life sciences - University of Manchester · Experience BSc 4yrs UCAS Code B111 Biochemistry BSc 3yrs UCAS Code C700 Biochemistry with Industrial/ Professional Experience BSc 4yrs

life sciences

www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

undergraduatebrochure 2012


the facts contents

• Life sciences teaching rated “excellent” in latestindependent review

• Life sciences courses ranked in the top three in thecountry for student satisfaction

• One of the leading centres for life sciences researchin the UK

• 95% of life sciences research is of internationalsignificance

• Over £150 million spent on new buildings andfacilities for the discipline

• Placement year overseas in Europe, Asia, Africa, USA

• Best careers service in the UK

• 4 million books and 41,000 electronic journals inone of the UK’s best university libraries

• Guaranteed accommodation for all first-years

• The UK’s largest students’ union ‘Manchester is a place for individuals, brilliant kidswho like to do their own thing… and if you areready it will release you to do the same...’

The Virgin Guide to British Universities

The University 2

Life Sciences at Manchester 4

Course details 8

Careers 42

Foundation year 44

Find out more 46

Contact details 49

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DistinguishedMore than 5,600 academic and research staff – manyleaders in their fields, with international reputations –provide stimulating learning environments andexcellent standards of teaching.

As a Manchester graduate, you will join a prestigioushall of fame, including 25 Nobel Prize winners amongour current and former staff and students. We havemore Nobel Prize winners on our current staff thanany other UK university.

Sought after by employersEmployers actively target University of Manchestergraduates, giving you excellent job prospects.

Our worldwide community of 240,000 graduates canbe found in top positions in every imaginable field,including Sir Terry Leahy, former chief executive ofTesco; former Secretary General of AmnestyInternational Irene Khan; writer/performer Meera Syaland author Louis de Bernieres.

Full of opportunityYou can take advantage of countless exciting personaldevelopment opportunities at Manchester, includingcareer development programmes run by a universitycareers service that has consistently been voted thebest in the UK by graduate recruiters.

Choose The University of Manchester and you willjoin one of Britain’s most forward-thinkinguniversities, which builds on its success year on year –and invites you to do the same.

Find out more…www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus

Part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities,Manchester has much to offer you. As well as theoutstanding facilities, resources and opportunitiesfound within an institution of this calibre, theUniversity is highly respected amongst academic andbusiness communities alike – a respect that isconferred upon its graduates.

InnovativeOur tradition of success in learning and researchstretches back over 180 years, encompassing the birthof the modern computer, the splitting of the atom andthe founding principles of present-day economics. All these and many more world-changing innovationshave their roots here, at The University of Manchester.

Rated third in the UK in terms of ‘research power’ inthe last Research Assessment Exercise, today we enjoya global reputation for our pioneering research, whichinforms our problem-based approach toundergraduate learning.

Internationally renownedSince 2005, the University has risen in the influentialAcademic Ranking of World Universities Surveyconducted by Shanghai Jiao-Tong University, from53rd to 44th in the world, and ninth in Europe –confirming us as a progressive and world-classteaching and research institution.

Our campus is home to more than 37,000 studentsfrom around 150 countries, creating a diverse andinclusive multicultural community.

AmbitiousOur mission is to become one of the top 25 universitiesin the world by 2015 and the preferred destination forthe best teachers, researchers and students.

It’s a goal that we’re well on the way to achieving,backed by a multimillion-pound investmentprogramme in facilities, staff and buildings. Thisincludes a virtual learning environment that offers youflexible access to study resources 24/7, and the AlanGilbert Learning Commons, a new £30 million resourcecentre for students opening in 2012.


the university

With a distinguished history of academicachievement and an ambitious agenda for thefuture, The University of Manchester offers you a learning experience rooted in a rich educationalheritage and boosted by cutting-edge researchand innovation – all at the heart of one of theworld’s most vibrant cities.

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life sciences at manchester


Our Faculty of Life Sciences is oneof the best in the country for bothresearch and teaching quality.Decide to study with us and youwill be joining a dynamiccommunity of scientists workingat the cutting edge of research.

You will benefit from state-of-the-art researchfacilities, innovative teaching techniques, and theopportunity to be taught by leading experts fromacross the breadth of the life sciences.

Our broad range of courses and flexible approachallow you to follow your interests while developingyour knowledge of new and exciting topics. Youcould, for example, undertake a field course in Africaor Central America, take a placement in an institutionalmost anywhere in the world, and hear the views ofworld leading philosophers on current advances in theLife Sciences.

A leading UK centre for life sciencesresearchLife sciences is an exciting and fast-moving area, so itis important that your first degree is undertaken in anactive, interdisciplinary research environment.

Our curriculum is informed by our research, so youwill learn cutting-edge science, taught by the veryresearchers who have made the discoveries. You havethe opportunity to make your own contribution toour research, if you choose to carry out a project inthe laboratories of these leading scientists in yourfinal year.

Our facilities are extensive and include state-of-the-artequipment and expertise in many areas of lifesciences. We are ranked second in the UK for researchpower and 95% of our research is classified as beingof international significance.

The Faculty has more than 1,000 people involved inresearch activities and we hold more than £100million in research grants and contracts. Ouradvanced research facilities encompass over 28,000m2

of research space, including: the AV Hill building, a£39 million research facility for neuroscience andimmunology; the Michael Smith Building, a £62million research facility for molecular cell biology;

the Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, a £39million centre that focuses on research at theinterface between biology and the physical sciences;and the Core Technology Facility, a £27 million facilityin which young businesses work alongside Universityresearch groups.

Our international reputation in research will directlybenefit you as an undergraduate. You will leave uswith a degree from a recognised major research-intensive university.

Manchester offers you…

• Innovative teaching techniques, state-of-the-artfacilities and tutors who are leading experts fromacross the breadth of the life sciences

• The opportunity to join a dynamic community ofscientists working at the cutting edge of research

• One of the best life science faculties in the countryfor both teaching and research quality

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Excellent and innovative teaching Our teaching was rated “excellent” in the latestindependent review. The Faculty is an innovator inteaching methods, pioneering the use of computer-based eLearning, and in student support, such as thestudent-led PASS (Peer Assisted Study Scheme). Inaddition to traditional lectures, a significant amount ofteaching is conducted in informal tutorials, seminars andlaboratory sessions, so there are many opportunities foryou to interact with staff and other students.

Outstanding teaching facilities include access to morethan 200 PCs and a dedicated eLearning team,leading-edge equipment and experimental techniquesin our teaching laboratories, and anatomy facilitieswith a wide range of dissection, histology andcomputing resources and dedicated teaching staff.

Our experimental grounds currently include a varietyof tropical, arctic and alpine plants and a range ofglasshouses and controlled growing conditions usedin research that include animal mimicry, transgeniccereals and biomechanics. These facilities complementresources at The Manchester Museum, where youhave access to important natural history collectionsand a tropical frog conservation centre.

The quality of our teaching and resources is reflectedby a mean student satisfaction rate of 91% across allour courses from our 2010 graduates in the NationalStudent Survey. Several of our courses were ranked inthe top three in the country for overall satisfaction.

Play an active role in the Faculty When you join our Faculty, you will become part of adynamic scientific and educational community.Because of the favourable ratio of staff to students,there is a friendly and informal atmosphere in whichundergraduate students are encouraged to play anactive role in the life of the Faculty.

Your views on your course will be sought at all stages.There are student representatives on the educationboards, who advise on the organisation and contentof each course unit and degree course. The student-staff liaison committee ensures that your views aboutthe courses are discussed regularly and thatsuggestions can be acted upon.

We use your feedback to continually improve thestudent experience – for example, we have recentlyimplemented a number of new initiatives, including:second- and final-year student discussion groups; a“with Japanese” social programme; moving somefinal-year exams from June to January; andintroducing an electronic marking system to ensurestudents get clear, timely and substantive feedback ontheir written assignments.

Breadth and flexibility of coursesThe Faculty of Life Sciences currently offers more than100 different course units. The breadth of ourresearch affords us expertise in a range of areas, frommolecules to cells, plants to animals, and biomedicalto population studies. If you have diverse interests,our Biology, Biomedical Sciences and Life Sciencescourses allow you to select combinations of subjectsnot already covered by the more specific degreecourses. If your interests also include subjects outsidethe life sciences, you can choose optional units inother subjects such as languages or law.

All first-year courses have a common core of courseunits introducing fundamental concepts. This allowsyou to transfer between most degree courses at theend of your first year and, in some cases, later.

Find out more...This brochure really can only give you a flavour of thefacilities and undergraduate courses on offer. You canfind more information on our website:www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

If you would like to visit the Faculty before applyingand talk to our current students and staff, pleasecontact us in the undergraduate admissions office(see back page for contact details). We will be happyto tell you when our next open day is scheduled, or toorganise a personal tour at a convenient time for you.

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course detailsCourse listing Three-year degrees and degrees with a Year inIndustry:

Anatomical Sciences BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B110

Anatomical Sciences with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B111

Biochemistry BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C700

Biochemistry with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C701

Biology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C100

Biology with Industrial/ Professional ExperienceBSc 4yrsUCAS Code C101

Biology with Science and Society BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C1V3

Biology with Science and Society with Industrial/Professional Experience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C1L3

Biomedical Sciences BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B940

Biomedical Sciences with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B941

Biotechnology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C560

Biotechnology with Industrial/ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C561

Cell Biology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C130

Cell Biology with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C131

Developmental Biology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C141

Developmental Biology with Industrial/Professional Experience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C143

Genetics BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C400

Genetics with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C401

Life Sciences BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C102

Life Sciences with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C105

Medical Biochemistry BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C724

Medical Biochemistry with Industrial/Professional Experience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C741

Microbiology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C500

Microbiology with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C501

Molecular Biology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C720

Molecular Biology with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C702

Neuroscience BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B140

Neuroscience with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B143

Pharmacology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B210

Pharmacology with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B211

Pharmacology and Physiology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code BB12

Pharmacology and Physiology with Industrial/Professional Experience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code BBC2

Physiology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code B120

Physiology with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B121

Plant Science BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C200

Plant Science with Industrial/ ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C202

Zoology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code C300

Zoology with Industrial/ProfessionalExperience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C301

Degrees with a Modern Language:

Anatomical Sciences with a Modern LanguageBSc 4yrsUCAS Code B114

Biochemistry with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C705

Biology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C106

Biomedical Sciences with a Modern LanguageBSc 4yrsUCAS Code B9R9

Cell Biology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C132

Developmental Biology with a ModernLanguage BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C1R9

Genetics with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C402

Life Sciences with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C103

Microbiology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C502

Molecular Biology with a Modern Language BSc4yrsUCAS Code C722

Neuroscience with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B144

Pharmacology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B212

Physiology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code B122

Plant Science with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C201

Zoology with a Modern Language BSc 4yrsUCAS Code C303

Cognitive Neuroscience and MNeuroSci degrees:

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology BSc 3yrsUCAS Code BC18

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology withIndustrial/ Professional Experience BSc 4yrsUCAS Code BCC8

Neuroscience MNeuroSci 4yrsUCAS Code B141

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All courses

Teaching and learningChoice and flexibility are the hallmarks of our courses.We recognise that your interest in particular aspectsof bioscience may develop only when you are morefamiliar with subjects at university level. Our degreecourses in Life Sciences, Biology and BiomedicalSciences in particular provide the opportunity tochange to virtually any other at the end of your firstyear. As well as changing degree courses, you canalso opt on, or off, the placement year.

Most of our Single Honours courses are available inthree formats:

• Three-year degree

• Four-year degree “with industrial orprofessional experience”

• Four-year degree “with a modern language”

Our degree courses are modular and composed of anumber of units, each of which has the same creditrating. This provides flexibility and allows students ondifferent courses to select different combinations ofnon-core options. You have a wide range of optionalunits to choose from so that you can follow yourinterests. These can be Life Sciences units or –timetable permitting – units from any other Faculty inthe University. Popular choices include Law, Chemistryand Languages.

Data-handling and critical writing skills

The ability to understand and manipulate scientificdata and literature are key skills for any life scientist.You will learn these skills at your own pace through aseries of activities in our online learning environment.

Practicals

Practicals are designed to complement your lecturesand other studies. Depending on your degree course,you will undertake between three and nine hours ofpractical work per week, carrying out supervisedexperiments in small groups in our well-equippedteaching labs. In your first and second years, you willdevelop your laboratory skills and become familiarwith the latest experimental techniques in preparationfor an independent project in your final year.Laboratory coursework marks accrue from practicalexercises, experiments and reports.

Fieldwork

Some of the units that prove most popular with ourstudents are the field courses. Courses are currentlyheld in several European locations, South Africa, andSouth and Central America. They offer you thechance to study organisms in a range ofenvironments, from marine to freshwater, temperateto tropical.

Field courses last from one to three weeks and takeplace in the Easter or summer holidays. The closecollaboration between staff and students and thefocused nature of these courses offers a rare chancefor immersion in a specialist area of field study. Youwill undertake directed work and independentresearch projects to develop important skills, includingobservation, experimental design, data collection andproject management. Field courses are assessed viaoral and written presentations, group work andprojects.

Further information on field courses can be found online: www.manchester.ac.uk/ls/undergraduate/courses/modules/fieldcourses

All our degree courses use a variety of teachingmethods, including:

Tutorials

Tutorials are hour-long sessions that you undertakeeach week with your personal adviser and a smallgroup of students. They give you the opportunity toget to know your personal adviser and your tutorgroup, while exploring interesting and topical aspectsrelated to your degree discipline. Activities includediscussions, presentations, community projects andgroup work, which help to hone your transferableskills, such as oral and written communication, timemanagement and teamwork. These skills willcontribute enormously to your future employability.

Lectures

Lectures are held in lecture theatres over the campusand the audience can vary from 20 to 500 students.The majority of lectures use the latest technologies topresent material in the most effective way, and mosthave associated eLearning modules to enhance yourlearning and consolidate your understanding.

eLearning

eLearning is primarily delivered through theUniversity’s virtual learning environment, whichprovides learning resources on demand when youneed them. These resources include lecture notes,movies, animations, discussion boards, liveclassrooms, assessments, quizzes, practice problemsets, lecture podcasts and many other activities toassist your studies. You complete a series of nodes foreach unit, and within each node is a set of tasks andassessments. This has proved very effective insupporting and encouraging students in independentlearning, and ensures that you keep up with thelecture and practical based material.

Final-year projects

One of the most exciting parts of all final-year coursesis the opportunity for you to carry out an independentin-depth research project. This may be a laboratory- orfield-based experimental study, or may involve aspectsof the public understanding of science, includingeducation projects (many of which involve closecollaboration with local schools). Alternatively, youmay be interested in designing an eLearning(electronic-based learning) tool, or a website, or doingin-depth bioinformatics, or meta-analysis, accordingto your preference and future career path.

A recent innovation is the introduction of enterpriseprojects, which involve close collaboration withentrepreneurs from local biotech and bioscience start-up companies, and the Manchester ScienceEnterprise Centre. Groups of students generate businessproposals delivered to a ‘Lions Lair’ presentation toexamine their feasibility. One group who did anenterprise project obtained start-up funds for their ownbiotech business while still in their final year!


course details

Ben GrimshawMedical Biochemistry

“The best feature of studying this degree atManchester is the ability to refine my degree tomy interests over the three years – I’ve enjoyed awide range of optional course units, fromgenetics to proteins to immunology.”

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Typical first-year timetable AssessmentAssessments within the Faculty of Life Sciencesinclude written examinations and independent studyassignments, with the proportion contributed by thelatter increasing during each year of study.Examination periods are held at the end of eachacademic semester in January and May/June. Thetypes of assessment vary not only between each levelof study, but also between different units.

Year 1

The first-year examination is based predominantly onwritten papers containing multiple-choice questions(MCQs) and short-note questions. These are mostlyone-hour papers, to which are added the results ofcoursework, electronic problem-based learning(eLearning) assignments and practical unitassessments. For most students, the latter form 20 ofthe 120 credits for the year and are based onexercises undertaken during the practicals, and onwritten reports prepared during independent study.Field courses are assessed via oral and writtenpresentations, group-work and/or projects.

You must obtain an overall pass in first-year unitexaminations in order to proceed into the second yearof study, although the marks do not contribute to thefinal degree classification.

Year 2

Second-year examinations are primarily essay-based,but some contain short answer questions and MCQs.The assessment of many units also includes somecoursework, such as eLearning assignments, essaysand seminar write-ups. You will also choose adissertation that interests you and relates to yourprogramme – an in-depth study of the scientificliterature, supervised by an expert in the field. Fieldcourses and practical units are assessed via oral andwritten presentations, group-work and/or projects.

The second year contributes 25% towards your finaldegree mark and you are therefore expected tointensify your independent background reading foryour degree.

Placement year 1

If you undertake a placement (with industrial orprofessional experience), you require a mean mark ofat least 60% in your first year. You will complete ascientific report and undergo an oral examination onthe research you have carried out that contributes10% to your overall degree mark.

Final year

Final-year written examinations are mostly essay-based and two hours in duration; however,many units include marks for coursework essaysand/or debates and oral presentation.

The culmination of the final year is the production ofa report on an independently researched project. Formost students, this counts for 40 of the120 final-yearcredits, and can vary from the production and testingof an eLearning resource, through development ofeducational materials, to fieldwork studies, or alaboratory project in one of the state-of-the-artresearch labs on site.


Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

9am-10am Lecture Lecture

10am-11am Lecture Lecture Lecture Lecture

11am-12noon Tutorial PASS session Lecture Lecture

12noon-1pmData-HandlingClinic

1pm-2pmFrontiers ofScience lecture

PracticalNo scheduledteaching

Lecture

2pm-3pm PracticalNo scheduledteaching

3pm-4pm PracticalNo scheduledteaching

4pm-5pm LectureNo scheduledteaching*

course details

* All students are encouraged to participate in one or more of the wealth of extra-curricular activities on offer fromthe Athletic and/or Students’ Union and inter-University sporting events are focused on Wednesday afternoons

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Student supportThere are several levels of academic and personalsupport in the Faculty of Life Sciences.

Personal advisor

One of the first people you meet when you arrive inthe Faculty will be your personal advisor. This is amember of the Faculty’s academic staff who, togetherwith your programme director, will monitor yourprogress and welfare throughout your time atManchester. Your advisor will offer individual help andadvice whenever you need it – whether you are havingany kind of difficulties, or simply wish to discussoptional units or course choice for your next year.

Personal Development Portfolio (PDP)

A key part of your development as an individualduring your degree is the Personal DevelopmentPortfolio. Your meetings with your personal advisorare closely linked to this interactive resource, whichyou build up over your university career by assessingat regular intervals how your skills are developing andwhat your future priorities are. Your advisor discussesthe content of your file with you, and suggests waysto develop your skills, if appropriate.

In this way, you will assemble a valuable record ofyour personal and academic development during yourtime in Manchester, which will help you when youbegin to apply for further study or graduateemployment.

Peer-Assisted Study Scheme (PASS)

This popular scheme brings together first-yearstudents with second- and final-year students (‘PASSleaders’) in weekly meetings. PASS leaders draw upontheir own student experience to host open discussionson a range of topics, including academic material,study skills, university life, finance and housing.

These weekly timetabled sessions are a great way tomeet people on your degree course and integratewith students from other years.

Degrees with industrial or professional experienceThese degrees offer you a great opportunity toenhance your employability and experience how yoursubject is applied in the real world. You will undertakea year of professional experience between the secondand final year of study, typically in the scientificindustry, or an international research centre. The mainpart of the year is a research project that fits in withthe organisation for which you are working.

We have links with over 200 organisations in the UKand worldwide in countries including Germany,Austria, Canada, USA, South Africa, the Gambia andCentral America.

Why undertake a year of industrial orprofessional experience?A placement will give you what graduate employersare looking for – significant, relevant work experience– thus giving you an advantage in the competitivegraduate jobs market. You will see how your subjectis applied in the world of work and this experiencecould help you clarify your own career objectives. Ifyou undertake a placement abroad you willexperience a different culture and possibly evenimprove your language skills. In addition, placementsare usually salaried, and some are highly paid.

Where could you go?We have links with over 200 organisations – last year54% of our students worked in organisations in theUK (eg AstraZeneca, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever,Royal Botanic Gardens, Paterson Institute for CancerResearch, Macaulay Land Use Research Institute) andall over the world. Recent placements have takenplace in France, Germany, Austria, Canada, USA,South Africa, the Gambia and China.

Many of the latter group of students are placed inEnglish-speaking settings, but students with sufficientlinguistic ability and enthusiasm have also beenplaced in non-English speaking environments, withresounding success.

Support on placements

Faculty staff find suitable placements and you willhave a placement officer who will ensure that youapply for those that suit your interests. A member ofstaff will visit you, whether you are in the UK orabroad, meeting you and your supervisor at yourplace of work. Before going on placement, you will beable to talk to returningstudents about theirexperiences.


course details

Jamie BonselsBiomedical SciencesRepresents England in international badminton tournaments

“Balancing uni life with the demands of mysport can be difficult. With the support of theuni and, in particular, the Faculty of LifeSciences, I am managing to cope with thedifferent pressures. The staff have beenincredible: whether it be giving up their time togo through lectures, or accommodatingdeadlines and work. Help has always beenavailable and without this I would not be able tofulfil my sporting commitments.”

Catherine EaglePharmacology

“I think the PASS sessions are great in the firstsemester to help first years to settle in. Theaspect of being able to ask questions about thelecture material without the embarrassment ofputting your hand up in a huge lecture theatre isgreat, and the layout of small groups is similar tothe college class format, so I think it helps withthe transition to university.”

Adam De CaulMedical Biochemistry with Industrial Experience

Where did you go for your placement year?“Medical Research Council in The Gambia.”

What were you working on during yourplacement?“I was working on malaria, an infectiousdisease that affects billions of people each year.I was specifically looking at an enzyme HO-1that is thought to play a role in thepathogenesis of the disease.”

What did you get out of doing the placement?“Doing my placement abroad meant I got anamazing year of living in Africa and experiencinga new culture, food, language and, of course,people. Apart from this I had the uniqueopportunity of getting to work alongside leadingresearchers in my field of interest.”

What was the highlight?“Having my placement project work acceptedfor an international scientific conference was theicing on the cake. I presented my work at theconference in Miami, Florida, this September.”

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Degrees with a languageIf you have a passion for bioscience and enjoylearning foreign languages and experiencing newcultures, this is a perfect degree for you. All of ourSingle Honours degrees are available as a four-yearcourse incorporating a modern language. Wecurrently offer the following languages: French,German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish.The third year of these degrees, subject to satisfactoryacademic performance and placement availability, isspent conducting research in a research institute oruniversity in a country where the language you arestudying is spoken.

Why take a degree with a language?Your linguistic ability will markedly improve throughboth your taught units and your placement year.Living and working abroad, you will broaden yourhorizons and develop a diverse friendship grouporiginating from across the world.

Looking to the future, your language skills, and thesignificant work experience undertaken in yourplacement year, will make you extremely attractive topotential employers.

What is the proportion of languagestudy to life science study?You will spend approximately two-thirds of your timestudying Life Science units, with the remainder ofyour time spent studying your chosen language. Inaddition, there are some associated cultural unitsavailable to study alongside most of our “withLanguage” degrees. You will need effectiveorganisational skills to combine timetables betweenthe Life Sciences and the Languages departments.

Where could you go on your placementyear?Students have undertaken placements in universitiesthroughout Europe under the European Union Erasmusprogramme, and in Japan and China through bilateralagreements with universities in these countries.

Study abroadStudents on most courses have the opportunity tostudy abroad for either semester of your second year.This is an excellent opportunity to travel and to gain afresh perspective on your course through theexperience of a different academic system.

Why study abroad?Participating in the Study Abroad programme willbroaden your horizons, enhance your personaldevelopment and can dramatically improve your careerprospects. You’re likely to come back a more mature,focused and confident individual. There is evidencethat experiencing a different academic system,combined with a renewed sense of motivation, helpsmany returnees perform better in their finalexaminations than students who stay at home.

Where could you go?Europe – The Erasmus scheme was designed andcreated by the EU in order to encourage co-operationbetween students and universities within its memberstates. Through this scheme, the University has links witharound 30 partner universities in, for example, France,Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland,Poland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Rest of the world – In the USA, choices range fromArizona to Missouri, Massachusetts to Illinois, andthere’s always Toronto in Canada. Australia offersCanberra, Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland,while options in the Far East extend to Singaporeand Hong Kong.

Will you need to speak a foreign language?Foreign language skills are not essential for study inEurope, as many of our partners (particularly those inthe Netherlands and Sweden) lecture in English. Thereare also opportunities to study in English-speakingcountries outside Europe.

How will we support you?You will receive extensive help by staff in the Faculty infinding placements. We visit all students at least onceon placement and your progress will be activelymonitored by a dedicated team.

Modest grants from the European Union are usuallyavailable, which provide assistance with living costsand travel. In Japan, competitive scholarships areusually available.

What will it cost?At present, tuition fees are no higher for your spellabroad; additionally, you are eligible for a non-repayablegrant from the Erasmus council (if you study in Europe)to help cover living costs, and some funding is availablefor pre-study intensive language training.


Michael NattZoology

"Studying abroad at the University ofQueensland is an incredible and unforgettableexperience. I was given the opportunity to studycoral reefs and Australian biodiversity, completefieldwork in deserts, tropical rainforests and theGreat Barrier Reef, while every so often kickingback and enjoying the sun!"

course details

Claire GaffneyMolecular Biology with French

Where did you go for your placement year?“Institute national de la santé et de la rechercemedical (Inserm) in Paris.”

What were you working on during yourplacement?“Stem Cell Research, specifically the molecularand cellular consequences of SDHB inactivation,a new tumour suppressor in neuro endocrinecancer.”

What did you get out of the placement year?“I had a mixture of friends, international andParisian. There is a great social life in Paris,although it was different from my social life inManchester, less house parties and more goingout for cocktails and for coffee. I still haven'tkicked the caffeine habit!

“As I spent most of my time on placement withFrench-speaking people, I saw a big improvementin my French. The year gave me valuableexperience working as a research scientist andhelped me decide which PhD to do once I finishmy degree. I am still in contact with mycolleagues from the lab and they have offeredme a post-doctoral research job if I decide to goback to Paris after my PhD.”

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Course summariesWhat follows is a brief summary of the content andflavour of each of our courses. More detailedaccounts can be found on the UCAS website. Whilewe can be reasonably sure of the content and formatof the first year, the biosciences are such fast-movingsubjects that it would be unwise for us to give toomuch information about the detailed content of ourunits in the second or final year.


course detailsAnatomical Sciences

Anatomical Sciences withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Anatomical Sciences with a Modern Language

Anatomy is the science that studies the structure andthe form of different organisms, including humans, andthe relationships of their parts. You will study structure– from the whole human body, to the tissue, cellularand sub-cellular level – and relate structure to functionin the adult and during embryonic development. Theanatomy of other species is also considered.

The understanding of anatomy and the differentanatomical systems (eg skeletal, muscular,cardiovascular, nervous systems) and components (egmuscle cells, neurons) has a major repercussion inmodern medicine, pathology and in thecomprehension of human evolution.

The Anatomical Sciences course is extremely suitablefor all students interested in all biological aspectsrelated to human structure, function and dysfunction,and provides an excellent foundation for a career inbiomedical research.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including: anatomy, physiology,pharmacology, molecular biology, genetics,biochemistry and the nervous system. This year alsohelps you hone the essential data handling andlaboratory skills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue your studies in greater depth andbegin to specialise. You will study a range ofanatomical and physiological topics, which currentlyincludes the endocrine (hormone), reproductive,gastrointestinal, renal and sensory systems anddevelopmental biology (eg how a single fertilised celldevelops into a complex organism). During theResearch Skills unit, you can take advantage of ourexceptional dissecting room facilities to carry outdissection, histology, cytology and morphometry.

Final year

Current units enable you to combine the classicalstudy of anatomy with some forefront and cuttingedge knowledge of the different aspects ofanatomical sciences research. Theoretical study will beunderpinned by performing dissections in ouranatomy facilities. You will take a more in-depth lookat developmental biology and how imaging methodsare used in medical and life science research. You willalso undertake an independent in-depth researchproject, which will allow you to carry out your ownanatomical investigation.

Kim LeongAnatomical Sciences

“The anatomy facilities here at the university areincredible. The labs are really modern and haveeverything you need. I get the chance to dohuman dissection this year, which will be reallyinteresting.”

For an idea of the types of units that will beoffered, please visit the Faculty website, whichhas details of the current second and final-yearunits on offer:


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Biology

Biology with Industrial/Professional Experience

Biology with a Modern Language

Biology – the study of living organisms – is a wide-ranging topic in which you may have many potentialareas of interest. These courses will suit you if youwant a broad biological course in which earlyspecialisation is avoided.

You can keep your options open and cover a widerange of areas, or you have the flexibility, when youidentify areas that interest and hopefully excite you,to focus on particular biological topics. You canbenefit from a wide spectrum of training in the lifesciences from staff who are specialists in their chosensubject areas. Many biology students report that fieldcourses were their favourite units; these take place inlocations in the UK and abroad, chosen for therichness and interest of their flora and fauna.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciencescovering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,biodiversity and molecular biology. This year also helpsyou hone the essential data handling and laboratoryskills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue your studies covering topics ingreater depth. Current units range from cell biologyat the molecular level up to the study of populationsand ecosystems, allowing you to learn more aboutthe biology that interests you. You can choose from arange of research skills units, including field courses,allowing you to develop your research techniques inareas as diverse as ecology, microbiology andneuroscience.

Final year

You have an extensive choice of topics for your final-year studies. At this stage, there is the opportunity tospecialise by selecting closely related units, or tomaintain breadth in training, according toy ourpreference. The highlight of the year is yourindependent in-depth research project, which couldinvolve lab work, creating an education project for aschool or planning a new bioscience enterprise.


course detailsBiochemistry

Biochemistry withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Biochemistry with a Modern Language

Have you ever wondered about the basic chemistry oflife? Biochemistry is the chemistry of the substancesand processes occurring in living cells and tissues. Thissubject forms the basis of virtually all of the lifesciences and many exciting discoveries made in thissubject have contributed to our understanding of life,the solving of medical problems, and to the discoveryand production of safe and effective drugs.

The course at Manchester is broad in scope, withtopics including the structure of biomolecules andhow they interact in essential processes and pathwaysin our cells, through the actions of enzymes and howthey can be inhibited by drugs, to genetic engineeringand molecular biology.

The principles and techniques of biochemistry aretransferable to a range of biological disciplines,providing an excellent basis for a career in almost anyarea of the life sciences.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciencescovering key concepts including biochemistry,genetics, pharmacology and molecular biology. Youwill study aspects of organic, inorganic and physicalchemistry that are relevant to biological systems. Thisyear also helps you hone the essential data-handlingand laboratory skills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue your studies in greater depth andbegin to specialise. Current topics includemetabolism, the chemistry and 3D structure ofbiomolecules, how cells send signals both within andbetween themselves and how the genome isregulated and maintained. During the Research Skillsunit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniquesthat are widely used in current life science research,including affinity chromatography, Western blottingand mass spectrometry.

Year 3

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscience endeavour and the research interests ofstaff. Current topics include the biochemical basis ofdisease and how the structure of biomolecules andcells allows them to recognise and interact with eachother. You will undertake an independent in-depthresearch project, which will allow you to carry outyour own biochemical investigation.

Ruth WatkinsonBiochemistry withIndustrial Experience

“I think the range of courses and facilities at theFaculty of Life Sciences are excellent. The staffare enthusiastic and willing to take time to helpyou. I also had a fantastic time on my placementyear in Florida, I really learnt a lot about lab workand now hope to go into research – and it wasgreat to live in the sunshine!”

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Year 2

You will continue your studies covering topics in greaterdepth. There is a wide range of biomedical science unitsto choose from, currently ranging from humanphysiology, to immunology and cell biology; therefore,you can choose the areas that interest you. You canchoose from a range of research skills units, allowingyou to develop your research techniques in areas suchas anatomy, microbiology or molecular biology.

Final year

Our final-year units are designed to reflect the currenthotspots of bioscience endeavour and the researchinterests of staff. You have the choice of eithermaintaining a broad range of topics, or specialising inone or two particular areas of biomedical science thatinterest you, for example cancer or infectious disease.The highlight of the year is your independent in-depthresearch project, where you have the opportunity tojoin a research group, either in the Faculty of LifeSciences, or local hospital. Alternative researchprojects allow you to produce and evaluate eLearningor educational resources, or to work in teams togenerate a business plan around an idea developedfrom your life sciences interests.


course detailsBiomedical Sciences

Biomedical Sciences withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Biomedical Sciences with a Modern Language

Biomedical science is the application of biology-basedscience to medical use, be it research, healthmonitoring or treatment. Improvements in healthcarecontinue to be driven by dramatic advances in thebasic biosciences. These degree courses offer you abroad, up-to-date training in a wide range ofmedically related disciplines, including physiology,pharmacology, neuroscience, cell biology,microbiology, anatomy and histology, genetics,biochemistry, immunology and more.

The courses offer flexibility and have a strong practicalcomponent, providing a sound basis for a career atthe forefront of medical research.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics,biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, thecells of the nervous system, pharmacology andmolecular biology. This year also helps you hone theessential data handling and laboratory skills requiredby all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue your studies in greater depth,covering topics that currently include the history ofinfectious diseases in Europe and the communication ofscience, technology and medicine through the media.There are a wide range of optional units to choosefrom, ranging from ecology to neuroscience, thereforeyou can choose the areas that interest you. You willdevelop your research skills and academic writing skillsthrough your research project.

Final year

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscientific endeavours and the research interests ofstaff, and are continually updated and replaced. Youwill explore the relationship between science andsociety through a range of subjects, which currentlyinclude the social context of mental illness and thehistory of forensic science. You can choose courseunits from across the whole spectrum of life sciencestopics, from plant sciences to human disease. You willundertake a project that provides an in-depth study ofa topic of historical and contemporary importance inthe biosciences.

Biology with Science and Society

Biology with Science and Society withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Biology with Science and Society offers you theopportunity to study biology within its historical, social,political and ethical context. Many recent scientific,technological and bio-medical topics – includinggenetic modification, stem cell and cloning research,the uses of DNA profiling and global environmentalism– have generated intense public debate.

You will use historical and related skills to explore theorigins and development of these and other issues, andto consider how they impact upon and become a partof our contemporary culture. The study of science andsociety is taught by specialist staff from the Faculty'sCentre for the History of Science, Technology andMedicine. This course provides an excellent basis fornon-laboratory-based science careers such as museumwork, the media, or science policy work.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciencescovering key concepts, including genetics, biodiversityand microbiology. You will explore the relationshipbetween science and society through study of thehistory of biology, the history of medicine and theportrayal of science through resources such asliterature and film. This year also helps you hone theessential data handling and laboratory skills requiredby all life scientists.

Gemma ReedBiology with Scienceand Society

“The staff in the History of Science, Technologyand Medicine Centre are so approachable. If youare having trouble with an essay, or don’tunderstand a lecture, you can pretty much askanyone and they are eager to help you.”

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Year 2

You will continue your studies covering topics ingreater depth. Current units consider the importantrole of the cell membrane in transferring signals andtransporting ions and solutes, how cells co-ordinatetheir activities and movement using complex structuresand biomolecules and how they adapt to changes indevelopment and environment. In your Research skillsunit, you will undertake widely used cell biologytechniques, such as immunofluorescence microscopy.

Final year

You have a wide choice of cell biology topics for yourfinal-year studies. You can currently choose to studystem cells, discover how cells communicate with eachother, or learn about the process that controls celldivision and goes awry during cancer. The highlight ofthe year is your independent in-depth researchproject, which could take place in the lab of one ofour leading cell biology researchers.


course detailsCell Biology

Cell Biology with Industrial/ProfessionalExperience

Cell Biology with a Modern Language

Cell biologists want to understand how the cells dowhat they need to do, working from molecules,through whole cells, up to tissues and organs. Cellbiology integrates other life sciences, such asbiochemistry and molecular biology, to explain thestructure and function of cells. It also considers howcell diversity arises and how cells co-operate andcommunicate with each other in normal tissues and indeveloping embryos.

Cell biology is one of the major growth areas ofbiosciences in the 'post-genomic' era and uses newtechnologies, including cell culture, manipulation ofgenes, monoclonal antibodies and advanced light andelectron microscopy. It is an area of vigorousinternationally recognised research within the Faculty.

Developments in cell biological research support theexisting and future needs of society in many areas ofmedicine, including stem cell biology, cancer research,the control of autoimmune disease and the study ofbirth defects.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistryand molecular biology. This year also helps you honethe essential data-handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue your studies covering topics ingreater depth. You have a degree of flexibility in thecourse units you choose, but will focus on life sciencetopics that are likely to have an entrepreneurialapplication, such as post-genomic technology andresources, microbiology and plant biotechnology. Youwill also learn the skills required to develop a newbusiness or project. In your Research Skills unit, youcan choose to develop your research techniques inkey areas ranging from biochemistry to microbiologyto molecular biology.

Final year

In order to develop your entrepreneurial skills, you willwork on a short project to investigate the developmentof a new product or service. There is an extensive anddiverse range of life science topics for you to choose asoptional units, which currently includes bioethics, themolecular biology of cancer and the immune response.The highlight of the year is your independent in-depthresearch project, which could involve lab work orplanning new bioscience enterprise.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

The exploitation of biological systems has had a majorcommercial impact over the last decade.Biotechnology will continue to grow in the post-genomic era, in areas ranging from drug discovery, tostem cell research and genetic engineering. As well asexplaining the science behind biotechnology, thiscourse will also explain how new start-upbiotechnology companies are created, how to explorethe market potential of products and processes, howto create business plans and how money is raisedfrom venture capitalists.

Our courses are designed to produce graduates whowill have a solid understanding of science, technology,and business management, along with theentrepreneurial skills required to exploit technologicaladvances within a competitive environment. Thisblend of skills will be invaluable to future employers,and provides a springboard for the buddingbiotechnology entrepreneurs of the future.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,microbiology, pharmacology and molecular biology.You will study fundamental concepts of managementand entrepreneurial skills. This year also helps you honethe essential data handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Nida Asnida BaharinMd DaudBiotechnology

“Our lab modules are very helpful and stimulating.We have to design our own experiments insteadof just following the lab manual. My course alsohas some interesting entrepreneurial units and myfavourite assignment so far has been creating aninvention and acting as an entrepreneurpresenting it to a small audience.”

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more in-depth study of genetics and learn how cellsco-ordinate their activities and movement to maketissues and organs. Optional course units currentlyrange from animal diversity to the study of cells andtissues in human disease, so you can choose the areasthat interest you. In your Research Skills unit, you willundertake developmental biology experimentaltechniques such as screening for mutant organisms tounderstand how they develop and causing cells todifferentiate into different tissue types.

Final year

You will study advanced developmental biology andrelated topics, which currently include stem cells anddevelopmental neuroscience. There is also a range ofoptional units to choose from that reflects the currenthotspots of bioscience endeavour and the researchinterests of staff. The highlight of the year is yourindependent in-depth research project, which couldtake place in the lab of one of our world-leadingdevelopmental biology researchers.


course detailsDevelopmental Biology

Developmental Biology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Developmental Biology with a Modern Language

Developmental biology explains how the single cellformed at fertilisation forms an embryo and then a fullyformed adult organism. For this to happen, the fertilisedegg must grow and divide to produce the many cellswithin the adult organism; different types of cells (suchas nerves, muscles and skin) must be produced; thesecells must be arranged together to form the organs ofthe body; and these organs must be positionedappropriately in the body. Altogether, these ensure, forexample, that hands form at the ends of arms, not legs,and flowers on stems, rather than roots.

Our understanding of developmental biology is havinga significant impact on our understanding of evolutionand modern medicine, including treatment of birthdefects, infertility and cancer in humans. Of particularinterest is the use of stem cells to engineer replacementtissues and organs, which could revolutionise medicine.

Developmental biology is a multidisciplinary field thatintegrates genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry,cell biology, anatomy, physiology and computermodelling. Consequently, if you choose this course, youwill gain research-driven knowledge and experience ina broad range of biological subjects, from themolecular functions of individual genes and proteins, tothe structure and function of whole organs.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,biodiversity, anatomy, physiology and molecular biology.This year also helps you hone the essential data-handlingand laboratory skills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will be introduced to the principles ofdevelopmental biology, in particular how organismsmake different types of cells and arrange these cells toform the adult organism. You will also undertake a

Year 2

You will study the nervous system in more depth,learning about drugs that affect the brain and nervoussystem, how we process sensory and motorinformation and the structure and function of the‘excitable cells’ of the nervous system. You will beintroduced to topics including intelligence, personalityand developmental psychology. During the ResearchSkills unit, you have the opportunity to carryouttechniques that are widely used in currentneuroscience research, including electrophysiological,biochemical and histological methods.

Final year

Final-year topics are continually updated and replacedto ensure they are up-to-date with latest life scienceand psychology research. Current units range from thedevelopment of the nervous system, to face perceptionand the acquisition of language. The highlight of theyear is your independent in-depth research project,which you can choose to take in the Faculty of LifeSciences or the School of Psychology. This degree isonly accredited with the British Psychological Society(BPS) if the latter option is chosen.

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychologywith Industrial or ProfessionalExperience

One of the most challenging problems in modernbiology is to understand the behaviour of bothanimals and humans in terms of brain mechanismsand evolutionary principles. Approaches to thisproblem are diverse, varying from the study ofbiological systems at the molecular level, to analysis ofhuman performance. By combining studies of majortopics in experimental psychology and neuroscience,this course provides a broad background in thisexciting field of behavioural science.

The psychology component covers topics such as:how humans and animals think (cognitive processes);how the world is sensed (perception); comparativeand developmental studies; and abnormal psychology.The neuroscience component of the course coverstopics such as: animal behaviour; learning andmemory; the action of drugs on the nervous system;and how humans and animals sense and respond totheir environment.

This degree is accredited by the British PsychologicalSociety (BPS), which means as well as providing a solidfoundation for a career in the life sciences, this degreealso provides the first step towards professionalchartered psychologist status.

Year 1

You will gain an introduction to life science topics,including the nervous system and pharmacology,which are relevant to cognitive neuroscience.Psychology topics will include social and healthpsychology, brain structure and function, statistics andperception and cognition. This year also helps youhone the essential data-handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Philippa MayCognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

“There is a wide range of course units to choosefrom, all of which are very well taught andfascinating, especially in the third year. What Ihave enjoyed the most is my third-year project,as I have had the chance to research a specificarea – a neurodegenerative language problem –that I am really interested in.“

Jenaid ReesDevelopmental Biology

“Being a student on one of the smaller coursesin the life sciences is great. There are only tenstudents in my year, so we have all become reallyclose friends. In addition to this, as a small groupwe are able to have regular discussions with ourcourse director so we can keep updated withany changes that are to be made to the course,ask for advice when needed and give ouropinion on course units.”

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course detailsLife Sciences

Life Sciences withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Life Sciences with a Modern Language

If you are committed to biosciences, but have not yetdecided on the area in which you would like tospecialise, this course will help you to make thedecision at the end of your first year from a positionof greater knowledge. The combination of units takenin the first year enables you to transfer to almost anyof the degree courses within the Faculty of LifeSciences. Your individual study course will be carefullyplanned with advice from your advisors.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistryand molecular biology. This year also helps you honethe essential data-handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will have developed interests and obtained adviceto allow you to transfer onto a more specialiseddegree course.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,biodiversity and molecular biology. This year also helpsyou hone the essential data-handling and laboratoryskills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will continue with more in-depth study ofgenetics topics, including evolutionary biology,organismal genetics, regulation and maintenance ofgenomes and modern genetic techniques. You have arange of more than 20 optional course units tochoose from, which currently includes units focussingon biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology,microbiology, immunology, physiology, ecology andhuman diseases. You can therefore choose the areasthat interest you the most. In your Research Skills unit,you will learn modern genetics research techniquesand apply them to specific research projects.

Final year

You have a wide choice of genetics topics for yourfinal-year studies. Topics currently include the role ofgenes in human disease and clinical research, themolecular mechanisms that regulate the humangenome and how the genes that control developmentare conserved between very different species. Thehighlight of the year is your independent in-depthresearch project, which could take place in the lab ofone of our leading genetics researchers.

Genetics

Genetics with Industrial/Professional Experience

Genetics with a Modern Language

Genetics is of fundamental importance to all branchesof modern biology, from evolutionary biology tomedicine, and extends into many practical areas, suchas biotechnology and agriculture. You will discoverthe principles of heredity and evolution and learn howwe can map genes, and understand their function.

You will consider how the development of multi-cellularorganisms can progress from a single cell throughregulated courses of gene expression, and learn thedetailed mechanisms by which genes can be switchedon and off. You will understand how model organisms,such as the fruit fly and the mouse, are of enormousbiomedical importance, and learn how our geneticmake-up can predispose us to different diseases.

The human genome project has provided us with thesequence of the entire human genome and identifiedaround 25,000 human genes. The challenge now is tounderstand the function of all these genes, determinehow they cooperate to make us who we are, and tolearn how we can best use this knowledge to improvehuman society. More recently, the advent of low-costnext-generation DNA sequencing technologies willprovide a wealth of genetic information for manydifferent organisms and many different people.Genetics will therefore play a key role in decipheringand utilising this wealth of information in the future.

Rosanna PaganGenetics

“I find the lab work particularly interesting – weuse modern techniques and equipment toinvestigate genes responsible for particulardiseases. I enjoy working with friends in the labs, itis really fun even if the experiment goes wrong!”

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course detailsMedical Biochemistry

Medical Biochemistry withIndustrial/Professional Experience

These courses are designed for biochemists who areconsidering a career in research into the biochemicalbasis of disease and therapeutic medicine.

Medical biochemistry addresses the functioning ofnormal and diseased organisms from a biochemicalpoint of view. Courses will provide you with afundamental grounding in the principles ofbiochemistry, such as protein structure and function.As you progress, there will be optional course unitsthat show you how biochemistry allows us tounderstand and treat diseases. Subject areas includethe molecular biology of cancer, cell cycle control andgenetic diseases.

This area is very promising in terms of careerdevelopment, because many pharmaceutical andhealthcare companies require well-trained medicalbiochemists. Graduates become key employees in theefforts of such companies to develop new drugstargeted against specific enzymes, hormonereceptors, or other biologically important molecules.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics,biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology andmolecular biology. In addition, you will study topics inchemistry that are relevant to biology. This year alsohelps you hone the essential data-handling andlaboratory skills required by all life scientists.

Microbiology

Microbiology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Microbiology with a Modern Language

Microbiology involves studying the biology ofmicroorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi andprotozoa.

One of the major aims of our degree is to explain thebiological basis of bacterial, viral, fungal andprotozoan diseases, with strong emphasis on themolecular biology of infection processes. The degreealso examines how microbes can be useful to usthrough their role in the carbon and nitrogen cyclesand in food production.

Microbiologists are needed to do the researchrequired for the future battle against diseasesworldwide and in order to exploit microbes in theproduction of food. These are some of the many newemployment opportunities in the rapidly expandingfield of microbiology, a subject that is vitally importantto our health and economic welfare.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,microbiology, biodiversity and molecular biology. Thisyear also helps you hone the essential data-handlingand laboratory skills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying biochemistry inmore depth. Topics currently include metabolism, thechemical structure and function of importantbiomolecules including proteins, and the cellularmechanisms underlying common human diseases. Youcan choose from optional units ranging fromimmunology to drug development. During the ResearchSkills unit, you have the opportunity to carry outtechniques that are widely used in current life scienceresearch, including spectrophotometry, electrophoresisand Western blotting.

Final year

You will have a wide choice of biomedical science andbiochemistry-based topics to choose from in your finalyear. You will study the biochemical basis of diseasessuch as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, fibrosis andosteoporosis and can choose optional units thatcurrently include the molecular biology of cancer andstem cells. The highlight of the year is yourindependent in-depth research project, which couldtake place in the labs of one of our leading medicalbiochemistry researchers.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, undertaking more in-depth study of bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses,including their structure and function and how theycan cause disease. You will learn how the bodyresponds to pathogenic microbes as well as otheraspects of immunology such as autoimmune disease.During the Research Skills unit, you have theopportunity to carry out techniques that are widelyused in current microbiology research, includingaseptic technique, preparation of growth media andthe use of commercial biochemical test kits.

Final year

Final-year topics are continually updated and replacedto ensure they are up-to-date with latest bioscienceresearch. Current units include the bacterial infectionsof man and cutting-edge topics and techniques inmicrobiology. The highlight of the year is yourindependent in-depth research project, which couldtake place in the labs of one of our leadingmicrobiology researchers.

Ben GrimshawMedical Biochemistry

“I chose to do Medical Biochemistry because Iknew I didn't want to do Medicine, but I wantedto do a degree that looked at the finer details ofdisease and what goes on at the cellular level. Iplan to become a clinical scientist within theNHS, working behind the scenes in hospitals andidentifying the link between the patient andtheir illness.”

Cate WinstanleyMicrobiology

“I changed courses to Microbiology at the startof my second year and made the perfect choice.The university's facilities are excellent and theenthusiasm and support from staff are second-to-none. I am starting my lab research projectthis year and I am really looking forward toworking with some top researchers in my field.”

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course detailsMolecular Biology

Molecular Biology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Molecular Biology with a Modern Language

Molecular biology is a discipline that underpins muchof today’s biological research. It studies the interactionsbetween molecules and systems in a cell – howbiological processes are regulated and orchestrated at amolecular level by macromolecules, which interact andwork together like a well-oiled machine.

Over the last decade, recombinant DNA technology hasallowed molecular biologists to make enormousadvances in understanding fundamental biologicalprocesses, by analysing and manipulating genes andproteins. This has culminated in the completion ofseveral large genome projects that are changing theface of modern biology, especially in areas of medicine,agriculture and biotechnology. We are starting tounderstand the molecular basis of diseases such ascancer, and discovering how some of these conditionscan be treated using genetic tools or engineered cells.Molecular biology overlaps with biochemistry, geneticsand cell biology, and the structure of this coursereflects this.

Your Molecular Biology degree will equip you with theskills and understanding you will need to take yourplace at the cutting edge of biomolecular research.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics,biochemistry, microbiology and basic molecularbiology. In addition, you will study topics in chemistrythat are relevant to biology. This year also helps youhone the essential data-handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Neuroscience with a Modern Language

Masters in Neuroscience (MNeurosci)

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervoussystem and how they work to generate behaviour,perception, movement, thought, memory and otherkey functions. These studies call on a wide range ofknowledge and experimental techniques. Newmolecular approaches are advancing our knowledgeof membrane receptor structure and givingremarkable progress towards understanding neuraldevelopment. There have also been major advances inour understanding of the biology of higher brainfunction and the pathogenesis of a variety ofneurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s diseaseand Parkinson’s disease.

The MNeuroSci course is one of the fewundergraduate masters in neuroscience in the UK.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics,biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy, physiology,pharmacology and neuroscience. This year also helpsyou hone the essential data-handling and laboratoryskills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying neurosciencetopics that could include drugs that affect the brainand nervous system, how we process sensory andmotor information and the structure and function ofthe ‘excitable cells’ of the nervous system. You canchoose from optional units ranging from animaldiversity to immunology. During the Research Skillsunit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniquesthat are widely used in current neuroscience research,including electrophysiological, biochemical andhistological methods.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying molecularbiology and genetics in more depth. Topics are likelyto include: metabolism, post-genomic technologiesand resources, the structure and function of proteins,the role of the cell membrane and how cells co-ordinate their activities and movement using complexstructures and biomolecules. You can choose fromoptional units ranging from parasitology todevelopmental biology. During the Research Skillsunit, you have the opportunity to carryout techniquesthat are widely used in current molecular biologyresearch, including the use of bioinformatic softwareand Southern blotting.

Final year

You will have a range of molecular biology topics tochoose from in your final year. These reflect thecurrent hotspots of bioscience endeavour and theresearch interests of staff, and thus are subject tochange. Currently topics include the molecularbiology of cancer, plant biotechnology and howimportant molecules such as DNA and RNA recogniseand interact with each other. The highlight of the yearis your independent in-depth research project, whichcould take place in the labs of one of our leadingmolecular biologists.

Year 3

You will have a range of neuroscience topics tochoose from in your final year. These reflect thecurrent hotspots of bioscience endeavour and theresearch interests of staff. Current topics include howthe nervous system develops, hormones andbehaviour in animals and the role ofneuroinflammation in neurological disease. Thehighlight of the year is your independent in-depthresearch project, which could take place in the labs ofone of our leading neuroscience researchers.

Year 4 (MNeuroSci students only)

You spend your final year applying the knowledge andexperience gained in the first three years of study to asingle research question in a sponsoring laboratory.This gives the most successful students the chance toreally make a mark while still undergraduates.

Shoshana Ajoodan-PoorNeuroscience

“What I love about neuroscience is that we arestill discovering things. We learn differenttheories about a topic, such as why we sleep,and you know that in the next ten years you, orsomeone sitting next to you in a lab, could befinding out the answer to that question. I findthat really exciting! I’m so happy that I havechosen Manchester and if I got the chance to doit all again, I would.”

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course detailsPharmacology

Pharmacology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Pharmacology with a Modern Language

Pharmacology is the study of drug actions on livingsystems – where they act, what they do, how they aremetabolised, and how they exert toxic effects.Understanding all of this requires studying drugactions at levels ranging from the single molecule tothe whole organism. Pharmacology is therefore a verybroad discipline, taking in aspects of molecularbiology, chemistry, physiology and neuroscience. Thiscourse examines both the actions of current drugsand the development of new drugs. It is aimed atpeople who see their future career in thepharmaceutical industry.

The pharmaceutical industry is the UK’s top researchsector. One-quarter of the world’s top medicines weredeveloped in the UK. In 2003, this translated into thepharmaceutical industry spending £3.2 billion on UKresearch and development, and employing around73,000 people. A further 250,000 people work inrelated industries, so all this adds up to a whole lot ofcareer opportunities.

Year 1


Pharmacology and Physiology

Pharmacology and Physiology withIndustrial/Professional Experience

These degrees take the most critical aspects of thedisciplines of pharmacology and physiology andintegrate them to form a structured programme ofstudy. In the final year, your advisor will help to ensurethat your course of study involves a balance betweenboth subjects. Studying these two closely relateddisciplines will equip you for careers in either field, orin areas in which knowledge of both subjects isvaluable. Popular choices are careers in research orpostgraduate medicine.

Year 1


Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying pharmacologicalconcepts that could include the process of drugdevelopment and the effect of drugs on the brain. Thestructure and function of key body systems (eg thegastrointestinal, renal, endocrine and reproductivesystems) will be explored and you will learn about thestructure and function of endocrine glands and theactions of the hormones they produce, as well as howcells and tissues are affected in disease. During theResearch Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carryout techniques that are widely used in currentpharmacology or physiology research.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying topics that couldinclude: the process of drug development; the effectof drugs on the brain; the structure and function ofendocrine glands and the actions of the hormonesthey produce; and how cells and tissues are affected indisease. During the Research Skills unit, you have theopportunity to carry out techniques that are widelyused in current pharmacology research.

Final year

Final-year pharmacology topics reflect the currenthotspots of bioscience endeavour and the researchinterests of staff and are frequently updated andreplaced. Current topics include drug toxicity and therole of drugs in treating neurological diseases. Thereare a variety of optional units to choose from, rangingfrom bioethics to immunology. The highlight of theyear is your independent, in-depth research project,which could take place in the labs of one of ourleading neuroscience researchers.

Final year

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscience endeavour and the research interests ofstaff. Current pharmacology topics include ionchannels and transporters (important targets for manydrugs), drug toxicity and the role of drugs in treatingneurological diseases. Current physiology topicsinclude diseases of the endocrine system (diabetesand thyroid diseases) and cardiovascular health anddisease. The highlight of the year is your independent,in-depth research project, which could take place inthe labs of one of our leading pharmacology orphysiology researchers.

Jenni Walton-GouldPharmacologyand Physiology

“Pharmacology and Physiology was the perfectchoice for me: I have learnt about some of themost striking phenomena of the body, and alsohow to understand the processes involved indisease and how different treatments work. I havealso been able to study some slightly unusualoptional units. In my second year, I was able to goand watch a post mortem at Manchester RoyalInfirmary to complement a pathology course unit.This was incredibly memorable and interesting,although not something I would do again!”

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course detailsPhysiology

Physiology with Industrial/Professional Experience

Physiology with a Modern Language

Physiology is the study of function in living systems.This could be in plants and animals, but inManchester we concentrate mainly on the function ofhumans and other mammals. Physiologists work atthe level of whole organisms, tissues, cells and nowmolecules, and we use a wide range of methods inour experiments. A major challenge to physiologists inthis the post-genomic era is to determine the functionof the many uncharacterised proteins encoded by thehuman genome. This will involve understanding howthese proteins influence the activity of cells, tissuesand the whole organism in health and disease.

Year 1


Plant Science

Plant Science withIndustrial/Professional Experience

Plant Science with a Modern Language

Plants lie at the base of nearly every food chain onour planet. Directly or indirectly, they provide us withall our dietary requirements and many of our rawmaterials for industry, clothing and leisure. Manyplants are crucially important in biotechnology –providing, for example, vaccines, pharmaceuticals andeven plastics. Plants are being looked to as a possiblesolution to climate change; crops are increasinglybeing grown to provide biofuels. In this context, plantsciences are more important now than ever before.

The Plant Science course at Manchester examines thegrowth, development and productivity of plants. Tounderstand and exploit these processes, it is necessaryto apply a wide range of biological areas, includinggenetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cellbiology. There is a rich provision of seminars andinteractive events; field studies are an enjoyable partof our provision. If you enter one of these degreecourses, you may attend a field course on theMediterranean island of Majorca, when the orchidsare in bloom in the Easter vacation of your first year.A tropical (eg Ecuador) or UK-based field coursebuilds on this in the second year.

Students doing Plant Science with Industrial orProfessional Experience go on a huge variety ofplacements in their third year of study, including theMillennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanical Gardens(Kew), Ecotron research, agrochemical and organicfarming-related research.

Plant scientists, by developing a more comprehensiveknowledge, have a realistic opportunity to directlyimpact on the significance of plants, both in globalecosystems and in our lives in the 21st century. This isan area with a recognised skills shortage, so wellqualified plant scientists are in high demand.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, biochemistry,

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying physiologicaltopics that could include the structure and function ofa range of body systems, such as the gastrointestinal,renal, endocrine and reproductive systems, and the‘excitable cells’ of the nervous system and endocrineglands, and the hormones they produce. During theResearch Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carryout techniques that are widely used in currentphysiology research and to complete a researchproject related to the human response to exercise.

Final year

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscience endeavour and the research interests ofstaff, and are continually updated and replaced.Current topics include diseases of the endocrinesystem (diabetes and thyroid diseases) andcardiovascular health and disease. Optional subjectsrange from the study of parasites to body clocks. Thehighlight of the year is your independent, in-depthresearch project, which could take place in the labs ofone of our leading physiology researchers.

molecular biology, biodiversity and microbiology. Youwill study plant adaptation on a field course on theSpanish island of Majorca. This year also helps youhone the essential data-handling and laboratory skillsrequired by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise, studying modern topics inplant science that could include plant development,the sequencing of plant genomes, the science behindgenetically modified plants and how the physiology ofplants allows them to adapt to extreme conditions.During the Research Skills unit, you will studybiodiversity, applying the techniques used byenvironmental consultants and field-based biologists.

Final year

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscience endeavour and the research interests of staff,and are continually updated and replaced. Currenttopics include: plant biotechnology; plant development;and the effects of pollutants and climate change onplants, agriculture and ecosystems. The highlight of theyear is your independent, in-depth research project,which could be lab-based – for example on GM cropscultivated in our extensive plant growth chambers – orfieldwork in our well-equippedexperimental grounds.Alternatively, you could create aneducation project for a school orplan a new bioscience enterprise.

Tommy ShawPlant Science

“I’m looking forward to going to a field course inthe rainforest in Ecuador in the summer. It’s a goodchance to get hands-on experience and see tropicalplants and animals in their natural ecosystem.”

Dean WebsterPhysiology

“The best part of the course is the weekly labsession. It's a good chance to follow up onlecture content, great to see what you've learntin action and an opportunity to have fun andmake friends too. It can be a lot of hard andchallenging work, but it is worth it.”

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Course units The first year of all our degree courses is quite similar,and provides a ‘shop window’ including all of themajor strands of life sciences. Alongside optional unitsthat interest you, you will study broadly the same coreof units regardless of the degree for which you haveregistered. This ensures you have a grounding in allthe key biological concepts required for any LifeSciences degree and additionally gives you theknowledge and potential to change your degreecourse at the end of your first year. You also have theopportunity to study optional units in a range ofsubjects. A brief account of some of these unitsfollows below.

In the second year of your degree, you will begin tospecialise, taking units that are more specificallyrelated to your chosen degree course. You will stillhave flexibility and choice, as there is scope for you totake optional units outside your core study.

In your final year, you will study a range of specialisedunits tailored to your degree course. These units areconstantly updated to reflect the most up-to-datetopics in life sciences and are informed by theresearch interests of our staff, therefore include a vastarray of lecture-based units and seminar programmes,and a range of teaching and learning styles.

Year 1 course units

Introductory Chemistry

If you have not completed A-level Chemistry, this unitwill provide you with an introduction to the basicprinciples of the subject – physical, organic andinorganic chemistry. Completion of the unit willprovide you with a working knowledge of theseprinciples, sufficient to recognise their involvement inbiological processes.

Biochemistry

The Biochemistry unit aims to provide anunderstanding of the basic chemical properties ofmolecules that make life possible and a description ofthe key components of the cell and their biochemicalinteractions. You will learn about the processes thatallow energy to be harvested from sunlight, convertedand stored in food and released to drive biochemicalreactions within cells.

Molecular Genetics

Molecular Genetics introduces you to the structureand function of the molecules, including DNA andRNA, which allow genes to be expressed andmaintained from one generation to the next. You willalso learn about genetic engineering, its application,and the ethical issues associated with its use.

From Molecules to Cells

From Molecules to Cells introduces molecular cellbiology: the study of the interactions betweenmolecules and systems in a cell. You will learn howcells function both individually and as part of a tissueor organism. You will study the processes thatdetermine how and when a cell communicates,grows, interacts with its neighbours, divides and dies– and how these processes go awry during cancer.

Introduction to Laboratory Science

You will participate in ten practical sessions introducingthe basic skills and techniques required for laboratoryinvestigation. You will study the human cardiovascularand respiratory systems and work with other organisms,including plants and microbes. You will conductresearch using DNA, proteins and other biomolecules.


course detailsZoology

Zoology with Industrial/Professional Experience

Zoology with a Modern Language

Zoology studies the life of animals from cellularorganisation, through structure and physiology, tobehaviour, ecology and the organisation ofpopulations. Zoology has been around since at leastthe mid-17th century, but it is no less important asubject nowadays. Humans have been destroyinghabitats and hunting other animals for thousands ofyears and recent industrialisation and populationgrowth have led to significant climate changes. Theseactivities threaten all the species on Earth and a betterunderstanding of animal life is essential if we are tominimise the deleterious effects.

In addition, general interest in animals has never beenhigher. Studying a wide range of animals is providingenormous insight to understanding some of the issuesin general biology and can have very unexpected spin-off benefits in medical and engineering areas.

Zoology at Manchester is broadly based, covering allthe key areas mentioned above. The flexible structureof the biology degrees at Manchester mean that it iseasy to mix in other course units, whether plantscience or molecular biology, to gain a competitiveskill-set in order to pursue a lifelong career withanimals. Your theoretical study is enhanced byknowledge and skills gained in field research, whichforms an exciting part of the degree in your first andsecond year.

Students doing Zoology with Industrial or ProfessionalExperience go on a variety of placements in their thirdyear of study, including zoos, museums and wildlifecharities. Finally, there are regular informal events –lectures, parties and trips – and a weekly electronicnewsletter about all things zoological, which help giveyou a special group experience.

Year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to the life sciences,covering key concepts including genetics, molecularbiology and biodiversity. You can undertake two field

courses, including Marine Biology (Scotland) andAnimal Behaviour (South Africa). This year also helpsyou hone the essential data-handling and laboratoryskills required by all life scientists.

Year 2

You will begin to specialise; topics may include animalphysiology, how animals develop from one cell into acomplex adult organism, and how species evolve andthe diversity of species produced by this process. Youwill also consider how animals interact with eachother, and other types of organism, in the ecosystemsthey live in. During the Research Skills course unit, youwill study biodiversity in the field, applying thetechniques used by environmental consultants andfield-based biologists. You will also undertakeanother field course in France, Ecuador, or Belize.

Final year

Final-year topics reflect the current hotspots ofbioscience endeavour and the research interests ofstaff and are continually updated and replaced. Thereis currently a strong emphasis on animal behaviour;topics include biological clocks and the influence ofactors such as evolution, hormones and neurobiologyon animal behaviour. The highlight of the year is yourindependent, in-depth research project, which couldbe field-based or take place in the labs of one of ourleading zoology researchers.

Karlina OzolinaZoology with Industrial/Professional Experience

"During my placement year in Denmark, I didmy own conservation physiology study onacclimation in cane toads. The results wereconsidered interesting enough for my supervisorto ask me to do a presentation in a conferencein Prague. Additionally, I had the chance to learnthe newest techniques in animal physiology andmeet some of the world’s top scientists in thisarea of research.”

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Introduction to Experimental Biology

You will develop your laboratory skills in this unit,learning widely used modern laboratory techniques,as well as techniques appropriate to your specialistdegree course. This will prepare you for your moreadvanced practical sessions in your second year. Youwill have complementary training in statistical analysisand will undertake two of the following strands:

Strand 1 – Drugs and the Nervous System

Strand 2 – Molecular Genetics for Human Biologists

Strand 3 – Cells and Genes

Strand 4 – Organisms and the Environment

Strand 5 – Inside the Cell: from DNA to Protein

Biodiversity

Biodiversity outlines how complex life forms arosefrom simpler ones to produce the rich diversity oforganisms found in ecosystems: from the smallestmicrobe, to large mammals and trees. You will learnthat organisms should not be considered in isolation,as they team up with others, share resources, orcompete with each other within their ecosystems.

Genes, Evolution and Development

This unit introduces you to the topic of heredity. Youwill discover how natural selection, also known as‘survival of the fittest’, drives evolution. You will learnhow the interaction of organisms with each other,and with their environment, influences the outcomeof the evolutionary process. The relationship betweendevelopment and evolution is also explored.

Microbes, Man and the Environment

Microbes, extremely diverse both in form and infunction, play a critical role in the all ecosystems. Youwill explore how these organisms evolved from moreprimitive life forms to colonise new environmentalniches. You will study their interactions with plants,animals and insects and how they impact on oureveryday lives.

Comparative and Adaptive Biology

This field course is a seven-day residential course heldon the Spanish island of Majorca. You will learn aboutplants and animals native to the region and theirphysiological adaptations to the stresses experiencedin the Mediterranean climate. Working in small teams,you will design and execute a research project.

Freshwater Biology

This eight-day field course is held at Lake Kastoria,Greece. You will gain an understanding of thestructure and functioning of lake and rivercommunities and how they can be damaged byhuman activities. Working in small teams, you willdesign and execute a field-based project.

Animal Behaviour

With the African savannah as a setting, this unitintroduces adaptive animal behaviour in the naturalenvironment. In small groups, you will design andconduct simple experiments on a wide variety of animals,from mammals and birds, to insects and complete agroup project.

Science and the Modern world

Science has a central role in our cultural, economic andpolitical life. You will reflect on the role of science inthe past and in the present through the use of a varietyof resources, includingliterature and film.

A History of Biology in 20 Objects

This unit takes a fresh approach to the history of thelife sciences. Lectures are organised around ‘objects’:topics of inquiry, key organisms, or research tools.What are now everyday laboratory objects were onceassociated with exciting new developments andcutting-edge research; the reasons why these objectsand approaches were adopted tells us a great dealabout how biology works and how it has changed,and gives us some insight into how it may changeagain in the 21st century.

Body Systems

Body Systems introduces the concepts underpinningphysiology and the major tissue types that form thestructures of the body. You will examine therelationship between the cardiovascular andrespiratory systems, learning how diseases of thesesystems can be interpreted in terms of alteredphysiology and anatomy.

Drugs: From Molecules to Man

This unit introduces pharmacology, the science ofdrugs: ie their preparation, properties, uses andeffects. You will learn about the molecularinteractions of drugs with their targets in the body,focusing on the actions of the drugs acting on thecardio respiratory system that treat conditions such asangina and asthma.

Excitable Cells

Excitable cells – cells that respond to stimuli byproducing an electric current – are key to the functionof our muscles and nervous system. You will learnabout the structure and function of these cells, whatmakes them important and the techniques used tostudy them.

Marine Biology

This eight-day field course is held at the UniversityMarine Biological Station at Millport, Isle of Cumbrae,Scotland. Working in small teams, you will examineplankton and organisms living on rocky shores, sandyshores and the seabed. You will investigate theeffectiveness of standard ecological surveying methods.

Technologies of Everyday Life

In this unit, you will explore the main technologicalchanges that have affected everyday life since 1800.Using case studies of different technologies, includingthe infrastructure of Manchester and birth controltechnology, you will examine the impact oftechnology on modern society and culture.

Bodies in History: An Introduction to the Historyof Medicine, 1500-2000

Bodies in History provides an introduction to medicinein modern Western culture from 1500 to 2000. Youwill learn about the themes explored by historians ofmedicine, including class, race, gender and nationalidentity. Areas of study include Renaissance Anatomyand Eugenics.

Years 2 and 3 course unitsAs the biosciences are developing so rapidly, we areconstantly updating our units, so it would be unwisefor us to predict what our portfolio might containafter your first year. For details of current second- andfinal-year units, see individual degree course detailsand the Faculty website:www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences


course details

Jenna LeggBiology

“South Africa was an unforgettable, once-in-alifetime experience! I loved the hands-on aspectof conducting your own study in the field onanimal behaviour and observing native Africananimals in their natural environment. As addedextras, there were a trip to Pilanesberg NationalPark and a performance from native tribaldancers – both were fantastic!”

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Career opportunitiesYour time at university is an important investment inyour future career potential and your ability tocompete for the most desirable graduate jobs. Youremployment prospects with a life sciences degreefrom The University of Manchester will be some of thebest in the world. The combination of teachingmethods and opportunities for employability skillsdevelopment can really help you to develop thequalities that today’s graduate employers seek.

The University’s Careers Service regularly tops thepolls amongst employers and students as the best inthe UK. There is a wide range of services to takeadvantage of, from mentoring, work experience,career management workshops and one-to-oneadvice sessions, to the University’s excitingManchester Leadership Programme. In the last fewyears, our students have regularly featured amongstthe most employable in the world.

Careers in the life sciencesApproximately half of our graduates enteremployment directly connected to the life sciences.Many aspire to careers in research and therefore goon to study for a Masters degree, or a PhD, inspecialist fields. A significant number also go on tostudy for further qualifications in vocational subjects,such as medicine, law, international business, orteaching. Our graduates choose to study at otheruniversities around the world, or stay on here atManchester. Other students go directly into lifescience roles after graduation.

Our graduates have gone on to work in thepharmaceutical and agrochemicals industries, inmedical technology and in research institutes andgovernment agencies. Popular roles include: clinicalresearcher, biochemist, research associate, clinicalscientist and medical writer. Employers of our recentgraduates have included AstraZeneca,GlaxoSmithKline, The Health Protection Agency andThe National Health Service.

Careers outside the life sciencesStudying life sciences at Manchester providesexcellent opportunities to develop skills that maytransfer into a wide range of careers. These skillsinclude effective communication, innovation,judgement and decision-making, organisation,problem-solving and teamwork. Such skills are highlysought after by graduate recruiters across all sectors.

Our graduates also go on to graduate trainingprogrammes across management, finance, marketing,law, media and the civil service (amongst others).Examples of companies that hired our students ontotheir renowned graduate schemes in recent yearsinclude: financial services organisations such asPricewaterhouseCoopers, investment bank JPMorgan,and household names such as Sony, John LewisPartnership, BBC, Severn Trent Water and The Ministryof Defence.

For more details on career options, please see ourwebsite:www.manchester.ac.uk/ls/undergraduate/careers


careersEmma JollyBSc (Hons) Biology

Graduated2006

RoleEditorial Co-ordinator

OrganisationSpringer (International Science, Technology andMedicine Publisher)

“The breadth of subjects I studied in my degreehas been really useful, as a broad and soundunderstanding of biology is essential in my role –I need to be able to understand manuscripts thatcover a wide range of therapeutic areas, frommolecular biology through to clinical trials inthousands of patients. Skills in presentation andteam work, which I developed during mytutorials, have helped me to be able to be ableto present ideas confidently to clients andpotential authors.”

GRADUATE PROFILE

Ed SpencerBSc (Hons) Biology

Graduated2007

RoleTrainee Solicitor

OrganisationTaylor Wessing

“My biology degree definitely helps me both froma skills perspective and in understanding some ofthe cutting edge technologies with which manyof our clients are involved. For my final yearproject I was involved in an Enterprise Project andthe commercial awareness that I developedthroughout that year helps me in presentingpractical business solutions to the legal problems Iface day-to-day. It was also a really good talkingpoint for interviews as it really makes you standout as having done something which proves yourinterests are wider than pure science.

Research is a big part of my job and my biologybackground means I not only have the skillsneeded for the task but I also have a differentapproach that comes from not having the moretraditional law background, this means I canoften find more discrete cases or law which isoften the key to our client's dilemma.”

GRADUATE PROFILE

Dr Georgina DruryBSc (Hons) Plant Science with Industrial Experience

Graduated2004

RolePost-doctoral researcherin Plant Genetics

OrganisationThe University of Leeds

“The University of Manchester was the perfectplace for my academic and personaldevelopment; by embracing my studies, as wellas activities and societies within the Faculty, Ihave had the skill and confidence to successfullycomplete a PhD and obtain employment in anexciting field of research.”

GRADUATE PROFILE

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Life Sciences with aFoundation YearLife Sciences with a Foundation Year is for you if youwant to enter one of the degree courses offered bythe Faculty of Life Sciences, but do not have theappropriate entry qualifications.

The Foundation Year provides the necessary academicbackground in biology, chemistry and mathematics toprepare you for study on any of our BSc (Hons)degree courses. Successful completion of theFoundation Year allows you direct entry into thesedegree courses, many of which are available as four-year degree courses. The extra year can be made upof a year of industrial or professional training, or ayear abroad for a degree with a modern language.You can find out more about all these degree coursesby looking at the relevant pages in this brochure.

Progression to your preferred course will requirestrengths in the relevant subject area, and somedegree courses can require higher marks in certainsubjects than others – eg Cognitive Neuroscience andPsychology, and Optometry.

How you learnThe Foundation Year is credit-rated, consisting of atotal of 120 academic credits. You study both thetheoretical and practical side of a common core ofunits in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

Biology

Biology forms approximately half the core contentand lectures cover a wide range of areas, includingcell biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology,microbes and disease, ecology and physiology.Regular laboratory work reinforces the subjectmaterial and helps you to develop practical skills.Opportunities are also available for fieldwork.

Chemistry

More than one-third of the core consists of chemistry,involving the study of atomic structure, bonding, ratesof reaction, inorganic and physical chemistry, organicand medicinal chemistry. Lectures on these subjectsare supported by relevant laboratory practicals

Mathematics

The units in mathematics enable you to manipulateand analyse experimental data accurately and to usestatistical and mathematical techniques in a biologicalcontext. Study skills and help with the core contentare provided through weekly tutorials.

How you are supportedIn addition to academic tutorial support from staff atboth Xaverian College and the University, you areallocated a personal tutor for pastoral support. Yourtutor will be available for one-to-one meetings andwill become well known to you.

How to applyAll applications should be made through UCAS.

Where you study

Xaverian College

Most of the Foundation Year is taught by theexperienced staff of Xaverian College, which islocated in the Victoria Park area, about 1km south ofthe University campus. Xavarian College was gradedoutstanding in its most recent Ofsted inspection.

The University campus

There is a complementary programme of tutorials,seminars and laboratory exercises at the mainUniversity campus. As a student on the FoundationYear, you are a full student member of The Universityof Manchester; you are guaranteed a place in aUniversity hall of residence and you have full access toall The University of Manchester’s facilities, includingthe University library, computer and learning resourcecentres, and the wide range of sporting and socialactivities available to all students


foundation year

Naomi Lowe-LennonPhysiology

“All the staff at Xaverian were really enthusiasticand helpful and we had regular meetings withthe Foundation Year tutor to make sure we weresettling into university and coping with thecourse. I am much more focussed on my studiesthis year because I’ve had an extra year to getused to uni life and all the excitement that canbring. One of the great things when I started thefirst year was having so many friends on thecourse that I had made on the Foundation Year.“

Steph KenyonPhysiology

“The Foundation Year provided an excellentopportunity to ensure I was fully prepared for mydegree course in Physiology. The year of studyallowed me to learn some very useful skills andgave me the knowledge I needed to achievesuccess at degree level. The members of staff atXaverian College were fantastic and were alwaysthere if and when support was needed. I woulddefinitely do it all again if I had the chance.”


AccommodationAs long as you apply by our deadline, all first-yearstudents holding an unconditional offer are guaranteedan offer of a place in university accommodation. Forinternational students, this promise is extended to thefull duration of your studies. We are proud to offer morespaces in university-managed accommodation thanpractically any other UK university.

Discover our diverse range of university accommodation,bustling student areas, halls of residence visits, privateaccommodation options and more:

www.manchester.ac.uk/accommodation www.manchesterstudenthomes.com

Admissions and applicationsWe welcome applications from people of allbackgrounds, and are fully committed to equality of opportunity. All applications for full-timeundergraduate courses in higher education arecoordinated by the Universities and CollegesAdmissions Service (UCAS).You must apply online at www.ucas.com. If you are unable to access theinternet, contact the UCAS Customer Service Unit on+44 (0)871 468 0468.

Find out more about the application process, policies,procedures and support:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/howtoapply

Careers ServiceOur award-winning Careers Service will work inpartnership with you throughout your degree toimprove your employability and prepare you for thecompetitive jobs market. It will help you find part-timejobs, volunteering and work experience opportunities.

Since Manchester is one of the most targeteduniversities by graduate recruiters, you will meet manyemployers on campus. You might also take part in theunique Manchester Leadership Programme, to helpyou develop skills and boost your CV.

Find out more about careers events, mentoringprogrammes, accredited course units and a wholerange of other services:

www.manchester.ac.uk/careerswww.manchester.ac.uk/mlp

ChildcareThere are two centres associated with the Universityfor children between six months and five years of age:Dryden Street Nursery and Echoes Nursery. Find outmore about funding options, private nurseries,playgroups and schools:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentnet/crucial-guide/personal-life/student-parents/student-parents

City of ManchesterOne of the great benefits of being a student atManchester is that all the joys of Britain’s number onestudent city are right on your doorstep. You’ll bespoilt for choice for food, drink, culture, music,history, nightlife, festivals, shopping, sport and muchmore – with the quiet countryside of two beautifulnational parks also within easy reach when you wantto get away from it all. Find out what one of ourcurrent students has to say about the capital of theNorth West:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/studentlife/sociallife/manchester

Disability support/applicants withadditional support needsWe welcome applications from people with additionalsupport needs and all such applications areconsidered on exactly the same academic grounds asother applications. If you have additional needsarising from a medical condition, a physical or sensorydisability, or a specific learning disability, you arestrongly encouraged to contact the University’s DSOto discuss your needs, any arrangements that may benecessary and the extent to which appropriatesupport is available:

www.manchester.ac.uk/dso

Information is also available from the Students’ UnionWelfare Officer:

www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk

Funding and financeThe University of Manchester will charge a headlinefee of £9,000 per year to UK and EU undergraduatesfrom September 2012, following changes touniversity tuition fees approved by Parliament in2010. This fee will enable the University to maintainthe quality of a Manchester degree, invest in thewider student experience and offer a range ofbursaries and discounts for students from less well-offbackgrounds.

However, more than one-third of all students whosuccessfully apply to study here will receive bursariesof up to £3,000 per year – and many will be offeredeven more generous support. Students who areeligible will be able to choose how they receive thissupport – either as a cash bursary, or as a discount ontheir fees or accommodation bill.

For the most up-to-date details, including informationon our proposed bursaries, scholarships and feediscounts, see our website:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentfinance

International studentsThe University is a multicultural environment andhome to more than 9,500 international students fromaround 160 countries. A range of services is availablefor international students, to help you both beforeand during your studies. This includes an airportcollection service, orientation courses and specialiststudent advisers.

Find out more, including information specific tostudents from your country, such as entryrequirements and useful contacts:

www.manchester.ac.uk/international

IT servicesAs a student at Manchester, you will have access to ahuge range of up-to-date IT services, including: onlineand mobile learning, PC clusters with a wide range ofsoftware, extensive WiFi networks, halls of residenceinternet service, email and technical help andsupport.

www.manchester.ac.uk/its

Library The John Rylands University Library (JRUL) is one ofthe best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and iswidely recognised as one of the world’s greatresearch libraries, with diverse special collections andelectronic resources unrivalled within UK universities.

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find outmore

Our University website holds awealth of information on the manyvaried aspects of student life. Beloware some of the most popular topics– use the web links for full details…

In 2009, the Main Library underwent a large-scalerefurbishment to the ground floor, improving accessboth to the building and to the collections and alsointroducing new social and learning spaces to caterfor a range of learning styles.

Find out more about the information services andresources available to you:

www.manchester.ac.uk/library

MapsGet to grips with your future home and take a closerlook at our campus, the city and Universityaccommodation by viewing our maps:

www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/travel/maps

ProspectusOur 2012 undergraduate prospectus offers acomprehensive overview of The University ofManchester. You can view a copy online:

www.manchester.ac.uk/ug/courses/prospectus

Religious supportThere are two chaplaincy centres for the majorChristian churches. St Peter’s House provideschaplains for the Anglican, Baptist, Methodist andUnited Reformed Churches, while the Roman CatholicChaplaincy is at Avila House. Hillel House providesfacilities for Jewish worship. There are prayer facilitieson campus for Muslim students and student societiesfor many religions.

SportWe have an exciting sport and fitness scene withsomething for everyone at every level, from complete

beginner to high performance athlete. Discover morethan 40 sports clubs; a vibrant ‘Campus Sport’programme, allowing you to play in friendly,recreational leagues; a huge variety of health andfitness classes; plus sport volunteering and scholarshipopportunities.

Find out more about our superb sport facilities andopportunities to get active in Manchester:

www.manchester.ac.uk/sport

Student supportWhatever the issue – financial, academic, personal, oradministrative – we have experienced and sympatheticpeople, support groups and advice centres to helpyou. Find out about counselling, academic advice andvarious other student support services:

www.manchester.ac.uk/studentnet/crucial-guide

Students’ UnionThe University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU)is the largest Students’ Union in Europe, offeringeverything from live bands to welfare advice, cheapstationery to student representation. UMSU has someof the largest and most active student societies in thecountry, as well as support and welfare services,student media, shops and bars and the famousManchester Academy. Have a look at the SU website:

www.umsu.manchester.ac.uk

Video libraryWatch and listen to our students and staff introducingvarious aspects of student life and The University ofManchester with our selection of online videos:

www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/video


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For further information about the courses, or aboutqualifications, contact:

admissions officeFaculty of Life SciencesG483 Stopford BuildingThe University of ManchesterOxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 5032fax +44 (0)161 275 5456email [email protected]

For the most up-to-date course information, visit our website:www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

Disclaimer

This brochure is prepared well in advance of theacademic year to which it relates. Consequently,details of courses may vary with staff changes. TheUniversity therefore reserves the right to make suchalterations to courses as are found to be necessary. Ifthe University makes an offer of a place, it is essentialthat you are aware of the current terms on which theoffer is based. If you are in any doubt, please feel freeto ask for confirmation of the precise position for theyear in question, before you accept the offer.

contactdetails

Faculty of Life SciencesG483 Stopford BuildingThe University of ManchesterOxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUnited Kingdom

tel +44 (0)161 275 5032 tel +44 (0)161 275 5456 email [email protected] www.manchester.ac.uk/lifesciences

Documents

life sciences - University of Manchester · Experience BSc 4yrs UCAS Code B111 Biochemistry BSc 3yrs UCAS Code C700 Biochemistry with Industrial/ Professional Experience BSc 4yrs