Degree programmes
What we can offer you
For entry in 2012 or 2013 we offer a variety of programmes all of which provide the opportunity for you to acquire a broad-based education in biomedical sciences and a strong emphasis on research in particular specialist subjects. These reflect the our research interests in cancer biology, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, immunology, microbiology and virology.
- Cancer biology and immunology (B131)
- Cellular and molecular medicine (B130)
- Medical microbiology (C521)
- Pathology and microbiology (BC15)
- Virology and immunology (C540)
Cellular and molecular medicine (B130) is the broadest programme and is the one that the majority of our students apply for, while the other programmes allow for greater specialisation in the final year (see below). However, there is a great degree of flexibility and it is possible to transfer between the various programmes that we offer you.
My time in Bristol was one of the best experiences I have had so far in life as it has taught me a great deal and I feel prepared to embark on the next stage.
You will study the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases caused by micro-organisms (e.g. meningitis, influenza and AIDS), as well as cancer and autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis). There will be a focus on the causes and mechanisms of human disease progression, as well as the development of potential therapies and vaccination strategies. You will build up the necessary skills base to prepare you for a career in biomedical research. The training provided will hone your analytical and communication skills, and prepare you for many types of job as well as research.
Areas of study
- Cancer biology is the study of how a normal cell turns into a malignant (cancerous) cell. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this process is essential for proper diagnosis and prediction of outcome for cancer patients, and for developing new ways of preventing and treating cancer.
- Microbiology is the study of the biology of microorganisms ("microbes") which include bacteria. Bacteria are found almost everywhere and in the main they do not cause us harm. In fact, they are essential to our lives in many ways. However, some bacterial infections are dangerous and as time goes by new antibiotic resistant bacteria are beginning to emerge. The mechanisms by which bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance and how certain bacteria infect humans and cause disease are clearly very important issues.
- Immunology is the study of how the body combats infectious disease and controls cancer development. Within our school there is particular interest in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system inappropriately damages healthy tissues.
- Virology is the study of viruses, how they replicate, how they change the cells in which they replicate and how these changes manifest themselves as disease. Virologists aim to develop new drugs and vaccines to control or prevent virus infections.
- Stem cell biology is the study of stem cells and how they may be used to treat diseases, including those once thought incurable. All the specialised cells in our body come from stem cells. In the early embryo there are stem cells that can turn into any other cell type. Tissue-specific stem cells in adults can turn into a more limited range of cells. All stem cells, when grown in the laboratory, can replicate without ageing making it possible to grow a large number that can be used to treat a wide range of diseases.
- Pathology and microbiology, combining elements from immunology, cancer biology, microbiology and virology. Pathology is the study of processes of disease at all levels from the whole organism down to the cellular, sub-cellular and molecular levels. Pathology and microbiology interact in the study of infection: microbiologists focus on the properties of microbes that enable them to cause disease (pathogenicity), and pathologists are concerned with the damage to cells and organs that results and how the body reacts to the infection.
Further information
Follow the links on the top left of the page for details of the course curricula; a description of the year 1 and 2 units and details of the final year topics and project.
If you have further queries about the honours programmes offered by the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine please contact:
Dr Ann Pullen, Tutor for Undergraduate Admissions
School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building
University Walk
Bristol, BS8 1TD
phone: +44 (0)117 33 12025
email: a.m.pullen@bristol.ac.uk