School of Biology

This module is an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes. The central dogma of molecular biology is investigated through the examination of the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, and how this knowledge led to modern developments in biotechnology. The final section of the module gives an introduction into molecular and population genetics with an emphasis on the process of evolution. Throughout the module the lecture material is complemented by extensive practical classes where biological laboratory techniques are taught an practiced through, for example, microscopy, DNA isolation, dissection and thin layer chromatography.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and will address key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life. The module is divided into several sections beginning with the classification of life and an introduction to the kingdoms Monera, Fungi and Protista. Photosynthesis, respiration and the evolution and diversity of plants will be studied. Students will then look at the diversity of animals in the sea and the movement of some groups onto land. The module will also provide an introduction to animal behaviour and developmental biology, before finishing off by introducing ecology and the various factors promoting and threatening biodiversity. Throughout the module the lecture material is complemented by extensive practical classes introducing a variety of fieldwork and laboratory techniques.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Zoology is the study of animals, ranging from the simplest types of multicellular organisms such as sponges and jellyfish, through to humankind itself. The module surveys the animal kingdom, describing the key groups and the defining characteristics of their body plans and lifestyles, while putting this in an evolutionary context to reveal the patterns and trends in the kingdom as a whole. Special topics that are of fundamental importance to animals, such as animal communication, and the mechanisms of locomotion on land and in the sea and air, are considered in more detail. An extensive series of practical exercises reinforces and complements the lecture component of this module.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Ecology and Evolution are central to our understanding of life on Earth and the relationships between all organisms and their biotic and abiotic environment. The principles of Ecology and Evolution have determined the variety and distribution of all organisms and will determine their future responses to global change. This module will introduce students to principles and patterns of Ecology, ranging from the global (for example, patterns of energy flow through ecosystems and the biogeography of organisms and communities) to the individual (competition between and within species) and the history and processes of Evolutionary Biology (Darwin, natural selection, population genetics, the evolution of sex and speciation).
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This is an introductory module covering general aspects of animal cell structure and associated physiology. The module stars with a general overview of the regulation of the cell cycle, the roles of protein complexes essential to cell shape and adhesion and the homeostatic role of ion pumps, transporters and channels in the maintenance of solute compositions in both the intra- and extra-cellular fluid compartments. The module continues with detailed structure-function relationships within cells from three major tissues - i) nerve cells and the mechanisms of generation and propagation of the action potential, ii) skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells and mechanisms controlling contraction and finally iii) blood cells and O2 transport, immune response, coagulation and cell signaling pathways.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module builds on BL1201 Molecular Biology. The module will further develop the understanding and application of techniques, skills and concepts, which are integral to the revolution that has occurred in the biological sciences in recent years. The module is essential underpinning for all branches of modern biology and biochemistry. The lectures include coursework on biological molecular architecture, cellular architecture, enzymes & metabolism, genomics and conclude with an introduction to the molecular basis of infection and immunity. The laboratory element will develop practical skills and the use of bioinformatics resources.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module covers the principles of physiological adaptation in a range of animals, including examples from all major taxa and from all habitats. Initial comparisons relating to scaling and design of animals will be followed by more specific units on: (A) Comparative principles of ionic and osmotic exchanges; water balance in aquatic and land animals, adaptations at skin, kidney, and respiratory surfaces. (B) Respiratory systems in water and on land, and associated circulatory mechanisms. (C) Principles of temperature balance; ectotherms and endotherms. (D) Feeding and digestive systems; food collection, ingestion, and absorption at different trophic levels; and waste disposal. (E) Sensory systems in different environments (especially visual, olfactory, auditory, and special senses). (F) Control systems using hormones and pheromones and (G) the immune system in a range of animals.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

An introductory residential module to Honours study for students studying Cell Biology, Neuroscience and Biology degrees held at the Burn between the resit diet and the start of semester 1. This module introduces students to the skill of critically analysing scientific literature and the methodology behind preparing research proposals. Students will work in groups to develop a grant proposal and present their ideas to a mock research grant panel. In response to detailed feedback students can improve their skills and finally submit an extended referees report on a real grant proposal.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module involves field-based exercises in a range of aquatic and/or terrestrial habitats. Students will examine and measure biodiversity, ecophysiological adaptation, and community structure, with both plant and animal material. Class exercises are used to develop good sampling techniques and to generate and analyse large data sets. Students also work in small project groups to develop individual skills in experimental design, practical manipulations, time-management and personal initiative, and in verbal/written presentation of project results.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Topics in this module will include: molecular variation and evolution, including phylogeny reconstruction; the evolution and maintenance of sex; the genetics of continuous traits, and the relative importance of continuous and discontinuous variation in evolution; evolutionary developmental biology; evolution of population genetic structure; the genetics of speciation, covering the evolution of pre- and post-zygotic isolation, and parapatric, sympatric and island speciation. Practicals will involve computer simulations to investigate a range of evolutionary phenomena, plus use of molecular markers to examine population structure and speciation.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module is designed to provide a broad and multifaceted perspective on animal behaviour, emphasising contemporary theoretical, mathematical and statistical approaches to the discipline. Nobel-Prize-winning ethologist, Niko Tinbergen, pointed out that to understand behaviour fully researchers had to answer four types of questions, about its causation, function, development and evolution. All four areas are covered in the course, which includes lectures on the genetic, neural, physiological and experiential (i.e. learning) influences on behaviour; behavioural development; foraging; sexual behaviour, sexual selection and mate choice; communication, cooperation and culture. The course contains extensive material of a formal theoretical nature, and emphasises quantitative skills throughout. Students will be introduced to new mathematical and statistical approaches within the field.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module will include lectures on the range of microbial and metazoan organisms and ecological systems in the marine environment. The coverage will range from bacteria, to algae, invertebrates and vertebrates (fish, birds, reptiles and mammals). The biology of marine organisms is considered in the context of both adaptations at the level of the individual and its expression in terms of large-scale latitudinal and depth-related variations in productivity and food web structure. Examples from the poles to the tropics and from shallow water to the deep ocean will be included. Practicals will be field- and laboratory-based and will provide an experimental introduction to both ecological and physiological problems in marine biology.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Few biologists are statisticians or mathematicians, but all biologists use statistics and mathematics. This series of workshops is designed to build confidence in organising and analyzing data to address biological questions efficiently. The module will help you learn how to identify statistical and quantitative approaches, and how to manage and analyse data in a code driven statistical programming package. An introductory workshop will cover basic concepts and practical training that will be used in a choice of specific workshops that cover applications across the range of Biology.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module concerns the coevolution of plants and animals, including the ecological, behavioural and physiological aspects of their interactions. Pollination biology and the constraints on participating plants and animals are dealt with in depth, including applied aspects of crop pollination, and this is followed by a review of seed dispersal. Then patterns of herbivory by insects, vertebrates and other animals are considered, illustrating the interactions of plant physical and chemical defences and herbivores' reciprocal adaptations from feeding specialisations and host plant selection through to detoxification systems and life history adaptations. Interactions with third parties are also explained, especially plant-fungus-insect systems. There is an introduction to other tritrophic interactions (whereby plants can recruit herbivores' enemies as part of their defences, or recruit ants as biotic plant guards), to insects as plant pests, and to integrated and sustainable approaches to control measures and plant protection.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module introduces the ecology of aquatic systems beginning with a description of the problems of life in a fluid medium. The module then considers the contrasting conditions that are inherent in freshwater, estuarine and marine systems. The influence of global climate variation and the close coupling between land and sea will be emphasised. Case studies will then be used to introduce the ecology of a variety of aquatic systems including tropical, temperate and polar systems. This module involves a residential field trip to Kindrogan field station in the Scottish Highlands.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Topics in this module will include: molecular variation and evolution, including phylogeny reconstruction; the evolution and maintenance of sex; the genetics of continuous traits, and the relative importance of continuous and discontinuous variation in evolution; evolutionary developmental biology; evolution of population genetic structure; the genetics of speciation, covering the evolution of pre- and post-zygotic isolation, and parapatric, sympatric and island speciation. Practicals will involve computer simulations to investigate a range of evolutionary phenomena, plus use of molecular markers to examine population structure and speciation.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module builds on material covered in BL1201 Molecular Biology and BL2104 Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It first considers the structure of genes and the composition of genomes and then examines genetic activity in eukaryotes in relation to nuclear organisation, chromatin structure and epigenetic mechanisms. Regulation of expression at the levels of gene transcription, RNA processing, RNA stability and translation are next covered in detail, drawing particular attention to the nature of protein-nucleic acid interactions. Specific control mechanisms in different prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, induced by environmental, cell cycle, and metabolic signals are highlighted.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module builds on the material covered in BL1201 and BL2104 to provide an understanding of more advanced aspects of protein structure and enzymology. The module begins by considering the protein-folding problem. The energetics of protein folding and the dependence of structure on sequence are examined. Protein folding diseases like spongiform encephalopathies are used as examples to highlight the significance of protein folding. The molecular basis of prion diseases is discussed in detail. The second part of the module focuses on the mechanisms of enzymes. This in turn leads into the phenomena of allosteric regulation, signalling cascades and transporter systems and is followed by a consideration of enzymes as pharmacological targets. The third part of the module introduces the major techniques for protein structure determination that are at the heart of modern biochemistry, molecular biology and drug discovery. Strategies for obtaining three-dimensional images of macromolecules by electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance are discussed. The laboratory course associated with this module introduces the fundamentals of safe laboratory practice. It provides grounding in the basic laboratory techniques, including associated calculations, as well as those associated with the study of proteins and enzymes.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This project will involve extensive laboratory or field research to investigate a defined problem within biology, appropriate to the degree programme being studied by each student. The project will involve diligence, initiative and independence in pursuing the literature, good experimental design, good experimental and/or analytical technique either in the field or the laboratory, and excellent record keeping. The project will culminate in the production of a high-quality report that demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen area of research. Students will be allocated to a member of staff within the School of Biology who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This project will involve an extensive literature review to investigate a defined hypothesis or problem within the field of biology, appropriate to the degree programme being studied by each student. The project will involve diligence, initiative and independence in pursuing the literature, and the production of a high-quality dissertation that demonstrates a deep understanding of the chosen area of research. Students will be allocated to a member of staff who will guide and advise them in research activities throughout the academic year. The project will be written up in the form of a research dissertation.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Learning to produce sounds is a particularly interesting subject as far as humans are concerned because it is such a notable feature of our own species. Why do we show it, and how did it evolve? As there is little evidence of it in any other primates we need to look further afield for clues. It is found in several other mammalian orders and in three orders of birds, and the evidence for it and nature of it will be examined in these examples. We will discuss why selection may have favoured it in each case. We will also consider vocal learning in a broader sense, including its use in animals that do not themselves produce sounds.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Evolutionary biologists, anthropologists and psychologists have taken evolutionary principles and used them to explain a range of human characteristics, such as homicide, religion and sex differences in behaviour. Other researchers are sceptical of these interpretations, and critical of the methods. Moreover, researchers disagree as to the best ways to use evolution to explore humanity, and a number of schools of thought have emerged. This module will introduce and critically evaluate the main evolutionary approaches currently being used, including socio-biology, evolutionary psychology, behavioural ecology and gene-culture co-evolution.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module will provide primarily seminar and practical-based analysis of the life-history requirements of foraging in marine mammals, geographical and physiological constraints on finding food, food and feeding with a focus on types of prey and adaptations by the prey, adaptations for marine mammals feeding in the marine environment, optimal foraging theory, and optimal diving theory. Initial lectures will focus on theoretical issues and description of methods to study foraging. Students will then conduct case-studies of marine-mammal foraging, which will be presented in a seminar format as a group. Some practical work will also be included.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module aims to provide in depth knowledge of key aspects of neuronal function and potential dysfunction by focussing on one of the most studied and best characterised classes of neurons in the central nervous system, motoneurons. The module will cover topics such as: the history of motoneurons in neuroscience research; the genetics controlling motoneuron development, the intrinsic electrical properties of motoneurons; synaptic inputs received by motoneurons; motoneuron recruitment; and motoneuron disease.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Predators and their prey are locked in an evolutionary arms race which continuously refines and improves the abilities of predators to locate and capture prey, and of prey to detect and evade predators. This strong selective pressure has produced some spectacular adaptations in both the nervous systems and the overall anatomy of the animals concerned. This, combined with the usually unambiguous motivation of the animals involved in predator-prey interactions (eat or starve, escape or be eaten) has made such adaptations favoured targets for study by neuroscientists, behavioural scientists, and biomechanicists. Students on this module will undertake a series of guided case studies researching the primary literature, and the module will also include some hands-on laboratory work. The aim is both to uncover some general principles of neural and biomechanical organisation, and also to reveal the variety and ingenuity with which evolution has found different solutions to shared problems.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Extensive and versatile communication between nerve cells using special junctions called synapses endows the nervous system with many complex functions like learning and memory. This module will cover important recent progress in understanding the morphology and ultrastructure of synapses, neurotransmitter synthesis, release and clearance mechanisms, synaptic plasticity, the role of glial cells and the development of neurotransmission. Some laboratory work will provide students with hands-on experience of advanced research methods.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

In this module, we will consider a number of outstanding questions, from both molecular and whole organism approaches, currently facing ecologists and evolutionary biologists today. These questions include why we get old and why we have sex, through to why the world is (mostly) green and how will life on earth come to an end. These questions will be relevant to both our understanding of the evolution and maintenance of the biosphere as we see it today, and also in terms of understanding humanity's place in that biosphere. We will take Sherratt and Wilkinsons's (2009) recent book Big Questions in Ecology and Evolution as our starting point, with student-led seminars bringing us classic and contemporary primary literature to address the topics in more detail. The result will be an exciting opportunity to get to grips with a number of big problems in ecology and evolution, from the perspective of the very latest research in those areas.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module will examine and compare the biology of the four main groups of social insects: termites, ants, wasps and bees. Sociality in other groups (aphids, beetles) will also be considered briefly. Topics will include the evolution of sociality, social organisation and social control systems, reproductive strategies, and diverse communication modes including pheromonal systems, acoustic systems, and 'bee dances'. Aspects of foraging behaviour and learning abilities will also be considered, particularly for ants (leaf cutter ants, army ants, slave-making ants) and for bees both eusocial and semi-social. There will be strong evolutionary, ecological and behavioural themes, and relevance also to conservation issues.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Studies of mating systems in animals are primarily concerned with how animal societies are structured in relation to sexual behaviour. In plants, where many organisms do not have separate males and females, the term refers to the degree to which individuals are self-compatible or the amount of out-crossing that occurs. The effects of breeding system on sexual selection and sexual conflict, together with the costs of inbreeding and the evolution of mating systems, are central concerns of this module.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

Behaving animals form complex systems, and can create complicated and beautiful phenomena, such as flocks of birds, termite nests, and patterns of army ant swarms. This course will look at research that examines animal behaviour from a complex systems perspective, where analyses range from captive housing of entire bird flocks, computer simulation, and use of robots to interact with the animals. Introductory lectures will be followed by seminar-style discussion of the primary literature, computer practicals, and hands-on practicals where students will identify complex systems in animal behaviour around St Andrews.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

This module will provide seminar- and practical-based instruction on sound propagation in the ocean, use of sound by marine mammals for communication, orientation, and foraging (as monitored by humans using techniques to record sound). It will also examine sound-based conflicts between humans and marine organisms.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

The existence and extent of social learning and cultural transmission in non-humans is a very active area of current research, as well as of controversy, with an active ongoing debate. The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to this area through considering the conceptual issues and direct and indirect evidence for cultural transmission in cetaceans, the whales and dolphins. We will consider what is meant by the term 'culture', how it can be studied in non-humans, and the evidence for and against such processes being present in cetacean societies.
[source: University Module Catalogue]

The module allows is for students studying with Ooeration Wallacea in terrestrial and marine environments for a minimum of four weeks during the summer vacation. Students will gain experience in researching a variety of habitats and investigate the species in locations such as Indonesia, Honduras, South Africa and Mozambique. Students will be introduced to tropical ecology, sustainable development and conservation, fieldwork and novel research methods under the supervision of experts in those research areas. Students will be expected to maintain a journal of their field studies, in addition to being assessed on the application of field techniques and knowledge. The module will culminate in the production of a detailed research proposal.
[source: University Module Catalogue]