Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 56

NATURAL SCIENCES

Biology

(Also see Human Biology on page 120)

Overview

Biology is the science of life and living organisms.
With an ever growing and ageing human population,
the impacts our actions have on each other and life
on Earth are becoming increasingly problematic and
complex. Biology at Keele concentrates on whole
organisms, their relationships with the environment
and one another, and the way in which they have
evolved. The first year introduces you to the
core concepts in biology and provides the basics
required to specialise in the second and third years.
Biochemistry receives sufficient attention to provide
a good understanding for non-biochemists. A field
course on terrestrial and seashore biology is held
during the summer vacation between the first and
second years, and includes a group research project.
The second and third year offer option modules
that enable you to tailor your degree. By choosing a
suitable set of modules you will be able to graduate
with a Biology degree that has specialisms in human
biology, animals, disease, applied biology, ecology
or brain science. We also offer many additional
academic learning opportunities, such as study
abroad, industrial placements and research projects
at partner organisations. The applied nature of many
modules will give you transferable employability skills
that make our graduates competitive in the field of
biology and beyond.

Course content

First year
The following modules are core to all routes:
Diversity of Life offers a comparative and functional
approach to diversity of life on Earth.
Cell and Molecular Biology is examined in the
context of complex living organisms.
Genetics and Evolution is delivered through a
combination of classical and molecular studies.
In addition, option modules could include:

In addition, option modules could include:
• Animal Adaptations (core for single honours route)
• Living Together: Behaviour, Co-operation
and Conflict (core for single honours route)
• Human Genetics
• Neurodevelopment
• Learning and Memory
• Nutrition and Energy Balance
• Case Studies in Biology
• Molecular, Cellular and Structural Immunology
• Microbes and Parasites
• Integrated Environmental Field studies
• International Relations of Environment
Industrial placements
After your second year, you have the opportunity
to attend an academically accredited industrial
placement for a minimum of six months.
The marks obtained while undertaking this
module are integrated into the final year of studies.
The placement is taken during the third year in
an approved government or industrial establishment
or field centre within the UK or at one of 16
laboratories at European institutions, including
the Pasteur Institute. ERAMUS funding is available
for these placements. The industrial placement
provides not only practical skills training, but also
valuable employability skills, opportunities for
personal development and enhancement of graduate
attributes. The experience will be beneficial when
you return to the university and in the early stages
of your career.
Third or fourth year
In addition to your independent project (research
project, dissertation or placement), you will study
a selection of modules, which could include:

• Ecology and Environment (core for single
honours route)

• Human Parasitology

• Human Physiology and Pathology

• Neurological Basis of Brain Disease

• Neurophysiology

• Behavioural Neurobiology

• Nature’s Tools

• Conservation Biology

• Dinosaur Planet

• Applied Fish Biology

• Plant Science

• Human Evolution

• Greening Business

• Trees in the Environment

Second year
The following modules are core to all routes:
Life at the Extremes investigates how life survives in
a variety of extreme environments, and includes the
eight day residential field course at a coastal location
in North Wales.
Research and Analytical Skills provides training in
skills and techniques used by scientists to collect,
analyse and present scientific information to a
56

specialist and wider audience.

• Applied Insect Ecology

• Special Senses
• Case Studies in Biotechnology
• Developmental Biology
• Contemporary Topics in Environmental Science
• Clinical Pathology