Outline: This foundation module will introduce you to general ideas on how life is organized (and studied) at progressively larger scales: from biomolecules and cells, to organisms, to biomes and their evolution. You will learn about structure and function of biopolymers, how they are organized and integrated to build cells, how cells, tissues and organs are regulated and coordinated in organisms, how organisms evolve to interact with the physical and biological environment, and about the genetic basis of these processes.

Following a series of introductory lectures you will work in groups to research and present an interdisciplinary topic to peers.

Learning Outcomes:

1) Appreciate some of the complexity and diversity of life processes, of the genetics and evolution of organisms, and of the interrelationships between them and their environment.

2) Communicate key ideas on the organization of life and the interdisciplinary methods by which it is studied to an audience of peers.

3) Work as part of a group to develop a presentation and assess your own and others’ performance.

4) Make an informed choice on which (if any) of the four Life Sciences “streams” you wish to select (Molecular and Cell Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Neuroscience and Psychology; Genetics, Evolution, Environment).

Indicative lecture and group project topics (based on content in the past years):

A) Introductory molecular biology and protein structure/function 

L1 Introduction, nucleic acids and transcription (part 1)

L2 Introduction, nucleic acids and transcription (part 2)

L3 Transcription, DNA replication & amino acids

L4 Proteins (part 1)

L5 Proteins (part 2)

L6 Enzymes and metabolism

B) Basic cell physiology, signal transduction and neurobiology

L7. Cell signalling: nuclear, G-protein coupled, kinase-linked receptors; signalling cascades

L8. Processes at membranes: transporters, pumps, ion channels

L9. Processes at membranes: membrane potentials

L10. Nervous System I: Neurons, action potentials, impulse propagation, synapses

L11. Nervous System II: CNS, ANS,Enteric,Nerves

C) Selected topics in genetics, evolution and environment 

L12. Natural selection in living colour

L13. Climate change and coral reefs

L14. Biology of ageing

L15. Evolution of the eukaryotic cell

D) Group Project: Presenting life sciences to interdisciplinary audiences.

Example Titles:

Cryopreservation: How to live forever.

Complexity and emergence in ant colonies.

The treatment of cholera in disaster zones.

Astrobiology – Extra-terrestrial Life on Europa.

Biomimicry for space exploration.

Plastic-digesting bacteria and how they may solve the problem of plastic pollution.

Quantum effects in the senses.