This is an integrated introductory module to establish a baseline of knowledge and skills in the theory and laboratory practice associated with bioscience. The module will introduce the fundamental knowledge on cell biology, molecular biology and biochemistry. This will be integrated with lab-based basic skills and equipment training that will support their senior years. The module will include an introduction to coding and statistics to support the more advance aspects of data analytics in senior years. Preliminary data handling methods will form part of the core skills delivered though this module. The skills acquired in this module will provide a foundation for working in a professional scientific environment. An overview of the BioPharma industry will be made to introduce concepts of working in a regulated environment.

Tutorials, workshops and self-directed team learning will support development of understanding and knowledge of the following topics: 1. Basic cell structure 2. Biomolecule structure and function - lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids & proteins 3. Virus, bacteria, archaea, fungi, other eukarya 4. Sub-cellular structures - organelles, cytoskeleton & membranes 5. Membrane transport 6. Introductory microbiology - in industry, health and diseases 7. Introductory genetics (genes and genomes), & molecular biology 8. Excel for data handling 9. Introductory statistics 10. Introduction to scripting for data handling 11. Introductory bioinformatics and data mining 12. Chemical hygiene 13. Compendial methods 14. Introduction to production of Biotherapeutics The learning will be supported by a series of laboratory-based practicals and workshops covering the following areas: 1. Basic laboratory skills - weighing, measuring, solution preparation, buffers 2. Centrifugation techniques 3. Filtration techniques 4. Microscopy 5. Spectroscopy 6. Microbiological and aseptic techniques 7. Basic molecular biology - DNA preparation, DNA gel electrophoresis, PCR, restriction digestion, gene cloning, bacterial transformation. 8. Data handling - Excel 9. Coding for biological data analysis (e .g. R, Python) 10. Protein structure analysis using (e.g. VDM & PyMOL) 11. DNA sequence analysis & bioinformatics using online tools (e.g. Expasy, NCBI & EMBL-EBI) The module will also include transferable skills training in the following aspects: 1. Report writing skills 2. Data presentation - tables, graphs, figures 3. Figure construction using GIMP 4. Presentation skills - design of presentation layout, presentation, journal club 5. Health & Safety considerations for laboratory work 6. Lean behaviour for laboratory work

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Describe the structure of different cell types 2. Describe sub-cellular structures and explain their function 3. Recognize and describe the main classes of biomolecule 4. Specify, describe and distinguish the building blocks of the major macromolecules in organisms and cells. 5. Explain the function of the main classes of biomolecule 6. Explain the importance of bonding in biological systems 7. Explain methods for separation and analysis of biological samples 8. Explain the function of the biological membrane and membrane transport mechanisms 9. Summarize methodology used to clone genes 10. Demonstrate data handling in Excel 11. Determine a protein sequence from a DNA sequence 12. Predict protein characteristics from sequence and structure analysis 13. Create a code for data input and perform basic statistical analysis 14. Demonstrate knowledge of the BioPharma industry

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Appreciate the rigors of correct scientific procedures 2. Evaluate the quality of new scientific information 3. Perform laboratory experimentation in a professionalized manner 4. Implement Lean working habits 5. Apply teamworking skills as part of group activities

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. Utilize a wide range of basic scientific equipment. 2. Move in a safe manner in a laboratory environment. 3. Set up and implement a scientific experiment.

The module will be taught through a series of workshops and lab practice sessions employing techniques in active learning (Bloom's Taxonomy levels). The module will use group learning focussed on problem-based learning. The students will work in teams to extract information on syllabus topics and incorporate those into presentations for peer-learning. Workshop-style delivery of new material to the student will be used in conjunction with supervised and non-supervised group work. Use will be made of computer-based learning tools and self-testing. Laboratory practice will focus on mastery of a toolbox of essential basic skills which will be taught by small group demonstration and practice. Self-directed practical learning will be supported. Learning will involve students integrating aspects of theory, practice, coding, analytics and professional skills.