Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the molecules of living systems, including their structures and how their structures enable them to function. Particularly important are the proteins, which are at the centre of action of living systems. Biochemistry provides an understanding of the basis of many diseases and of the basis of nutrition and drug design.

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics involves the application of maths and computing to the analysis of large biological datasets. Mathematical formula and statistical analysis is necessary to extract large amount of information obtained from sequencing the human genome.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the application of modern biological sciences to the processing and production of materials for use in medicine, agriculture and other industries. For example, knowledge of the structure of the flu virus has lead to the development of novel anti-flu drugs and research into how tumours grow is being used to develop new treatment for cancer.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of inheritance and the genes that determine the physical characteristics and disease states in individuals. Geneticists study genes inherited in families and how these map on individual chromosomes. If a molecule encoded by a specific gene is identified then mutations can be identified which cause cancer and disease.

Immunology

Immunology is the study of the immune system which is our defence mechanism against invading pathogens, cancer and disease. Studying the cells, molecules and pathways in the immune system can lead to vaccine developments and immunotherapies that overcome dangerous invaders which the body cannot normally fight.

Microbiology

Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa. Microbiologists seek to identify organisms causing disease and their role in food spoilage, nutritional value of food and the degradation of environmental contaminants.

Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology is the understanding of DNA and its manipulation, together with the knowledge of the structures of proteins which are specified by genes on DNA. This area encompasses molecular genetics, cloning, recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system. Neuroscientists study how the cells of the brain work to produce an array of behavioural responses, how the brain develops and how the nervous system might be induced to repair itself when damaged or diseased.

Parasitology

Parasitology is the study of parasites and their interactions with their hosts. Parasites usually cause some degree of damage to their hosts. Examples are malaria, tapeworms, liver flukes ticks and Giardia.

Physiology

Physiology is the understanding of the function of living organisms and their components. Physiologists study how organisms maintain their internal environments and the mechanisms they use for functions such as digestion, respiration and reproduction. Physiology also involves understanding how cells carry out their functions, how they communicate with each other and how cells combine to form organs.