What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.
Year 1
Year 1 provides the basics for studying nutrition - biochemistry, physiology, human nutrition and basic food science, plus general scientific and laboratory skills.
Core modules
The Biochemical Foundations of Life
30 credits
This is a core module taken by students studying Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Forensic Biology, Forensic Science, Medical Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology. The module is intended to give you an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. The module will then elaborate on the role that structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids plays in defining their properties and function along with describing some of the laboratory techniques used in their investigation. The module will also introduce the importance of energy transformations in living organisms. The module provides an essential introduction to level 5 and 6 modules that develop further knowledge in biochemical principles. Core material is delivered through lectures and problem solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.
Scientific and Laboratory Skills
30 credits
This first year module is a core module for all Bioscience and Forensic Science programmes, and provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.
Human Physiology
30 credits
This is a core module taken by students studying BSc Biomedical Science, Nutrition, Medical Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, and Forensic Biology.
The module introduces students to fundamental physiological concepts which underpin the coordinated functioning of the human body, including homeostasis, cellular communication and movement of molecules through body compartments. The main physiological systems of the body are then covered, including the nervous, muscle, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and digestive systems. Core material is delivered through lectures, problem solving exercises and directed reading. Laboratory practicals provide experience of selected techniques, experimental design and data analysis used in physiological experimental work.
Food and Nutrition 1: An Introduction
30 credits
This module is core for students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Human Nutrition)*/BSc (Hons) Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health)*/BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health and introduces students to the study and practice of human nutrition. The module focuses primarily on macronutrients and micronutrients but will also include water and alcohol. Other topics introduced as part of this module include the basic concepts that underpin energy and nitrogen balance, the derivation and application of dietary reference values, the study of food composition and food science. Students will also be introduced to the social functions of food and nutrition in society as well as basic applications of food science in everyday life. This module is a pre-requisite for Food and Nutrition 2: Applied Nutrition (LS5007).
Year 2
Year 2 examines more-advanced aspects of human biology, including biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology and microbiology. You will consider nutrition at different stages of life and in assessment of health, learning to obtain and interpret food and nutrient intake data as well as translating scientific research. You will develop skills to prepare for Year 3's project dissertation.
Core modules
Proteins and Metabolism
30 credits
This module is core in the Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Human Biology, Medical Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology routes) and Nutrition (Human Nutrition). It is also an option module for Biomedical Science. The module provides students with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.
Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods
30 credits
This is a core module for students studying Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology. It aims to develop the scientific, academic and research skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate applications of these skills to study and research in pharmacology. Research methods and employability skills are taught within the context of pharmacological research and associated industries. You will be introduced to the basic concepts of pharmacodynamics (how drugs take their effect at given targets) and drug disposition/pharmacokinetics (the effect the body has on administered drugs), whilst considering the factors which influence such parameters and thus lead to individual variability in drug response. The module goes on to discuss the principles of toxicology, how drugs are discovered and developed, and the role of pharmaceutical sector / regulatory bodies in this process.
Food and Nutrition 2: Applied Nutrition
30 credits
This module is core for students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Human Nutrition)*/BSc (Hons) Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health)*/BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health. The module applies basic nutrition delivered at Level 4 (Food and Nutrition 1: An Introduction - LS4006) to introduce students to dietary assessment methodology and how they are used depending on nutrients, groups and populations, and the role of nutrition across the lifespan and is a pre-requisite for Food and Nutrition 3: Public Health Nutrition (LS6009), which is delivered at Level 6.
Infection and Immunity
30 credits
This is a core module for Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences (Medical Biology), Medical Biochemistry, Nutrition and Pharmacology, and an option for Biological Sciences (Human Biology). It is a pre-requisite for the level 6 modules LS6003 (Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Disease) and LS6006 (Clinical Immunology and Medical Microbiology).
This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of microbiological agents in health and disease and the immunological responses raised as a consequence by the human body. Through the lectures a number of microbiological processes will be examined along with methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well as within a patient. Students will also become familiar with the different cells and organs of the immune system and how these function and interact to protect the body from infection. The module also introduces some of the molecular processes and signalling events that are important in communication between cells of the human immune system.
Final year
Final year explores more specialised and applied aspects, such as nutrition's role in health and disease and public health nutrition (both within a developed and developing country context). Options include the modules Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and Health and Exercise Physiology. Your independent nutrition research project will be in a subject of interest (eg. public health and clinical nutrition, food science and the role of specific compounds in food).
Core modules
Food and Nutrition 3: Public Health Nutrition
30 credits
This module is core for students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Human Nutrition)*/BSc (Hons) Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health)*/BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health. This module will develop students' understanding of the concepts, theories and practice of Health Promotion, focusing on diet & physical activity in developing and developed countries. It will examine theories of motivation, behaviour and strategies of health promotion. The role, influence and impact of policies on population and client groups will be examined. This module will also provide students with an understanding of nutritional issues in the developing world.
Food and Nutrition 4: Contemporary Issues in Food and Nutrition
30 credits
This module is a core module for students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Human Nutrition)*/BSc (Hons) Nutrition and can be taken as an option module by students studying Biology Sciences (Human Biology) and BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health)*/BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health provided you have one of the pre-requisites listed above. This module introduces you to areas that have a significant impact on modern day food and nutrition including food legislation and safety, novel and functional foods, nutraceuticals and the interaction between nutrition and pharmacology. Furthermore, it provides in-depth material on emerging and re-emerging topics such as malnutrition and food allergy as well as issues concerning nutrition and disease and the use of advanced body composition techniques and biochemical and biological analysis.
Project or Dissertation (Nutrition)
30 credits
This module is a core module for students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Human Nutrition)*/BSc (Hons) Nutrition and can be taken as an option module by students studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Exercise and Health)*/BSc (Hons) Exercise, Nutrition and Health and is a capstone project module designed to enable students demonstrate the academic and transferable skills they have developed throughout their respective programmes and to show evidence of synthesis based on these skills and the knowledge, understanding, application and integration of nutrition gained from taught modules.
Optional modules
Clinical Chemistry and Haematology (Blood Sciences)
30 credits
This is a core module for Biomedical Science, and an option for Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route), and Nutrition (Human Nutrition). The module evaluates the contribution of laboratory investigations to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in key areas such as renal disease, diabetes, anaemia, and haematological malignancies. The module also considers the role of the transfusion laboratory in the treatment of selected disorders.
Topics are introduced through a structured lecture series and further explored in practical laboratory sessions. Additional material is provided via Canvas, with tutorials used to support the practical programme and strengthen understanding of key concepts.
Throughout the module, case histories are used to illustrate current best practice in Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, and this is re-enforced by keynote lectures from expert practitioners in the field. The module also places an emphasis on students' acquisition of the knowledge and practical skills required by employers.
Clinical Immunology and Medical Microbiology
30 credits
This is a core requirement for Biomedical Science and is an option for those on other Life Science degree courses (Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route), Medical Biochemistry and Nutrition). The module builds on and applies the learning achieved in the level 5 Infection and Immunity (LS5008) module which is a prerequisite.
The module initially explores in detail diseases of: overactive immunity (eg. autoimmune disease and hypersensitivity); and of immune deficiency (eg. AIDS). It also explores other key areas of clinical immunology such as cancer immunology, monoclonal antibodies and laboratory diagnostics.
The module then explores infectious diseases and the principles and practise of the medical microbiology. Selected infectious diseases and their laboratory diagnosis are studied in depth using an organ system approach; for example, infections of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tract.
Health and Exercise Physiology
30 credits
This is a core module in Sport Science, Exercise, Nutrition & Health and Biological Sciences (Human Biology) degree pathways, and offered as an option on the Sports Analysis & Coaching. This module covers the acute and chronic physiological changes induced by exercise and an understanding of cardio-respiratory health. This module will develop the students' application of exercise physiology to performance. The module will also enable students to apply the role of exercise and physical activity as a prescription therapy to clinical diseases. This module will further develop the student understanding by equipping them with the scientific skills to monitor and assess health, fitness and performance.
