International Year One in Biological Sciences

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

This module introduces different cell types, human tissues, major organs, body systems and disease and emphasises the integrated nature of cells, tissues, and organs from a molecular and cellular perspective. In particular, the module will provide a comprehensive introduction to the human immune system. Topics include Generation of cells and systems in multicellular organisms, the Nervous system, Vasculature and Circulation, Respiration and Cardiology, Digestion, Liver metabolism, Kidney/electrolyte balance, Molecular immunology, Host-pathogen interactions, human disease, and immunological methods. You will learn how drugs, such as Curare, produce muscle paralysis, an effect that is useful in general anaesthesia, how adrenaline stimulates the heart, why Botox is a biological warfare agent and a cosmetic treatment and why beta blockers are used widely in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The Molecular & Cellular Biology & Genetics module provides a basic and comprehensive grounding in the multidisciplinary science of eukaryotic cell biology and genetics. The composition, structure and function of organelles and other cellular components are discussed in the context of the cells they constitute and their biological activities. Examples from microbes, plants and animals are examined. The cellular and subcellular specialisations, and characteristics of higher tissue assemblies, are studied to understand how cells contribute to the overall functioning of the organism, and how malfunctions at the subcellular level led to diseases such as cancer. 

As cell biology is primarily an experimental science, the workings of cells will be frequently discussed in an experimental context to familiarise you with many of the common tools used by cell biologists. Cell Biology incorporates disciplines such as biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, cytology, histology, and biophysics. This module also describes the nature of the genetic material - DNA - and how it is transmitted from parents to offspring. Cell biology is increasingly important in all life sciences. Many of the advancements in modern science are the result of a better understanding of cellular components and their functions. 

This course introduces the basic concepts in Microbiology. The basic structures, types and activities of microorganisms are discussed, as well as their method of growth and reproduction. Various physical and chemical methods of control of microorganisms will be explored. Host-microbe relationships and disease processes are examined and aspects of preventing disease are introduced. The significance of microorganisms’ presence in food as well as their role in industrial processes and the environment are also outlined.

The overall aim of the module is to develop your fundamental knowledge of research philosophies and data collection methods, and to give you an opportunity to apply the knowledge to derive a research proposal within your area of study.