Biochemistry BSc

This core module will introduce you to the essential components that constitute all living organisms.

To understand the complexity of any biological system, we must understand it across scales from molecules through to cells, tissues, organisms, populations and ecosystems.

This module explores the key principles of molecular cell biology that form the foundation of life. You'll learn about the structure and function of cellular components, how genetic information is stored and transmitted, and how cells communicate through signalling pathways in microbes, fungi, animal and plant kingdoms. You'll then explore how single cells develop into multicellular organisms.

We'll also discuss the fundamentals of the immune system of animals, how other organisms such as plants respond to and clear infection, and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop therapeutics including vaccines.

This module will teach you how a cell works at the molecular level, giving you a solid foundation of knowledge to build on throughout your course.

Your lectures will describe molecular structures, interactions within and between molecules, factors affecting reaction rates, and the specific measurements needed to understand these processes. You'll also learn about the fundamental signalling mechanisms that enable cells to sense their environment, trigger appropriate responses, and regulate metabolic pathways. We'll describe key metabolic reactions like the Krebs Cycle and electron transport chain, which generate the energy necessary for cellular function.

During laboratory sessions, you'll measure biochemical reactions and develop your experimental design and data analysis skills.

This core module explores the vast spectrum of life that underpins modern biology. 

We'll introduce you to the approaches used to study genetics, evolution, and diversity, including classical population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetic trees, and the fossil record, covering single-celled extremophiles to multicellular animals and plants.

You'll examine the evidence for major transitions in Earth history, such as the colonisation of land and extinction events that have shaped life over geologic time. You'll also learn about the evolutionary success story of the microbial world. 

At the end of this module, you'll be able to recognise real-world applications of genetics and evolution spanning disciplines from human health to conservation.

This module is built around a team-based project focussing on identifying and communicating a real-world bioscience problem.

Your team will pick one issue from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to focus on. You'll research this issue using articles, reports, and data to better understand it, before creating a digital project showing why the issue matters and needs action. Depending on your interests, you could choose to focus on environmental issues, health disparities, or agricultural challenges.

You'll then identify key populations that are affected, outlining the underlying causes that have led to such problems, and consider the career pathways that bioscientists could take to address this challenge.

This core module is designed to give you the essential practical skills you'll need for a successful career in scientific research. Throughout this module, you'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, data handling, and scientific methodology.

In Semester 1 you'll learn fundamental lab skills, such as pipetting, microscopy, and performing basic mathematical calculations. You'll also learn to use analytical software to collect and process data.

In Semester 2 you'll work with your coursemates on group projects that allow you to develop your own hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyse data, and present your findings in the form of clear and concise lab reports.

This module will train you in the core competencies you'll need to perform experiments and communicate scientific research effectively.

This module will introduce you to the scientific study of whole organisms.

You'll explore the physiology, reproduction, and development of animals and plants. You'll learn how both genetic and environmental factors determine animal behaviour, and how those same factors contribute to form, function and diversity across life. You'll also investigate how animals and plants acquire and process energy, nutrients, and water, before examining asexual and sexual reproduction in a range of contexts.

This module will give you an understanding of the fundamental physiological processes that enable the human body to function.

You'll learn about the major cell types, tissues and organ systems that make up the human anatomy, and be able to explain examples of how diseases and drugs affect them. We'll also introduce you to the experimental methods and techniques used to study physiology.

By the end of the module, you'll have a thorough knowledge of how the human body functions, from cellular level to whole-body systems.

During this module, you'll explore the rapidly expanding field of neuroscience, gaining insights into the experimental methods and techniques that are used here.

You'll learn about the fundamental physiological principles that enable the nervous system to function, before exploring the anatomy and physiology of the sensory and motor systems. Alongside understanding the mechanisms of sensation and movement, you'll begin to explore the brain's role in behaviour, cognition, and memory.

By the end of this module, you'll have a solid foundation in neuroscience, preparing you for further study in this exciting field.

This module will help you to understand the structures and functions of proteins and how free energy is made available from either light or reduced organic carbon compounds to generate ATP and NADPH for biosynthetic metabolism. We'll start by explaining how solar energy entering the biosphere is harvested by chlorophyll pigments. You'll learn how photosynthesis converts solar energy into ATP and NADPH, using the same redox chemistry and chemiosmotic principles that underlie respiration.

From fixation of CO2, we progress to take a look at the key anabolic pathways in the cell including the Krebs cycle, pentose phosphate pathway and fatty acid synthesis. We also explore how reduced nitrogen is created and then utilised to form amino acids and nucleotides, the building blocks of life. 

This module will build on the biochemical topics you covered during your first year, giving you a deeper understanding of the underlying chemical principles and molecular interactions that govern life in cells. 

During lectures and practical classes, you'll be taught how to analyse and interpret biochemical data, plan appropriate experimental assays, and how to make predictions about enzyme and protein function.

You'll learn about the chemical transformations and molecular interactions that involve amino acids and govern enzyme function, and study a range of enzyme examples to demonstrate common themes, and the relationship between protein structure and function.

You'll also gain an understanding of small molecule drug development, showing how your new knowledge can be applied to develop protein or enzyme inhibitors for therapeutic use.

During this module, you'll develop the advanced professional skills you'll need for a data-driven world. You'll then apply your new skills, working in a team to address a real-world problem.

We'll train you to use the statistical programming language, R, which is used to apply statistical methods to solve biological data problems.

In the second semester, you'll work in a team to address a 'Global Challenge' from the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside your coursemates, you'll work to develop an innovative solution to this challenge by applying your creativity and your biological knowledge. This will give you insight into project management, finance, intellectual property and leadership, depending on your role in the team.

Throughout the year, you'll learn how to evidence your new professional skills for a digital world, and develop self-awareness of your own preferred working styles and how these can contribute to effective teamwork. We'll also teach you how to build a portfolio of evidence that showcases the skills you've developed, making you stand out from the crowd when you start applying for jobs.

This core module will build on the laboratory techniques and associated scientific skills that you developed in your first year.

Throughout the year, you'll complete mini group research projects, developing your own hypotheses before applying robust experimental design principles to test them. You'll then apply data analysis techniques to visualise and interrogate the data. 

We'll teach you how to effectively communicate your research projects. You'll be shown how scientific posters can be used as a creative and succinct form of communication, and learn how to review your own research in line with relevant literature.

We'll then introduce you to the exciting fields of bioinformatics and pharmacology, equipping you with a solid foundation of skills, ready to analyse genomic and pharmacological datasets.

During this module you'll explore key areas in cell biology including DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, the cytoskeleton, cell communication, signalling and vesicular trafficking in cells. 

We'll look at the latest experimental research and you'll also learn about the importance of this field to modern medicine, with a particular focus on diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration.

This module will give you a broad understanding of neuroscience, covering neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuropharmacology, model organisms, and simple behaviours.

Building on your knowledge from the first year, you'll learn about the concepts behind complex topics such as higher brain function, behaviour, biological psychiatry, and neurodegenerative disease.

This module will take you deep into the world of plant biology, exploring how plants utilise developmental and environmental signals to optimise growth, survival, and reproduction.

You'll uncover how human intervention, through agriculture and biotechnology, has shaped the plants we rely on today and examine the challenges of feeding a growing global population in a changing climate.

Whether you're fascinated by global food security, climate resilience, or cutting-edge biotechnology, this module will show you why the plant kingdom matters more than ever.

This module will introduce you to a range of concepts and topics in modern molecular genetics and genomics.

You'll discover how genomes are organised, packaged and maintained, and why these processes are so important. Together, we'll examine how state-of-the-art molecular and computational tools allow us to interrogate genomes to determine how they are inherited and expressed. 

After this, we'll examine how core mechanistic processes (transcription, splicing, mRNA transport and translation) shape how cells operate, and what happens when errors occur in these processes. You'll look at examples in humans and examine the nuclear and extranuclear genetic basis for disease, and how modern genomic tools can be utilised for diagnostics. 

Throughout the module, you'll learn about historic and modern techniques for genetic manipulation through interactive sessions. You'll discover what these tools can achieve; and ethical considerations for using them not just in humans but in all multicellular organisms.

This module will introduce you to key concepts in bacterial physiology, ecology, genetics, virulence, and therapeutics.

You'll learn about genome organisation and gene regulation, bacteriophage biology and resistance, environmental microbiology, biogeochemical cycling, and soil microbiology, and get the chance to analyse and interpret microbiological data.

Once you've gained a good foundation of knowledge, we'll show you the beneficial and harmful sides of bacterium-host interaction, and what this can mean for human and plant health. You'll then explore a range of important pathogens as examples as you learn about the bacterial strategies and virulence factors that contribute to disease.

We'll also discuss human immune responses and how vaccines can protect against disease, before exploring current and potential antimicrobial agents in detail.

During this module, you'll learn about the advanced physiological concepts of cells and systems, building on the physiology you were taught in your first year.

You'll cover the basic cellular physiology that's critical for the normal function of all cells. We'll look at a range of specific systems within the body, from the molecular level up to whole body physiology, with a focus on the physiology and pathophysiology of ion channels and transport proteins.

You'll explore the advanced physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and muscular systems, including examples of pathophysiological conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, hypertension, sudden cardiac death and acid-base balance disturbances. You'll also study the pharmacological approaches that are used to treat a range of different diseases.

This module will give you an in- depth understanding of the developmental process in multicellular organisms, and how genes regulate this. 

During your lectures you'll learn about the development that occurs throughout the entire life cycle of an organism, and its sensitivities to environmental factors, as well as the links between environment, growth and ageing. We'll also discuss how development provides the backdrop of many medically, biologically, and economically important processes and technologies.

Your practical classes will then give you hands-on experience with manipulation of developmental model organisms.

The Capstone Project module will allow you to bring together the skills and knowledge you've gained throughout your degree so far, and apply them to a key research question in your area of interest. This final piece of work will wrap up everything you've learnt at Sheffield.A range of project types are available, including but not limited to laboratory-based, field-based, collections-based, bioinformatics, computer modelling, education, and science communication.Guided by a member of Biosciences staff, you'll;1: Individually identify a key research question and address this through a comprehensive literature review.2: Depending on the project format, you'll plan a research project, assess health, safety and ethical considerations, undertake the research, and analyse the data either individually or as a group.3: Individually analyse, interpret, evaluate and communicate your findings by producing a project portfolio in a format appropriate for the project type.

This module will explore how structure and dynamics are linked to protein function using a range of examples from humans, plants, bacteria and viruses. Major themes include the structural basis of energy transduction, redox chemistry, transport, signalling and infection.

We'll also cover how proteins are purified and have their structures determined (e.g. cryo-EM, x-ray crystallography), highlighting the additional challenges associated with membrane proteins, and how proteins are adapted to function in extreme environments.

Infectious diseases cause many deaths worldwide. This will continue to be the case until we have a greater understanding of the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis.

This module covers how molecular genetic approaches are used to unravel the complexities of microbial pathogenesis.

You'll study topics including how evolutionary processes drive pathogenicity, how pathogens reprogram host biology, and what processes contribute to disease transmission.

We'll also cover in detail the continued emergence of antibiotic resistant strains and the strategies adopted to tackle this problem.

During this module we'll analyse sensory systems, using the auditory system as a primary model to explore broader neurobiological principles and comparing these to other sensory systems. 

You'll investigate the transition of sensory signals from peripheral transduction to complex integration within higher-order cortical regions. Our focus will be on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying sensory development and plasticity, alongside the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative sensory disorders and ageing. We'll also explore recent advances in translational medicine, including emerging regenerative strategies to restore function.

Through journal club-based learning, you'll learn how to interpret and critically evaluate primary scientific literature. As part of this module, you'll undertake training in data informatics, allowing you to analyse complex datasets. You'll then get the chance to formulate original hypotheses and choose appropriate neuroscientific techniques which could test these hypotheses. 

By the end of the module, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical and applied sensory neuroscience.

Genes are the fundamental unit of inheritance and ultimately provide the information that determines the traits of an organism. Molecular genetics investigates how genes are organised within genomes, the mechanisms that regulate their expression within cells, tissues and across generations and how they interact to generate these traits.

During this module we'll examine molecular mechanisms that regulate 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. We'll also explore how epigenetic processes regulate gene expression both within an organism and across generations.

You'll be introduced to the latest methods that allow researchers to interrogate genes and genomes, and you'll gain experience in analysing and interpreting genetic data. These technologies can be applied to some of the world's most pressing challenges from the treatment of both simple and complex diseases to the production of organisms with novel traits.

This module aims to build your understanding of the complex roles that membrane dynamics and membrane receptors play in cellular homeostasis and disease. This includes their role in vesicular trafficking, establishing membrane/membrane contact sites, regulating autophagy and signalling function, including signalling by transmembrane receptors. 

We'll look closely at receptors which are therapeutic targets for the treatment of common human diseases, including allergy and chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. 

We'll also explore the experimental evidence that underpins our current understanding of membrane dynamics and receptor function in health and disease, and how this knowledge may be exploited in the development of novel therapies.

This module will give you an in-depth understanding of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. We'll explore the molecular and genetic control of cell fate specification and differentiation, existing and potential clinical uses of stem cells and their derivatives.

By using detailed examples of regenerative medicine strategies for replacing specific cells, organs and tissues, you'll learn about the key steps of the regenerative medicine process from translating scientific research conducted in the laboratory into clinical applications and patient care - 'bench to bedside'.

We'll look at topical research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine which will allow you to critically assess the current limitations and potential applications.

This module will teach you how evolutionary processes shape genomes and how genomic data can be used to infer evolutionary histories, uncover mechanisms of adaptation, and address real-world challenges. 

Your lectures will focus on whether we can build a tree of life, how complex traits evolve, the genomic architecture of adaptation, mechanisms of rapid adaptation, and what we can learn from experimental and long-term evolutionary studies. We'll also focus on the practical applications of evolutionary genomics, from conservation genomics to epidemiology.        

You'll gain hands-on experience of analysing genome data, as well as journal club-style discussions on recent developments in this rapidly evolving field.

In this module you'll examine the foundations of science as an institution. You'll develop an understanding of how scientific approaches, principles and frameworks have been constructed and explore what these mean in practice. You'll then critique these principles for yourself, and ultimately, consider your own place as a scientist.

We'll start by exploring the origins of scientific theory, the history of science and the ethical frameworks around its practice, from its origins in natural philosophy, to modern legal frameworks.

We'll then explore these principles and the institutions they create by considering diverse and challenging topics. These will include global justice and inequalities in research, controversies in medical and research ethics (such as IVF, animal testing), commercialisation, ownership and intellectual property, and the relationship between science and society.

Finally, you'll reflect on your role as a consumer and practitioner of scientific research, and the responsibilities of the researcher in ensuring ethical, equitable and responsible science.

In this module, you'll learn about advanced physiology and pathophysiology of cells and systems, focusing on ion channels and transporters. You'll investigate the impact of gene mutations in a range of inherited conditions such as cystic fibrosis, water handling disorders, cardiac arrhythmias and pain. You'll also learn about the cellular impact of acquired conditions such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, and evaluate treatment approaches. 

Throughout the module, you'll explore and evaluate the experimental evidence that supports our understanding of the topics covered. You'll also evaluate methods used in ion channel research to investigate the properties of ion channels. 

This module will give you valuable experience of not only evaluating experimental evidence, but also how this can be used to solve novel problems in physiology.

This module will look at human health and disease from a biochemical perspective. We'll consider the systems that we have for maintaining a healthy body, how these systems can go wrong, and what we can do about it if they do

The biochemical focus means you'll explore the molecular mechanisms involved —- including the proteins that mediate these processes and the molecules that interact with them

We'll cover topics including homeostasis, inflammation, hormonal regulation, atherosclerosis, obesity, cancer, and diseases of protein folding and misfolding, as well as the design and use of drugs to control disease. In order to understand these topics, you'll also look at signalling mechanisms (in particular tyrosine kinase receptors) and determinants of protein folding and stability.

Microbes are everywhere. They're a critical component of the biosphere, driving many of the elemental cycles that influence life at global scales, including the release of greenhouse gases and fixation of elements into the ocean and soil. From a microbial perspective, the human body is also a collection of diverse microenvironments, each with a native population of microorganisms that play a critical role in maintaining health.In this module, we'll discuss the use of genomics and other cutting-edge methods to understand microbes, from characterising the functions of individual genes to profiling the microbial populations of specific environments, and investigating their influence on entire ecosystems. Microbes have the capacity to gain genes through horizontal gene transfer. We'll examine the influence this process has on the genome structure of bacteria and their ability to adapt to and influence a diverse range of environments.

Topics will include microbial genomics and diversity, metagenomics and the human microbiome, environmental metagenomics, the role of microbes in agriculture and climate change, the microbiology of extreme environments, and experimental approaches to understanding microbial evolution and ecology.

During this module, you'll learn about the clinical features, genetics, pathophysiology and treatment of neurodegenerative disease. 

We'll focus on the major neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neurone disease. Other forms of dementia, Huntington's disease and spinal muscular atrophy will also be considered to highlight specific disease mechanisms and therapeutic developments. 

The module has a strong translational thread running through it. You'll explore and evaluate current therapeutic developments utilising antibodies, gene therapy, stem cells and drugs. You'll also consider the sustainability issues surrounding dementia and the role of prevention in addressing them.

Maintaining genome integrity is essential for cell survival and is our most robust defence against cancer. 

You'll start this module with an in-depth look at how cells maintain genomic stability, focussing on the molecular changes that occur in our DNA and the repair pathways that can prevent and repair these changes. 

You'll learn how genomic instability can lead to cancer and how it underpins tumour initiation and progression, focusing on the biological characteristics that distinguish cancer cells from their normal counterparts. 

Finally, you'll explore how our understanding of such characteristics informs the development of novel approaches to cancer treatment. Throughout the module, you'll investigate experimental data from the scientific literature to illustrate how conclusions on gene function and interactions have led to advances within the field.

Effective communication between organs is necessary for maintaining a healthy state. But during illness, this communication can lead to the spread of infection and inflammation. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases frequently co-occur, with a potential role of infections as a connecting factor. Understanding this link allows us to optimise patient care and identify individuals at risk of secondary complications.

This module will explain the pharmacology of common respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and how patient care can sometimes be personalised for optimal treatment.

You'll cover links between specific respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (role of infections, inflammation and physiology). Pharmacological management of these diseases, with an introduction to personalisation of treatment, will also be discussed.

This module covers the anatomy and physiology of reproductive systems in a variety of animals, including humans. 

You'll learn about gamete production and function before studying fertilisation processes, taking a comparative approach across a number of animal groups. You'll then explore the ways that humans can interfere with these natural processes to achieve a contraceptive effect, alongside a look at global fertility trends. 

We'll cover the imprinting cycle that occurs during gamete production and investigate the impact of errors in these processes. We'll also explore the underlying causes of infertility in humans and more general reproductive failure in wild animals, including environmental impacts. 

You'll get the chance to examine the reproductive technologies (including artificial gametes) and their applications in treating human infertility and supporting animal conservation efforts. We'll also dedicate sessions to debating the complex ethical issues surrounding these emerging technologies, and welcome guest lecturers who will provide additional research and clinical context on fertility and infertility.

This module explores key contemporary research themes in plant biology, and focuses on how discoveries from fundamental plant science can be translated into practical, real-world applications. It's centred on meeting the global challenge of sustainable food production, which will require a 'second green revolution' where climate-resilient crops are produced more sustainably.

We'll examine the latest advances in plant molecular biology and biotechnology, highlighting how rapid progress in these fields is driving innovation in modern crop breeding. You'll explore a broad range of research areas within plant biology, from plant development and reproduction to abiotic stress responses and interactions with other organisms, such as pathogens, pests, parasitic weeds, and beneficial soil microbes, which collectively shape plant performance in natural and agricultural settings.

We'll introduce you to the fundamental biological processes underpinning plant traits and explore how this knowledge can be applied to develop sustainable biotechnological solutions to global challenges, such as food security, agricultural sustainability, and environmental change.

The module will end with a symposium day. We'll welcome a guest seminar from a leading plant biologist, and hold a student poster event showcasing your own visions for discovery-led research that could deliver the innovations we'll need for a second green revolution.

This module will give you an understanding of how post-genomic biology impacts our ability to understand diseases of the body. 

You will be introduced to major in vivo experimental systems and approaches that are central to disease modelling, as well as in vitro cell-based models. There will be an emphasis on how our understanding of developmental biology impacts clinical approaches to disease.

We'll explore the principles involved in how these systems are used to understand the basic biology that underpins human diseases, and how this knowledge can be exploited to develop new strategies for patient treatment. 

A core part of this module is the critical evaluation of research papers, giving you experience in analysing experimental work, interpreting results and formulating experimental plans.