Why study this course?
Biology is the study of life. Taught in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, this Biological Science course will teach you that life processes result from a series of complex interactions at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level. You’ll develop hands-on skills that employers look for, as well as a detailed understanding of everything from biological systems at molecular level to ecosystems.
More about this course
Biology is the study of life. All life processes are the result of a series of complex interactions at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level. Through this course, you’ll investigate these systems in all their fascinating detail, and develop your academic and practical skills, enabling you to interpret and analyse biological data and evaluate your own work.
The Biological Science BSc (Hons) degree encompasses a broad scope of topics designed to interest the enquiring mind. During the first year you will acquire a solid foundation in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, human anatomy and data analysis. You’ll begin to understand how macromolecules drive cellular processes and you’ll be introduced to essential data handling and laboratory skills.
In the second year you’ll start to specialise, and will explore state-of-the-art research techniques such as gene cloning, amplification of DNA and microbiological techniques.
Your third year will include a year-long research project on the topic of your choosing. You can choose to specialise or to follow a more varied pathway.
Biological scientists play a key role in identifying diseases, monitoring treatment and conducting research into infectious diseases and other pathologies. You’ll graduate from this course ready to join the field, with a sound knowledge base and a high standard of cognitive, practical and transferable skills.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Anatomy & Physiology 1 (core, 15 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 2 (core, 15 credits)
Biochemistry (core, 15 credits)
Cell Biology (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
General Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Professional Studies (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Human Immunity (core, 15 credits)
Metabolism (core, 15 credits)
Microbiology (core, 15 credits)
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
Parasitology (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 1 (core, 15 credits)
Tissue Science 2 (core, 15 credits)
Ethics for Science (option, 15 credits)
Micronutrients for Health (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Biochemical Pathology (core, 15 credits)
Energy Metabolism & Endocrinology (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Biotechnology (core, 15 credits)
Infection Control (core, 15 credits)
Project (core, 30 credits)
Toxicology (core, 15 credits)
Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling (option, 15 credits)
Systems Pathology (option, 15 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Biological Science graduates go on to careers in the areas of biomedical science, education, genetics and bioinformatics.
As a biological science graduate your acquired research and analytical skills, problem-solving and organisational skills allow for entry to many other possible careers utilising these transferable skills. These include accountancy, science journalism, marketing and teaching.
This course provides an entry point into graduate studies at MSc or PhD level.
