COURSE TITLE AWARD BIOSCIENCES As a Biosciences undergraduate student at the University of Westminster, you will benefit from some of the best teaching and facilities available. Our courses combine lecture, tutorial and practical laboratory elements, and our state-of-the-art laboratories were recently completely refurbished as part of a multi-million pound modernisation plan. You will gain sound foundations in mathematics, chemistry, biology, structural biochemistry and relevant analytical biochemical techniques. The course combines lecture, tutorial and practical laboratory elements using a wide range of modern biochemical equipment including bench-top pilot plants and full-size fermentation suites, as well as learning resources such as MathCAD and other dedicated biochemical engineering software packages. The broad range of modules taught in Years 3 and 4 (Credit Levels 6 and 7) reflect the research interests of our school. A core component of your degree is the research project, for which you are expected to undertake original research under staff guidance. Bio-Material Sciences and Applications Engineering Mathematics Introduction to Biochemical Engineering Our students are supported in activities outside the classroom, from the Life Sciences Society through to diverse projects such as Broad Vision an art/ science collaboration and igem, an international competition for synthetic biology. Regular contact with your personal tutor is designed to support the transition to higher education. Biochemical Unit Operations and Quantitative Analysis Microbial Physiology and Culture Molecular Biochemistry Pilot Plant Operation and Project Preparation Our experienced and research-active staff work in collaboration with bio-industry, the National Health Service (NHS) and research institutions worldwide. In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, a proportion of the research outputs in all subject areas submitted across the Faculty were judged to be at world-leading and internationally excellent levels. Bioprocess Design Bioprocess Technology Computer-Aided Engineering Enterprise for Life Sciences Protein Biochemistry Research Project plus one free choice module Recent Biosciences graduates have gone on to work in fields as diverse as healthcare management, medical and forensic science, public health nutrition, pharmaceutical research, sales, financial management, and teaching. MEng: four years full-time; BEng: three years full-time s MEng: H813, BEng: H811 Typical offer for September 2013 A Levels BCC to include Maths or Physics plus an additional science subject. International Baccalaureate 32 points to include 5 in Maths and one science subject. Diploma DMM in Engineering. See also entry requirements on p236. Westminster is a great place to study; I feel like it s very relaxed, and we get a lot of support from lecturers we ve certainly been encouraged to do well. We have some amazing practical sessions; we ve been doing practicals Year since 4 (Credit the first Level year, 7) MEng and everyone gets the chance Biochemical Process Modelling to and do Life a Cycle practical-based Assessment lab project Environmental in their Biotechnology third year, which Project not all universities do. Recent Advances in I Biotechnology think if you come 1 here, from Recent a Advances practical in perspective you Biotechnology get to become 2 a better scientist than at other The universities, course is recognised and it really by the Society prepares of Biology you to and work accreditation is independently currently being sought in the from lab but the you Institution will have of Engineering to work hard. and Technology (IET). NISHANI JEYAPALAN International Biochemistry Foundation BSc Honours, course We third work year in partnership with Kaplan or for MORE INFORMATION VIsit kic. org.uk/westminster-london >> See also: Biomedical Sciences p42 50 BIOSCIENCES westminster.ac.uk/biosciences 51
BIOCHEMISTRY Biochemistry is a pivotal degree discipline in the modern world and a fundamental element of all the biological sciences. Biochemistry is the study of living systems at the molecular level, and biochemists study the ways in which cells and organisms are formed. This involves examining the structure and function of molecules found in living systems, as well as experimental investigations of the properties of biological systems ranging in complexity from cell extracts to whole organisms, and elucidating the roles of specific genes in the cells in which they are expressed. This course will give you the skills and knowledge to establish yourself in a range of careers related to biochemistry, including the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology industries. The foundation of the course is our buoyant research in diverse areas of biochemistry including plant biochemistry, biotechnology, membrane transport, protein structure, cancer biology and molecular diagnostics and therapeutics. C700 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Modern biology requires a breadth of knowledge and understanding and a range of abilities. By bringing together both theory and practice, this course will enable you to develop the vision, skills and dynamism required to succeed in your future career. While some students have very clear career aims before starting their university education, many others are still unsure which precise path they will eventually follow. This exciting and flexible Biological Sciences degree allows you to build the degree of your choice with the help of your course leader and personal tutor to match your planned career, while also allowing you to study combinations of subjects not on offer in a single discipline. The course will give you a thorough, up-to-date knowledge of modern biology, and develop the skills which will enable you to pursue a career in private, public or third sector organisations. C900 science subjects; International Baccalaureate 26 points to include a minimum of 5 in two Higher Level science subjects; Diploma/Diploma MMM/DM in Applied Science. In this degree you will gain a sound foundation in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and analytical biochemical techniques. The general principles of biochemistry and cell biology and human physiology are established at Credit Level 4. Molecular genetics, the chemistry of proteins and other macromolecules and metabolism are developed at Credit Levels 5 and 6 while a number of options are also offered, allowing you to pursue your specific interests, including recombinant DNA technology, immunology, medical genetics and drug development. A core component of your final year is a project in which you will undertake original research of your own under staff guidance. Biological and Organic Chemistry Molecular Genetics Current Topics in Biochemistry and Enzymes: Mechanisms and Control Molecular Biochemistry Protein Biochemistry The course is recognised by the Honours graduates are eligible for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Your tutors will work with you to plan an academically viable programme of modules as you progress through the course. The pathway you design for yourself is dictated by your preferences or career needs. Only the core modules are listed here; the remaining modules are chosen by you to complete your programme of study. Look at those on offer in our other biological sciences degree courses to get an idea of subject areas available. plus 75 credits from modules across the Biological Sciences Scheme plus 75 credits from modules across the Biological Sciences Scheme 52 BIOSCIENCES westminster.ac.uk/biosciences westminster.ac.uk/biosciences BIOSCIENCES 53
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BIOTECHNOLOGY) Biotechnology draws upon biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and biochemical engineering to create products and services from biological organisms. The large-scale production of antibiotics has revolutionised healthcare, and biotechnology has now entered a new and exciting phase with the advent of molecular biology and molecular genetics. Recent possibilities for medical applications, such as gene therapy and gene diagnosis, deserve wider consideration than the purely scientific, and this course also aims to promote interest in ethical and societal issues. Scientists with a broad educational background will deliver developments in biotechnology, such as new environmental treatment processes or the production of novel therapeutic agents. J700 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (CANCER BIOLOGY) This course gives you the opportunity to study cancer in terms of its impact on public health both in the UK and globally. You will learn about the diversity of different cancers, the risk factors and current treatments for this important disease. The Cancer Biology pathway includes the study of cell and molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry with specialisation in aspects of biology related to cancer, including the biological pathways that are changed in cancer. You will also learn how these pathways have been, and might be further, harnessed for new treatments. The course is designed to provide you with the academic, practical and professional knowledge to enable you to work effectively in a wide range of bioscience settings, including cancer research, molecular biology, immunology and biotechnology. You will also be well placed to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotechnology industries as well as medical laboratories. C70Y The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in areas fundamental to many bioscience disciplines as well as an understanding of biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology and molecular genetics. The option modules allow you to follow your particular interests in the various aspects of biotechnology. Molecular Biosciences The Microbial World Applied Microbiology Enterprise for Bioscientists plus three option modules The course will provide you with a thorough grounding in areas fundamental to many bioscience disciplines, while focusing on cancer biology. The range of option modules will allow you to follow your interests in various aspects of cancer biology. Cancer Biology Medical Genetics Processes in Pathology Advanced Cancer Biology Cellular Pathology Molecular Therapeutics plus two option modules 54 BIOSCIENCES westminster.ac.uk/biosciences westminster.ac.uk/biosciences BIOSCIENCES 55
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (FORENSIC BIOLOGY) This course looks at applying skills from biosciences to interpret forensic evidence. Forensic biology is one of the few branches of science that has a close relationship with the courts, and the recording of findings and presentation of evidence is an important part of the legal proceedings. Forensic biology includes the analysis of all types of biological samples including those from humans and those from the environment at a crime scene. The course includes DNA analysis, toxicology, anthropology, entomology, pathology and crime scene analysis, as well as learning how to present evidence in court as an expert witness. A significant amount of the forensic biology course is taught through practical classes. The skills and knowledge gained in this course have applications in a range of careers, including becoming a scene of crime officer, or as an analytical scientist in forensic, research or hospital laboratories. C400 science subjects; International Baccalaureate 26 points to include a minimum of 5 in two Higher Level science subjects; Diploma/Diploma MMM/DM in Applied Science. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (MICROBIOLOGY) Microbiology complements biochemistry, genetics and biochemical engineering but offers specialisation in applied microbiology. You will study the diversity of microbial types, how micro-organisms can be used and manipulated to aid mankind, and the detrimental effects of micro-organisms (for example on health). The course is designed to provide you with the necessary academic, practical and vocational knowledge and skills to enable you to work effectively in a wide range of microbiological settings. These include areas such as genetics, molecular biology, immunology and biotechnology, and careers in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic and water industries, and medical laboratories. C500 science subjects. Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Year 1 will give you an insight into forensics through the Applications in module as well as a foundation in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology and anatomy. Year 2 modules introduce pathology and DNA analysis techniques. You will develop your practical skills in the Techniques in Forensic Biology module, which includes fingerprinting, blood analysis, using analytical chemistry to identify drugs, trace evidence analysis, entomology and palynology. You will learn additional microscopic, molecular and biochemical techniques in the Laboratory Research Methods module as well as starting to prepare for your research project. You will carry out a practical research project in Year 3, and in your taught modules you will study the role of DNA in forensic investigations, the legal aspects of crime scene investigations, the role of the courts, and the forensic scientist as an expert witness, where you will present evidence in a mock court room. You will look in detail at forensic areas of analytical chemistry, toxicology and anthropology. Molecular Biosciences Processes in Pathology Techniques in Forensic Biology Forensic Science in the Courts Forensic Toxicology and Anthropology Working a Crime Scene plus two option modules The course will provide you with a grounding in areas fundamental to many bioscience disciplines, while focusing on microbiology. The option modules allow you to follow your interests in various aspects of microbiology. The Microbial World Applied Microbiology Medical Microbiology plus three option modules 56 BIOSCIENCES westminster.ac.uk/biosciences westminster.ac.uk/biosciences BIOSCIENCES 57
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS) This course covers the rapidly expanding disciplines of molecular biology and genetics, which are having an increasing impact on modern life and, in particular, human health and disease. Molecular biology and genetics have the potential to generate great benefits in improved healthcare provision, while applications beyond this include improvements in agriculture and the environment. The course will give you the skills and knowledge to develop your career in a variety of fields, including medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, forensic science, pharmaceuticals and environmental sciences. s F410; with Foundation F411 You will begin the course with an introduction to the areas that underpin molecular biology and genetics, such as cell biology, biochemistry and microbiology. In later years, these areas are extended to consider issues supported by molecular biology, including classical, medical and molecular genetics. You will then specialise in the rapidly expanding area of bioinformatics, as well as recent applications of molecular biology and genetics. Medical Genetics Molecular Genetics Current Topics in Biochemistry and DNA in Identity and Disease Molecular Therapeutics plus two option choice modules This course is recognised by the 58 BIOSCIENCES westminster.ac.uk/biosciences 59