Life and Environmental Sciences pathway modules
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Compulsory modules
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Credits
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English and Study Skills for Academic Purposes (Term 1)
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20
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English and Study Skills for Specific Academic Purposes (Term 2)
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20
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Optional modules
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Geosciences
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20
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Biology
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20
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Human Biology
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20
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Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences
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20
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Introductory Mathematics
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10
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Introductory Chemistry
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10
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The Periodic Table
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10
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Introductory Organic Chemistry
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10
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Organic Spectroscopy
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10
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Physical Chemistry
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20
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You must take modules totalling 120 credits over the academic year.
You may choose optional modules offered by other pathways, to make up the 120 credits subject to availability and timetabling.
Module descriptions
English and Study Skills for Academic Purposes and English and Study Skills for Specific Academic Purposes modules are detailed here.
Geosciences
This module will examine the interplay between geology and environments through time to show how they have shaped the world in which we live. You will study a broad range of topics that illustrate the interplay between geological processes such as volcanism, plate tectonics, sedimentation and the environment, including the co-evolution of life and planet Earth.
Biology
This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of evolution, genetics, organismal and environmental biology. The focus of the module is on animal, plant and microbial biology but, where necessary, it draws comparisons and makes reference to human biology.
Human Biology
This module will examine the biological mechanisms that underpin the workings of the human body and mind. You will study a broad range of topics, from fundamental cell biology and biochemistry to the function and regulation of tissues and the biological bases of behaviour.
Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences
This module will build upon the initial English and Study Skills for Academic Purposes module to introduce you to the specialist study skills specific to the biological sciences. The focus of this module will be data analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and presentation skills (verbal and written in various formats). Much of your learning will be via student-selected topics that allow you to explore your own interests within the broad field of biology, working in groups and individually.
Introductory Mathematics
This module is aimed at developing your confidence and knowledge in basic mathematical techniques and skills. Topics you will study include: indices and logarithms; basic algebra; elementary geometry; trigonometry functions; vectors; and an introduction to differentiation and integration.
Introductory Chemistry
This module aims to develop a number of fundamental concepts associated with the discipline of Chemistry. Topics you will study include: electron configurations; basic ionic, covalent and co-ordinate bonding; relative formula mass and composition; stoichiometry (and balancing equations); moles, concentrations and Avogadro’s number; and reacting quantities calculations.
The Periodic Table
This module covers important concepts such as periodicity (eg, elemental reactivity and property trends) and molecular shapes (eg, VSEPR theory). It also expands and develops the basic bonding theories presented in the pre-requisite module (Introductory Chemistry) in more detail.
Introductory Organic Chemistry
This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in basic organic chemistry. Topics you will study include: nomenclature, isomerism, arrow-pushing mechanisms, reactivity of sp, sp2 and sp3 carbon centres, and basic organic reaction schemes.
Organic Spectroscopy
This module is linked to the pre-requisite module Introductory Organic Chemistry. It aims to develop further some of the concepts presented in the introductory module, such as isomerism and arrow-pushing schemes. It also covers structure determination using spectroscopic techniques (IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy).
Physical Chemistry
This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry. Topics you will study include: gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. The module also includes coverage of acids and bases, solubility and electrochemistry. You will also practise some mathematical techniques (eg, differentiation and integration) within a chemical context.