MSc Modules

1. Biomolecular Networks
The students will gain knowledge and understanding of:-
● The mathematical and computational techniques to make useful and effective models of biological systems including and spanning the physical scales from chemistry, through molecular and cellular biology, to whole organism physiology and population biology
● The application and understanding of integrative biology techniques to a specific research project, the role of multi-disciplinary work in integrative biology
●The ability to determine the appropriate mathematical or computational techniques to model biological systems and processes of research interest
● The ability to acquire information and process this in order to keep abreast of developments in the relevant subject areas. professional and practical skills
● The ability to; plan, execute and report on a research project, search and retrieve the information needed to build integrative biological models. develop and use programming tools to construct and refine computer models of biological systems, and from simulations propose experiments to test hypotheses

2. Computing and mathematical concepts to integrative biology
This module provides an introduction to:
● Computing and mathematical concepts that lie at the heart of Integrative Biology
● Binary representation of data, data standards and modelling
● Information and knowledge of representation in computational biology
● Computer representation of 3D objects and real-time changes in physical systems
● Binary operations in single central processor units and multi-tier networked systems
● Solving differential equations
● Series and numerical methods Linear stability analysis

3. Postgenomic data and integrative biology
This module provides an introduction to:
● Ways in which post-genomic technology (PGT) data are interpreted through references to known biological pathways in PGT-data analysis tools and with optimisation techniques applied to holistic biomolecular networks
● Ways in which biological networks have been inferred from time series and/or genotypic variant PGT data using Bayesian networks, Markov models and genetic programming

4. Introduction to programming
The students will learn:
● The fundamentals of programming in Java, and be provided with a thorough grounding in procedural logic, flow control, simple data structures, and event driven programming
● To understand and implement complex software specifications
● To develop Java software according to client specifications
● To evaluate the task at hand and utilise the most appropriate programming methodologies
● Gain extensive experience in problem solving, and will learn to interpret technical documentation

5. Software engineering
The students will learn:
● Programming, Instruction in Unified Modelling Language (UML) for determining system requirements, Documentation and help systems
● Awareness of various software architectures for use in system and network design, understanding and evaluating requirements specifications, working in teams on complex software engineering problems
● Programming utilising software engineering methods, evaluating software design tools, identifying usability issues in software design, and solving software design problems
● Working in teams and organising activities using formal techniques (e.g. PERT diagrams), Writing software manuals, Retrieving information on software design practices

6. Mathematical medicine and biology
● This module forms part of the Nonlinear Mathematics Pathway. It gives students: an introduction to how mathematics can be usefully applied to problems in medicine and in biology
● An introduction to uses of a variety of widely-used techniques of applied mathematics, including model building, solution techniques for ordinary and partial differential equations, and application of fundamental ideas regarding transport processes
● Coverage of some advanced topics using nonlinear mathematics

7. Coordinated physiological functions
The students will learn:
● Anatomy of the hypothalamus and its main connections, how the hypothalamus links physiology and motivational status
● Physiological adaptations to physical exercise and their control
● How to recognise and use appropriate theories, concepts and principles from a range of relevant disciplines
● To collect and integrate several lines of evidence and apply them in a balanced manner to support an argument, taking ethical considerations into account where appropriate, apply subject to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
● To critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information drawn from various sources, including published research papers and reports, demonstrate the provisional nature of facts and principles associated with the latest developments within the field of study, design and carry out appropriate tests or experiments to test a hypothesis, carry out experiments to test a hypothesis

8. Integrated Physiology
The students will learn:
● of the connections between various branches of biological science, strategies that can be used to manage complex problems and teams
● the ability to apply information from one branch of science to another, to collect and integrate information from different areas or techniques
● the ability to put in place appropriate structures for administration of large and complex research teams
● communicate clearly and concisely in a written form, prepare and present posters and work effectively in a team to present information

9. Experimentation & computing techniques
The students will learn:
● Principles of experimental design
● Major approaches to statistical data analysis
● Data Interpretation
● To critically appraise designs and analyses by peers
● Design experiments, organize, analyse and interpret data, write reports, assess
evidence, and produce concise reports

10. Transferable skills in integrative biology
This module covers the full range of soft skills needed by professional scientists and managers in the Integrative Biology arena including:
● Written and verbal presentations skills
● The processes of job acquisition and development
● The cultures and drivers in different academic disciplines participating in Integrative Biology
● Group management and interactions
● Business establishment and development, especially with respect to the biomedical and food sectors
● Mechanisms for raising funds for research projects

11. Literature review and project design
This module requires students to write a literature review of approximately 3000 words for the research project chosen from a list of topics provided by academic research staff. This information is then used to build a research plan. This module gives the student a background for a career in research.

Research Project
The student will undertake a Research Project in a cutting edge aspect of Integrative Biology either with Professor Charlie Hodgman, a group leader, or a collaborator. The student will have the choice of many projects, so they will be able to choose a relevant project specialised to their future career plans.

The Research Project is for three months and the student will learn the key skills involved in background, technical aspects of the field, and self guided research and planning. These skills are essential for a career in research or industry.