Program Overview

Life Sciences Foundation (BIOS0019)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences
• Teaching department: Division of Biosciences
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: This module is restricted to first year students taking MSci/BSc Natural Sciences, and it is a prerequisite for choosing any of the Life Sciences streams in Natural Sciences.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Outline: This foundation module introduces students to general ideas of how life is organized (and studied) at progressively larger scales: from biomolecules and cells, to organisms, to biomes. Students will learn about the structure and function of biopolymers, how they are organized and integrated to build cells, how cells, tissues, and organs are regulated and coordinated in organisms, how organisms evolve to interact with the physical and biological environment, and about the genetic basis of these processes.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Appreciate some of the complexity and diversity of life processes, of the genetics and evolution of organisms, and of the interrelationships between them and their environment.
2. Have an understanding of basic statistical concepts used to analyse and draw conclusions from biological datasets.
3. Make an informed choice on which (if any) of the four Life Sciences "streams" you wish to select (Molecular and Cell Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Neuroscience and Psychology; Genetics, Evolution, Environment).

Indicative Lecture Topics:

• Introductory molecular biology and protein structure/function
  • Introduction, nucleic acids and transcription
  • DNA replication & amino acids
  • Proteins
  • Enzymes and metabolism
• Basic cell physiology, signal transduction and neurobiology
  • Signalling and Receptors
  • Processes at membranes (carriers, pumps, channels)
  • Membrane potential
  • Introduction to the nervous system (neurons, action potentials, propagation; organisation)
• Selected topics in genetics, evolution and environment
  • Natural selection in living colour, Climate change and coral reefs
  • Ageing

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

• Intended teaching term: Term 1
• Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 4)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 70% Exam
  • 30% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 111
• Module leader: Professor Paola Vergani