Biochemistry BSc Honours

Students of Life Sciences need to be comfortable with the chemistry and biochemistry of the molecules of life and the processes in which these molecules are vital components. This module will enable you to explore the diversity and function of a broad range of biological molecules, combining a range of learning and teaching methods (lectures, practicals and tutorials) to support you through this challenging subject. You will be given the opportunity to develop laboratory skills, and a number of formative practical exercises will be undertaken, in line with the theoretical content of the module. You'll be assessed both formatively and summatively, giving you the opportunity to improve your skills and to prepare for higher levels of study. Areas covered are: properties and reactions of biological molecules; biomolecular processes; energy for life’s processes and laboratory techniques for biochemistry and molecular biology.

The module will provide an understanding of chemical structure stereochemistry and organic functional groups of importance in biochemistry as well as facilitating an understanding of enzyme mechanisms crucial in biochemistry through an introduction to selected organic reaction mechanisms. The module will also introduce the importance and use of thermodynamics and redox chemistry in biochemistry. In summary the module will help you understand biochemical reactions via a sound foundation in biologically relevant chemistry.

This module aims to provide an introduction to the biology of the cell and the fundamental processes and interactions that take place during the life of a cell. The biodiversity of cells within the Tree of Life will be considered, with particular focus on the domains Prokarya and Eukarya. Cell division, specialisation, ageing and death will be examined at the individual and population level, alongside gene inheritance, transmission and expression, and the role of genetic variance and natural selection on cell populations. Cell behaviour and the ability of cells to communicate and interact with one another as well as impact on the environment will be covered. Practical work will ensure you receive a foundation in experimental techniques of cell biology.

This module will provide an introduction to the organisation, communication, and support systems of the human body. Major physiological systems will be covered with emphasis placed on the maintenance of homeostasis via feedback mechanisms.

The module will introduce the concepts of employability and professionalism in the workplace with specific reference to the Bioscience/Life Science industry. Emphasis will be placed on learning to conduct one’s self as a credible scientist with ethical professional and honest manner with consideration for scientific advances and technological innovation. You'll be taught about scientific communities, learn to appreciate diversity and constructive discussions on scientific topics; evaluate scientific literature, importantly critically examining the credibility of sources of scientific claims. You will document through a variety of assessments transferrable skills linked to a career development pathway in a professional development portfolio. Emphasis will be put on the continuity of the portfolio throughout your time at Westminster and into the world of work.

Through a blended learning approach and introduction to the Westminster Award, the central ethos portrayed will be to develop a professional employability portfolio throughout the journey through higher education. Extracurricular activities will be encouraged, and you'll learn of opportunities for non-mandatory, short term internship opportunities and short term placements through Engage and Talent Bank.

This module offers a study of how molecular bioscience can help solve biological problems encountered by human beings. The module will start with a consideration of how sequencing the human genome and bioinformatic analysis has led to the incarnation of personal medicine. It will consider how human diseases and conditions are being treated in the 21st century: the development of new antibiotics, the use of stem cell biology and the science of tissue regeneration. Specific studies will be made of cancer and neuro-degeneration to show how modern molecular biochemical and biophysical techniques are being used by bioscientists to study these diseases. In addition the wider applications of molecular science in agriculture forensic science and biotechnology will be explored.

The module explores the scope of pharmacology and introduces the concept of drugs as biologically active, selective molecules. In addition, drug interactions with cellular targets will be studied in order to provide examples of their clinical usage and consideration of potential adverse effects. Selected experimental techniques used in pharmacology will be reviewed. The significance of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in determining systemic drug action will also be studied.

The module will introduce you to the history and philosophy of science and to its practice in the modern world. You'll be taught about scientific communities and how scientists communicate with one another and how to read and evaluate scientific papers. You will explore the principles of scientific research, including interpreting data and critically examining scientific claims.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of modern biochemistry. Topics include major pathways for the degradation and/or biosynthesis of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, the role of enzymes in metabolic processes, all underpinned with a stress on underlying thermodynamic principles.

The module will also provide a thorough overview of various strategies (enzyme regulation, cell signaling, etc.) employed by organisms to regulate their metabolism and maintain homeostasis.

Finally, the module will also examine a number of important metabolic disorders and diseases in order to allow you to integrate and apply what you've learnt throughout the module.

This module will develop a core understanding of molecular biology and genetic concepts regarding the flow of genetic information in cells during normal health and disease, and discuss experimental approaches to manipulate the genome of a range of organisms. You'll cover a range of topics including: genome structure, organisation and packaging; genome replication and repair; the process of gene expression through transcription, RNA processing and translation; regulation of gene expression; genetic variations and polymorphisms and the manner by which you contribute to human health and disease; and modes of inheritance of genetic variants.

You'll also be introduced to a range of cutting-edge molecular techniques used to analyse DNA, including DNA isolation from a range of starting sources, amplification of specific regions of DNA, separation of DNA fragments, cloning, restriction enzyme digestion, next-generation DNA sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and will be provided an opportunity to participate in laboratory practicals and tutorials to develop these specific skills.

The module will provide you with a primer on modern protein science through an appreciation of the protein structure, function and biochemistry. Topics covered include protein bioinformatics, recombinant protein production, site-directed mutagenesis and enzyme mechanism(s) and regulation. Throughout the module, the emphasis will be on developing your understanding of underlying principles coupled to their ability to analyse data and solve real-world problems.

The module covers essential elements of research methods, data analysis (as relevant to the Biosciences) and provides you with key laboratory techniques. On completion of the module successfully, you'll have developed the expertise to extract and interpret scientific information from peer-reviewed original sources, have used this information to produce a literature review of a specific area in the biosciences, prepared a design for your final year research project as well undertaken a skill-based evaluation of your competencies (PPP 5.3).

Using student-centred enquiry based learning, which will allow you to become a co-creator of your own knowledge in a small group format, you'll be required to integrate and synthesise material covered in this module with learning from both Physiological Biochemistry and Physiological Networks in order to further their understanding of how the different body systems are regulated and how one system influences another. Clinical disorders will be used to demonstrate the consequence(s) of disruption to normal function in one system on another system/other systems.

The module commences with an overview of principles in neuroscience, beginning with an introduction to cellular systems and cell communication involved in fundamental neurophysiological processes. An overview of neuroendocrine physiology such as hormonal release via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and introductory neuroanatomy (including a mammalian dissection laboratory session) will also be explored. The module will also focus on the development of the nervous system and the mechanisms involved in specific brain functions as well as key neuropathological and neurocognitive disorders.

The module will build on the cell biology, biochemistry, information technology and critical thinking skills acquired at level 4. This module will allow you to develop skills in the area of bioinformatics including the computational analysis of DNA and protein sequences using alignment and evolutionary models. You'll use a variety of computational methods to assign gene and protein function including data from gene expression analysis and proteomics.

You'll build on their integrated knowledge of classical and molecular geneticsacquired from L4 and L5 core modules. You'll develop an in depth understandingofthe growing relevance of genetics and genomics in medicine by being introduced to current practices in clinical genetics with special focus on the application ofmodern genomic technologies fordisease diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The crucial role of genetics and genomics in precisionmedicine will be highlighted through the detailed study of common and rare human genetic disorders. Special consideration will be given to conceptual advances and practical developments ensuedfrom recent translational research initiatives, with special consideration of newly emerging ethical challenges and emphasis on related social perspectives on a global level.

This module comprises lectures and tutorials designed to give you an understanding of molecular and cellular therapeutic strategies available for the treatment of inherited and acquired diseases. As the field is progressing rapidly the contents are upgraded annually to introduce cutting edge current concepts and opinions. Modern molecular and gene therapies, immunotherapy,  bacteriophage-based therapies, clinical trials and associated ethical issues are discussed.

This module covers the pathogenesis of human parasitic diseases; case histories will be used to demonstrate the principles and practice of parasitology. Life cycles and control of insect, worm and protozoan parasites, including malaria, schistosomiasis, trypanosome, and nematode infections, are covered. The failures and successes of control courses will be reviewed. Other topics covered will be the impact of HIV/AIDS, the effect of parasitic infections on nutrition and the importance of insects as vectors of parasitic diseases.

This module will explore regional and global problems and their impact on the world’s resources, the environment and human societies (social and economic). The underlying causes of environmental and societal pressures, eg climate change and infectious and non-infectious diseases, will be identified and examined and the risks these pose, eg water scarcity and conflicts and biodiversity loss, examined.

Students in this module are supervised and guided to design and carry out an independent research project, analyse and interpret the results and report their findings in scientific style. The module covers safe laboratory practices, ethical considerations, study designs, selecting and applying appropriate statistical tools and other aspects of scientific professionalism. Students are also encouraged to think about preparation for entry into the job market or into postgraduate education.

This module features lectures on molecular origins and cellular basics of targeted eukaryotic cell engineering, a highly sought-after skill in the life sciences landscape. You'll acquire hands-on training in design of an efficient gene editing workflow, including using computer algorithms. The module will also discuss the advances in gene editing including novel Cas variants, base and prime editing approaches and innovative delivery mechanisms for therapeutic interventions. Opportunities for you to apply and evaluate your learning extensively is perceived as the core of this module.

The cell is the basic unit of life and an understanding of molecular basis of cellular structures offers profound insights into biology and applications of the biological sciences. This module will allow students to explore the biochemistry and biophysics of these structures and the processes that rely on them and thereby deepen their understanding of the molecular basis of life.

The module explores the pathophysiology of exemplar disease states (typically, cardiovascular), and detailed study of their pharmacotherapy. Applications of genomics, bioinformatics, pharmacogenetics and the emerging concept of Personalised Medicine will also be studied. Drug efficacy and toxicity will be studied extensively to provide a clinical perspective on pharmacology. This module presents students with material that explores established and emerging technologies, critical to an understanding of modern pharmacology.

Biotechnology is predicted to be one of the most important applied sciences of the 21st century and a key driver in the world economy. From the production of commodity chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare to agriculture and the environment, biotechnology already represents one of the largest and most rapidly growing sectors in the UK within biological sciences. The module will explore various applications of biotechnology including applications in medicine, food production, solving environmental problems and industrial production of commodity chemicals and energy.

The module is concerned with the biology, diagnosis and clinical investigation of cancer. The key molecular changes in cancer will be discussed and how these have translated into tests used in clinical practice will be considered in the context (for example) of biomarker analysis and imaging tests. The emphasis will be on how knowledge of cancer biology has translated and impacted on clinical practice.

This module will explore the environmental, social and economic foundations of sustainability and the influence of policy, governance and design on them. You will identity innovative biological solutions that can be used to mitigate challenges to local, regional and global sustainable development and design your own solution to a named problem.

The module focuses on the pharmacotherapy of exemplar diseases and the different phases of the drug development process, from initial concepts through to pre-clinical drug development stages, toxicology and clinical trials. Existing and novel 'pipeline' drugs indicated for the treatment of an array of exemplary diseases will be studied, with a particular emphasis upon agents that act to modulate inflammation, given the importance of inflammatory pathways in the development of many disease states. Usage of these drugs, side effects, contraindications and identification of novel therapeutic targets for their treatments will be covered.

This module aims to enable you to understand that multiple frameworks can be used in making ethical decisions. You'll then apply this knowledge and understanding to analyse and effectively present the arguments from all sides of ethical debates for a range of major dilemmas arising from developments in science and technology.

This module features a comprehensive overview of the drug design and development process. The module will introduce students to the chemical and pharmaceutical science concepts that underpin the design and synthesis of drugs and how the quality of these drugs is assured, as part of ensuring patient safety. This includes an introduction to natural and synthetic products, structural biology and organic chemistry for drug design and development.