Biosciences - MBiol

Durham University

Satisfy your curiosity about biology with an integrated Master’s in Biosciences that will enhance your understanding of the world around you and prepare you for employment in the science sector and beyond.,With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The MBiol course offers flexibility so that you can follow specialised routes within biological sciences by offering module combinations to address your specific areas of interest. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunity to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. Themed ‘routes’ include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science. In Year 1 you will study the fundamental aspects of biology and the basics of scientific research. Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning. Year 3 places a strong emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the Department. Two core modules, a field course or laboratory-based workshop and a literature review, are combined with optional modules linked to your interests and career aspirations. The final year, prepares you for research at postgraduate level and includes an extended project in a biology related area. Running through most of the academic year, it allows you to gain hands-on experience working alongside academic staff doing world-leading research.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Molecules and Cells gives an overview of cells and their molecular components. It explores the structure and functions of proteins and biological membranes cellular metabolism and energy-generating processes and communication and signalling between cells.Genetics introduces the development of genetics and the processes linking genotype to phenotype in living organisms. It provides an overview of modern technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation.Introduction to Physiology covers mammalian physiology as a model for processes in other organisms, describing a range of tissues and processes and connecting them at a molecular and cellular level.Organisms and Environment provides an introduction to the diversity of life, from adaptation of organisms to a range of environments to diversification via the concept of evolution. It introduces the concepts of ecology and the role of behaviour in determininginteractions between species and individuals, along with a survey of ecosystems and their responses for changing global conditions.Fundamentals of Bioscience Research develops the basic toolkit of skills required for research, including communication, presentation, handling source materials, analysis, problem solving and reporting. The module also covers chemistry and maths designed to support learning in the other modules.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Research Skills for Biosciences in which skills required for research-led learning at Year 3 are covered.Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: EcologyBehaviourEvolutionPlant and Algal PhysiologyCell SignallingDevelopmentCell BiologyMolecular BiologyBiochemistryIntegrated Physiological SystemsMicrobiologyImmune SystemsYear 3 modulesCore modules:Workshop (laboratory-based) or field course (field-based) currently held in South Africa or Scotland), involving research experience.Literature review involves the study of current research literature in a topic area selected by you, under personal supervision.