Module glossary
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A
- Advanced Immunology (15 CATS)
The module focuses on molecular mechanisms by which the immune system protects the host from infectious agents. Key components of the immune system are presented and insight provided into the strategies invading pathogens use to counteract host defences.
- Agents of Infectious Disease (12 CATS)
You will start by gaining a thorough foundation in microbiology, immunology and virology, using infectious diseases as a common link to promote your understanding. Through your study of epidemiology, you will learn to appreciate the way that diseases spread and the methods used to investigate this. On completion, you can expect to understand the role of various structures associated with the bacterial cell in causing a range of diseases. You will have grasped the fundamental basics for the workings of the immune system and some of the cells and molecules important in defending us from infections. You will also have an appreciation for the structure of viruses and how this relates to their capacity to cause disease and the host response to viral challenge. This will equip you with the necessary theoretical foundations to underpin your future studies.
- Animal Anatomy and Histology (12 CATS)
This module offers an overview of animal biology, explaining the evolutionary reasons for adapted and shared anatomy, placing humans into the context of the wider kingdom of the Animalia, offering an understanding of why particular animal systems are used to model human physiology.
- Animal and Plant Biology (12 CATS)
Drawing on zoology and botany, on this module you will broaden your biological knowledge to support your learning on second-year modules. By analysing and studying our current understanding of animal and plant evolution, diversity and physiological activities, you will be able to integrate your organismal and molecular knowledge in a broad, evolutionary context. You will also have opportunities to practise your skills in presentation and communication.
B
- Bacteria: Genes to Behaviour (15 CATS)
Molecular and cellular microbiology are covered at the level of current research. These include gene regulation in bacteria, bacterial cell biology, the mechanistic basis to invasion of the host by pathogenic bacteria and how bacteria respond to changes in their external and internal environments.
- Bioenergy and Biorefining (15 CATS)
Students are introduced to a fast moving field of research into the development of new technologies arising from the integration of multiple disciplines that are the emerging biotechnology solutions to problems associated with a changing climate.
- Biological Clocks (15 CATS)
In this module, you will develop your appreciation of the importance of temporal organisation in biology. We will initially discuss the molecular mechanisms of the circadian system, then will progress to circadian clock-regulated processes in whole organisms, including their interactions with the environment and their importance for human health and medicine. Lectures will alternate with workshops in which you will discuss landmark papers in the field. You will be exposed to a broad range of research approaches and experimental techniques and learn to interpret a variety of data types.
- Biological Oceanography (15 CATS)
You will be introduced to the major marine habitats, the ecologically significant groups of organisms, and the biological processes in the oceans that play a crucial role in regulating the global fluxes of major elements. You will examine how anthropogenic influences are influencing the marine environment and, thereby, the climate.
- Blood and Circulation (15 CATS)
This module is designed to give students an all-round understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of two linked body systems, blood, the haematological system, and circulation, the cardiovascular system. You will cover the functioning of these systems in both health and disease.
- Blood and Circulation for Neuroscience (15 CATS)
This module is designed to give students an all-round understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of two linked body systems, blood, the haematological system, and circulation, the cardiovascular system. You will cover the functioning of these systems in both health and disease.
- Business Studies 1 (15 CATS)
Non-Warwick Business School students are introduced to key concepts in business studies and how to apply and integrate these concepts to analyse practical business situations.
C
- Cell Biology of Neurons (12 CATS)
This module will provide introductory understanding of the nervous system, concentrating on the physiology and cell biology of neurons.
- Clinical Microbiology (15 CATS)
Students are introduced to the clinically applied aspect of microbiology and the diagnosis of disease.
- Contemporary Research Topics in Neuroscience (15 CATS)
This module brings together neuroscience research expertise at the Universities of Warwick and Bordeaux for an international student virtual exchange program. Research-level seminars by neuroscientists at Warwick and Bordeaux will provide students with an insight into current research in neuroscience, and the opportunity to interact with the speakers and ask questions about their research. Interactions between Warwick and Bordeaux students will be enhanced through the delivery of a virtual poster session with groups comprised of students from both Universities.
D
- Dynamics of Biological Systems (15 CATS)
This module will introduce a system level view of the cell. It will explain the experimental and mathematical approaches used to achieve a system levels understanding of cellular function. The module will also outline how a detailed understanding of system dynamics of cells enables researchers to engineer novel functions in cells for the first time, in a synthetic biology approach.
E
- Ecology and its Applications (15 CATS)
This module gives students the opportunity to gain a scientific and interdisciplinary perspective of ecosystems and responses by habitats and species to disturbances cause by a variety of factors. Several major environmental issues are presented along with possible solutions to some of them, using concepts learned through case studies from across the world.
- Ecology Principles and Processes (15 CATS)
This module is designed to give an overview of ecological principles and processes to aid an understanding of the natural world, and to provide a foundation for later studies for students with a special interest in environmental studies.
- Environmental Biology (12 CATS)
On this module, you will gain foundational knowledge in the study of the natural and managed environment and start to understand the pressures on the planet that result from anthropogenic activities. You will also look in more depth at how society responds to the challenges posed by environmental change.
- Environmental Science and Management (15 CATS)
This module provides an up-to-date analysis of the range of topics in the area of environmental science and management by providing a scientific and interdisciplinary perspective of the earth, changes to its climate and environment and species responses to anthropogenic disturbances.
- Enzymology (15 CATS)
You will become familiar with the basic methods of studying enzymes, understand the mechanisms whereby enzymes are able to catalyse reactions and appreciate how individual reactions are controlled and integrated into the metabolic pathways of the cell.
- Epidemiology and Public Health (15 CATS)
This module forms the basis for the third year modules Infectious Diseases and Health and Modern Approaches to Human Disease. You will cover assessing the evidence, the dynamics of disease and public health.
- Evolution (15 CATS)
An introduction is provided to modern evolutionary theory, population and evolutionary genetics in order to understand the fundamental processes and the genetic make-up of populations.
- Exploiting Innovation in Biology (15 CATS)
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice, and underlying microbiology or biology, of key selected areas of exploitation of biological resources. Students will also discuss the role of biology in number of modern industrial processes, understand the use of enzymes in medical applications for rational drug design, modification and delivery.
- Extended research project (80 CATS)
Students conduct an extended 35 week research project within an academic research lab in the School.
- Extended research project in industry (90 CATS)
Students conduct a 12 month industrial research placement.
- Extreme Environment Biology (15 CATS)
This module focuses on the way organisms have adapted to rapidly changing environments that are relevant to many areas of biology and considers how experimental approaches can be used to study very complex biological processes.
G
- Genetics and Genomics (15 CATS)
This module introduces concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that are used to understand and manipulate complex traits. Includes hands-on workshops.
H
- Health and Community (12 CATS)
Biological aspects of everyday life are presented: microbial contamination of food and water supplies and the technologies used to prevent this, emerging infections and how we track them, the overuse of antibiotics and the consequences, the misuse of organisms for bioterrorism purposes, and the effects of ageing on our population and the biochemistry underpinning this.
I
- Immunology (15 CATS)
Students will explore the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system with a focus on the cellular and humoral response. Using this knowledge, you will apply this to help your understanding of mucosal immunobiology and finally the mechanisms underpinning hypersensitivity and autoimmune disease.
- Infection (18 CATS)
This module introduces the physiology of important viruses, antiviral therapies and diagnosis using clinical case studies. It also covers a range of important microparasites, the diseases they cause and how the parasite, host and environment interact to govern their biology and various approaches used to control these diseases.
- Integrative Neuroscience (15 CATS)
By considering the important cellular components of the central nervous system this modules illustrates current knowledge of how these determine and contribute to the development and integrative function of the nervous system.
- Introduction to Secondary Teaching in Biology (15 CATS)
This is a teaching module run by the Centre for Teaching Education. The module provides an opportunity for students to undertake academic study in biology education, and to relate their studies directly to their experiences of observing teachers and working with pupils in secondary school science classes.
L
- Laboratories (24 CATS)
Laboratory classes that are more question-led in neurobiology, physiology, cell biology, microbial genetics and bioinformatics.
- Laboratories and Assessed Work Biochemistry Year 1 (24 CATS)
Students undertake a series of labs that cover a range of topics including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and chemistry. Students also participate in weekly small group tutorials with their personal tutors that include worksheets to support teaching in lectures, research and presentation skills and pastoral meetings.
- Laboratories and Assessed Work Year 1 (30 CATS)
Students undertake a series of labs that cover a range of topics including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology and physiology. Students also participate in weekly small group tutorials with their personal tutors that include worksheets to support teaching in lectures, research and presentation skills and pastoral meetings.
- Laboratories and tutorials Biochem Year 3 (15 CATS)
Laboratory classes include Structural Biology and Computer Modelling. Tutorials are focused around your Research Project, exam and seminar preparation and pastoral meetings.
- Laboratories and tutorials Biosci Year 3 (15 CATS)
Laboratory classes include Environmental Biology and Computer Modelling. Tutorials are focused around your Research Project, exam and seminar preparation and pastoral meetings.
- Laboratories and tutorials Year 3 (15 CATS)
The Clinical Sciences laboratory class looks at how to use analytical techniques to diagnose disease. Tutorials are focused around your Research Project, exam and seminar preparation and pastoral meetings.
- Laboratories Biochem Year 2 (24 CATS)
Laboratory classes that are more question-led in enzymology, bioenergetics, spectroscopy and bioinformatics.
- Laboratories for Neuroscience (15 CATS)
Question-led laboratory classes in a wide range of topics including neurobiology, bioinformatics, and molecular cell biology.
- Labs and tutorials for Neuroscience Year 3 (15 CATS)
This module expands on the Year 1 assessments and introduces more neuroscience specific skills.
M
- Medical Virology (15 CATS)
Students are introduced to current and potential future pandemic viral pathogens. This provides insight into the principles that govern the emergence, evolution, transmission and control of these viruses.
- Microbial Pathogens (15 CATS)
Students will be introduced to a range of important microparasites, the diseases they cause and the parasite-host and environmental interactions that govern their biology and approaches to control. Examples include vector-borne and/or zoonotic organisms from Mycobacterium, Trypanosomes, Plasmodium to fungi.
- Modern Approaches to Human Disease (15 CATS)
On this module, you will engage with two major themes in modern medicine: evidence-based medicine and medical ethnics. You will achieve this through in-depth study of the medical specialities of reproductive medicine, renal medicine and central nervous system (CNS) medicine.
- Molecular Cell Biology (15 CATS)
In this module you will explore the life and death of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental molecular and cellular processes. Starting from the organisation and stability of genomes you will follow the journey of proteins from their genetic code and translation, to their regulation, modification and transport via the secretory system. You will gain an appreciation for the cytoskeleton and how this interacts with vesicles of the secretory system to deliver proteins to the final destination. You will explore processes which support proteostasis, such as the ER stress response and autophagy, and the mechanisms of programmed cell death, which can be initiated when homeostasis cannot be maintained.
- Molecular Endocrinology (15 CATS)
Provides a foundation for the further study of endocrinology at the cellular and molecular level and a firm basis for understanding normal hormonal control.
- Molecules, Cells and Organisms (24 CATS)
This module is the essential foundation for most other modules taught in the School of Life Sciences. You will study the basics molecular and cellular biology, and how organisms develop, seen in the context of evolution.
N
- Neurobiology (15 CATS)
This physiology module provides an overview of neurobiology and includes an introduction to the physiology of the nervous system and detailed analysis of the cell and molecular biology underlying the development and functions of the nervous system.
- Neurobiology of Disease (15 CATS)
You will learn about the structure and function of the brain and the peripheral nervous system. You will gain an understanding of the neuropathology, anatomy and pathophysiology of diseases involved. You will be taught how physiological processes can be disrupted and the clinical consequences these disruptions cause.
- Neuropharmacology (15 CATS)
Neuropharmacology is the study of how chemical agents influence bodily functions in both health and disease, and indeed how the body deals with these chemicals. The module will concentrate on the use of drug-based therapeutics in a range of human diseases and will bridge the gap between basic cell signalling, biochemistry and the complex patho-physiology and treatment of the diseases.
O
- Oncology (15 CATS)
Students are provided with an overview of cancer and a detailed understanding of specific aspects of its underlying causes and clinical management.
- One World Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases (15 CATS)
On this module, you will learn the important concepts in population biology and epidemiology that are key to understanding medical and veterinary infectious disease transmission, treatment and control. In your studies, you will pay particular attention to current efforts to improve world health, with a focus on non-tropical diseases.
P
- Physical Chemistry (12 CATS)
On this module, you will gain an understanding of the fundamental physical principles that underlie biochemical reactions and the functional properties of biomolecules. In particular, you will gain greater insight into the thermodynamics and kinetics of biological processes.
- Physiology and Metabolism (18 CATS)
On this module, you will learn how parts of the body function and work together in the whole organism. You will study the physiology of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and special senses. Your study of metabolism will help you to understand the generation of energy within the body, the role of enzymes, and metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, pentose phosphate pathway and photosynthesis. You will then combine your learning to gain a thorough understanding of the way the body adapts to environmental conditions such as altitude, depth, cold and heat.
- Plant Molecular Development (15 CATS)
This module provides a broad introduction to the molecular genetic analysis of plant development. The module initially provides an overview of basic plant development from embryo formation and seed development to flowering. Concepts of cell polarity, cell position and cell fate are introduced, as well as the roles of plant hormones. Further lectures describe the extraordinary plasticity of plant development, and how this is modulated by environmental signals such as light, temperature, drought, nitrogen availability or pathogen attacks. Throughout the module, we will discuss the differences and similarities between the molecular mechanisms employed by plants and animals, providing you with a deeper understanding of eukaryotic developmental biology.
- Principles of Development (15 CATS)
Due to our common evolutionary history all animals share most of the molecular pathways involved in development. This module studies the molecular processes underlying this development, from the fertilized egg to a fully-grown individual.
- Protein Biochemistry (18 CATS)
On this module, you will be taught the techniques for studying enzymes in order to understand the mechanisms whereby enzymes are able to catalyse reactions, and to appreciate how individual reactions are controlled and integrated into the metabolic pathways of the cell. You will build on your growing knowledge of the basic concepts of protein structure in order to understand the structure–function relationships of proteins in terms of the chemistry of their component amino acid residues.
- Protein Structure and Function (15 CATS)
Basic concepts of protein structure are built upon in order to understand the structure/function relationships of proteins in terms of the chemistry of their component amino acid residues.
- Protein Targeting (15 CATS)
You will be applying the knowledge of molecular and cell biology you have gained in previous years to protein targeting, a field of fundamental importance and research interest in cell biology. You will gain a deeper appreciation of the molecular nature of targeting signals and the appropriate transport apparatus, and an enhanced understanding of the specific protein–protein interactions required at each step of a given transport pathway. You will scrutinise the mechanisms by which large globular proteins are translocated across membrane bilayers, including where these are impermeable even to protons. This is a substantial opportunity to apply your knowledge in a realistic, research-led, practical environment.
Q
- Quantitative Skills for Biology (12 CATS)
All biological scientists need to understand and analyse quantitative data. So, this module will see you learning to use statistical methods for analysing and summarising experimental data (for example, from your lab classes), and learning the basic principles for modelling biological populations.
R
- Research Project (24 CATS)
The final year research project will be either lab, dry or literature-based with an academic supervisor. The projects are a year-long activity, with most of the work focused in term 3, during which you interact with your supervisor to produce a research project dissertation.
- Research Project (30 CATS)
The final year research project will be either lab, dry or literature-based with an academic supervisor. The projects are a year-long activity, with most of the work focused in term 3, during which you interact with your supervisor to produce a research project dissertation.
- Research Project (80 CATS)
Students conduct an extended 35 week research project within an academic research lab in the School.
- Research Project in Industry (80 CATS)
Students conduct an extended 35 week research project on placement in an industrial company.
- Research Proposal and Funding (12 CATS)
.
- Research Skills (30 CATS)
Students gain experience of a variety of lab-based techniques, and receive advanced training in analysis of various types of data via weekly workshops based on case studies. Students develop their critical analysis and presentation skills through journal clubs and other activities.
- Research Skills (40 CATS)
Students gain experience of a variety of lab-based techniques, and receive advanced training in analysis of various types of data via weekly workshops based on case studies. Students develop their critical analysis and presentation skills through journal clubs and other activities.
S
- Science Communication (15 CATS)
The module considers how science is communicated to different audiences and in different media. It draws out issues around science in society, for example the roles and responsibilities of scientists and journalists in communicating scientific research, public understanding of science and how science is communicated in museums, on TV and on the Internet.
- Signalling and Integration in Health and Disease (18 CATS)
On this module, you will gain the foundations needed to advance your studies in endocrinology at the cellular and molecular level, and gain a firm basis for understanding normal hormonal control. You will also cover various aspects of pharmacology, from cellular and molecular mechanisms through to the treatment of human diseases.
- Structural Molecular Biology (15 CATS)
It is becoming ever more apparent that to completely understand a protein’s biological mechanism, three-dimensional structural information is essential. On this module, you will have the opportunity to explore and apply modern approaches and practical techniques to the study of biological macromolecules, building on your previous study of biophysical techniques and protein structures. You will pay particular attention to the structural techniques used to elucidate fundamental aspects and problems in biology-specific fields of interest in structural biology, including protein-nucleic acid interactions, protein–ligand interactions, protein folding and structure, macromolecular structures and biophysics.
- Study Year Abroad or Work Placement (120 CATS)
A placement year can be taken between second and third years of study. It can be either a year of work experience or a year of study abroad.
- Synthetic Biology (15 CATS)
This module explores the potential of synthetic biology to revolutionize the discovery process in biology and to enable step-change advances in biotechnology, medicine, food security and the environment.
- System Interactions in Human Disease (15 CATS)
This module primarily combines neuroscience with anatomy and physiology, whilst also incorporating aspects of immunology, microbiology, cell biology, and genetics. It provides insight into how sometimes seemingly disparate lines of research can intersect, and contains a diagnostic workshop to provide a unique learning experience with a novel way to approach looking at the human body
T
- Tools for Biochemical Discovery (15 CATS)
On this module, you will examine the principles by which key techniques in the field of biochemical discovery provide biochemical information. This will involve you studying structural techniques such as X-ray, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and cryo-electron microscopy. As well as, biophysical and analytical techniques such as circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and fluorescence. In the second half of the course, you will widen your studies to analyse biological interactions through case studies, covering topics such as proteomics, high-resolution light microscopy, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry and immunoprecipitation.
- Translational Neuroscience (15 CATS)
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- Tutorial Assessments (15 CATS)
Fortnightly tutorials include a range of tasks, group work and research-led activities with your personal tutor to help you develop and hone the skills needed for your degree and beyond.
V
- Virology (15 CATS)
This module covers the replication strategies of important viruses, the diseases these viruses cause, antiviral therapies, diagnosis and vaccination. Viral replication strategies, how viruses reproduce inside our cells, are the cornerstone of all virology. Molecular knowledge of how a particular virus replicates allows the development of methods of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease. These aspects of virology, along with how human viruses emerge and evolve, will be taught within the context of pandemic viruses such as influenza, HIV and coronaviruses.
- Virology and Immunology (15 CATS)
The SARS CoV2 pandemic has enhanced the need for true molecular understanding of viral life cycles, viral immune responses, how viruses evade these responses, and ultimately how we can apply cutting edge techniques to develop therapeutic strategies to prevent current and future pandemics. This module consists of case studies that focus on five human viruses: HIV, Ebola, SARS CoV2, Herpes Simplex Virus and Hepatitis C.