Science & Environment

Biological science covers everything from the complexities of the genetic code to ecosystems on land and in the oceans. You study modules as diverse as endocrinology, molecular ecology and environmental sustainability.

Biology touches all areas of our life whether we consider the depths of space or the microscopic workings of our cells.

Your learning includes laboratory techniques, professional and employment skills – highly regarded by employers – and major project work in the final year.

Graduates are ideally suited to sectors including the food, water, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, as well as careers in environmental agencies, hospitals and government laboratories, teaching or postgraduate research.

What you study

In Years 1 and 2 you focus on a number of key discipline-based topics, molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology, human biology, and ecology and evolution.

The final-year modules Molecular Biology of Diseases, Bioprocessing, Ecological Sustainability and Functional Food have been designed to integrate the key concepts and heighten awareness of the continuing advances in biological sciences and their impact on other disciplines. You also develop your independent learning skills in Year 3 by undertaking a hypothesis-driven research project in biological sciences. You develop key skills in research and creating and applying knowledge.

In addition, the course has been designed to develop skills and attributes which prepare you for the world of work. For example, you undertake a series of intensive projects which mimics real-life situations and helps you become an effective member of a team.

How you learn

You are expected to attend a range of lectures, small-group tutorials and hands-on laboratory sessions. Part of your course also involves a substantial research-based project.

The course has been designed to provide a number of contact teaching and assessment hours (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, projects, examinations), but you are also expected to spend time on your own, called ‘self-study’ time, to review lecture notes, prepare coursework assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments. Each year of full-time study consists of modules totalling 120 credits and each unit of credit corresponds to ten hours of learning and assessment (contact hours plus self-study hours). So, during one year of full-time study you can expect to have 1,200 hours of learning and assessment.

How you are assessed

Your training involves different types of assessment including coursework assignments and examinations.

Professional placement

There is an option of a professional placement in your third year, often with a biopharmaceutical company, to enable you to gain valuable practical experience so enhancing your education and improving future employment prospects. Some graduates find work with the placement provider after graduation. Placements are usually in the UK although there may be opportunities overseas.

Professional accreditation

This course is recognised by the Society of Biology. Degree recognition provides a guarantee to students that a degree programme can meet the educational requirements for Associate (AMSB) membership of the Society of Biology and, after suitable work experience, become full Members (MSB).

Career opportunities

Graduates are ideally suited to sectors including the food, water, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, as well as careers in environmental agencies, hospitals and government laboratories, teaching or postgraduate research.

Entry requirements

To enter Year 1, you're expected to have GCSE English (grade C or above) and good grades in biology at Level 3 (for example A level, BTEC ND, ACCESS, IB). We consider advanced entry directly into Year 2 if you have good grades in a Level 4 or 5 qualification (for example HNC, HND) in a related subject.

You're normally invited for an interview, when you can also see our excellent facilities and meet staff and students. You then receive an individual offer. If you can't come for an interview, a typical offer might be 280 tariff points including at least grade C (e.g. A level) or merit (e.g. ACCESS or BTEC) in Biology.

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