The ways in which animals cope with the demands of everyday life, from feeding, moving and respiring to sensing the outside world and each other are as diverse as the animals themselves Within this module you will examine the ways in which an animal’s anatomy, physiology and behaviour allow them to adapt for survival and reproduction. You will examine the variety of ways in which an animal's anatomy and physiology are adaptations to the many tasks it faces to survive. Particular emphasis will be placed on comparing the solutions evolved to similar tasks by the various animal groups both vertebrate and invertebrate. Through a series of integrated lectures, practical sessions and active learning, you will examine main themes of cell biology, homeostasis, communication, locomotion and the function of the different organ systems in a variety of different organisms. Our study of animal behaviour will investigate the philosophy and multidisciplinary origins of the scientific study of behaviour. A synthesis of the fields of psychology and animal behaviour will be presented to you using a framework of proximate (developmental and mechanistic) and ultimate (functional and phylogenetic) explanations. You will also investigate behaviour through evolutionary processes, gene expression and environmental contributions. You will develop a strong scientific foundation in animal physiology and behaviour and the ecology of the animal. You will also develop transferable employability skills including self-management, organisational skills, resilience, critical thinking. IT, teamwork and communication & literacy; necessary in subsequent modules and biological careers.
View the full module definitionMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms - organisms that are too small to be seen without magnification. The taxonomic diversity of microorganisms is reflected in the huge diversity of their lifestyles. In this module you will explore the major groups of microorganism: bacteria, archaea, algae, fungi, protists and viruses. In so doing, you will learn the basic concepts of microbiology and apply them to a scientific understanding of the subject area. You will consider the diversity of microorganisms from many different perspectives including their cell structure (if present), function, taxonomy and ecology. Microorganisms have a long, often negative, association with humans. You will study their importance as pathogens, as well as useful applications, and the increasingly important area of antimicrobial resistance. You will be introduced to the latest advances in microbiology, through a series of laboratory-based classes, where you will also be trained in handling microorganisms and using aseptic techniques to prepare cultures. You will also gain the fundamental practical skills required by microbiologists and biomedical scientists, including performing Gram stains, viable counts, sub-culturing techniques, and maintaining safe and efficient working practices. You will practise in state-of-the-art lab spaces, working in teams, preparing you for work in lab-based careers particularly in biomedical science environments.
View the full module definitionEcology is the science of how organisms relate to each other and their surroundings. Without a thorough understanding of ecology, we cannot develop effective conservation actions to ensure species and habitat protection. You will be introduced to the key aspects of these crucially important issues, building your knowledge of terminology and the role of ecological science in creating a sustainable planet. You will explore organisms and their environment, the interactions between them and the concept of the ecological niche. To start with you will consider key taxonomic groups such as birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, with some focus on species found in Britain. You will then explore the key conservation and management issues for each major group and for exemplar species. You will also consider changes in the distribution and abundance of wildlife, for example the challenges around invasive species, climate change, pollution and habitat loss and fragmentation. Next you will take a broader look at ecology across a range of taxa including plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. You will learn through a variety of lectures, practical lab work and team-based learning. You will enjoy hearing from guest speakers and participating in field trips, such as visiting nature reserves and a grey seal colony. You will therefore build the basic skills and knowledge required for a range of careers in ecology, conservation or wildlife biology.
View the full module definitionMathematics is an essential skill for any scientist. Mathematics for the Biosciences will provide you with the core mathematical skills required to perform tasks in experimental design, data collection and data interpretation. You will be taught via interactive lectures, tutorials and team-based learning activities to develop your skills, applying these to biomedical science case studies. The subjects we will cover include arithmetic and algebra, scientific notation, moles, molarity and dilutions, handling data and data presentation, and basic statistical analyses. In addition, you will apply your skills to the scientific principles of reaction rates, equilibria and growth curves. You will develop numeracy and IT skills while completing activities using statistical packages for data analysis. You will also gain team-working and problem-solving skills through team based learning with interactive activities. The skills you develop from this module will assist you in careers such as biomedical science, medical fields, laboratory-based scientific research, data science and analytical roles.
View the full module definitionBiology is a wide-ranging scientific field, and encompasses the study of all life on Earth. A thorough understanding of the underlying principles of biology will pave the path for your course and is crucial for in a career in the biological sciences. We will start at the beginning of life on Earth, exploring theories of the origins of life and the various theories of evolution. You will study organisms from all the major groups of life, including microbes, plants and animals, and how they arose. We will integrate core principles from other scientific disciplines, particularly chemistry, physics and geology as they are fundamental to understanding biology. You will learn via a combination of theory, laboratory, computer and field practicals developing graduate skills in diverse and fascinating topics from the molecule to the animal. These may include DNA extraction, genetics, microbiology, and plant and animal biodiversity, and gaining skills in microscopy and computational analysis of data. You will also examine scientific research ethics and the broader philosophy of science. In short you will be prepared not only for the rest of your course and be equipped with practical scientific skills which will make you a better biologist, but will also become a confident scientist in a wide range of different practical settings.
View the full module definitionAt Anglia Ruskin University we strive to ensure that you receive an outstanding academic education and student experience and understand that, whilst embedding employability skills within the credit-bearing curriculum is important, it is only part of the set of achievements needed in order to obtain career employment. This 0-credit module will be used to track and verify the progress students have made with respect to key employability skills and endeavour. You will work closely with their personal tutor, SU Volunteering Service, Study Skills Plus, and the Faculty Employability Advisor to engage with co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities and activities to enhance their personal attributes.
View the full module definitionEntering higher education is exciting; but it can also be a daunting experience. At ARU, we want all our students to make the most of the opportunities higher education provides, reach your potential, become lifelong learners and find fulfilling careers. However, we appreciate that the shift from secondary education, or a return to formal education is, in itself, quite a journey. This module is designed to ease that transition. You'll be enrolled on it as soon as you receive an offer from ARU so you can begin to learn about university life before your course starts. Through Into ARU, you'll explore a virtual land modelled around ARU values: Courage, Innovation, Community, Integrity, Responsibility, and Ambition. This innovative module is designed as a game, where you collect knowledge and complete mini tasks. You'll proceed at your own pace, though we you to have completed your Into ARU exploration by week 6. If for any reason you're unable to complete by that date, we'll signpost to existing services so that we can be confident that you are supported.
Having gained extensive background knowledge, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in the various components of field biology and put them into practice in a week-long residential field course. You will acquire the research techniques necessary to conduct fieldwork in temperate habitats, starting with the use of taxonomic keys to identify UK fauna and flora, a key skill for those wanting to work with conservation programmes and ecological consultancies. You will complete a set of exercises during the first part of the field course, where you will receive training in field techniques within marine, terrestrial and behavioural ecology. These short-term group exercises will be your introduction to conducting comprehensive field research projects from start to finish. You will then as a group choose to present the results from one of these exercises. Presentations are a major part of scientific conferences where research findings are formally discussed; thus this process will introduce you to the important transferable skills of field project implementation, analysis and communication. Careful project design is vital to ensuring the successful completion of field-based investigations. In the second part of the module, you will learn how to develop a specific research question under the guidance of an academic supervisor, and review relevant literature to support your idea. You will then develop appropriate methods of data collection and analyses, and carry this project out on the field trip, culminating in the production of an individual research project report. This module therefore also allows you to develop key transferable skills in self-management, problem-solving, teamwork, and scientific communication, ideal for future employment in the ecological sector and in research roles more widely.
View the full module definitionWe share our world with a vast array of invertebrates, which account for over 99% of the 1.2 million or so animal species so far described. In this module you will be introduced to the diverse world of invertebrates focussing on aspects of their biology, ecology and behaviour. You will learn about invertebrate classification and you will practise relevant sampling and identification skills. Coverage of structural biology leads on to physiological functioning and consideration of adaptations that allow invertebrates to fill a range of specialised ecological niches. The major impacts that invertebrates have on both natural and man-made ecosystems lead on to applied topics, such as the impact of insect pests in agriculture. You will also consider various other aspects of invertebrate biology, such as their role in decomposition, the biology of social insects, insect-plant interactions, pollination and their survival in extreme environments. Since most invertebrate species remain to be discovered, anyone equipped with a few basic observational and experimental skills can make a significant contribution to this fascinating area of science. Field- and laboratory-based practical sessions are an important component of what you will gain from this module. The fieldwork and identification skills you will be introduced to are important in ecological consultancy and researchbased careers. You will also gain further practice in transferable skills such as data analysis and written communication skills that are valuable in a wide range of careers.
View the full module definitionPractical laboratory skills are essential for a wide variety of careers available to BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science graduates. You will develop your competency and experience in a wide variety of laboratory skills essential to anyone working in a laboratory. You will gain the knowledge and understanding of basic practical laboratory techniques (such as laboratory-based maths skills, pipetting, weighing chemicals, and making solutions). You will gain experience and insight into the manipulation and analysis of DNA in silico using contemporary bioinformatics techniques, and will apply this knowledge in the laboratory, where you will clone genes and express proteins. You will conduct experiments and analyse and quantify your results, and will be monitored on your practical competency and the ability to document your work. A key part of this module is to educate you in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and instruction in health and safety practices that are required of biomedical scientists in research and clinical laboratories. You will also develop key employability skills through taking part in activities such as presenting data, computing skills, organising your work, managing time, and working in both a team environment and as an individual. On completing this module you will be equipped with a variety of skills that will assist you in different laboratory-based areas, including bioinformatics, clinical biomedical science, research laboratory work, or in biotechnology companies.
View the full module definitionTo be sustainable, the environment must meet the needs of present and future generations, while ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity. These principles are encapsulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We shall briefly discuss these principles and goals, which will then act as a ‘golden thread’ throughout the module, and the course. Plants and algae account for 82% of the world’s biomass and are the basis of almost all ecosystems, as well as providing a substantial proportion of the world’s oxygen. They are thus central to planning for a sustainable future. The extraordinary diversity of plants is due to a wide variety of physiological strategies, that have allowed them to adapt to varying environments of different parts of the earth. We shall examine the relationship between the anatomy and physiology of a range of different plant species, as well as their molecular and biochemical mechanisms. Their growth and development is a major contributor to the spread and survival of plants at all stages of their life cycle, and we will analyse the links between changes in the environment and the physiological responses that enable plants to survive the challenges to which they are constantly exposed. We will investigate how plants obtain light, nutrients, and water, and how these are processed and distributed within the plant. We will then discuss the effects of environmental change on plant growth. We shall also discuss aspects of horticulture, agriculture and forestry, where the competing needs of sustainability collide. These aspects will be explored in more detail in later modules. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms - including bacteria, archaea, fungi and protists - that are too small to be seen without magnification, and yet account for 17% of total biomass. The wide variety of different types of microorganisms is reflected in the huge diversity of their lifestyles. You’ll explore the major groups of microorganisms, learning the basic concepts of microbiology and applying them to a scientific understanding of the subject area. You’ll consider the diversity of microorganisms from many different perspectives, including their cell structure, function, taxonomy and ecology. Microorganisms have a long, often negative, association with humans. You’ll study their importance as pathogens, and increasingly important areas such as antimicrobial resistance, but we will also look at current and potential useful applications. We will discuss how microbes can be utilised as sources of medicine, food and other products; their interaction with plants and animals; and their potential to provide solutions to some of the environmental issues generated by humans.
View the full module definitionThe scientific method and experimental design underpins every aspect of being a scientist. As individuals on a science-based degree course you are expected to develop your research and employability skills. This module is a critical first step in your journey through to your final honours degree qualification, providing an opportunity to develop the research skills that you will employ in your final year independent research project. As part of this module you will also have the opportunity to enhance your real-life work chances through the development of your employability skills. Through lectures and active learning sessions you will develop skills in research design and critical thinking. We will utilise team-based learning to develop collaborative approaches to the development of your employability skills including teamwork, data analysis and presentation skills. With reference to recent research studies, you will develop your own creative flair along with your friends and peers. You will also have the opportunity to learn and practice standard tools used in data analysis, including statistics and data presentation packages that can be employed across your whole degree, and most importantly in your final year project.
View the full module definitionWe live in the age of genetics and genomics, with breakthroughs in our understanding of genetic diseases and potential cures regularly featured in the news. The pace of discovery in this field makes this an exciting time to be learning genetics. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of genetics and how we can answer questions such as: How are genetic diseases inherited? How do scientists find out about complex diseases which are affected by both genes and environmental factors? How can you find out how common a genetic disease is in a population? You will discover how the study of genes offers a biologically-based explanation for morphological, physiological, and behavioural traits of an organism. You will gain insights into how genetics provides a mechanism for the generation and maintenance of variation; the raw material for evolution. We firstly consider the classical patterns of inheritance, building on concepts you will have covered in level 4. You will develop an understanding of the relationship between genotype and phenotype through an integration of concepts at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. You will investigate gross structural chromosome mutations and the phenotypic consequences of these mutation, and will learn how classical and modern techniques are used for establishing the physical locations of genes. You will gain insights into gene function and the genetic basis of many diseases, and go on to look at how traits may be determined by many genes and how genes interact with environmental factors. You will learn to use mathematical methods to analyse genetic variation found in populations. You will learn how gene expression is regulated in the development genetics, and look the genetics of cancer. Modern tools of genetic research and analysis are incorporated throughout the module. Your understanding of genetic processes will be developed through a variety of problems, case studies, simple breeding experiments and other practicals. As well as gaining specific subject knowledge, this module helps you to develop a number of transferable skills including practical laboratory techniques and skills relevant to general employment including data collection, handling and presentation and report writing. You will have an opportunity to hear guest speakers talking about their careers in the field of genetics. The content of the module is an essential part of your training towards a career in biomedical science.
View the full module definitionRuskin Modules are a great opportunity to explore challenges and ideas outside your area of study. Working with students from a range of courses, you'll be supported to create meaningful connections across disciplines, and apply new knowledge to tackle complex problems and key challenges. Ruskin Modules are designed to grow your confidence, realise your potential and help you prepare for the world of work.
Animal health and disease are broad and fascinating topics. We will focus on the contribution of nutrition and parasites to health and disease, discussing how animals interact with food from a biochemical point of view, how changes in nutrition can affect health, and how animals deal with parasites. Nutrition is a crucial factor in animal health - after all, you are what you eat. Therefore, what should we feed animals in our care? We will also discuss how different parasites affect animal health, the effects these parasites have on the health of their human caretakers, and how diseases can spread through a population and between species. You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, including laboratory analysis, problem solving and computer simulations, giving you ample opportunity to delve into the world of animal health and disease from different angles. In doing so you will hone your skills in nutritional analysis, parasite identification and assessment of parasite burden. These skills are applicable to careers in a range of sectors, such as analytical laboratories in the pet food industry, zoos, and animal rescue centres. We will also discuss how evolution has provided the world with a fascinating diversity of highly adapted pathogens, and ask fundamental questions such as how hosts avoid parasites and whether parasites can actually change the behaviour of animals. Knowledge about nutrition and disease is fundamental for anyone planning on working closely with animals, whether your own pet, in zoos, or wildlife in general.
View the full module definitionModern technological developments that enable us to study the natural world include Geographical Information Systems (GIS), an invaluable tool which allows us to monitor a variety of aspects in nature, including species distribution. You will learn valuable practical skills in the use of GIS within biological sciences, includes the concepts of the system and the training on how to use the tools. You will learn how to use the software and the various techniques during practical sessions and will also apply your knowledge to relevant case studies. During your practical sessions, you will explore a variety of online spatial data resources relevant to the study of terrestrial and marine organisms in the context of ecological and behavioural studies and wildlife conservation, at both local and global scales. These include species distribution, protected areas, habitat maps, physical and climate data, and remote sensing. You will be introduced to free-to-use Open Source GIS software (QGIS) and will also learn to apply your Global Positioning System (GPS) skills to capture locations in the field and map them. The latest developments in tracking device technology will also be covered, and you will learn how to represent and analyse data acquired from these devices. Knowledge of GIS and the uses of these techniques are valuable practical skills, both on this course and in your future employment in a wide range of industries due to the transferable nature of the software. Furthermore, the skills you develop in data management and analysis, scientific writing, problem solving and critical thinking will prepare you for a wide range of careers.
View the full module definitionWhat is a species? What is a community? The answers to these questions are not as simple as they may sound. In this module you will apply ecological theories in the lab and field to learn how the complex interactions between biological organisms scale up to form communities and functioning ecosystems. You will be challenged to create your own aquatic microcosm, a task that will require you to consider the fluxes of nutrients and energy that must be balanced in a stable ecosystem. You will learn about the ecological principals that influence species distributions within marine and terrestrial communities. Lectures will be backed up by workshops and computer sessions that will teach you about sampling and interpreting patterns of biodiversity, strengthening skills in IT and numeracy. These skills will be directly applied in the field, where you will investigate how bird communities differ between habitats in a coastal Nature Reserve. You will analyse and interpret your own ecological datasets, using techniques such as the calculation of biodiversity metrics and the creation of ecological interaction networks. By the end of this module, you will have a new understanding of the complexity and structure of natural systems, essential for anyone considering a career in biodiversity, conservation or ecology. You will also have developed a range of desirable and transferable employability skills, such as statistical analysis, report writing and critical thinking through the interpretation of literature and complex datasets.
View the full module definitionThe Undergraduate Project module allows you to create in a substantial piece of individual research and/or product development work, focused on a topic relevant to your specific discipline or career of your interest. Applying the skills learnt in the Preparation for Research module, you will be able to plan a topic of research, provide a critical view on the current literature, design, carry out and trouble-shoot experiments and present your findings in both a written report and a seminar presentation. Throughout this module you will meet with your assigned supervisor who guide you through the process. The project provides an opportunity to for you to showcase your talent and can be used as a springboard for your future career prospects. To this end you should be able to evidence a range of key skills; including self-management, teamwork, resilience and complex problem solving.
View the full module definitionBiogeography explores the distribution of living things in both space and time, and how they have been affected by global change. This 'synthetic' science contains elements of climatology, geology, geography and computer applications, but is firmly rooted in biology. Many 19th-century naturalists, including Darwin, wrote the fundamental theories on large scale distribution patterns within the natural world. We will use computer technologies to verify and model these theories. You will use a group of animals, plants or microbes that is of interest to you, as a model to show your understanding of ‘biogeography’ through computer analyses of distribution and physical and molecular characteristics appropriate to your group. You will combine your analyses with maps of modern and ancient Earth to develop an integrated, evolutionary history of your chosen group. You will become proficient with a range of relevant computer techniques including cluster analysis, ordination methods, area cladograms, and track analysis, as well as phylogenetic analysis of both the structure and DNA of your chosen group of organisms. This module will enable you to become familiar with arrange of computer software which will support your work and give you key competencies in data handling.
View the full module definitionEcophysiology is the interrelationship between an organism's physiology and the environment, including the effects of climate, nutrient availability and species interactions that allows specialisms in niche separation, success in extreme habitats, enhanced fecundity, and ultimately survival of the species. In addition, an important emerging research field of conservation physiology studies organisms' physiological responses to human-made environmental change, required for the development of conservation strategies in areas under stress. We'll critically analyse the limits imposed on organisms by their physiology. We'll investigate the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms that underpin animal adaptations to environmental conditions, in vertebrate and invertebrate organisms, both marine and terrestrial. These are central mechanisms which underpin animal diversity and adaptation. While many extreme environments pose a stress on organisms, with potential disruption of homeostasis, the organisms that live in these environments are able to grow, mature, and reproduce under otherwise challenging conditions. We can determine how a given species copes with an extreme environment through studies of specific physiological mechanisms, and apply these findings to conservation strategies.
View the full module definitionProfessional Field Ecology is comprised of a series of lectures and practical workshops in preparation for a residential field course at a UK ecology field station. On the field course you'll learn advanced practical skills relevant to professional ecology and conservation in the UK including species identification, survey design, standardised survey techniques and project management. The fieldwork will focus on the following three elements: (i) Identify key Taxa from marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems to appropriate levels using biological keys; (ii) Design and implement a variety of survey types and monitoring strategies, including habitat mapping and Ecological Impact Assessments; (iii) Set objectives and take account of good practise and risk management in ecological surveys. Your fieldwork skills and knowledge acquired from this field course will help you to develop key project design, project management and team-working skills on site at an ecology field station. This field course would normally run at the end of Trimester 2 in your third year. Please see the additional fees section for any costs relating to this module on your course.
View the full module definitionThe way in which we manage our land has profound implications for biodiversity and ecosystem function. If you are interested in halting the degradation of our ecosystems and building a sustainable future, then this module is for you. Following on from your earlier learning, you will develop the practical and theoretical skills needed to evaluate the ecological impacts of land management practices. You will learn through a combination of lectures, field trips and computer workshops that will address the sustainability of current UK land management practices and teach you about the policies that influence nature conservation. Topics include national and international legislation, urbanisation, ecological restoration, agriculture, national parks, charity-led initiatives, and trade-offs in ecosystem service provision. You will also develop key skills relevant to those considering careers in ecological consultancy. In particular, you will learn how to conduct your own UK Habitat Classification Survey and prepare a report assessing the ecological impact of a proposed housing development. You will also critically evaluate and debate the environmental and social trade-offs associated with alternative land management practices. Guest speakers will provide firsthand insights into how different organisations (ecological consultancy firms, local councils, charities) influence land management and conservation.
View the full module definitionConservation science applies scientific methods to the challenges of maintaining and restoring global biodiversity and ecosystem services. We shall critically evaluate current research underlying conservation biology and explore the multi-dimensional issues faced by professional wildlife biologists. You will examine real-life conservation problems, including their important socio-political dimensions and the ways in which conservationists set out to find solutions to these issues. You will evaluate the principle that protecting biodiversity is not only about protecting species, but also about protecting functioning ecosystems, habitats, evolutionary and ecological processes, and genetic diversity. Conservation genetics is an increasingly important area within this discipline - and you will discuss the application of new genetic technologies in conservation, including the management of captive breeding of endangered species. Identifying priorities for the conservation of global biodiversity and assessing the successes and failures of conservation initiatives are key areas that you will critically examine. You will also explore how to make conservation initiatives more effective by discussing the principle that human interests must be included during conservation planning. The complexity and multi-faceted nature of wildlife conservation will be explored using a range of examples. A substantial part of the scheduled teaching will include group discussion and active learning sessions. You will learn, through a combination of lectures and practical exercises, how to plan conservation projects and apply for funding. This approach will help you develop key skills in grant writing, team-work, communication, and critical analysis, which are applicable to a range of careers in conservation and wildlife management.
View the full module definitionEnhance your microbiology skills and knowledge by gaining a deeper understanding of microbial pathogenicity, which is essentially how microbes cause disease. Through a series of hands-on lab sessions, lectures and seminars you will explore 'host-pathogen' interactions during infection, particularly exploring how microbes have evolved to cause damage to the host. A major focus will be on bacterial diseases of humans and animals but you will also consider fungal, parasitic and viral diseases. You will study the virulence mechanisms of a number of important pathogenic bacteria using exemplars, providing you with an in-depth knowledge of specific pathogens including zoonoses. You will cover virulence gene regulation, the delivery of virulence factors, and their underpinning genetics. We will also discuss how some 'friendly bacteria', otherwise known as commensals, are able to cause disease and become opportunistic pathogens under certain conditions. In addition we will be studying how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics and ask the question what does this mean for the future fight against bacteria. We will briefly cover vaccination and how research scientists are developing vaccines. If you are interested in careers such as microbiology in the pharmaceutical industry, as a researcher or a lab technician, this module will help support your future goals.
View the full module definitionMolecular cell biology is at the cutting edge of modern biological and biomedical science. We will be building on your knowledge and understanding of cell structure and function at the molecular level, questioning evidence from experiments that have contributed to our modern understanding of concepts and models of cell function. You will explore techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, viral transfection and recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics, and the range of methods for isolating proteins and DNA. You will investigate the molecular structure and biological function of cell organelles, looking in detail at processes such as regulation of gene expression, signal transduction, protein trafficking, endocytosis, and cytoskeletal changes. We will look throughout at examples of diseases where cell biology is altered, concluding in a focus on cancer. Throughout this module we will encourage you to question how we know what we know. A focus on problem-solving will help you to develop essential scientific employability skills including the ability to question experimental evidence, apply experimental logic, and devise, sustain and present scientific arguments. You will also develop practical and bioinformatics skills, key to being a successful modern molecular cell biologist.
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