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Programmes in Natural Sciences 2021/2


UXXX-AKM02: MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Biology with Pharmacology stream) with Professional Placement

Leading to the award of MASTER IN SCIENCE IN NATURAL SCIENCES

Mode of attendance: Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement

Normal programme duration: 5 years


Click here for further information Possible DAPs for this programme:

  • UXXX-AFB01: BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AKB02: BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement

Please see your programme handbook for circumstances where transfer to DAP may be permitted/required.

  

Click here for further informationPossible exit awards for this programme:



Natural Sciences students must take units totaling 60 credits in each programme year, usually comprising five blocks of 12 credits each, although some final year projects are worth 18 or 24 credits. Students must choose a major subject stream to follow and must take two blocks of units in this major subject each year. For further information on the structure of the programme, please see the Natural Sciences Course Guide.

Year 1: Part 1 Stage 1

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 15 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 16 [pdf].
  • Part 1 Stage 1 of this programme contributes 0% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. All units in blocks Ls1.1 and Pc1.1
  2. Either BB10265 (Ecology & evolution) or BB10266 (Life on Earth)
  3. Two blocks of free options.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory skills unit (Designated Essential Unit)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX10238 Skills for Natural Scientists I credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]

Compulsory units for Biology Ls1.1 and Pharmacology block Pc1.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10264 Cell biology12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY PA10315 Fundamentals of physiology and pharmacology for Natural Sciences students12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M1.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 MA10201 Modelling the dynamics of life 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MA10202 Modelling the dynamics of life 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PS10086 Mind and behaviour12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
S1 MN10071 Organisational behaviour6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED10002 Learning: Theory & context6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN10248 Introduction to accounting6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C1.1/2/3

Students may take a maximum of two units from this list. NB. Selecting two Chemistry units in Year 1 would allow a student transfer to a stream with Chemistry as a major or minor subject in Year 2 if they wish.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY CH10133 Atomic structure, bonding and the Periodic Table12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH10135 Fundamentals of organic chemistry12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH10137 From molecules to materials12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Biology block B1.1/2

Select one unit from this list: Ecology option BB10265 or Plant Science option BB10266.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB10265 Ecology & evolution12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY BB10266 The life of Earth12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 2: Part 2 Stage 2

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 2 of this programme contributes 16% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. 12 credits in each semester from block Pc2
  2. At least two blocks from: Ecology block B2.1, Plant Science block B2.2, Cell Biology block B2.3, Genomics B2.4 or Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5 (subject to pre-requisites)
  3. One further block of free options.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Pharmacology block Pc2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA20023 Pharmacology of the central nervous system6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA20291 Introduction to practical pharmacology for natural scientists3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 PA20343 Drug discovery3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 PA20016 Cardiovascular, renal and peripheral nervous system pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Pharmacology block Pc2 options: Select 6 credits from this list

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 PA20348 Experimental pharmacology for natural sciences6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA20351 Infection and immunity for natural sciences students6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Cell Biology block B2.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20024 The dynamic cell 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20160 The dynamic cell 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B2.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20149 Molecular genetics of vertebrate development6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20028 Molecular and cellular neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY PS20167 Cognitive neuroscience12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
S1 ED20003 Education in society6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 MN20072 Managing human resources6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED20126 Educational psychology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN20073 Marketing6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Ecology block B2.1

Students choosing this block must take BB20040 in Semester 1 and either BB20173 or BB20226 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20040 Concepts in evolution6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20173 Behaviour & ecology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20226 Field course6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B2.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20032 Plant symbiosis & pathology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20031 Plant biotechnology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B2.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB20219 Genomics 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB20220 Genomics 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C2.1/2/3

A maximum of 1 unit may be selected from this list for Chemistry blocks C2.1, C2.2 & C2.3.
  • You may only select CH20150 from this list if you took CH10135 (block C1.1) in Year 1;
  • You may only select CH20148 from this list if you took CH10133 (block C1.2) in Year 1;
  • You may only select CH20152 from this list if you took CH10137 (block C1.3) in Year 1.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY CH20148 Inorganic synthesis, structure and reactivity (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH20150 Organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]
AY CH20152 Principles of physical chemistry (NS/CwM)12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M2.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20231 Mathematical and statistical methods for the life sciences12 credits       [equivalent to 24 CATS credits]


SKILLS

Optional skills unit

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY XX20251 Skills for Natural Scientists II credits       [equivalent to 0 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 3: Part 2 Stage 3

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 11 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 12 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 3 of this programme contributes 0% towards the final award classification

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
AY BB20075 Professional training placement60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]
AY CH30054 Industrial placement (BSc hons)60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]
AY PH20040 Professional placement60 credits       [equivalent to 120 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 4: Part 2 Stage 4

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 23 [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 24 [pdf].
  • Part 2 Stage 4 of this programme contributes 34% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. All units in Biology block B3.3 (Cell Biology);
  3. One further block of Biology options (B3.1, B3.2, B3.4 and B3.5) (subject to pre-requisites);
  4. 12 credits in each semester from Pharmacology block Pc3
  5. One further block of free options (subject to pre-requisites).
  6. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Biology block B3.3 (Cell Biology)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30045 Cell membranes6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30161 Developmental neurobiology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.1

Students choosing this block must take all units S1 and 6 credits (two units) in S2.

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30128 Topics in organic chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30235 Organic chemistry of biomolecules3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30065 Biosynthesis & biotransformations3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30211 Chemistry beyond the molecule3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30230 DNA in the modern world3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30127 Topics in inorganic chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30203 Radiochemistry3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30086 Inorganic chemistry in biological systems3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30231 Porous materials3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Chemistry block C3.3
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 CH30129 Topics in physical chemistry I3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S1 CH30218 Analytical chemistry for natural scientists3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30227 Advanced spectroscopic techniques3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]
S2 CH30239 Introduction to computational chemistry for natural scientists3 credits       [equivalent to 6 CATS credits]


Optional units: Mathematics for life sciences block M3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 MA30047 Mathematical biology 16 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MA30063 Mathematical biology 26 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Non science options
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 ED30005 Science education in practice6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 MN20074 Digital business innovation6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PS30115 Contemporary educational psychology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 ED30006 Issues in science education6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 MN30076 Business strategy6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PS30156 Affective neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Ecology block B3.1

Students choosing this block must take BB30208 in Semester 1 and either BB30131 or BB30132 in Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30208 Evolutionary quantitative genetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30131 Evolution in deep time6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30132 Sexual conflict6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B3.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30129 Sensory and signalling networks in plants6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40140 Plant biotechnology & the environment6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B3.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30044 Molecular & medical neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30067 Advanced developmental genetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Pharmacology block Pc3: Select 12 credits in each semester

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA30142 Molecular applications in pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA30214 Recent advances in drug discovery6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA30251 Advanced topics, trends and technologies in pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30148 Central nervous system pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30150 Cardiovascular pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30157 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30168 Drug targets in the immune system6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30169 Trends in molecular signalling6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA30252 Pharmacology of regenerative medicine6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B3.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB30231 Human genomics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB30169 Concepts in systems biology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.


Year 5: Part 3 Stage 5

Click here for further information NFAAR-UG assessment regulations:
  • Transfer to DAP may be possible from this programme year.
  • Main assessment regulations: Appendix 27 (Section B) [pdf]; Supplementary assessment regulations: Appendix 28 (Section B) [pdf].
  • Part 3 Stage 5 of this programme contributes 50% towards the final award classification


Students following this subject stream must take the following during this programme year:
  1. All units in Biology block B4.3 (Cell Biology);
  2. Biology project unit BB40130 in either S1 or S2
  3. Six credits in each semester from Pharmacology blocks Pc4.1 and Pc4.2 (NB. PA40288 is compulsory for Pc4.2);
  4. One further block of Biology options (B4.1, B4.2, B4.4 or B4.5) (subject to pre-requisites), dropping six credits from one of the biology blocks in the semester in which BB40130 is taken
  5. Further information on DoS approved options Director of Studies approved option allowed: Students may be permitted to take Director of Studies approved units as an alternative to a maximum of 12 credits during this programme year.

Units which must be taken within this subject stream

Compulsory units for Biology Block B4.3 (Cell Biology)

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40118 Current topics in gene regulation and cell differentiation6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Compulsory unit for Pharmacology block Pc4.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA40288 Pharmacology dissertation for MSci students6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Biology majors must take BB40130 in either Semester 1 or Semester 2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]
S2 BB40130 Research project (MSci)18 credits       [equivalent to 36 CATS credits]


Optional units: Pharmacology block PC4.1/2

Semester 1: Select either PA40214 or PA40142 for Pharmacology block Pc4.1

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 PA40142 Molecular applications in pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 PA40214 Recent advances in drug discovery6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]

Semester 2: Select 12 credits for Pharmacology blocks Pc4.1 and Pc4.2

Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 PA40157 The molecular biology and treatment of cancer6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA40159 Cardiovascular pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA40160 Central nervous system pharmacology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA40162 Drug targets in the immune system6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA40163 Trends in molecular signalling6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 PA40252 Pharmacology of regenerative medicine6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Developmental Biology & Neuroscience block B4.5
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40082 Frontiers of neuroscience6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40102 Molecular mechanisms of disease6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40124 Human developmental disorders6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40164 Modern methods of researching neurodegeneration6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Genomics block B4.4
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Plant Science block B4.2
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S2 BB40133 Plant responses to abiotic stress6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Optional units: Ecology block B4.1
Period
Unit Code
Title
ECTS Credits
S1 BB40128 The evolution of genetic systems6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S1 BB40134 Molecular phylogenetics6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40117 Microbial evolution - from the laboratory to nature6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40193 Sexual conflict6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
S2 BB40195 Conservation biology6 credits       [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]


Notes:

  • Programmes and units may be changed in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • This programme catalogue is applicable for all years of study for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this programme, or its component units, will be delivered in future years in the format displayed here.
  • NFAAR assessment regulations are subject to review and update. Links given here will provide access to the latest versions of NFAAR documentation. The regulations described in this documentation may not necessarily be those which applied in previous academic years. For detailed information on how the NFAAR was applied to this programme in previous academic years, please contact the relevant Director of Studies.
  • Availability of units is subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.