Summer School: Life Sciences
Discover our Life Sciences Summer School modules below, and if you鈥檙e unsure what to study, follow our top tips for how to choose a module.
Summer School Programme 2025
Applications are now open. Start your application or find out how to apply.
If you have any questions, contact summer@sussex.ac.uk.
Module information
This programme takes place over one module:
Session One
- Biomedicine and Genomics
Module code: IS454
On this programme, you’ll learn about fundamental principles in cell and molecular biology. Extending to workshops in R, you’ll cultivate essential research skills.
You’ll learn about advanced techniques such as CRISPR and qPCR through laboratory sessions. You’ll participate in journal clubs and collaborative student presentations, refining critical employability skills.
You’ll enjoy lectures on contemporary research topics such as RNA vaccines in oncology and ethical considerations in AI, delivered by industry experts. With interactive teaching and learning approaches, industry visits, workshops, seminars, and active learning methodologies, this module gives you an employability-focused, current research-led course.
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate understanding of cell and molecular biology, cancer genomics, Bioinformatics, AI and research techniques
- Develop key academic skills e.g. data presentation, academic writing
- Critically analyse and interpret experimental data
- Develop key transferrable skills such as presentation, teamwork, communication
Teaching method: lecture, seminar, workshop, practical
Assessment: Presentation (30%), in class tests (20%), report and observation (50% (including 10% observation))
Contact hours: 48 hours
Credits: 15 Sussex Credits
Level: 5/6
Session Two
- Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
Module code: IS417
On this programme, you’ll learn about the biodiversity of life on earth and key principles of ecology and conservation. You’ll learn through field classes, which take place in the South Downs National Park. The University is in the heart of the South Downs National Park, so your learning will be based on key themes:
- Biodiversity
- Ecology
- Conservation
You’ll also learn survey and identification skills through these field trips.
You’ll develop and gain an understanding of conservation and applied ecology in relation to real-world problems, through topics including biodiversity, community ecology, and practical land management for conservation. An example of this is the mowing of grasslands to help maintain grass cover, encourage re-growth, and productivity.
The School of Life Science has led research in biodiversity, with Professor Mika Peck establishing and supporting The Tesoro Escondido Reserve, created to conserve the critically endangered Ecuadorian brown-headed spider monkey. Professor Dave Goulson, founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, holds multiple awards, including the 2013 Zoological Society of London's Marsh Award for Conservation Biology.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand biological principles essential to ecology and conservation
- Develop knowledge of basic theories and concepts in ecology and conservation
- Demonstrate understanding of conservation/applied ecology in relation to real-world problems
- Present and interpret evidence from fieldwork on behavioural ecology
Teaching method: Lecture, seminar, fieldwork, workshop
Assessment: Fieldwork report (40%), in-class test (50%), observation (10%)
Contact hours: 40
Credits: 15 Sussex Credits
Level: 4 - Organic Chemistry: exploring chemical structure and applied laboratory techniques
Module code: IS418
On this module, you’ll develop fundamental laboratory skills, beginning with:
- thin layer chromatography
- reflux
- distillation
- vacuum filtration
- determination of melting point
- recrystallisation
- solvent extraction
- rotary evaporation
- recrystallisation
- Soxhlet extraction
Lectures give a core understanding in three main chemical themes: nomenclature, isomerism, and reaction mechanisms.
You’ll participate in workshops focused on lecture content and general academic skills, additionally participating in a collaborative group poster presentation, refining important employability skills.
Learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of organic molecules, inclusive of nomenclature and types of isomerism
- Use the curved arrow notation to show how a chemical transformation has taken place for a variety of common organic mechanisms
- Demonstrate an awareness of organic chemistry laboratory skills including the competent and safe use of equipment and the interpretation of experimental data
- Develop key academic skills e.g. data presentation, academic writing
Teaching method: lecture, practical, pre-lab, post-lab, workshop
Assessment: MCQ (50%), report (20%), in class tests (30%)
Contact hours: 49 hours
Credits: 15 Sussex credits
Level: 4
Session dates
- Session One: 30 June - 18 July 2025
- Session Two: 21 July - 8 August 2025
Not sure how to choose?
Follow our top tips for choosing your modules. You can also find out about our teaching structure, assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.
Which school will I study in?
You'll study in the School of Life Sciences, a diverse and collaborative community with expertise in areas such as cancer biology, drug discovery, biodiversity and conservation.
Our research
Our researchers in ecology and evolution study how organisms evolve, how they interact with their environments and how to protect species and ecosystems in a changing world. Our chemistry researchers have an established global reputation and collaborate with scientists from other disciplines at universities across the world.
Research inspires our teaching, and you'll learn from experts currently working in the field.