Biological Physics

This new programme prepares students for a career in the rapidly developing field of biological physics. Navigating across the boundaries of the established disciplines of biology and physics - using tools and techniques developed for one discipline to answer questions arising in another – students will also interact with experienced researchers in the laboratory from the outset.

Students gain broad background knowledge of cell and developmental biology, and physical theories and experimental physics techniques applied to biological systems. They also gain theoretical and working knowledge of techniques from physics and engineering used in biological physics research, including optical microscopy, microfabrication, and data analysis.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (75 credits), two optional modules (45 credits) and a report (60 credits).

Core modules

• Advanced Biophysical Theories
• BioMEMs and Microscopy Techniques
• Biosciences Research Skills
• Molecular Biophysics
• The Scientific Literature

Optional modules

Students must select one of the following 30-credit modules:

• Advanced Cell Biology
• ABC – Analysis of Biological Complexity
• And one of:
• Aspects of Bioengineering
• Image Processing
• Introduction to Physical Techniques in the Life Sciences
• Machine Vision
• Matlab Programming for Biology
• Mechanisms of Development
• Statistics for Biology

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a report of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops and by an element of problem-centred learning, innovatively linking taught material to a set of student-selected research case studies, Taught modules are assessed by problem sets and examinations; ‘hands-on’ modules (e.g. BioMEMs and Microscopy Techniques) and research projects are assessed by presentations, assessed reports and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.