Biological Sciences focuses on biological processes and functions from molecular and cellular to organism level. The programme builds from a broad underpinning in biological sciences with increasing choice available as you progress, to allow you to tailor your degree to your interests and career aspirations. Our biological sciences programme is distinctive in its focus on the human rather than other species.

Compulsory modules

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The aim of this module is to further student understanding of the fundamental aspects of biochemistry and cell biology that underpin the wider study of human biology.

Human Evolution and Adaptation

The aim of this module is for the student to develop an understanding of:

  • Biological classification and diversity and how the patterns of relatedness are linked to evolution.
  • Natural selection, survival and reproductive fitness in human and primate populations.
  • Principles of molecular evolution; human evolution and human adaptation to the environment from a biological and cultural perspective.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

The aim of this module is to establish a basic understanding and application of prokaryotic and eukaryotic molecular biology and genetics and how they aid the understanding of Life Sciences.

Laboratory Skills 1

The aims of the module are:

  • To develop students understanding of practical biological experiments.
  • To develop students competency in a wide range of practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology.
  • To guide students to understand the applications of modern laboratory techniques.
  • To prepare students to undertake laboratory-based research within the biological sciences.

Anatomy and Physiology

The aim of this module is to develop the students' understanding of the structure, function and homeostatic regulation of the human body with reference to integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, endocrine and reproductive systems.

Academic Skills and Data Description

The aims of this module are:

  • To support students' transition into and progression through university education by developing the core academic and vocational knowledge and skills required for their programme and future careers.
  • To introduce the use of basic research methods relevant to students disciplines.
  • To enable students to become aware of and develop their academic, professional, social and personal skills through the Loughborough University Personal Best development programme.

Compulsory modules

Cellular Signalling and Transport

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of:

  • The different mechanisms by which cells respond to external stimuli. Thus, understanding the steps involved in cellular signal transduction mechanisms, from arrival of signal at the cell membrane to alterations in cell structure with or without concomitant changes in gene expression.
  • Comparative aspects of signalling processes in organisms from different kingdoms with the major emphasis on contemporary eukaryotic cell signal transduction.
  • The development of immunity in multicellular organisms and how this works to mediate health.

Research Methods: Data Analysis

The aim of this module is to build on basic research design and statistical skills learnt in PSA701, to understand basic quantitative research design and statistical analysis principles for human biologists, bio-scientists and sports scientists.

Laboratory Skills II

The aims of the module is:

  • To develop competency in a wide range of advanced practical research techniques for the study of biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology.
  • To advance students knowledge and understanding of the laboratory practices associated with biological research and to apply this knowledge to practical biological experiments.
  • To rapidly and efficiently organise their own critical evaluation of the biological/scientific approach and alter experimental procedures if required.
  • To enable students to critically evaluate modern laboratory techniques and experiments. Thus facilitating a broad understanding of how techniques and experiments have driven knowledge construction in key biological areas and how this leads to strengths and weaknesses in data and conclusions generated.
  • To implement a working knowledge of the scientific method and philosophy by deploying experimental design and advanced skills in the collection, processing and interpretation of biological information.
  • To prepare students to undertake independent laboratory-based research in these areas.

Genomics

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of a range of molecular biology, genetic analysis and bioinformatic techniques and illustrate how these can be, and have been, applied and adapted to answer major questions in the biological sciences.

Growth Development and Ageing

The aim of this module is to understand human growth, development and ageing using a biocultural approach. This includes learning about the physiological changes that occur throughout the lifecourse: conception, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and the ageing process.

This module also focus on human variations in patterns of growth development and ageing, across populations, taking into account intergenerational, epigenetic, endocrine and environmental effects.

Optional modules

Interdisciplinary Science

The aims of this module are:

  • To introduce students to concepts of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary working.
  • To introduce students to the issues involved in the conception, design and execution of research projects.
  • To develop essential science communication skills for interdisciplinary working.
  • To develop students' skills to define and interrogate scientific problems within a multidisciplinary team.
  • To present students to cutting edge research across the physical sciences.

Human Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

The aims of this module are for the student to:

  • Acquire knowledge on the principles of human nutrition, including the the concept of energy (calorie) requirements and energy balance, and the main functions of macronutrients and their metabolic and physiological roles.
  • Appraise human nutrient requirements, including the use of dietary reference values and government recommendations for population health.
  • Acquire knowledge on the effects of macronutrients on cellular and whole-body metabolism.
  • Understand how exercise affects metabolism from a whole-body level to a tissue, cellular and molecular level.

Pharmaceutical and Clinical Science

More information to follow.

Physiology of Exercise and Training

The aim of this module is to further students' understanding of the acute physiological responses to exercise and chronic physiological adaptations to exercise and training in humans and how these responses are regulated. The influence of environmental factors and fatigue on physiological processes are also examined. A further aim is to develop students' practical laboratory/experimental skills in human and exercise physiology.

Compulsory modules

Project

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and opportunity to select, organise and conduct an enquiry-based project in a topic relevant to their development and programme.

Optional modules

Body Composition and Physiological Measurement

The aims of this module are for the student to understand the biological bases and methods for assessing the composition and function of the human body and to critically evaluate the reliability and validity of techniques and their applicability in different populations.

Physiology of Exercise and Health

The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the physiological and metabolic underpinnings of exercise as a therapy to prevent and manage chronic metabolic disease.

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advanced and critical understanding of the impact of diet and nutritional supplements on human performance and health.

Applied Physiology of Sport Performance

The aim of this module is for students to demonstrate a more advance and critical understanding of the physiological limitations to performance in sport and the characteristics that determine elite sport performance.

Public and Global Health

This module will offer an opportunity to explore globalisation in health and healthcare from the perspective of individuals, communities and population using a variety of social theories.

Students will examine epidemiology, the science that underpins public health, and the roles of different professionals and professional bodies in identifying health inequalities, addressing health inequalities, promoting health and preventing ill-health.

Having successfully completed this module students will be able to:

  • Describe the impact of economic, political, cultural and environmental determinants on population health.
  • Explain the influence of globalisation on healthcare and the health of individuals, communities and populations.
  • Identify how epidemiological approaches may help understanding of global public health challenges.

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of how the human body copes with work and sport in environmental extremes and how this stress can be assessed and controlled.

Cellular Adaptation and Degeneration

The aim of this module is to detail a range of cellular and molecular mechanisms which govern cellular adaptation and degeneration, with a particular emphasis on the effect of ageing and age-related diseases.

Applied Genomics

The aims of this module are to further the understanding of the use and application of genomic analyses for disease, forensic, pharmacogenetic and personalised medical purposes.

Regenerative Medicine

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of regenerative medicine that utilises biology as the basis for modern regenerative therapies.

Cancer Biology

The aims of this module are to provide students with a biological overview of cancer biology; including its aetiology, molecular phenotype and therapeutic management.

University wide language programme

One 10-credit module from a list supplied by the Language Centre, levels dependent on candidates’ previous qualifications. Languages offered are:  French, German, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish.

The information above is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.