This module looks at the operation of the Ocean as a biogeochemical entity within the larger Earth System. There is a strong focus on how the Earth System will respond to anthropogenic impacts and global change.
The module includes an introduction to bioinformatics and its role in modern 'Omics' technologies; developments in DNA sequencing technologies; bioinformatic analyses of DNA; sequence alignment and biological databases.
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of biological systems to be surveyed en masse. For example, whole genome sequencing can rapidly profile complete human genomes and transcriptomic analyses provide quantitative surveys of 1000s of RNA molecules. In addition to changing fundamental biology, these techniques are a central component of personalized medicine by providing molecular readouts for individual patients to improve both diagnosis and therapy. Interpreting the outcome of these large-scale experiments requires an understanding of the experimental technologies themselves as well as the underlying biological processes. Bioinformatics techniques address many of the challenges of these experiments including how to process, analyse, visualize and ultimately interpret the data. This module will introduce students to large-scale 'systems' biology as well as equipping them with the practical, hands-on skills necessary to fully utilize data resulting from these techniques.
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of biological systems to be surveyed en masse. For example, whole genome sequencing can rapidly profile complete human genomes and transcriptomic analyses provide quantitative surveys of 1000s of RNA molecules. In addition to changing fundamental biology, these techniques are a central component of personalized medicine by providing molecular readouts for individual patients to improve both diagnosis and therapy. Interpreting the outcome of these large-scale experiments requires an understanding of the experimental technologies themselves as well as the underlying biological processes. Bioinformatics techniques address many of the challenges of these experiments including how to process, analyse, visualize and ultimately interpret the data. This module will introduce students to large-scale ‘systems’ biology as well as equipping them with the practical, hands-on skills necessary to fully utilize data resulting from these techniques.
Biological data science is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of biology, statistics, and computer science. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in analysing and interpreting data as well as an expectation that students will be familiar with responsible use of Artificial Intelligence to achieve this goal. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively analyse and interpret biological data using the versatile and freely available programming language R, empowering them to contribute to scientific and societal advancements.
This module provides an introduction to the ways in which engineering methods are used in characterising and modelling the biophysical properties of tissues and organs, and applied to the design of biomedical implants and devices for the treatment of a wide range of human diseases and dysfunctions. In particular, you will learn about the design and function of prosthetic limbs, auditory implants, cardiovascular devices, and how regenerative medicine and tissue engineering are influencing the development of biomedical implants. The relevant background to anatomy, disease, injury, continuum biomechanics and the mechanical properties of biological materials will be covered such that engineering solutions can be presented with respect to the associated clinical needs. In addition to lectures, you will have hands-on lab-based tasks and talks by specialist clinicians.
This module is the lab programme for all first-year students enrolled on the BIOM degree programme. It aims to give students the opportunity to apply the theory that they learn in their other modules, and to provide them with transferrable, subject-based and professional skills that they will need for their degree and career. Structurally, the BIOM Part One Laboratory Programme is organised to cover all practical and laboratory based work in the first year of study on all BIOM Pathways in a single timetable organised into central laboratory locations. The module is structured into a series of activities. There are a series of general sessions which all students enrolled on this module are expected to attempt: •Information lectures. •Transferable skills laboratories •Professional skills laboratories. •Assignments. In addition, there are a number of technical laboratories integrated into the Laboratory Programme which cover practical Learning Outcomes from other technical modules in the Programmes.
A biomaterial can be described as a material used in a biomedical device intended to interact with biological systems. The selection of an appropriate biomaterial is critical to the performance of an implant. For a hip replacement, properties such as good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility are required to ensure the hip replacement does not fail in service. In this module, you will learn about the various polymer, metal and ceramic based materials used as biomaterials, and discover why these materials have been accepted into clinical practice. A series of case studies will be used as examples to show how past failures have led to the materials that are used today, in particular, focussing on hip and knee replacements.
