genetic basis of diseases, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counselling, gene therapy and genetic basis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Students will learn through lectures and videos and independent study.

10 credits

Skills in Molecular Bioscience

The Skills for Biology module introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific practice: lab practical skills, experimental design, information technology, data visualisation and analysis, writing and presentation skills, skills reflection, professionalism and career development.

30 credits

Optional modules:

A student will select approved modules from the School of Biosciences to the value of 20 credits.

Core modules:

Practical Molecular Bioscience 2

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.

30 credits

Biochemistry 2

This module provides an advanced treatment of the biochemical topics introduced in earlier modules, to provide a deep understanding of the underlying chemical principles and molecular interactions governing life in cells. Topics covered include reaction and ligand binding kinetics, enzyme catalysis and chemical mechanism, protein structure and function, small molecule drug development and methods in which these processes are studied experimentally.

20 credits

Biostructures, Energetics and Synthesis

This module aims to furnish students with a working knowledge of the structures and functions of proteins and nucleic acids, in order that they gain an appreciation of the crucial relationship between structure and function. Both cytosolic globular and membrane proteins will be considered, as well as an introduction to nucleic acid structure. The module also explains the basic principles of how energy is made available (transduced) for essential biological functions, such as ATP synthesis and solute and protein transport. To achieve this understanding, the nature of biological membranes and the energy transducing proteins associated with those membranes are considered, and the principles of chemiosmosis, light absorption and biological redox reactions are discussed. Finally the module provides an understanding of the general principles underlying the biosynthesis of complex biomolecules from simpler precursors, and the control of these processes, with particular relevance to biotechnology.

20 credits

Genes, Genomes and Chromosomes

This module aims to provide the student with a clear understanding of how genomes are organised within cells and how the expression of specific genes can be regulated. One part of the module addresses experimental approaches to address the function of specific genes and how genetic information is expressed in a regulated manner. Both classical and molecular genetics techniques to study gene function will be described. DNA repair and recombination mechanisms will be addressed, along with the use of reporter gene fusions. The regulation of gene expression at the molecular level will be explored through the consideration of (post-) transcriptional control mechanisms and intercellular signalling pathways. The other part of the module discusses the structural features of chromosomes and how they contribute to the maintenance and evolution of the genome; the development of sequencing techniques and their application to genome sequencing projects; the use of scoring systems to determine related DNA sequences and the application of sequencing technologies to measure gene expression, identify protein binding sites within DNA, analyse long range nucleic acid interactions within genomes and study DNA methylation patterns.

20 credits

Genetics 2

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 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, quantitative inheritance, population genetics and evolutionary genetics. A collaborative group work exercise will give students opportunities to apply concepts introduced in the module to the analysis of genetic data, planning of experiments and the creation of a joint report.

20 credits

Core modules:

Project

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. Projects 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.

30 credits

Literature Review

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.

20 credits

Optional modules:

Biochemical Basis of Human Disease

The aim of this module 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 module 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 module we will consider some of the most common major diseases in the population, including inflammation, obesity, amyloid-related diseases, cancer, atherosclerosis and renal scarring, and consider how diseases and their treatments interact.

10 credits

Biochemical Signalling

This module provides students with an understanding of the mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells communicate via signal transduction pathways. We will discuss how mammalian cells transfer, and receive, information via pathways involving hormones and growth factors, cell surface or intracellular receptors, second messengers, G-proteins, reversible phosphorylation mechanisms, and transcriptional controls. We explore how biochemical characteristics define the activity and specificity of signalling components, and the consequences of defective signalling pathways, for example, how oncogene derived proteins lead to cancers. Examples considered in detail may include: the regulation of cell proliferation by epidermal growth factors, and in plants by auxin; stimulation of muscle contraction or relaxation by a range of signals; control of multiple pathways by adrenaline and cyclic AMP signalling during the fight-or-flight response; the role of membrane derived inositol phosphates in triggering in calcium signals and cell survival; and design of anticancer drugs.

10 credits

Biochemistry Data Handling

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.

10 credits

Genetic pathways from zygote to organism

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 such as 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.

10 credits

Genetics Data Handling

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.

10 credits

Genome Stability and Genetic Change

The module examines in detail the mechanisms that maintain genome integrity and generate genetic variation, both of which are essential to eukaryotic life. The lectures illustrate how preventing and creating changes in DNA make use of the same biochemical machinery. The main emphasis is on eukaryotes, reference is made to prokaryotes mainly as an aid to understanding the importance of conserved processes. Mechanisms studied in detail include single-strand break repair, protein-linked DNA break repair, homologous and non-homologous recombination, avoidance of replication errors, mismatch repair, excision repair and mutagenesis. Throughout the module experimental detail is included to illustrate how conclusions on gene function and interactions have been determined.

10 credits

Genomic Science

A top-down approach to biology, simultaneously investigating the structure and function of the entire genome and its products, both contrasts with and complements the traditional gene-by-gene approach, allowing us a birds-eye view. In this module, we cover how genome sequencing can be used to understand the structure of human populations, profile microbial diversity and to trace the origins of disease outbreaks. We then discuss how methods such as RNA-seq, ChIP-seq and 4C can be used to investigate the genome-wide transcriptional profile, the chromatin landscape and the three-dimensional structure of the genome. Finally we describe the use of technologies such as mass spectrometry to investigate the complete proteome of a cell. The module builds on the material from the level 2 module Genes, Genomes and Chromosomes, to illustrate how cutting-edge genomic and proteomic methods can be used address fundamental biological questions.

10 credits

Human Evolutionary Genetics

This module will provide students with an understanding of how genomics has shaped our understanding of the evolution of modern humans. This will be achieved through lectures, independent reading and a computational biology practical. Topics covered will include: the evolution of modern humans; the history of how humans colonised the world; how the Neanderthal genome has revealed hybridisation between Homo sapiens and Neanderthal man; how human genomes can tell us about the history and causes of modern genetic disorders; how our genomes reveal past episodes of selection; and how life history theory is used to study natural selection and evolution in pre-industrial humans.

10 credits

Human Reproduction and Fertility

This module will address some of the processes underlying human fertility: that is, hormonal regulation of the reproductive systems, gametogenesis and fertilisation. The module will then consider methods of contraception, reasons for infertility, and issues relating to the assisted reproductive technologies. Finally, the importance of genetic imprinting will be discussed, together with a consideration of the impact of failures in imprinting.

10 credits

Membrane Protein Structure and Function

The aim of this module is to impart a thorough understanding of the structure and function of membrane proteins. A major theme is the structural basis of energy transduction in membranes. Membrane 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 membrane proteins involved in energy harvesting such as respiration and photosynthesis. The principles underlying the efficiency of energy transduction and redox chemistry taking place in these complexes will be covered. We will look at how harvested energy is coupled to movement of molecules ions and signals across membranes. The role of structure in determining specificity and directionality in vital transport process and signalling will be emphasised.

10 credits

Molecular Immunology

This module explores the mechanisms that higher organisms use to defend themselves against infectious disease. The course considers the relationship between innate immunity (the first line of defence) and adaptive immunity, which can evolve throughout a lifetime to specifically recognise and remember different pathogens. The functions of the various cells and molecules that constitute the immune system are discussed and the genetic mechanisms that contribute to immunological diversity and specificity are examined. Topics include the roles of cytokines, T cell subsets and the structure/function relationship of the different antibody classes. The module also includes an overview of current techniques that exploit or manipulate the immune response for the prevention and treatment of disease e.g. through the development of therapeutic antibodies and the design of new vaccines.

10 credits

Plant Biotechnology

This module considers the application of biotechnology to plants, for both agricultural and research uses. It covers the production of transgenic plants and how this technology has resulted in genetically engineered crop plants that show novel traits or produce novel products. It also covers traditional methods of plant breeding for the development of novel crops without the use of genetic engineering. The release of genetically engineered crops has and is having a major impact on society, raising issues of ethical, economic and ecological importance. An appreciation of these issues will be developed.

10 credits

Protein Folding and Misfolding in Disease

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.

10 credits

The Genetics of Human Disease

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.

10 credits

The world of RNA

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 module 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.

10 credits