School of life ScienceS BIOLOGY, FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES · you to learn biology, food and nutritional sciences in a practical ... Biology • Research Project ... finding new

School of life ScienceS

BIOLOGY, FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES

undergraduate

2 SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES

the department of Biology, Food and nutritional Sciences offers a portfolio of exciting undergraduate courses that integrate current research and consultancy within the curriculum providing applied, highly vocational programmes of study.

Why Study BIOLOgy, FOOd and nutrItIOnaL SCIenCeS at nOrthumBrIa?

www.northumbria.ac.uk 3

Why Study BIOLOgy, FOOd and nutrItIOnaL SCIenCeS at nOrthumBrIa?

Our staff are experts in their fields, either as academics or having worked in industry, leading to relevant and innovative courses. Our degrees have a high practical content and a ‘hands-on’ approach which supports knowledge and underpins the scientific theory. As a student you’ll not only gain ‘cutting-edge’ practical and technical skills, but be able to apply your scientific knowledge to the analysis of unfamiliar problems – key attributes that are highly valued by employers. All of our degrees offer an optional one year work placement opportunity providing excellent work experience which could benefit your prospects of gaining employment after graduation.

The Department is actively engaged in research and enterprise activities for which it has an excellent and growing reputation (we ranked tenth in the Times Good University Guide 2012 for the quality of our research in Food Science). Staff are also engaged with the professional bodies associated with their specialism such as the Nutrition Society, the Association for Nutrition, Institute of Food Science and Technology, Society of Biology, Higher Education Academy and various advisory boards. This wide range of academic expertise not only ensures quality teaching but means our students have good insight into the skills and attributes valued by employers.

The Department boasts an impressive suite of newly refurbished teaching facilities containing high specification equipment. We also have dedicated IT facilities to support specialist software and a host of study areas.

Throughout your course a Personal Tutor will support you in your academic, personal and professional development. Staff operate an ‘open door’ policy which keeps the atmosphere between students and staff relaxed and friendly. There is a strong emphasis on developing transferable skills including presentation, IT and personal organisation all of which will be important in your future working life.

Learning, teaching and assessment

Modules are delivered using a combination of lecture-based and laboratory-based teaching, allowing you to learn biology, food and nutritional sciences in a practical context. Course delivery emphasises practical experience and interaction with staff. Our assessments are as innovative as our teaching. Students do undertake exams, however they are also challenged with assignments, case studies, laboratory work and presentations.

Accreditation and recognition

Our Food Science and Nutrition BSc is recognised by the Institute of Food Science and Technology. Students studying the Human Nutrition BSc can apply for student membership of the Nutrition Society, and graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Registration of the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists. Accreditation of the Human Nutrition BSc is pending.

Applied Sciences Extended Degree

For students who don’t posses the full entry requirements for our BSc programmes the School of Life Sciences offers a one year Extended Degree designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to

allow progression (upon successful completion) onto one of our three or four year full-time degrees outlined in this brochure. To be considered for the programme you’ll need five GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths and a minimum of 120 UCAS points. Applications are made through UCAS (course code Y002).

Career prospects

Our graduates are highly valued by employers and enter a wide range of careers. We have one of the best graduate employment rates for Food Science in the country (ranked tenth in UK for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2012). Our Food and Nutrition and Human Nutrition graduates have progressed into a range of exciting careers in the health profession, freelance nutrition, research, dietetics and the food industry.

Applied Biology and Biology with Forensic Biology graduates have gone onto careers in bioscience research laboratories in areas relating to medicine and biotechnology, water industry, scientific civil service and forensic science. Our Biotechnology graduates have found employment with companies such as Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive and a number of NHS trusts. Other opportunities exist in a variety of science sectors including research, commercial biotechnology and scientific sales.


aPPLIed BIOLOgy BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: C100 BSc/Biol • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)

Biosciences are perceived as highly important by the public, and there is a continued demand for degree programmes in this area of study. The Applied Biology BSc (Hons) degree will help you know and understand better the science of modern biology and will enable you to apply this knowledge in a range of biosciences contexts. You will develop your practical laboratory-based and transferable skills. You will also be introduced to ethical issues resulting from technological advances in biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental technology. This is a broad-based but flexible degree programme. Students study a range of relevant and applied modules, but have the opportunity to build up a specialism from a range of option choices.

In the first year you will be introduced to a range of subjects including the fundamentals of genetics, physiology, cell biology, animal and human biology together with studies of the diversity of living organisms within the global environment. Emphasis is placed on practical techniques and skills.

During the second year your subject-based knowledge will be extended and greater emphasis placed on the application of knowledge to solve problems. You will develop complex practical and field work exercises, and you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules.

In the third year you’ll have the opportunity of carrying out an optional salaried placement to put your new found skills into practice in a work environment.

During your final year you will carry out an individual research project in an area of interest which will help you develop critical analysis skills.

Emphasis is placed on independent learning in both individual and group contexts and you will have the opportunity to evaluate and synthesise complex subject matter in your field, in modules such as plant and animal biotechnology and bioethics. Again you will have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, to follow on from the second year, or new ones.


Year 1• Cell Biology and Genetics

• Human Physiology and Anatomy

• Biodiversity

• Practical Skills for Applied Scientists

• Environmental Biology

Year 2• Biotechnology and Applied

Biochemistry

• Genetics and Evolution 1

• Research Methods for Applied Sciences

• Environmental Animal Physiology

Options from:

• Food Biotechnology

• Food Analysis

• Practical Food Microbiology

• Bioinformatics and Molecular Biotechnology

• Nutrition Supplementation and Lifestyle

• The Biology of Disease

• Medical Microbiology

• Fundamentals of Ecology

• Modern Languages

• Student Tutoring

Year 3Optional Placement Year

Final Year• Animal and Plant Biotechnology

• Investigative Biology

• Bioethics

• Research Project

Options from:

• Applied Genetics

• Molecular Therapeutics

• Food Technology

• Current Topics in Biotechnology

• Applied Bioinformatics

• Applications of Forensic Biology

• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

• Food and Nutrition – Policies and Issues

• Applied Ecology and Conservation

Modules you may study include:

aPPLIed BIOLOgy BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: C100 BSc/Biol • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)


BIOLOgy WIth FOrenSIC BIOLOgy BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: C110 BSc/BFB • Length: Three years (Four years sandwich)

Year 1• Plant Biology

• Cell Biology and Genetics

• Chemistry for the Life Sciences

• Invertebrate Physiology

• Principles of Biochemistry

• Biodiversity

• Skills for Applied Scientists

• Introduction to Forensic Sciences

Year 2• Environmental Plant Physiology

• Chromatography

• Genetics and Evolution

• Investigative Forensic Science


• Environmental Animal Physiology

• Forensic Investigation: From Crime Scene to Court

Year 3Optional Work Placement

Final Year• Bioethics

• Applications of Forensic Biology


• Advanced Forensic Investigation

• Forensic Science in Practice

• Principles of Criminal Evidence

Modules you may study include: Biosciences, especially those with forensic science applications, are perceived as highly important by the public, and there is a continued demand for degrees in this area of study. This programme will enable you to understand and apply relevant biological topics in a range of biological and forensic contexts.You will also be introduced to related matters such as ‘hands-on’ analysis, interpretation and presentation of evidence in a court setting and ethical issues resulting from forensic science advances in biotechnology, biomedicine and environmental technology.

In the first year, you will be introduced to a range of subject areas, including fundamentals of biochemistry, genetics, plant and animal biology and physiology. You will also study the diversity of living organisms in the biosphere, as well as introductory forensic science and relevant laboratory techniques. Your transferable and practical skills will be developed.

During the second year your subject-based knowledge will be extended and greater emphasis placed on the applications of scientific knowledge. You will carry out complex practical and problem-solving exercises. Specifically focused forensic science modules are introduced, e.g. forensic medicine, evaluation and presentation of evidence.

In your third year, you may wish to carry out an optional salaried work placement to gain valuable work experience in your chosen field.

During your final year and to complement the scientific aspects of your degree, studies of other relevant areas are included which introduce legal, social and ethical considerations. You will carry out an individual research project in an area of interest which will help you to develop critical analysis skills. Emphasis is placed on independent learning in both individual and group contexts and you will have the opportunity to critically evaluate and synthesise complex subject matter in your field. The application of biology in forensic science is enhanced and applied via Advanced Forensic Investigation.


BIOLOgy WIth FOrenSIC BIOLOgy BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: C110 BSc/BFB • Length: Three years (Four years sandwich)

What appealed to you about studying in Newcastle?

I always wanted to move out of home and have the ‘university experience’ – as I am originally from Leeds I picked Newcastle not only for its city appeal but because it wasn’t too far from home. Knowing people who had already attended Northumbria and loved it sold it for me, and going to the open day confirmed it was where I wanted to spend the next four years.

What do you like most about the course?

I like the intensity of my course and the depth of the subjects. I love the variety of topics involved in this degree – from bioethics to crime scene investigation! The course teaches you through a range of ways, my favourite being practical labs.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

At the moment I am working on my final year project, which looks at finding new antibiotics from a range of soil samples. My final year also involves lots of forensic modules; in one assessment I have to travel to Coach Lane Campus to a readymade ‘crime scene’– a house which has been set up to resemble the conditions that a crime scene investigator may face on a daily basis. From the moment I arrive at the scene I have to take on the role of a crime scene investigator, and find, photograph and collect any evidence at the scene.

This course is quite demanding but very rewarding when you realise what you have learnt and the results you achieve.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

My career choices have changed numerous times since I started university, I have just recently sent off my application to study for a PGCE in

secondary biology. I do like to keep my options open though and I think any job involving science would suit me. As well as teaching I am interested in laboratory work and my interest for working in the forensic industry grows.

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Incomparable, rewarding and exciting!

Knowing people who had

already attended northumbria

and loved it sold it for me.

reBeCCa hardy BSc (Hons) Biology with Forensic Biology


BIOteChnOLOgy BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: J700 BSc/Biot • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)

Year 1• Plant Biology


• Principles of Immunology

• The Scope of Biotechnology

• Introductory Bioinformatics

• Biochemistry

• Biodiversity


Year 2• Food Biotechnology

• Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry

• Clinical Immunology

• Bioinformatics and Molecular Biotechnology

• Biotechniques and Practical Molecular Genetics


• Metabolic Biochemistry

• Medical Microbiology

• Microbial and Mammalian Cell Culture


Final Year• Plant Biotechnology

• Animal Biotechnology

• Current Topics in Biotechnology

• Applied Bioinformatics


• Research Topics in Biomedical Sciences

• Analytical and Immunological Methods

• Bioethics


Biotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing applied sciences, having applications from the diagnosis and treatment of disease to the enhancement of food production.

The Biotechnology BSc (Hons) degree is designed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to enable you, upon graduation, to take full advantage of the opportunities for employment or further research in the forefront of this exciting and continuously evolving discipline.

This course will help you to understand the role of scientific research in the advancement of biotechnology and the potential economic, ethical and political impacts of modern biotechnology on society.

The main focus of the course will be on molecular biotechnology, which includes the themes of molecular biology and bioinformatics. Although there will be an emphasis on laboratory-scale biotechnology, the course will foster an awareness of its applications, e.g. food production,diagnosis and treatment of disease and production of renewable fuel.

The practical skills you develop include information technology that will enable you to pursue a career in the biotechnology industry. You will also prepare for employment by developing transferable skills including: self-management and reflective practice, independence, communication, IT, numeracy, data analysis, interpersonal and teamwork skills, alongside an awareness of current issues within the taught programme.

You may wish to apply for an optional work placement in your third year and gain valuable work experience. Previous students have been successful in gaining placements at national UK Biotechnology companies or Government Laboratories, including: Avecia Billingham, Pfizer Kent and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

In your final year, you will undertake a research project in an area of biotechnology relating to your area of interest. Strong links to local and national industries and research organisations offer ideal opportunities for collaborative final year projects.


What appealed to you about studying in Newcastle?

I am a transfer student from Malaysia and I came to the UK to complete my final year degree. Deciding to come to the UK was a defining moment in my life. It was such a big challenge for a Muslim girl to move to a very different country.

I decided to study at Northumbria because I heard that it was a great place to study, in a beautiful and safe city. I always wanted to go to a university with a campus located in the city centre and Northumbria has it. You’ve got a great University with an internationally famous reputation as well as shopping, nightlife and culture right on your doorstep. It also offers great courses and is a good University with high academic standards.

Why did you choose this course?

The best thing about my degree is how it relates to everyday life, finding out how diseases that affect us actually work and also getting the opportunity to do dissections in the final year.


Science is enormously exciting. It is about life and creativity about finding ways and inventing solutions to make the world we live in a better place. I believe biotechnology is an exciting choice, offering unlimited opportunities. Imagine the power of being involved in research that brings about life enhancing innovations. With the teaching methods, we learn in a fun way which makes it easier to understand.

How do you get on with your tutors?

The tutors are amazing; they are generally experts in their field and they are enthusiastic about their subjects.

They are really helpful and nice. If you don’t understand something, you just have to ask and they will explain the whole thing back to you immediately. You won’t have to look far to find a smiling face and people ready to help!

My experience at Northumbria has been superb so far, as the tutors and lecturers are very helpful and the facilities such as the library are well equipped with very good IT and internet facilities. The University staff are friendly and the clubs and societies are good.

Would you recommend Northumbria to other students?

I would recommend Northumbria University to all prospective students as it offers great courses and is a really good place to study. Newcastle is loaded with things to do, such as restaurants, cinemas, shopping parks, museums and many places close to the city to explore. There are fantastic laboratories on campus and I’m learning not just theory, but practical skills that will help me in my career.

How would you describe your time at Northumbria?

Northumbria is AWESOME! Simply the best!

You won’t have to look far

to find a smiling face and

people ready to help!

ILI nadIra ShaharuddIn BSc (Hons) Biotechnology


FOOd SCIenCe and nutrItIOn BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: BD46 BSc/FSN • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)


Have you ever wondered how all of the food makes it to the supermarkets shelves? The chances are that a food scientist has been involved in just about every stage of the process. They will be involved in the initial ideas stage; the development of the product; the shelf life testing; the production; the marketing – the list goes on. Add to that the increasing awareness of nutrition and you can see that this programme opens up a whole range of career options.This programme emphasises the scientific understanding of food during studies which will enable you to apply knowledge to a range of contexts such as food processing, quality and safety, technology and the identification of relationships between dietary intake and health.

In the first year modules concentrate largely on the principal areas of food and human sciences, including cell biology, nutrition, physiology, food hygiene and food chemistry. Additional modules provide a thorough grounding in data handling and practical skills.

The core curriculum in the second year builds upon the general principles laid down in the first, with further study in nutrition, human metabolism, food microbiology and food analysis. New modules are introduced to broaden the approach to the discipline and include food marketing strategies and a six-week mandatory placement module in an area of your choice. Food product development, environmental health, dietetics, food retailing and food quality are just some options.

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to apply for a placement in an organisation to try out your new found skills and get valuable work experience. This is an optional choice.

Your final year involves further application and integration of food and human nutrition with the study of sensory analysis and product development, food technology, food quality systems and nutritional studies. You will also undertake a research project, which is a detailed study of a particular area of interest requiring the application of the scientific and investigative skills developed over your previous two years of study.

Year 1• Food Hygiene and Legislation

• Food Science

• Nutrition, Diet and Behaviour




• Principles of Biochemistry 1


Year 2• Applied Nutrition

• Food Biotechnology

• Work-based Learning in Food


• Food and Packaging Analysis

• Food Marketing Strategies

• Biochemical Pathways



Final Year• Sensory Evaluation and

Product Development

• Food Technology

• Nutritional Studies

• Food Quality and Safety



Options from:

• Investigative Microbiology


• Fundamental Bioethics

• Bioethics




FOOd SCIenCe and nutrItIOn BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: BD46 BSc/FSN • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)


human nutrItIOn BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: B400 BSc/HuNu • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)

Year 1• Cell Biology and Genetics



• Food Hygiene and Legislation

• Principles of Biochemistry 1


• Food Science

• Nutrition, Diet and Behaviour

Year 2• Applied Nutrition


• Nutrition Supplementation and Lifestyle


• Metabolic Biochemistry

• Clinical Biochemistry


• Food Marketing Strategies


Final Year• Fundamental Bioethics

• Molecular Pathophysiology


• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics


Options from:

• Sensory Evaluation and Product Development

• Investigative Microbiology

• Food Technology


• Bioethics



Modules you may study include: We all eat, but we don’t all understand the impact of what we eat might have on our health. This programme emphasises the scientific understanding of nutrition which will enable you to apply this knowledge to the identification of relationships between dietary intake, health and behaviour and translate the science into meaningful advice for the public.

During studies of the scientific aspects of Human Nutrition there will be an emphasis on developing practical laboratory-based skills – but you will also be introduced to related matters such as current issues faced by the food industries and the importance of government and international food policies.

Our students are eligible to apply for student membership of the Nutrition Society and graduates can apply to the Association for Nutrition for Associate Registration to the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists, and accreditation of the programme is pending.

The content of the module reflects the need for nutritionists to understand the complex science behind public health messages. The first year introduces you to a range of subject areas, knowledge

of which is fundamental to studies in human nutrition and related areas of food science and applied biological sciences including: fundamentals of biochemistry, physiology and whole-organism biology; studies of food sciences and nutrition and the food industry; and current issues in food sciences. You will also be able to develop your transferable skills such as ICT and communication.

During the second year, you will have the opportunity of extending your subject-based knowledge and putting greater emphasis on the applications of your scientific knowledge. Your critical analytical skills will be developed and more complex practical and field-based exercises will develop your skills-base.

In the third year you will have the opportunity to apply for an optional work placement to put your new found skills into practice in the work environment.

During the final year and to complement the scientific and technological aspects of the degree, studies of other relevant areas are included which introduce legal, social and political considerations and ethics. You will carry out an individual research project in an area of interest. Emphasis is placed on independent learning in both individual and group contexts and you will be expected to critically evaluate and synthesise complex subject matter in your field.


human nutrItIOn BSc (Hons) • UCAS code: B400 BSc/HuNu • Length: Three years (four years sandwich)


COLIn JameS WatSOn BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition


I really enjoy the variety of modules that were studied in the first year and more so in the second year; you wouldn’t imagine the varying modules that all connect and have a massive link with nutrition. I enjoy the nutrition modules which help me learn the basics of food and nutrition, which helps in most of the other modules.

Can you give an example of a piece of work you’ve been involved with recently?

Currently, I have been given an assignment which involves analysing your food intake over a period of three days. I have to record every piece of food and drink over three days and then input this information into a system called micro-diet which assesses your diet including: calories, protein, fat and carbohydrates. Overall I would say the course is challenging at times, but there’s always support from tutors.

How do you get on with your tutors?

I get on well with my module tutors; they are all approachable and friendly when I have a question about the work assigned to me and make the subject interesting. My course tutor always extends the offer to come and see her if I have any concerns or queries.

Do you have the opportunity for any work placements during your course?

There is an opportunity on this degree to undertake an industrial placement with companies such as Cadburys and Findus and many others which gives you an extra something to put on your CV. Everyone gets the full support of the Placement Officer and Careers and Employment team to find a placement and better your CV.

What would you like to do when you graduate?

When I first joined the course, I wanted to go on to further studies in dietetics which has not changed, however I am a keen sports person and I’m hoping to specialise in sports dietetics which I have been interested in ever since the London Olympics 2012 was announced.

What three words would you use to describe your time at Northumbria?

Enjoyable, worthwhile, and appealing.

The course is challenging

at times, but there’s always

support from tutors.



entry requIrementS

Compulsory requirements (All BSc):

Five GCSEs at grade C or above including English Languages and Mathematics

BSc (Hons) Applied Biology

BSc (Hons) Biology with Forensic Biology

BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition

GCE/VCE A Level: 280 UCAS Tariff points – 100 points should be in Biology

BTEC National Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit including Biology

Scottish Highers: BBCCC at Higher level including B in Biology. BCC at Advanced Higher including B in Biology

Irish Highers: BBBBC including B in Biology

BSc (Hons) Biotechnology

GCE/VCE A Level: 300 UCAS Tariff points - including 100 points in Biology

BTEC National Diploma: Distinction, Distinction, Merit including Biology

Scottish Highers: BBBBC at Higher level including B in Biology. BBC at Advanced Higher including B in Biology

Irish Highers: ABBBB including B in Biology

BSc (Hons) Food Science and Nutrition

GCE/VCE A Level: 280 UCAS Tariff points – including 80 points in Science, Food Technology or Home Economics

BTEC National Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit including Science, Food Technology or Home Economics

Scottish Highers: BBCCC at Higher level/ BCC at Advanced Higher including Science, Food Technology or Home Economics

Irish Highers: BBBBC including Science, Food Technology or Home Economics

Overseas Applicants If you are an overseas applicant you should be able to demonstrate competence in the English language to a level of IELTS 6 or equivalent.

Entry requirements are subject to change. For up-to-date entry requirements and course information visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/lifesciences

hOW tO aPPLy

UK and EU StudentsApplications should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.com

International StudentsInternational Students should apply via: International Admissions Northumbria University 21/22 Ellison Place Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST United Kingdom Tel: +44 191 227 4274Email: [email protected]

FOr Further InFOrmatIOn PLeaSe COntaCt:Northumbria University Admissions Team Tel: 0191 227 4444 Email: [email protected]

northumbria university’s School of Life Sciences is situated in the centre of newcastle. With unparalleled nightlife, beautiful architecture and a vibrant city centre filled with shops, restaurants and cultural venues newcastle is an excellent place to live and study. In fact one-in-six of the population is a student!

Northumbria’s City Campus is a five minute walk from the city centre and in 15 minutes you could be on the Quayside, the cultural heart of the city, with the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead music venue attracting many visitors from all over the world.

The thriving atmosphere in the city also provides opportunities for part-time work and yet Newcastle has one of the lowest costs of living in the UK which will make your money stretch further.

Newcastle’s extensive public transport network makes travelling around the city simple and inexpensive. It’s just as easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In 30 minutes you could visit one of Tynemouth’s beautiful beaches and take a surf lesson, or travel out to the rugged countryside of Northumberland or Durham and visit some of the region’s world heritage sites.

LIvIng and StudyIng In neWCaStLe

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School of life ScienceS BIOLOGY, FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES · you to learn biology, food and nutritional sciences in a practical ... Biology • Research Project ... finding new