Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc Honours

No prior knowledge of biological sciences is assumed, therefore this module will provide an appropriate foundation for you to gain an understanding of fundamental concepts of biology. This content includes consideration of central theories of biology, including cell theory, evolutionary theory, gene theory and homeostasis. Applications of these will lead to an understanding of energy movement within and between organisms, ecosystems, and ultimately the laws of life.

This module provides you with both a solid theoretical grounding of the ‘doing’ of the life sciences, the practical psychomotor laboratory skills, and introductions to data handling, analysis and visualisation to enable you to progress successfully onto Level 4 of life sciences degree courses. The module will develop a range of practical skills related to laboratory-based experimentation, stressing the importance of laboratory safety, critical interpretation of data as well as getting you to reflect on the importance of managing their career aims and self-development.

As no prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed, this module will provide an appropriate foundation for you to gain an understanding of selected aspects of physical and quantitative chemistry. The content includes consideration of atoms, isotopes, ions and molecules; the periodic table; chemical bonding; chemical equations; and the properties and importance of water to life. Study of acids, bases and buffers leads to a qualitative description of pH. It also introduces basic concepts of organic chemistry, including consideration of hydrocarbon compounds and typical functional groups, before proceeding to explain the basis of the structure/function relationships found in important biological molecules. The IUPAC system is explained and used to name simple organic compounds, biomolecules and their polymers. You'll also develop data handling and practical analytical skills.

Critical thinking is fundamental to our ability to progress in an increasingly complex and changing world. It is an essential skill across a range of academic and practice-based disciplines.

This module helps you understand the importance and function of critical thinking both at university and beyond. By working in partnership with academic staff and peers, you will explore how critical thinking aligns with disciplinary practices, shapes scholarly knowledge, and addresses inequalities. Through problem-posing education and anti-racist practices, you will engage with real-world problems, fostering the ability to create a more just and sustainable world.

This module introduces you to the key academic, professional, and personal skills essential for success at university. It encourages good practices in writing, presentation, and time management, while also fostering reflection to help you build confidence as you transition to higher education. Open to all students enrolled in courses delivered through Westminster Foundation Pathways, the module provides a creative and supportive environment where you can reflect on and develop their academic and professional journey. You'll work with specialist facilitators who play a crucial role in guiding your academic and professional development.

With a focus on managing academic choices in a higher education setting, the module emphasises the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using methodologies that prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through these lenses, you'll explore topics that prepare you to address real-world challenges as highlighted in the SDGs in a socially conscious, inclusive, and responsible manner.

This module will integrate concepts of Biology and Chemistry to better understand how humans grow, age, reproduce and respond to stimuli. Major organ systems anatomy and physiology will be discussed, alongside examples of how humans respond to perturbations to homeostasis, the resolution mechanisms, and how specifically humans function physiologically.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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).

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.

The physiological and metabolic diversity of microorganisms (eukaryotes, prokaryotes, archaea) and their impacts on the environment (eg nutrient cycles); and man (e.g. technological applications) will be explored. Safe handling of microorganisms, their identification, enumeration and control will also be considered.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taking as its focus selected examples of human pathology which represent major health issues in the western and developing world in the 21st century. This module will provide you with the opportunity for the investigation of the pathobiology and the investigation of selected abnormailities via laboratory tests and medical imaging. The specific content will reflect contemporary trends in health and disease, but conditions such as diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular disease, genetic and congenital disorders, inflammatory and infectious disease will form the core of the module. This module will complement the Level 6 Cancer Biology module although the two modules may be taken independently.

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 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.

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.

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.

In this module, you'll learn to detect, identify, and characterise pathogenic microorganisms. You'll explore the pathogenesis, transmission, and epidemiology of infectious diseases, with a focus on treatment and prevention. Emphasis will be placed on diseases of current and global importance, including emerging pathogens.

You'll also cover laboratory automation, antibiotic resistance, microbial genomics, and bioinformatics, as well as the public health measures used to control the spread of disease.