BSc (Hons) Biology - SC303 (Pending Approval)
(Specialisation: Cell and Molecular Biology / Plant Sciences / Nutrition
and Functional Food Sciences/ Environmental Protection)
1.
Rationale and Objectives
Revision to this BSc (Hons) Biology programme at the Faculty of Science has been necessary in
view of the emerging new socio-economic order in the country to march towards sustainable
development. The University of Mauritius Strategic Directions (2006-2015) on Knowledge
Diffusion also require creation of synergies to promote the development of well defined educational
supports to contribute to the sustainable development of the national economy. This new scheme
offers the potential not only to respond to the pressing local needs but also to appeal to a wider
community of students for acquiring new skills. Beside a core of Basic Biology modules, the reorientation of the programme into specialisation options will enhance capacity building and also
inculcate core and ethical values to produce good biologists and citizens.
The basic structure of the programme as shown below requires all students registered in the subject
to take a set of Basic Biology modules as cores and electives at all three years 1 to 3. Specialisation
starts at year 2 and the student is required to undertake a research project preferably in the field of
specialisation during Year 3 of study.
This programme provides an opportunity to acquire a thorough foundation in theory and practice of
Biological and Environmental Sciences with a view to developing both critical ability and practical
skills. This recognised degree also has the objective of furthering higher studies and research at
postgraduate level. Graduates with these specialisations can seek employment as Education,
Scientific and Environmental Officer in the public and private sectors. Adequate attention will also
be paid towards the personal development of students in acquiring professional competence and a
sense of community responsibility.
Elective
Modules
Specialisation
Modules
Project
GEM
Credits
Earned
Total
One
(6 credits)
-
-
-
24
3
6
33
Three
(6 credits
each)
One
(6 credits)
Two
(6 credits each)
-
One
(3
credits)
18
6
12
3
39
Year 3
-
One
(6 credits)
6
24
6
36
Total
8 core
modules
3 elective
modules
Year
Year 1
Year 2
Core
Modules
Four
(6 credits
each)+
one (3
credits)
Four
(6 credits each)
One
(6
credits)
6 specialisation
modules
1
project
1 GEM
108 credits
Core modules: 45 credits; Elective modules: 18 credits; GEM: 3 credits; Specialisation modules: 42
credits (including project: 6 credits).
1
2.
General Entry Requirements
As per General Entry Requirements for admission to the University for undergraduate degrees.
3.
Programme Requirements
Credit in five subjects (School Certificate) including Mathematics.
Pass at GCE 'A' Level in Biology or equivalent.
4.
Programme Duration
Minimum: 3 years
Maximum: 5 years
5.
Credits per Year
Minimum18, Maximum 48, subject to regulation 4.
6.
Minimum Credits Required for Award of Undergraduate Degree: 108
Breakdown as shown in table below, subject to regulation 4.
Degree
7.
Core Taught
Modules
45
Project
Credits from
Specialisation modules
Electives
GEM
6
36
18
3
Assessment
Each module will be assessed over 100 marks (i.e. expressed as %) with details as follows (unless
otherwise specified):
Assessment of a module will be based on a written examination (of 3-hour duration) and on
continuous assessment done during the semester/year. The continuous assessment will count for 2030% of the overall percentage mark for the module, except for a programme where the structure
makes for other specific provision(s). Continuous assessment may be based on laboratory work,
and/or assignments and should include at least 1 class test.
Written examinations for all modules, whether taught in semester 1 or in semester 2 or both, will be
carried out at the end of the academic year (unless otherwise stated).
A minimum of at least 30% should be attained in each of continuous assessment and written
examination, with an overall total of 40% for a candidate to pass a module. Modules will carry the
weightings of 1, 3 or 5 depending on their status (Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced).
Weighting for a particular module is indicated within parentheses in the module code.
Projects will carry 6 credits for degree award. They will be carried out normally in the area of
specialisation.
2
8.
List of Modules
A.
BIOLOGY CORE MODULES (42 credits)
Code
Module Name
BIOS 1001Y(1)
BIOS 1002Y(1)
BIOS 1003Y(1)
BIOS 1004Y(1)
CSE 1010e(1)
Biochemistry I & Physiology I
Cell Biology & Microbiology
Ecology I & Environmental Science
Evolution/Taxonomy & Diversity of Life I
Introduction to IT
BIOS 2001Y(3)
BIOS 2002Y(3)
Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Biochemistry II & Physiology II
75+30
75+30
6
6
BIOS 2003Y(3)
Ecology II & Diversity of Life II
75+30
6
B.
Hrs/Year
L+P/Visits
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
O.E.
Credits
6
6
6
6
3
BIOLOGY ELECTIVES (18 credits to be chosen)
BIOS 1005Y(1)
BIOS 1006Y(1)
Oceanography
Mascarene Natural History
75+30
75+30
6
6
BIOS 2004Y(3)
BIOS 2005Y(3)
Natural Resources Management
Introduction to Functional Foods
and Nutraceuticals
Sociobiology, Ethology and Bioethics
75+30
75+30
6
6
75+30
6
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
BIOS 2006Y(3)
BIOS 3001Y(5)
BIOS 3002Y(5)
BIOS 3003Y(5)
Plant and Animal Development
Global Environmental Change
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Management
(Not all modules may be on offer)
C.
SPECIALISATION: Cell and Molecular Biology (36 credits to be chosen)
BIOS 2007Y(3)
BIOS 2008Y(3)
BIOS 2009Y(3)
Molecular Biology and Adv Bioinformatics
Protein Science and Drug Design
Immunology
BIOS 3004Y(5)
Genomics, Proteomics & Transcriptomics
BIOS 3005Y(5)
Cell Signalling & Protein Sorting
BIOS 3006Y(5)
Mechanisms of Gene Expression
BIOS 3007Y(5)
Plant Genetic Engineering
BIOS 3008Y(5)
Advanced Cell Biology & Microbiology
(Not all modules may be on offer)
3
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
6
6
D.
SPECIALISATION: Plant Sciences (36 credits to be chosen)
BIOS 2019Y(3)
BIOS 2020Y(3)
BIOS 2021Y(3)
Plant Biochemistry
Limnology and Aquatic Plants
Plant Ecology
BIOS 3023Y(5)
Plant Biotechnology
BIOS 3024Y(5)
Plants, Products and Applications
BIOS 3025Y(5)
Plant Protection
BIOS 3026Y(5)
Plants as Bioindicators
BIOS 3027Y(5)
Plant Conservation
(Not all modules may be on offer)
E.
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
6
6
SPECIALISATION: Nutrition and Functional Food Sciences (36 credits to be chosen)
BIOS 2022Y(3)
BIOS 2023Y(3)
BIOS 2024Y(3)
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Introduction to Nutritional and Food Sciences
Micronutrients, Phytochemicals and Health
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
BIOS 3028Y(5)
Appl Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences I
BIOS 3029Y(5)
Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals
BIOS 3030Y(5)
Toxicology, Nutrition and Food
BIOS 3031Y(5)
Appl Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences II
BIOS 3032Y(5)
Nutrigenomics
(Not all modules may be on offer)
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
6
6
F.
SPECIALISATION: Environmental Protection (36 credits to be chosen)
BIOS 2010Y(3)
BIOS 2011Y(3)
BIOS 2012Y(3)
Environmental Monitoring and Evaluation
Pollution & Ecotoxicology
Environmental Ethics
BIOS 3009Y(5)
Sustainable Development
BIOS 3010Y(5)
Environmental Analysis & Management
BIOS 3011Y(5)
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
BIOS 3012Y(5)
Environmental Hazards & Disasters
BIOS 3013Y(5)
Biodiversity Conservation
(Not all modules may be on offer)
G.
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
75+30
6
6
6
6
6
-
6
PROJECT
BIOS 3000Y(5)
Project (normally in specialisation field)
4
9.
Outline Syllabus
BIOLOGY CORE MODULES
BIOS 1001Y(1) - BIOCHEMISTRY I & PHYSIOLOGY I
This module introduces the basic concepts of biochemistry including physical chemistry and
thermodynamics, molecular structure and stereochemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, chemical and
biochemical energetics, photosynthesis and photorespiration, enzyme catalysis and kinetics, spectroscopy,
metabolism and co-enzyme chemistry. The concepts and principles providing a basis for understanding plant
and animal physiology are introduced. Animal physiology stresses on functional strategies based on
chemical and physical bounds, and plant physiology covers mineral nutrition in plants, plant-water
relationships, movement of water and solutes, and growth.
BIOS 1002Y(1) - CELL BIOLOGY & MICROBIOLOGY
Cell biology is introduced from a molecular viewpoint, with topics including structure and dynamics of
biomembranes, membrane transport, protein synthesis, endo/exo cytosis, the cytoskeleton, and cell-cell
communication. The structure and function of DNA and RNA is also introduced. The basic elements of
Mendelian Genetics with ramifications in modern biology are explored. The microbiology component covers
an overview of microbial life and major discovery milestones, microbial diversity and phylogeny, microbial
cytology and morphology, microbial nutrition and growth, bacterial genetics, viruses and retroviruses, host
immunity and epidemiology.
BIOS 1003Y(1) - ECOLOGY I & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This module introduces basic ecological concepts, urban ecology and the influence of climate change and
tectonics in shaping the present. A description of the major world biomes is given and ecological adaptations
to the environment, life cycles and strategies, migration and dispersal in space and time, and survey
techniques are discussed. Aquatic ecology covers the characteristics and dynamics of freshwater, marine and
estuarine ecosystems. The environmental component of the module deals with the current major
environmental issues, emphasizing on resource use, pollution and environmental impacts. Aspects of
environmental sustainability are highlighted.
BIOS 1004Y(1) - EVOLUTION/TAXONOMY & DIVERSITY OF LIFE I
This module explores the historical perspectives, theories of evolution mechanisms and the principles of
classical taxonomy with emphasis on morphological characters. Modern evolutionary concepts especially at
molecular level, and taxonomic principles including topics such as phylogeny and chemotaxonomy are
covered. An overview of the different invertebrate animal phyla and divisions of non-principles vascular
plants with emphasis on morphology, identifications, life histories, interrelationships and classification is
also given.
BIOS 2001Y(3) - BIOINFORMATICS AND BIOSTATISTICS
This module is designed to introduce students to basic bioinformatics. Topics covered include structure of
archives and information retrieval, use of basic common bioinformatics tools to analyse DNA and protein
sequences, methods for predicting secondary and tertiary protein structure, the concept behind sequence
alignments and the data matrices used to compute those, use of bioinformatics in molecular systematics as
well as for functional genomics and gene expression profiling. The biostatistics component includes
statistical methods and their applications in biology e.g. contingency tables, probit analysis and some nonparametric tests are discussed amongst others.
BIOS 2002Y(3) - BIOCHEMISTRY II & PHYSIOLOGY II
This module deals with various aspects of plant bioenergetics and biochemistry, and provides an overview of
the vertebrate anatomical organisation. Topics in the plant component include energy conservation in
photosynthesis, photosynthetic electron transport and carbon assimilation and metabolism. The animal
physiology component focuses on the understanding of how individual cells, tissues and organs are
coordinated and integrated to different physiological functions of the organisms and life support systems
such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, alimentary and urinary systems.
5
BIOS 2003Y(3) - ECOLOGY II & DIVERSITY OF LIFE II
A comparative survey of vascular plants with emphasis on their morphology, anatomy, classification and
phylogeny, life history strategies with examples from representative animal phyla, and body plan, function
and comparative anatomy of vertebrates are covered. The ecological component deals with interactions,
concepts of reproductive value, aspects of population & community ecology, and island biogeography
including topics such as species-area relationship and disharmony.
CSE 1010e(1) - INTRODUCTION TO IT
IT and computers, stepping in the computer, input and output devices, secondary storage, programming,
systems software, applications software, systems development, computer networks, the internet, computer
security, software utilities, issues and trends in IT.
BIOLOGY ELECTIVES
BIOS 1005Y(1) - OCEANOGRAPHY
The module describes basic coastal and oceanic physical, chemical and biological processes. The various
topics covered include the physical nature of the coastal environment (lagoons, beaches, sand dunes,
estuaries), the factors affecting coasts, the biology and ecology of organisms inhabiting the major divisions
of the marine environment, primary and secondary production together with estimation methodology,
composition of seawater, estimation of water quality and chemical cycles in the oceans, the motion of
seawater from the molecular to the global scale including ocean currents, tsunamis, eddies, waves and tides,
and interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere.
BIOS 1006Y(1) - MASCARENE NATURAL HISTORY
The module gives an account of the formation of the Mascarene islands, their main abiotic characteristic
features, the history of scientific exploration, geology and soils, climate, forest ecology, marine and coastal
ecosystems, plants, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and amphibians, birds and mammals. The historical, current
and likely future threats to the region’s unique biodiversity and the corresponding conservation efforts are
examined and discussed. The module includes visits and field trips in Mauritius.
BIOS 2004Y(3) - NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
The module covers Earth’s natural terrestrial and aquatic resources & ecological systems (land/soil,
freshwater, forests, oceans), policy instruments for management, conservation (wildlife, fisheries,
endangered species), adaptive approaches, partnerships and stakeholder participatory management, local
knowledge systems, monitoring and evaluation, and case studies.
BIOS 2005Y(3) - INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONAL FOODS AND NUTRACEUTICALS
The module will examine the bioactive components of functional foods and nutraceuticals, their sources,
chemistry, process technology, efficacy, safety and regulation.
BIOS 2006Y(3) - SOCIOBIOLOGY, ETHOLOGY AND BIOETHICS
This module overviews the foundations of animal behaviour. Topics will include mechanisms underlying
behaviour and its development, animal perception, biological time-keeping, learning behaviour. The module
will also focus on sociobiology including basic concepts, altruism, social mechanisms such as
communication, aggression, social spacing, mating systems, parental care and investment as well as
examples of social species (insects and primates). The bioethics component will include topics such as
interactions of humans with the natural world, biomedical topics, biotechnology, and ethical isuues related to
research methods .
BIOS 3001Y(5) - PLANT AND ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT
This module deals with the different aspects of plant growth and development with topics on phytohormones
and growth regulators, tropism, photoperiodism, nastic movements, photomorphogenesis and seed dormancy
and germination. Mechanisms operating at a higher level in the animal kingdom are discussed, namely
relating to the life cycle, control and regulatory systems, reproduction and development, the nervous system,
the endocrine and the musculo-skeletal systems.
6
BIOS 3002Y(5) - GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE (GEC)
This module introduces the key concepts, issues and components of GEC, and then deals with the debates on
controversial GEC policy issues. The core of the subject is presented in three components: human
(population, global energy supply and its resource implications, transport & tourism trends and impacts),
biological (acid and ozone impacts on ecosystems, CO2 impacts on plant growth & agriculture, marine
productivity & fisheries impacts, effects on pests & diseases), and physico-chemical (atmospheric pollutants,
model predictions of climate change, global ocean observing programs, global water-hydrology, and global
planning and land use). Case studies on issues such as world health are also addressed.
BIOS 3003Y(5) - ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
This module covers topics like entrepreneurial culture, creativity, innovation, economic importance of
entrepreneurship, and the Business Plan as a preliminary for business creation. Business management
concepts include marketing, human resource management, accounting and finance, strategic planning and
business law. Writing a business plan by the student is a requirement of the module.
SPECIALISATION: Cell and Molecular Biology
BIOS 2007Y(3) - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND ADVANCED BIOINFORMATICS
This module provides a sound background on the structure and function of DNA and RNA, DNA replication,
transcription, translation and the genetic code, recombinant DNA and genetic engineering, vectors for gene
cloning and expression, plasmids, viruses, genotype, phenotype and types of mutation, recombinant and
genetic mapping, regulation of gene expression and human genetic disease.
The Advanced Bioinformatics component combines formal lectures with hands-on sessions in which
students work to solve a series of higher-level problem sets covering common scenarios in the acquisition,
validation, integration, analysis and visualisation of biological data. Complex applications applied to drug
discovery, microarray technology and molecular modeling will be covered.
BIOS 2008Y(3) - PROTEIN SCIENCE AND DRUG DESIGN
This module encompasses modern aspects of protein structure and function and shows how chemical and
biological properties can be related to both three-dimensional structure and post-translational modifications.
Topics include purification and characterisation of proteins, X-ray crystallography and NMR methods,
structural motifs and families, unfolding and folding, enzyme mechanisms and enzyme technology.
Approaches in protein engineering, protein conformations, predictions from sequence data and mutational
effects on folding will also be covered. The molecular basis of drug action and site-directed drug design will
be explained.
BIOS 2009Y(3) - IMMUNOLOGY
Is provided in this module an introduction to modern immunological theory and practice covering the
biology and chemistry of the immune response, including the chemistry, synthesis and biological properties
of antibodies, structure of antigens and the chemistry of antibody-antigen interactions, receptor interleukins
and associated mediator of immune cell function, antigen processing and presentation, the major
histocompatibility complex, organisation and re-arrangement of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily.
BIOS 3004Y(5) - GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & TRANSCRIPTOMICS
This module deals with the physical structure of the genome and higher-structure genome organisation in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes, comparative genomics, genome mapping strategies, genome annotation, whole
genome sequencing strategies, methods for probing the transcriptome, EST databases, SAGE, Differential
Display methods, large-scale gene expression profiling using microarray technology, biochemical and
computational approaches to studying the proteome, and commonly-used methods in functional genomics.
BIOS 3005Y(5) - CELL SIGNALLING AND PROTEIN SORTING
This module focuses on two of the most rapidly expanding areas of modern cell biology; signal transduction
and membrane trafficking. The module covers in detail G proteins, cytokine receptors, tyrosine kinases, and
apoptosis for signalling and vesicle targeting, protein sorting, exocytosis and endocytosis, nuclear transport
and chloroplast and mitochondrial import systems. Also covered are methods in cell culture and protein
trafficking techniques.
7
BIOS 3006Y(5) - MECHANISMS OF GENE EXPRESSION
Topics covered include prokaryotic and eukaryotic transcriptional control systems, structure and function of
the components of the various transcriptional machineries, molecular interactions between general and
promoter-specific transcription factors, molecular events governing initiation, elongation and termination of
transcripts, and the effect of chromatin structure in regulation of gene expression.
BIOS 3007Y(5) - PLANT GENETIC ENGINEERING
This module deals with the structure of the plant genome including the nuclear genome, the inheritance of
nuclear genes, the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes and the nature of plant transposable elements,
plant genetic engineering including the commonly used methods and vectors for plant transformation, the
molecular biology of disease and pest resistance, and an introduction to plant biotechnology including the
generation of transgenic plants, molecular farming and future prospects and concerns for plant
biotechnology.
BIOS 3008Y(5) - ADVANCED CELL BIOLOGY AND MICROBIOLOGY
This is a senior course covering more in-depth aspects in various topics of modern cell biology. Includes, but
not be restricted to, areas such as cell-cycling, organelle biogenesis, chromatin structure and its role in
transcription communication between nucleus and cytoplasm, molecular chaperones, cytoarchitecture, cell
adhesion and migration. The microbiology component will cover detailed aspects bacterial pathogenesis with
special emphasis on bacterial ultrastructure, mechanisms of pathogenesis and host defense mechanisms, and
antibiotic therapy. Industrial microbiology will also be dealt with. This includes development and scope of
microbiological industries, biomass and metabolite production and microbes in mine industries and waste
treatment. The course will ensure extensive use of the current literature to illustrate important concepts.
SPECIALISATION: Plant Sciences
BIOS 2019Y(3) - PLANT BIOCHEMISTRY
This module deals with the chemical and structural constituents of plants, their synthesis, their contribution
to key metabolic processes and the regulation of their biosynthesis. Emphasis is laid on biomolecules
including carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids and an overview of the main
secondary metabolite classes is provided. Structure-function relationships are stressed.
BIOS 2020Y(3) - LIMNOLOGY AND AQUATIC PLANTS
This module probes into the subject of freshwater phytoplankton ecology and dynamics, the impact of water
quality and harmful algal blooms. The biology and ecology of aquatic plants including algae and seagrasses
is addressed. Biomass exploitation, culture and bioremediation technology are introduced. The importance of
wetlands is considered.
BIOS 2021Y(3) - PLANT ECOLOGY
This module covers a diverse range of topics such as the why and how of seed dispersal, the ecology of seed
dormancy and soil seed banks, environmental influences on germination, intra- and inter-specific
competition in plants, plant population biology, herbivory and keystone herbivores, plant pathogen
interactions, plant defences, nutritional symbiosis in plants, pollination and importance of pollinators, plant
succession, relation between vegetation and climate and the ecology of invasive plants.
BIOS 3023Y(5) - PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY
This module deals with the structure of the plant genome including the nuclear genome, the inheritance of
nuclear genes, the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes and the nature of plant transposable elements.
Techniques used in modern plant biotechnology and how this technology is used to modify and improve
economically important plant species will be studied. Topics covered include tissue culture, clonal
propagation, genetic manipulation of plants, genetics engineering in higher plants and production of
commercially useful compounds amongst others. The principles, technologies, methods and applications of
biosensors and bioinstrumentation are introduced.
8
BIOS 3024Y(5) - PLANTS, PRODUCTS AND APPLICATIONS
Plants of economic importance are studied including cultural and economic uses for food, medicines, and
industrial products. The interrelationships between plants and people are discussed and emphasis is laid on
the primary and secondary metabolites with reference to their exploitation using biotechnology.
BIOS 3025Y(5) - PLANT PROTECTION
This module will provide an overview of the biology, ecology, and classification of insect pathogens,
predators and parasitoids, and will discuss the use of these organisms in plant protection, including an
emphasis on genetic alteration of natural enemies. The major groups including fungi, bacteria, viruses,
nematodes, and other plant pathogens will be introduced. Plant diseases biotic and abiotic, their diagnosis,
and their management will be studied. Other topics covered will be disease cycles, plant disease
epidemiology, disease forecasting, and the principles and practices of plant disease management including
pesticides and pest control. Regulation of biotechnology for plant protection will also be introduced.
BIOS 3026Y(5) - PLANTS AS BIOINDICATORS
Characteristics of bioindicators; examples of bioindicator organisms: fungi, lichens, bryophytes, algae,
herbaceous plants, trees; biological indication at the community and ecosystem levels (terrestrial and
aquatic); plant cell and tissue as pollution indicators; ecological modelling at the community and ecosystem
levels; ecological responses to environmental stress.
BIOS 3027Y(5) - PLANT CONSERVATION
Starting with the importance and uses of plant resources, this module proceeds to expose and discuss the
pressures and threats besetting the world’s plant diversity, including deforestation, habitat fragmentation,
global change and impacts of alien species among others. Plant community restoration is discussed and
illustrated with examples worldwide and locally. The scope and potential of ex-situ plant conservation using
gene bank, seed bank, pollen storage, etc. are presented. Population genetics issues in ex-situ plant
conservation are covered and the importance of in-situ plant conservation discussed. Reserve design, plant
species rescue programmes, plant conservation policies, conventions and laws are examined.
SPECIALISATION: Nutrition and Functional Food Sciences
BIOS 2022Y(3) - FUNDAMENTALS OF NUTRITION
This is the foundation course for the study of nutrition. The occurrence, uptake and metabolic role of
nutrients will be discussed in relation to growth, reproduction and longevity in human subjects, domestic
animals and other species.
BIOS 2023Y(3) - INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITIONAL AND FOOD SCIENCES
This interdisciplinary module provides an introduction to the Food and Nutritional Sciences from both
historical and modern perspectives. Major themes are the nutritional and functional properties of food,
nutrient assimilation, food preservation and safety, and the interactions between food processing, diets and
health, toxicology and metabolism addressing the issues of nutrient availability.
BIOS 2024Y(3) - MICRONUTRIENTS, PHYTOCHEMICALS AND HEALTH
The module emphasises the biochemical basis for the dietary essentiality of vitamins and minerals. The
module extends the fundamentals of nutrition to include conditional essentiality of micronutrients,
biochemical individuality and the use of micronutrient supplementation to promote human and animal
health. Both plant and animal sources of nutrients are discussed.
BIOS 3028Y(5) - APPLIED NUTRITIONAL AND NUTRACEUTICAL SCIENCES I
This module will introduce and develop key concepts of the applied aspects of the Nutritional and
Nutraceutical Sciences. Enrichment of foods with health protectant chemicals, establishing biomarkers and
risk indicators of disease, testing of bioavailability/efficacy to support basic health claims, health assessment
and nutrigenomic analysis as adjuvants in the effective use of functional foods and nutraceuticals, and
regulatory and marketing/consumer issues are topics that will be addressed.
9
BIOS 3029Y(5) - FUNCTIONAL FOODS AND NUTRACEUTICALS
The module examines the relation of functional foods and nutraceuticals (FFN) to foods and drugs. The
safety and efficacy of individual FFN products, and the regulatory issues that influence the development and
commercialisation of FFN in global markets are emphasised.
BIOS 3030Y(5) - TOXICOLOGY, NUTRITION AND FOOD
The topics covered are: the role of foods, herbals and nutraceuticals as sources of antinutrients, natural toxins
and environmental contaminants; the impact of toxic exposures on nutritional status; the impact of nutritional
status on safe metabolism of toxins, and the use of this knowledge in the design of functional foods;
assessing the risk of genetically modified foods and radioactive contamination of a food supply.
BIOS 3031Y(5) - APPLIED NUTRITIONAL AND NUTRACEUTICAL SCIENCES II
Laboratory and other investigational techniques are covered, together with their underlying concepts. The
module is designed to enhance understanding of the design and use of nutraceuticals for human and animal
health.
BIOS 3032Y(5) - NUTRIGENOMICS
This module discusses controversial and emerging topics in Human Biology and Nutritional and
Nutraceutical Sciences as it relates to nutrigenomics. Topics include: Nutrition in relationship to genetic
diseases, development of genomic analytical techniques and effects of food substances on gene expression
and cellular metabolism. The impact of genetically modified foods on health will also be examined at the
molecular level and ethical aspects considered.
SPECIALISATION: Environmental Protection
BIOS 2010Y(3) - ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING & EVALUATION
Environmental management is based increasingly on monitoring work. The module focuses on
environmental monitoring strategies, the types & purposes of monitoring programmes, environmental quality
standards, monitoring of air, water, soil & vegetation, use of environmental indicators, monitoring
environmental progress, and some case studies.
BIOS 2011Y(3) - POLLUTION & ECOTOXICOLOGY
Many of our activities have undesirable effects on the environment. The module deals with the types of
hazard, risk from pollutants, hazardous wastes, soil, water (including marine pollution) and air pollution, the
major classes of contaminants and their impacts, and pollution control. The main goals of ecotoxicology are
discussed with focus on the concept of bioaccumulation, effects of toxicants at various levels of organization
in the environment, and disaster response. Bioremediation technologies are introduced.
BIOS 2012Y(3) - ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Should we rethink our policies about threats (such as toxic wastes and pollution, nuclear weapons, fossil
fuels) to avoid further environmental degradation? The most basic principles in our accepted systems of
values challenge us to discover how to behave ethically towards the environment. After introducing a
theoretical framework, this module deals with such controversial issues as the rights and duties of future
generations, the rights of objects and animals, social justice, and some contemporary dilemmas
(consumption, poverty, genetically modified organisms, energy among others).
BIOS 3009Y(5) - SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (SD)
This module introduces the concept and principles of SD, considers SD issues and challenges in relation to
capacity building, information for decision-making, participation, and development of National SD
Strategies (NSDS), with particular reference to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), examines the critical
trends in SD and discusses the use of indicators to track progress towards sustainability and the role of
environmental policy and legislation.
BIOS 3010Y(5) - ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS & MANAGEMENT
The module provides an understanding of the principles and concepts as well as the tools and techniques of
environmental management for sound sustainable development. The topics covered include environmental
change, environmental monitoring and evaluation, sustainable development and environmental indicators,
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the ecosystem approach (EA), environmental impact assessment (EIA), strategic environmental assessment
(SEA), corporate environmental management and environmental auditing, environmental law and an
overview of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).
BIOS 3011Y(5) - INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT (ICZM)
This module focuses on the integrated, holistic approach to managing the coastal area. It deals with the
special nature of the coastal zone, the resources, human activities, conflicts and the scope for management.
The potential impacts of global change on the coastal environmental are discussed. The objectives, concepts,
principles, tools and techniques, and practice of ICZM are introduced together with the need for coastal zone
management plans (CZMPs). Legal instruments addressing significant problems are reviewed.
BIOS 3012Y(5) - ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS & DISASTERS
Natural and human-induced environmental hazards are becoming more and more prominent. Phenomena
such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, drought, wildfires, pest plagues, air and water pollution
cause extensive losses to livelihoods and property, and claim many lives. This module deals with the types of
hazards: hydrometeorological, geological, biological, technological, and conflict-induced. Environmental
change/degradation, the science of resilience and vulnerability of socio-ecological systems, early warning
and preparedness, and disaster management are major themes discussed.
BIOS 3013Y(5) - BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
This module focuses on understanding the value of biodiversity, its assessment, utilization and conservation.
It examines species extinction and the current threats to both global and local biodiversity. Conservation
strategies including aspects of restoration ecology are discussed with ample reference to case studies.
International conventions, national legislation and society`s perception and response to biodiversity
conservation are considered.
PROJECT
BIOS 3000Y(5) - PROJECT/DISSERTATION
The project normally has to be in the area of specialisation on an approved topic and should be of about
8000-12000 words excluding figures and tables. It is designed to test the ability of the student to undertake a
piece of independent scientific research under guidance and demonstrate analytical capabilities.
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