Bsc Hons Biology

What you'll study

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

 

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

 

Modules

Year 1

 

Core modules

Experimental Biology – 20 credits
Experience experimental biological research through a lengthy period of hands-on lab work, lectures, and computer sessions on experimental design and statistics.

 

Biodiversity and Evolution – 20 credits
An introduction to the basic theories and principles of evolutionary biology, including its mechanisms and how they work. 

 

Ecology, Plants and Human Impact – 20 credits
Using a combination of lectures and fieldwork study, this module introduces you to the fundamental principles of ecology. 

 

Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry – 20 credits
This module covers the basic understanding of cell biology and biochemistry. 

 

Microbiology and Molecular Biology – 20 credits
Learn the basic concepts of microbiology and molecular biology. 

 

Graduate skills 1 - 20 credits

Year 2

 

Core modules

Research skills in biology - 20 credits
Develop the skills you need to design and undertake a research project in biology, and to analyse and interpret its results. 

 

Optional modules

Animal Science – 20 credits
Develop your knowledge and understanding of how animals have adapted to their environments. 

 

Business for Biosciences – 20 credits
An introduction to the combined world of bioscience and business. You’ll benefit from business insight and how it relates to the bioscience sector.

 

Cell Biology – 20 credits
Develop your understanding of cellular biology, and get an introduction to the ideas you'll develop further as your knowledge becomes more specialised.

 

Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology – 20 credits
Examine and critique comparative and evolutionary approaches to the study of psychology in humans and other animals.

 

Development: How Form and Function Changes – 20 credits
Develop your understanding of how vertebrates, including humans, develop. 

 

Enzymes and Metabolism – 20 credits
Develop your critical understanding of enzymes, and the role they play in chemical reactions that make life possible. 

 

Genetics – 20 credits
Introducing you to genetics, this module will examine mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, and evolutionary genetics through a series of lectures, workshops and practical classes.

 

Hydrology and Freshwater Ecosystems – 20 credits
An introduction to the concepts of hydrology and freshwater ecosystems. 

 

Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
An introduction to the role and expectations of a teacher.

 

Marine Organisms and Ecosystems – 20 credits
This module extends and deepens your knowledge of the diversity of ecosystems throughout the marine realm.

 

Microbiology  – 20 credits
Expand your critical understanding of microbiology at a cellular level.

 

Plant Science – 20 credits
An introduction to the key aspects of general plant biology, including ecology, evolution, systematics, and genetics.

 

Year 3

 

Core modules

Honours Project – 40 credits
You'll work on your honours project. You'll design and run a lab, field, computer or literature-based investigation to get significant results or findings.

 

Optional modules

Aspects of Terrestrial Ecology and Evolution – 20 credits
Examine selected aspects of ecology and evolution. You'll specifically draw upon some of the research, scholarly interests and expertise of the staff involved.

 

Biotechnology ­– 20 credits
Build upon the foundations in microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and systems biology that you covered earlier in your course.

 

Environmental Microbiology – 20 credits
Focus on the role and activity of microorganisms in the environment. 

 

Gene Organisation and Expression – 20 credits
Develop your understanding of eukaryotic gene expression and its regulation.

 

Genes and Development – 20 credits
Take a cellular, molecular and genetic approach to the analysis of embryonic development.

 

Genomics in Molecular Medicine – 20 credits
This module focuses on two main areas of genomics in molecular medicine.

 

Marine Ecology and Conservation – 20 credits
Examine marine ecosystems and species to illustrate general principles of marine ecology and the consequences of human activity on marine biodiversity and its ecosystem services.

Typical offers

• A levels – ABB–BBB
• UCAS points – 120–128 points to include 3 A levels, or equivalent, with 40 points from A level Biology. Applicants will normally need to pass the separate Science Practical Endorsement (calculate your UCAS points)
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM
• International Baccalaureate – 27
   

English language requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

Tuition fees (2022 start)

 

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International (non-EU) students – £18,300 per year (subject to annual increase)
   

As the scientific study of life and living organisms, biology covers a huge variety of sub-disciplines – from ecology to genetics, botany to zoology – and everything in between.

 

This means that there's a wide range of sectors and industries you can work in with a biology degree, so there will always be a demand for your skills.

 

On this BSc (Hons) Biology degree, you’ll start the course with key biological theories, before being able to shape it to your interests and choose from specialist areas like animal science, enzymes, hydrology and environmental microbiology.

 

You'll develop problem-solving, communication and numeracy skills alongside technical skills, and in your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate a research question for your honours project. 

 

Once you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in areas including research, biotech, consultancy, teaching and journalism. You could also continue your studies to postgraduate level, such as on our MSc Applied Aquatic Biology.