Discovery modules Exploring the Sciences discovery modules

The benefits of enrolling on an Exploring the Sciences discovery module

Science, like art, languages, culture, philosophy, religion and politics, is an integral part of humanity. It impacts, and in turn is impacted upon, each of the other major endeavours of humankind. Moreover, science will have a part to play in our addressing, collectively, many of the most pressing global problems facing humanity.

However, you do not need to be a scientist to ‘get’ or ‘use’ science. Science is not just for scientists, it is for everyone.

Within this Theme you will find modules which try to open up scientific ideas to curious minds, regardless of which degree programme you are taking. Collectively, they illustrate the diversity of investigation and the broad societal impact of science. They have been developed to engage you, not to reinforce old stereotypes. To offer you a way into how scientific ideas have impacted our lives and how you, in turn, can appreciate some aspects of what science has to offer.

Some of the discovery modules in this Theme require a prior acquaintance with certain scientific ideas, but many do not. The emphasis is more on recognising where science fits into today’s world and some of the big issues facing all of us.

You may think that science is about knowing lots of facts. That’s not science, that’s stamp-collecting. You may think science is just about separating what is right and what is not right. That too is not science, but more the realm of lawyers and ethicists. Science, just like all other major human endeavours of thought and activity seeks to understand our world, our place within that world and how best to secure a legacy for humanity which will be of some value to future generations.

For general guidance relating to discovery modules, contact your parent school. For information relating to a specific discovery module, contact the teaching school for that module.

Microbes, Plants, Animals and Evolution modules for the 2024/25 academic year

Discover the unity and diversity of life from the smallest microbe to the largest organisms.

Understand how fundamental biological knowledge can be exploited in medicine and agriculture. Find out how organisms adapt and evolve to exploit different environments.

Learn about the good and bad microbes for human health and just where they might be lurking (possibly in your dinner!). What causes disease and how might we treat, prevent, and fight it? Was Darwin right about evolution? Explore all of this and more.

This sub-theme is most suited to students who already have some scientific knowledge (eg studied a science subject at A-Level).

There are 17 modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

The Diversity of Life

Module level: 1
Module code: BLGY1124

Read more about The Diversity of Life in the module catalogue.

Biology of the Mind

Module level: 1
Module code: BMSC1200

Read more about Biology of the Mind in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Pharmacology

Module level: 1
Module code: BMSC1216

Read more about Introduction to Pharmacology in the module catalogue.

Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages

Module level: 1
Module code: FOOD1071

Read more about Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages in the module catalogue.

Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages

Module level: 1
Module code: FOOD1171

Read more about Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages in the module catalogue.

The Microbial World

Module level: 1
Module code: MICR1202

Read more about The Microbial World in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Immunology

Module level: 1
Module code: MICR1221

Read more about Introduction to Immunology in the module catalogue.

Vertebrate Evolution

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1120

Read more about Vertebrate Evolution in the module catalogue.

Parasitology

Module level: 2
Module code: BLGY2106

Read more about Parasitology in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Bioinformatics

Module level: 2
Module code: BLGY2201

Read more about Introduction to Bioinformatics in the module catalogue.

Sustainable Food Production

Module level: 2
Module code: BLGY2225

Read more about Sustainable Food Production in the module catalogue.

How Biology Works

Module level: 2
Module code: PHIL2611

Read more about How Biology Works in the module catalogue.

Transport, Energy and Environment

Module level: 2
Module code: TRAN2041

Read more about Transport, Energy and Environment in the module catalogue.

Diet and Cardiovascular Health

Module level: 3
Module code: FOOD3071

Read more about Diet and Cardiovascular Health in the module catalogue.

Functional Foods

Module level: 3
Module code: FOOD3330

Read more about Functional Foods in the module catalogue.

Mathematical Biology

Module level: 3
Module code: MATH3565

Read more about Mathematical Biology in the module catalogue.

Modelling, Making Sense of Data and Analytical Thinking modules for the 2024/25 academic year

Did you know that many scientific theories are, in fact, simplified conceptual models that provide a way of thinking about the world and testing alternative possibilities? Harness those and who knows where it might lead! So, let’s explore the use of scientific models, learn to handle and manipulate data, and apply mathematics to real world problems.

This sub-theme is most suited to students who already have some scientific knowledge (eg studied a science subject at A-Level).

There are 16 modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

Science Education: Issues and Challenges

Module level: 2
Module code: EDUC2107

Read more about Science Education: Issues and Challenges in the module catalogue.

Understanding Data in the Social Sciences

Module level: 2
Module code: LUBS2095

Read more about Understanding Data in the Social Sciences in the module catalogue.

Logic

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2041

Read more about Logic in the module catalogue.

Further Linear Algebra

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2080

Read more about Further Linear Algebra in the module catalogue.

The Mathematics of Music

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2340

Read more about The Mathematics of Music in the module catalogue.

Vector Calculus

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2365

Read more about Vector Calculus in the module catalogue.

Financial Mathematics: Risk

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2535

Read more about Financial Mathematics: Risk in the module catalogue.

Statistical Methods

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2715

Read more about Statistical Methods in the module catalogue.

Survival Analysis

Module level: 2
Module code: MATH2775

Read more about Survival Analysis in the module catalogue.

How Biology Works

Module level: 2
Module code: PHIL2611

Read more about How Biology Works in the module catalogue.

Transport, Energy and Environment

Module level: 2
Module code: TRAN2041

Read more about Transport, Energy and Environment in the module catalogue.

Public Enterprise and Regulation

Module level: 3
Module code: LUBS3435

Read more about Public Enterprise and Regulation in the module catalogue.

Number Theory

Module level: 3
Module code: MATH3044

Read more about Number Theory in the module catalogue.

Combinatorics

Module level: 3
Module code: MATH3143

Read more about Combinatorics in the module catalogue.

Generalised Linear Models

Module level: 3
Module code: MATH3823

Read more about Generalised Linear Models in the module catalogue.

Modelling Extreme Weather Events

Module level: 3
Module code: SOEE3701

Read more about Modelling Extreme Weather Events in the module catalogue.

People and Planet modules for the 2024/25 academic year

In this sub-theme, you can learn about the diversity of life on planet earth, how it has evolved and how it survives. Get up close and personal with the building blocks of life by looking at cell biology and genetics.

Take a walk on the wild side by thinking about the animal kingdom. Or shift to a global view and weigh the evidence for climate change, its threats to survival and the future of a fragile living planet.

This sub-theme is appropriate for all students, whether they have a scientific background or not.

There are 10 modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

The Diversity of Life

Module level: 1
Module code: BLGY1124

Read more about The Diversity of Life in the module catalogue.

Natural Hazards

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1034

Read more about Natural Hazards in the module catalogue.

Atmosphere

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1281

Read more about Atmosphere in the module catalogue.

Weather

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1401

Read more about Weather in the module catalogue.

Water

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1434

Read more about Water in the module catalogue.

Sustainable Food Production

Module level: 2
Module code: BLGY2225

Read more about Sustainable Food Production in the module catalogue.

Climate Change: Science and Impacts

Module level: 2
Module code: SOEE2160

Read more about Climate Change: Science and Impacts in the module catalogue.

Food and Cancer

Module level: 3
Module code: FOOD3340

Read more about Food and Cancer in the module catalogue.

Ice in the Earth System

Module level: 5
Module code: SOEE5515M

Read more about Ice in the Earth System in the module catalogue.

Oceanography in the Earth System

Module level: 5
Module code: SOEE5617M

Read more about Oceanography in the Earth System in the module catalogue.

Science and Health modules for the 2024/25 academic year

Want to explore a scientist’s perspective on health?

Do you want the truth about good nutrition? Is it true that you are what you eat (and drink)? Have you ever wondered if and why you should take exercise, and what its benefits really are? Would you like to know how drugs work and the effects of food, drink and drugs on the body?

If so, then this sub-theme is for you.

This sub-theme is appropriate for all students, whether they have a scientific background or not.

There are nine modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

Biology of the Mind

Module level: 1
Module code: BMSC1200

Read more about Biology of the Mind in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Pharmacology

Module level: 1
Module code: BMSC1216

Read more about Introduction to Pharmacology in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Human Nutrition

Module level: 1
Module code: FOOD1051

Read more about Introduction to Human Nutrition in the module catalogue.

Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages

Module level: 1
Module code: FOOD1071

Read more about Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages in the module catalogue.

Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages

Module level: 1
Module code: FOOD1171

Read more about Traditional and Alcoholic Beverages in the module catalogue.

History of Modern Medicine

Module level: 1
Module code: HPSC1080

Read more about History of Modern Medicine in the module catalogue.

Science and Society: The Critical Interface

Module level: 2
Module code: CHEM2200

Read more about Science and Society: The Critical Interface in the module catalogue.

Transport, Energy and Environment

Module level: 2
Module code: TRAN2041

Read more about Transport, Energy and Environment in the module catalogue.

Food and Cancer

Module level: 3
Module code: FOOD3340

Read more about Food and Cancer in the module catalogue.

Scientific Thought and Methodology modules for the 2024/25 academic year

How do scientists cope with uncertainty and the unknown? Do they ever find ‘truth’? Want to learn how scientists arrive at hypotheses, and why they test them by experiment? What about changes and advances in scientific thought over time? What brought these about and what effect did they have?

How about developing scientifically grounded analytical skills that could increase your employability?

This sub-theme is appropriate for all students, whether they have a scientific background or not.

There are 11 modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

Magic, Science and Religion

Module level: 1
Module code: HPSC1015

Read more about Magic, Science and Religion in the module catalogue.

Darwin, Germs and the Bomb

Module level: 1
Module code: HPSC1050

Read more about Darwin, Germs and the Bomb in the module catalogue.

Science & Society: An Ethical View

Module level: 1
Module code: IDEA1100

Read more about Science & Society: An Ethical View in the module catalogue.

Forensic Psychology

Module level: 1
Module code: PSYC1610

Read more about Forensic Psychology in the module catalogue.

Introduction to Bioinformatics

Module level: 2
Module code: BLGY2201

Read more about Introduction to Bioinformatics in the module catalogue.

Science Education: Issues and Challenges

Module level: 2
Module code: EDUC2107

Read more about Science Education: Issues and Challenges in the module catalogue.

Syntax

Module level: 2
Module code: LING2340

Read more about Syntax in the module catalogue.

How Biology Works

Module level: 2
Module code: PHIL2611

Read more about How Biology Works in the module catalogue.

Science Communication: History & Theory

Module level: 3
Module code: HPSC3200

Read more about Science Communication: History & Theory in the module catalogue.

Mind, Brain & Society

Module level: 3
Module code: HPSC3450

Read more about Mind, Brain & Society in the module catalogue.

Space, Sound, Energy, Light and Matter modules for the 2024/25 academic year

Want to explore the science of things we can’t see – the order, the patterns, and the forces that underpin our world? Learn how particles and waves shape the world we live in. Think about how images make visible that which was previously seen. Dip into the world of colour chemistry and engage with the forces of nature. How do we get from atoms to planets, and everything in between?

This sub-theme is most suited to students who already have some scientific knowledge (eg studied a science subject at A-Level).

There are three modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

Introduction to Nanotechnology

Module level: 1
Module code: PHAS1500

Read more about Introduction to Nanotechnology in the module catalogue.

Planets and the Search for Life

Module level: 1
Module code: PHAS1510

Read more about Planets and the Search for Life in the module catalogue.

Phonetics

Module level: 2
Module code: LING2330

Read more about Phonetics in the module catalogue.

The Physical Environment modules for the 2024/25 academic year

Learn about the natural forces that shape this living planet and discover the connections between water, forests and climate.

Find out where the weather comes from and think about the impact of pollution and natural hazards on a global scale.

This sub-theme is most suited to students who already have some scientific knowledge (eg studied a science subject at A-Level).

There are 15 modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.

Topics in Nanotechnology

Module level: 1
Module code: CAPE1700

Read more about Topics in Nanotechnology in the module catalogue.

Dynamic Landscapes

Module level: 1
Module code: GEOG1040

Read more about Dynamic Landscapes in the module catalogue.

Planets and the Search for Life

Module level: 1
Module code: PHAS1510

Read more about Planets and the Search for Life in the module catalogue.

Natural Hazards

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1034

Read more about Natural Hazards in the module catalogue.

Atmosphere

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1281

Read more about Atmosphere in the module catalogue.

Weather

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1401

Read more about Weather in the module catalogue.

Water

Module level: 1
Module code: SOEE1434

Read more about Water in the module catalogue.

Introductory Oceanography

Module level: 2
Module code: SOEE2110

Read more about Introductory Oceanography in the module catalogue.

Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales

Module level: 2
Module code: SOEE2481

Read more about Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales in the module catalogue.

Transport, Energy and Environment

Module level: 2
Module code: TRAN2041

Read more about Transport, Energy and Environment in the module catalogue.

Tropical forests and sustainable development

Module level: 3
Module code: GEOG3690

Read more about Tropical forests and sustainable development in the module catalogue.

Earth Observations from Space

Module level: 3
Module code: SOEE3190

Read more about Earth Observations from Space in the module catalogue.

Ice in the Earth System

Module level: 5
Module code: SOEE5515M

Read more about Ice in the Earth System in the module catalogue.

Oceanography in the Earth System

Module level: 5
Module code: SOEE5617M

Read more about Oceanography in the Earth System in the module catalogue.

The Universal Language of Science Logical Reasoning and Truth

What is the relevance of philosophy to science? And how does science relate to magic, religion, and other ways of explaining the inexplicable?

Modules in this sub-theme explore the history of western scientific thought, and its impact on the world and humanity.

Does the way we think affect what we do and don’t discover? Does altering our ideas change just the way we see the world, or change the world itself? What would happen if … ?

This sub-theme is most suited to students who already have some scientific knowledge (eg studied a science subject at A-Level).

There are five modules available.

If you are an incoming year one student, you should only choose level 1 modules.