SCHOOL OF BIOCHEMISTRY
Undergraduate teaching
Optional Units
Information about Optional Units available in the First Year
Information on the optional units available for Year 1 students is available at the links listed below. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that the information on units presented here is correct the topics covered may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | ||
|
Biochemistry
(C700) |
Biochemistry with molecular Biology and Biotechnology (C7C7)
|
Biochemistry with Medical Biochemistry
(C720) |
|
Biochemistry 1G (40 cps) + Chemistry 1A (40cps)
plus 40cps from: |
||
|
Anatomical Science
Biology Microbiology Pathology Pharmacology Physics Physiology |
Microbiology
Pathology |
Pharmacology
Physiology |
cps = credit points
ANATOMICAL SCIENCE 1A and 1B (ANAT 10101 + ANAT10102)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite None
An introduction to the basic anatomical organisation, tissue structure and development of mammals, including the human. Emphasis is placed on understanding how structures are adapted for the functions they perform (e.g. the limbs, for locomotion or manipulation). Illustrations include comparing specialisations of different species. Introductions are given to genetics and physical anthropology. In laboratory classes anatomy is studied through microscopy, by dissection and by the inspection of pre-dissected specimens.
For additional information click here.
BIOLOGY 1A: DIVERSITY OF LIFE (BIOL11000)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite A-level Biology or good science A-levels A general biology unit, and covers organismal biology rather than cellular biology.
Lectures include: Evolution, speciation and biodiversity, the origins of life, domains and kingdoms, evolution and diversity of the major groups of organisms, human evolution.
For additional information click here.
BIOLOGY 1B: LIFE PROCESSES (BIOL12000)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite A-level biology or good science A-levels
This unit covers more cellular aspects of biology. Taken by 2-4 students each year. The recommended unit for those wishing to do a biology unit in the first year.
Lectures include: The structure of cells and their macromolecular components, functional biology of chloroplasts and mitochondria, seed biology, integration of cells into multicellular organisms, genetics, introduction to ecology etc.
For additional information click here.
MATHEMATICS 1AS (MATH10300)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite A-level mathematics or equivalent
Taken by 1 or 2 students each year. To introduce and develop skill in the mathematics and statistics needed to study the sciences at degree level, including the use of software. There are regular tutorials, computational practicals and assignments.
Lectures include: This unit consists of calculus, computational mathematics, linear algebra and statistics.
For additional information click here.
MATHEMATICS 1ES (MATH10500)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite GCSE Maths, Grade C minimum.
Taken by 1 or 2 students each year, and intended for science students who do not have A-level mathematics. Will help with understanding of Chemistry 1A. It is designed to be suitable for first year science students with only GCSE mathematics but is available to other students with an appropriate background. There are regular tutorials, computational practicals and assignments.
Lectures include: Calculus, algebra and statistics.
For additional information click here.
INTRODUCTION TO MICROBIOLOGY (PANM12041)
Weeks 1-1220cps
Unit Pre-requisite None
This unit is taken by about 40% of first year biochemistry students. Mandatory for C7C7 students and recommended for those looking for a general introduction to microbiology. Leads on to Microbes and Disease, or Pathological Responses, for the second 12 week period, and a prerequisite for second year microbiology units.
Lectures include: An introduction to micro-organisms and their impact on society, structure and function of microbial cells and of viruses, the role of micro-organisms in biotechnology and the action of antibiotics.
For additional information click here.
MICROBES AND DISEASE (PANM12042)
Weeks 13-2420cps
Unit pre-requisite PANM 12041
The second half of the microbiology course and requiring attendance at PANM 12041 for safety reasons. The recommended unit for students taking C7C7.
Lectures include: Infectious diseases, virulence factors, host/tissue specificity, microbiological niches, epidemiology and intervention strategies.
For additional information click here.
NORMAL AND TUMOUR CELLS (PANM12051)
Weeks 1-1220cps
Unit pre-requisite none
A useful alternative for students wanting some introduction to cell biology. Leads on to Pathological Responses of Cells, see below.
Lectures include: Study of cell and tissue structure, membrane trafficking and growth control. Developmental biology and differentiation, tumour cells and the haemopoietic system.
For additional information click here.
PATHOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF CELLS (PANM12052)
Weeks 13-2420cps
Unit pre-requisite none
A useful introduction to pathology and helpful to students taking Cellular and Molecular Pathology 2 in their second year.
Lectures include: Basic principles of pathogenesis and how these relate to the development of specific human diseases. Use of gross pathology and histopathology in the investigation of human disease.
For additional information click here.
PHYSICS 1E (PHYS10300)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit pre-requisite none
This unit is designed for students whose background in physics and mathematics is limited. No calculus is assumed.
Lectures include: mechanics and general physics, optics, electricity and magnetism, atomic physics. There is a laboratory class for 3 hours per week and informal tutorial sessions.
For additional information click here.
PHYSIOLOGY 1 (PHYY10100)
Weeks 1-2440cps
Unit Pre-requisite A-level chemistry or physics
Taken by about a quarter of first year Biochemistry students and one of 2 mandatory units for C720 students. A useful unit which covers Mammalian Physiology, i.e. the interaction between the various organs and working of the body systems in mammals.
Lectures include: Principles of Physiology including homeostasis, cell physiology, nervous system and muscle. Special physiology of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, reproduction and endocrinology. Some dissection of animals is involved, so students with moral objections to working with animal tissue should not choose this unit.
For additional information click here.
PHARMACOLOGY 1A (PHAR10100)
Weeks 1-1220cps
Unit Pre-requisite A level Chemistry recommended
Taken by about a quarter of first year Biochemistry students and one of 2 mandatory units for C720 students. This unit provides students with a broad introduction to pharmacology, ranging from the fundamental principles of drug-receptor theory through to the importance and implications of drugs in society. Students gain an understanding of the processes involved in drug design, from molecule to new therapeutic agents.
Lectures include: Principles of drug-receptor theory, the importance and implications of drugs in society, drug design.
For additional information click here.
PHARMACOLOGY 1B (PHAR10101)
Weeks 12-2420cps
Unit Pre-requisite PHAR 10100
This unit builds upon the principles introduced in unit 1A and focuses on more applied/systematic aspects of pharmacology.
Lectures include: Antibiotics and bacterial resistance, principles of chemical transmission and target sites for drug action, the autonomic nervous system, toxicology, endocrinology and chemotherapy.
For additional information click here.