Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)

About the course

Biology is the scientific study of living organisms and deals with every aspect of life. Your study of biological sciences will examine the physiology of the human body (and how it is affected by disease and drug. You will study the structure, biochemistry, and mechanics of the cell, evolutionary processes and genetics, both in mammals and micro-organisms. All of this will be accomplished in your first year!

The School has excellent facilities for chemical and biomedical analysis, genetics and cell biology studies and students have access to the latest equipment for chemical synthesis and purification, PCR, qPCR and 2D protein gel analysis systems for use during their final year projects.

80% of our students have gone on to work or study after graduation (Unistats, 2013).

Why choose this course?

• Biology is a discipline with a broad range of applications affecting many areas of human activity. You will study life at all levels, from molecules and organelles to organisms and ecosystems. You will gain the technical, analytical and practical skills needed to investigate biological phenomena in microorganisms, plants, human beings and other animals.
• The Biological Sciences programme offers you flexibility and a broad range of options for study. The first year provides a solid foundation in all aspects of biological theory and practice, from molecules to whole organisms. This approach will enable you to determine your future studies with conviction.

Study routes

• Sandwich, 4 Years
• Part Time, 5 Years
• Full Time, 3 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Our Biosciences graduates are highly sought after by employers in the industry due to the reputation of our teaching, the vocational element to our degrees and the fact that many of our students already have a year's work experience when they graduate which they gain in the sandwich year. Graduates can find employment in the pharmaceutical, food and drink, agrochemical and biotechnology industries as well as in industrial, academic and charity funded research. Some graduates also go on to work in health care and environment agencies. First salaries range from £12,000 to £22,000 pa.

Typical job titles of recent graduates:

• Trainee Biomedical Scientist,,
• Clinical Trials Associate,
• Drug Safety Coordinator,
• Medical Representative,
• Lab Scientist,
• Microbiologist,
• Research Assistant,
• Tissue Culture Technologist,
• Donor Transplant Assistant.

Typical employers of recent graduates:

• Pfizer,
• Denfleet Pharma Ltd,
• Health Protection Agency,
• GlaxoSmithKline,
• AstraZeneca,
• NHS Trusts
• Lark Technology.

Teaching methods

You will develop your capacity for independent study and interpersonal skills on this programme. There is an emphasis on structured research, well-prepared written and verbal presentations and computer literacy.

You will experience a wide variety of teaching styles on the programme including:

• standard lectures
• seminars
• tutorials
• laboratories
• case studies
• individual and group projects

In your final year you will normally have the opportunity to hone your independent study and interpersonal skills by undertaking a major project or dissertation.

Work Placement

All Biosciences students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or study overseas in Europe or North America during their 3rd year.

Work placements are usually paid. Current employers and job titles are listed below:

• GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge,
• Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London,
• Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London,
• Medical Research Council - Mill Hill,
• Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton,
• Mount Vernon hospital: Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust Institute of Reconstructive, Plastic and Burns Surgery Research - Middlesex ,
• MRC: Human Genome Project - Hinxton,
• National Biological Standards Board - Potter's Bar,
• Roche UK - Welwyn Garden City,
• St. Bartholomew's & The Royal London: School of Medicine - London and St.George Medical School - London,
• St.George's Hospital: Analytical Unit - London,
• Syngenta Seeds - Cambridge,
• University of Hertfordshire: Biodeterioration Centre - Hatfield.

Our overseas partners include:

Europe:

• Université Libre de Bruxelles - Brussels, Belgium,
• Universidad de Alcalá de Henarez - Madrid, Spain,
• Universidad Católica San Antonio De Murcia, Spain,
• Linkping Universitetet - Linkping, Sweden,
• Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen - Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

North America:

• Bemidji State University - USA,
• Bishops University, Canada,
• Central Connecticut State University - USA,
• Concordia University, Canada,
• Ecole Polytechnique - Canada,
• ETS - Canada,
• Kansas State University - USA,
• Laval University - Canada,
• McGill University - Canada,
• Oklahoma State University - USA,
• Sherbrooke University - Canada,
• University of Missouri at Rolla - USA,
• University of Montreal - Canada,
• University of Oklahoma - USA,
• University of Toledo - USA,
• University of Wisconsin at Au Claire - USA,
• University of Wisconsin at Whitewater - USA,
• UQTR - Canada,
• West Virginia University - USA.

Professional Accreditations

Eligible for graduate membership of the Institute of Biology.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Introduction to Biochemistry

  The module will provide an introduction to biochemistry and will also incorporate aspects of chemistry specific to the study of biological systems. Subjects covered will include: the structure of key macromolecules and how this relates to their function in a cell or organism; major catabolic and anabolic pathways and their integration including glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, the TCA cycle, substrate and oxidative phosphorylation, oxidation of fatty acids, storage and mobilisation of glycogen, triglyceride storage and mobilisation, proteins for energy; kinetics including Michaelis-Menton kinetics of enzymes and the calculation of key enzyme parameters; radioactivity and its application to the study of biochemistry, thermodynamics and its application to bioenergetics.

• Human Physiology with Pharmacology

  This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics covered will include: * Homeostasis and control mechanisms * Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature * Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system) * Cardiovascular system and blood * Respiratory system * Digestive system * Renal system * Endocrine system and reproduction * Immune system * Integrative physiology * Basic pharmacology including receptor theory and pharmacokinetics to show how medicines may be effectively used to treat disease. *Drug discovery, design and the process of drug development. The importance of clinical trials

• Chemistry for Biologists

  The philosophy of this module is to prepare students for their future studies in the biological sciences. The module introduces the chemical and physical principles that underlie biological processes. Students on this module will learn techniques for characterisation and separation of biological molecules, perform physicochemical calculations appropriate to biological systems and understand how the structure and reactivity of functional groups relates to their biological function. Students will gain experience of computer software packages to draw and understand the structures and shapes of molecules of relevance in biology.

• Cell and Microbiology

  The module will cover key areas of cell biology and microbiology: the nature of cells and how they divide; how the genetic information in cells is converted into functioning components; and then there will be a focus on one particular group of cells, the microbes, to investigate their importance in human health. Key topics covered will include the following 1. The structure of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells with an emphasis on the evolutionary origins of the cell components. Cell division. 2. The nature of the genetic material and its organisation in the cell. DNA replication, transcription and translation. 3. a. The structure and components of bacteria, fungi and viruses with relation to their identification and disease causing ability. b. The basic principles of microbial growth. c. Microbes as infectious agents; transmission and control to include basic principles of public health and epidemiology.

• Practical and Transferable Skills

  The content of this module • Practical laboratory skills- o Safe laboratory practice o Accurate pipetting and measurement, making up solutions. o Measurement of pH o Sample preparation, staining and microscopy o DNA isolation and analysis o Cell counting methodologies o Chemistry methodologies to include purification, extraction, synthesis and analysis of biological molecules o Analytical techniques including centrifugation, chromatography, spectroscopy and electrophoresis o Use of dye-binding assays and standard curves in biological measurement o Microbiology skills including aseptic technique, viable counting, diagnostic methods o Enzyme activity assays and enzyme kinetic s methodology o Measurement of physiological parameters • Transferable skills/Graduate attributes o Mathematics required for biological calculations, statistical analysis, scientific recording, presentation of data, scientific writing, use of literature and literature searching, referencing, avoiding plagiarism o Development of graduate attributes around research skills, professionalism, employability and enterprise.

• Molecular Biology and Genetics

  The genetics component covers: Mendelian inheritance including meiosis and the production of primordial germ cells and gametes (oogenesis, spermatogenesis); linkage and basic human genetic epidemiology. The relationship of mutation to genetic variation and disease is included as well as an introduction to gene regulation. Molecular methods used to study DNA and inheritance are covered and the application of these methods to research, diagnosis and treatment of disease is discussed.

Optional

• Chemistry for Biologists

  The philosophy of this module is to prepare students for their future studies in the biological sciences. The module introduces the chemical and physical principles that underlie biological processes. Students on this module will learn techniques for characterisation and separation of biological molecules, perform physicochemical calculations appropriate to biological systems and understand how the structure and reactivity of functional groups relates to their biological function. Students will gain experience of computer software packages to draw and understand the structures and shapes of molecules of relevance in biology.

• Chemistry

  The module covers aspects of : Organic, structural and physical chemistry appropriate for the biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences including: a study of the key organic functional groups, introductory kinetics and thermodynamics and their role in the biomolecular and pharmaceutical sciences and an introduction to the chemistry associated with basic pharmaceutics.

Year 2

Core Modules

• Molecular and Cell Biology

  Organisation of eukaryotic genomes, chromosone structure, repetitive sequences, reassociation kinetics, transfection techniques, methods for studying gene expression, reporter genes, poII, II and III, transcription, RNA processing. Protein biochemistry - Protein structure, domains & classification. The relationship between structure and function. Protein structure and disease. Proteomics. Protein microarrays. Techniques for protein purification and characterisation; Chromatography, Electrophoresis, sequencing, X-ray crystallography, NMR. Immunological techniques. Recombinant DNA technology and the manipulation of DNA. Introduction to databases and bioinformatics tools and resources for the analysis of biological sequence data. Methods for the analysis of DNA and RNA (including real-time PCR , DNA microarrays, mouse knockout technology, RNAi). Cytogenetics. Principles of population genetics, DNA polymorphism and human diseases. Medical molecular genetics. Pharmacogenetics. Molecular diagnostics. Signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells including G-protein coupled pathways, receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine-activated pathways, cell death pathway and selected examples of these pathways in cellular processes. Cell cycle regulation by proteins in eukaryotic cells.

• Personal Transferable Skills 2 Bioscience

  Students will complete assignments, within their discipline of choice, that include opportunities for development of their personal transferable skills. They will reflect on their development with the assistance of a personal tutor and will produce a portfolio of evidence based on the set assignments and wider experience such as from the work place or other areas of responsibility. Skills assessed are: autonomoy - taking responsibility for themselves (A); group working (GW), oral and written communication (COM), information management (IM), problem solving (PS), numeracy (NUM), self evaluation and reflective practice (SERP).

• Bioscience Research Methods

  Scientific communication to include dissection of scientific papers, plagiarism and referencing, seminar and poster presentation as well as writing Scientific methodology (philosophy) and ethics of science Experimental design Use of radioisotopes in scientific research Non-laboratory based research including questionnaire design Statistical analysis Practical Laboratory skills to support independent project work Problem-based learning on method design and experimental procedure (subject specific)

Optional

• Principles of Immunology

  Anatomy and physiology of the immune system: cells, primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, leukocyte circulation and key phenomena including; chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis, inflammation, antigen processing and clonal expansion. Natural immunity: role of phagocytic cells, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines and the acute inflammatory response. Hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity: antigen specificity of B and T cells. Antibody structure and effector functions. T cell subsets; antigen processing and presentation to T cells, the role of the major histocompatibility complex. T-helper cell subpopulations and cytokines in determining the immune response. Immunity to microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and selected parasites. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases . Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Biochemistry

  Metabolic pathways involved in nitrogen metabolism, carbohydrate and lipid assimilation. How they fit together with each other and with the pathways of catabolism, and why they are important. Nitrogen metabolism and nutrition. Vitamins and cofactors. Laboratory classes on kinetics, blood protein analysis and use of radiolabelled compounds. Data interpretation. Regulation of protein activity by covalent modification. Models of allosterism and its role in protein activity regulation. Enzyme inhibition kinetics and methods for the determination of Ki values.

• Biomedical Science

  Haematology: the structure and function of bone marrow; the role, structure and function of red and white blood cells; the nature and diagnosis of anaemias; haemoglobinopathies and thalassaemias; haematological malignancy; haemostasis and thrombosis. Case studies demonstrating the role of the clinical haematology laboratory in the diagnosis of disease and the relationship of diagnosis to the underlying pathophysiological processes. Histology and histopathology: tissue processing; morphology of selected normal tissues; recognition of abnormalities within selected tissues; staining theory. Case studies demonstrating the relationship between the pathophysiological process and the morphological changes within tissue. Clinical biochemistry: sample preparation; pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical variables; reference ranges; quality assurance and quality control; analysis of data; method evaluation. Case studies demonstrating the role of the clinical biochemistry laboratory in the diagnosis of disease and the relationship of diagnosis to the underlying pathophysiological processes. Biomedical science: the role of the Health Professions Council and the Institute for Biomedical Sciences; the importance of standards of proficiency; duty of care; ethics and confidentiality. Multidisciplinary case studies demonstrating the relationship between the different disciplines in the diagnosis of disease.

• Microbial Physiology and Genetics

  Growth: Biomass assessment; batch and continuous culture and their mathematical models; filamentous growth and its analysis. Role of culture method in experimental design. Transport mechanisms in bacteria. Catabolite repression and stringent response Ecology: Microbial adaptation to terrestrial, aquatic and extreme environments, biofilm formation, interactions between microorganisms; the concept of VBNC. Exploitation: Use of microbes in industry, in biological control and bioremediation Genetics: Yeast and fungal genetics; Bacterial genome organisation, replication and cell division. Plasmid and phage genetics; natural transformation; horizontal gene transfer. Transposons and other mobile elements. Evolution of bacterial genomes.

• Pharmacology & Therapeutics

  This module will describe the analysis of drugs action in the general sense, (to assess potency and efficacy through interaction with known receptors and cellular transduction mechanisms), and the mode of altered physiological function at a tissue and systems level to account for therapeutic effects in specific disease states. The fate of drugs (pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism) will also be considered as it influences the development of new drugs and as an important aspect to the success of therapeutics. Classes of drug treatments will be characterised for specific diseases of the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, central nervous system and chemotherapeutics of cancers and infectious diseases, dermatology and wound healing. The limitations of existing therapies will also be identified and the possible new target for future drug treatment discussed in terms of present understanding the pathology and genetic basis of disease. Alternative therapeutic approaches, such as herbal medicine will also be discussed.

• Pathophysiology

  This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human pathophysiology, enabling them to discuss the biology of disease. Topics covered will include: " Biology of disease " Cell injury and cell death " Cardiovascular disease " Renal dysfunction " Neurological disease " Endocrine disorders " Gastro-intestinal disease " Respiratory disease

• Pharmaceutical Science

  Pharmaceutical manufacture and microbiology; sterilization kinetics; microbial contamination, spoilage and product preservation; sterile products hygiene and GMP. Antimicrobial agents: antibiotics, chemical and physical agents. Unit operations in pharmaceutical manufacture: Materials processing: mixing processes for solids, liquids and gases, separation processes; processing of bulk solids; particle size reduction. Heat transfer and equipment; evaporation processes; drying of solids, principles and equipment; solvent recovery and distillation. Product recovery and purification: extraction processes (liquid-liquid, supercritical fluid, 2 phase aqueous; ion exchange and adsorptive processes; crystallisation theory and practice; membrane processes (dialysis, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration). Process development and scale-up. Introduction to regulatory and environmental issues. Packaging of pharmaceuticals.

• Exercise Physiology

  Cardiovascular aspects of exercise, blood pressure and haemodynamic response at rest and exercise. Respiratory aspects of exercise: haemoglobin and respiratory variables; exercise-induced arterial hypoxaemia and acid balance. The endocrine system during exercise, exercise-induced endocrine secretions/catecholamine response. Endocrinology-fluid balance. The immune system and exercise. Fatigue and exhaustion; De-training and the human body. Energy supply and systems.

• Microbial Disease & Immunology

  A revision of the structure of microbial cells and classification of the bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa emphasising those having the greatest impact on human health. The natural microflora of human skin, alimentary tract and respiratory tract. A review of microbial pathogens associated with particular body regions. Fungi pathogenic to humans with particular emphasis on dermatophytes, opportunistic and deep seated fungi. Viral structure, replication and viruses as agents of human disease. The laboratory techniques for the diagnosis of microbial diseases. Mode of action of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Anatomy and physiology of the immune system: cells, primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, leukocyte circulation and key phenomena including; chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis, inflammation, antigen processing and clonal expansion. Natural immunity: role of phagocytic cells, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines and the acute inflammatory response. Adaptive immunity: antigen specificity of B and T cells. Antibody structure and effector functions. T cells subsets; antigen processing and presentation to T cells, the role of the major histocompatibility complex. T-helper cell subpopulations and cytokines in determining the immune response. Immunity to microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and selected parasites. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases diseases. Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Molecular Structure and Synthesis

  A study of the key facets of organic, structural, inorganic and physical chemistry which are relevant to a study of the key organic and inorganic reactions that are used to construct biologically active molecules. Main group transition metal chemistry is included, as well as a more detailed look at important systems such as carbonyls, heterocycles, amino acids, nucleic acids, and sugars. A thorough grounding in interpretative spectroscopy is covered. An understanding of kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry is given with respect to their roles in biological systems.

• Analytical Science

  The course describes the importance of quality within analytical science and shows that the role of the analytical scientist extends beyond simply performing a 'measurement' and that the history and preparation / storage of the sample are equally as important as knowledge of what the 'results' are needed for. The theory and use of chromatographic separation and atomic and molecular spectroscopic methods of analysis are presented. Data and data quality will be analysed via a number of statistical tests such as F- and t-tests. Throughout the lectures examples from the analysis of pharmaceuticals will be given.

Year 3

Core Modules

Optional

• Sandwich Placement: Biosciences

  The sandwich placement will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in the taught years of the degree in a work-based situation. The establishment will appoint a work-place supervisor, and the student will also have a University supervisor. During the placement the student will return to the University to a one day Symposium which all placement students attend. During this day they present a poster about their placement and attend talks on future employment. In particular, Applied Biomedical Students will spend 48 weeks on a training placement in an approved diagnostic laboratory performing routine diagnostic tests. In the process they will: gain an understanding of the workings of a professional, clinical laboratory; develop the skills necessary to be an independent and safe practitioner; perform various analyses in order to demonstrate competence in use of specialist laboratory equipment.

• Year Abroad - BIO

  Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research project, field studies or a mixture of these components. The Year Abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated by the Associate Head of School or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance.

Year 4

Core Modules

• Project - Bioscience Degree

  The Project provides the opportunity for extended, in-depth study on a selected aspect from those desciplines covered by the Sciences Modular Scheme and may address one or more of the Faculty's research objectives. Workshop and seminar sessions (which may be group and/or individual) provide support. All students will have a University supervisor. Projects may be laboratory or non-laboratory based. A series of research methodology workshops will be held on topics related to the formulation, safety, ethics and implementation of research, including social and scientific methods of investigation (eg statistics, questionnaires, sampling protocols), interpretation, analysis and presentation (both oral and written). Tutorials with supervisors will include discussion on aims, objectives current theories, research design, data collection and analysis, and the structure of the report. Draft copies of the report introduction, where provided by the student, will be read and commented on by the supervisor(s) prior to formal submission.

Optional

• Cellular Differentiation and Development

  This module will provide an advanced understanding of the molecular basis of cellular differentiation and development. Molecular techniques of investigation will be considered in relation to studying gene regulation and discovering new genes, proteins & signalling pathways involved in aspects of development. Mechanisms of gene expression and control. Differentiation and development in microbial cells (e.g. B. subtilis and yeast) is considered including extrapolations from yeasts to understanding aspects of human cell molecular biology. Differentiation & development in multicellular organisms is covered including a discussion of the role of stem cells, body plans, cell fate determination, cell polarity mechanisms and cell-cell communication. The major ligand-receptor systems involved in development are considered including a discussion of their role in human disease. Physiological control of cell numbers in healthy and diseased tissues is finally considered by considering receptor mediated apoptosis and DNA damage induced apoptosis.

• Environmental Biotechnology

  The biodeterioration of e.g. cellulose, lignin, plastics and hydrocarbons; Microbial corrosion of e.g. metals,stone and concrete; physiology and ecology of biofilms; microbiology of industrial water systems, Legionnaires disease. Principles of control. Chemical modification, barriers to infection, barriers to water and gas. Moisture control, dehumidifiers, packaging and modification of the chemical environment. Biodegradation of xenobiotics and methods for the remediation of polluted environments. The use of biotechnology in agriculture, including biocontrol, genetically modified crops and resistance management in target populations. Effluent treatment. Overview of effluent treatment. Aerobic and anaerobic treatment systems. Activated sludge, trickling filter, biological contactors.

• Industrial Biotechnology

  Fermentation technology - An overview of fermentation processes; the application of microbial growth kinetics to process design; fermenter design, operation and scale-up; medium design and formulation, sterilization; inoculum development; mixing and agitation; fluid dynamics, mass balance and oxygen supply and demand; the control of primary and secondary biosynthesis and strain improvement; the role of genomics and proteomics in industrial processes. The use of various host organisms and gene modifications for the production of heterologous proteins - expression systems in bacteria, fungi and animal cell culture systems, gene re-engineering for purification and expression; antibody engineering, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, Fab, Fv, humanisation of mouse antibodies, recombinant phage antibody (phage display) for the production of ScFv antibodies and applications. Enzyme technology - the design of enzyme catalysed processes and the influence of the kinetics of the process on process design. Downstream processing in biotechnology processes: centrifugation, filtration, solvent extraction and purification systems.

• Molecular Medicine

  Gene discovery - key molecular concepts underpinning molecular medicine and biotechnology; molecular cloning, functional expression, PCR technology, identification of differentially expressed genes, microarray technology. Gene analysis. Investigation of gene function. In silico cloning - Bioinformatics. Genomics. Medical genetics. Genetic dissection of monogenic and complex diseases. Genetic epidemiology. Association studies. Case studies eg age related macular degeneration. Molecular basis of selected diseases. The causes of cancer. The identification of carcinogens and their role in tumour initiation and development. The multi-stage nature of cancer. Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Existing and new therapeutic approaches. AIDS; molecular basis and strategies for prevention and therapy. Molecular diagnostics; Molecular biological techniques for disease screening, human gene therapy (including moral, ethical and safety issues). Clinical cytogenetics - mechanisms and diagnosis.

• Translation of Science into Medicines

  This module focuses on the manner in which clinical research and basic research impact each other particularly in pharmaceutical development i.e. 'bench to bedside' . An advanced understanding of the basic science areas of pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism, safety testing, and pharmacogenomics will be related to the testing of medicines in human clinical trials and the area of pharmacovigilance. Ethical questions arising from both pre-clinical testing and clinical trials design will be addressed. The influence of regulatory requirements on the pharmaceutical industry will also be highlighted.

• Biomedical Implications of Exercise

  Exercise and the disease state: the role of exercise both as a prophylactic and causative factor in various cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. More specifically, topics such as the coronary heart disease, haemostasis, dyslipidaemia, sudden cardiac death, obesity, metabolic syndrome diabetes. Furthermore, the role of rehabilitation, regular exercise and increased activity will be addressed with particular emphasis on the above related disease. The role of activity and exercise in the promoting health in diverse groups and conditions such as the elderly, mental health, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS will be covered. In addition, the implementation of exercise prescription in the general population will be examined in the context of health initiatives.

• Advanced Biochemistry

  Specific examples of metabolic control analysis such as glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation or other similar systems. The role of calcium, calcium binding proteins, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycles, ‘futile’ cycles in metabolic regulation. Advanced kinetics including bisubstrate, stop-flow and burst systems.. Site directed mutagenesis and enzyme activity and stability. Membrane assembly and organisation, protein trafficking and molecular chaperones; lipid cycles and second messengers - their role in cellular control.

• Clinical Biochemistry and Pathophysiology

  Methods used in the biochemical investigation of disease Biochemical markers of disease in bodily fluids, plasma proteins, lipids, sugars, vitamins Biochemical principles underlying the biochemical diagnosis of disease Relationship between biochemical analysis and pathophysiology of selected diseases, endocrine disorders, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas (endocrine), reproductive disorders, renal dysfunction, bone abnormalities, cardiac markers Monitoring of drug therapies and detection of substance abuse.

• Clinical Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis

  Immune- mediated disorders, mechanisms of autoimmunity with specific examples of diseases, hypersensitivity reactions (typesI-IV) with examples of specific disorders. Immunological markers of disease, serum immunoglobulins, cytokines, related proteins, leukocyte function assays, complement assays.Transplantation immunology, HLA polymorphism, HLA function, mechanisms of host versus graft disease and graft versus host disease, anti-rejection therapy.Immunohaematology, blood group antigens, typing of red blood cells, rhesus factors, methods of determination.Bacterial virulence factors. Infection, disease and virulence factors. Colonisation and invasion of host surfaces; adherence, invasion, secretary IgA proteases, iron acquisition. Evading complement, phagocytes and the antibody response. Exotoxins, endotoxins and hydrolytic enzymes. Regulation of virulence factors and its investigation. The importance of gene regulation - gene amplification, gene rearrangement, transcriptional regulation, quorum sensing systems The design and use of vaccines Design of diagnostic tests for identification of bacterial pathogens.

• Cellular & Molecular Pathology

  Cell death and mutation. Cell death (necrosis, apoptosis), gene mutations, chromosomal disorders, and the use of computer data bases. Cancer. Definitions and classification, experimental approaches, genetic basis (oncogenes, tumour suppresor genes and DNA repair), biological basis (cell growth, invasion and metastasis), cancer treatment (cytotoxic agents and new approaches), cancer management including adverse drug reactions, cancer prevention. AIDS epidemiology, HIV structure, vaccination and therapy, diagnosis of HIV infection. Cardiovascular disease, molecular pathology, treatment including gene therapy. Molecular genetics, human genome complexity, genetic mapping of Mendelian and complex diseases, parametric and non-parametric methods with examples (eg cystic fibrosis, diabetes), linkage analysis, bioinformatics resources including computer programmes, introduction to pharmacogenetics, aspects of population genetics. Clinical genetics, gene and chromosomal testing, genetic counselling and ethical considerations in gene testing. Histology, histopathology and cytology, histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, FISH,

• Neurophysiology

  Neurophysiology is concerned with how a powerful armory of experimental methods can reveal brain mechanisms involved in visual perception, movement, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, feeding, sleep and wakefulness. Neuroanatomy; major neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. Sensory coding. Processing of sensory input as exemplified by the visual system. Neural control of movement and posture by cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. States of conciousness, sleep and wakefulness, motivation and affect. Neurophysiological substrates of feeding. Control of autonomic and endocrine function. Plasticity; learning and memory as exemplified in the hippocampus; neural network models.

• Pharmaceutical Synthesis, Production & Analysis

  Successful pharmaceuticals will be considered in the light of the challenges presented to the medicinal chemist for their synthesis eg taxol, quinine, ranitidine, beta-lactum antibiotics. Combinatorial and solid phase approaches to synthesis - the technologies and their application to drug design and discovery. Asymmetric synthesis and its significance to pharmaceutical synthesis. Advanced heterocyclic chemistry. Microbiological and biochemical synthesis of pharmaceuticals and their scale - up. The scale - up of chemical synthesis; Good Manufacturing Practice; regulatory approaches to GMP, problems and developments, process validation. Waste management and environmental impact of manufacture. Health and safety of perrsonnel : protection and containment. Drug stability and its testing. Packaging materials and systems. Instrumental analysis: chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, thermal methods. chromatometrics and experimental design. Quality assurance: method validation, proficiency testing and control charts.

• Therapeutic Pharmacology

  Lectures: CNS: Neurochemistry of the basic CNS neurotransmitter systems; associated pathologies will be discussed at the molecular, cellular and clinical level; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will also be discussed. CVS: Control of cardiovascular function and associated pathologies (principally hypertension, IHD, congestive heart failure) will be dealt with at the molecular, cellular and clinical level; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will be discussed. Autocoids: The role of autocoids (including cytokines) as mediators of pathology will be discussed using selected examples (principally allergic asthma, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis) at the molecular, cellular and clinical level. Modulation of these pathologies by the endocrine system will be dealt with; current developments in the therapy of these conditions will be discussed. Practicals: Practical classes will include a range of laboratory classes and data analyses using computers. One selected practical activity may generate a piece of assessed coursework.

• Drug Discovery Design Formulation and Development

  The module will investigate the approaches available for the discovery of new lead compounds, both by screening of natural and synthetic compounds, and by the rational design of molecules. Target identification will be discussed in relation to our understanding of the molecular basis of disease and will also discuss the role of genomes and comparative genomics in target identification. Screening will focus on high throughput methods and the role of combinatorial and phage display libraries to detect candidate molecules. Rational drug design will focus on molecular modelling, vaccine design, gene therapy, rational approaches to disease treatment and the design of oligonucleotides and peptidomimetics. Consideration will be given to the process of drug development. The factors to be considered are: Crystallinity and polymorphism; particle size; dosage forms and delivery systems; routes of administration; cellular and intracellular targetting of drugs; issues in the manufacture and storage of medicines.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £10,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply