Why study this course?
The Natural Sciences (Biology) degree course will equip you with a broad knowledge of science subjects, reflecting the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of scientific research and enterprise.
After receiving a thorough grounding in key modules for biology, you’ll go on to study everything from microbiology to thermodynamics and genomics to toxicology.This undergraduate degree programme is specifically designed to offer a broad selection of optional modules for you to pick from throughout the second and final years of your studies, whilst providing the core laboratory, IT and performance skills you’ll need to succeed in future employment. You’ll find that this flexible structure of our Natural Sciences (Biology) BSc allows you to tailor the degree towards your personal interests and specific career aspirations.
More about this course
This course will develop your technical and transferable skills across a range of subjects within the natural sciences.
On completion of this degree you’ll be fully prepared to pursue postgraduate study or work in several areas of the chemical, biological or pharmaceutical industries. Practicals and projects are conducted in one of the largest and most advanced science teaching facilities in Europe, with access to 280 workstations and specialist laboratory equipment. Our Learning Centre has many areas for group or independent study with Wi-Fi and computer facilities.
Membership of the Life Sciences Society also gives you the opportunity to attend several social and professional events. This welcoming society helps you to build employability skills suitable for careers within life sciences.
Your first year will cover the fundamentals of physical, chemical and biological sciences, both theoretically and practically in the laboratory.
As the course progresses, you’ll have the chance to explore the practical and technical aspects of the natural sciences at a more in-depth level as well as having the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you such as bioinformatics, medical genetics, toxicology or bioanalytical science.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a year-long research project on a topic of your choosing within the natural sciences. You’ll also have the option to undertake an on-the-job placement as part of your degree, giving you valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the industry.
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:
Biochemistry for Life Sciences (core, 15 credits)
Cell Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)
Fundamental Chemical Concepts (core, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology (for Life Sciences) (core, 15 credits)
General Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Laboratory Skills (core, 15 credits)
Key Principles in Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Kinetics and Surface Chemistry (core, 15 credits)
Molecular Biology (core, 15 credits)
Quantitative Analysis (core, 15 credits)
Spectroscopic Methods (core, 15 credits)
Coordination and solution chemistry of d and f block complexes (option, 15 credits)
Ethics for Science (option, 15 credits)
Human Immunity (option, 15 credits)
Metabolism (option, 15 credits)
Microbiology (option, 15 credits)
Principles of Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery (option, 15 credits)
Solid State and Organometallic Chemistry (option, 15 credits)
Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry (option, 15 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Project (alternative core, 30 credits)
Research Project (alternative core, 30 credits)
Advanced Bioanalytical Science (option, 15 credits)
Advanced Inorganic Techniques (option, 15 credits)
Advanced Physical Chemistry (option, 15 credits)
Biochemical Pathology (option, 15 credits)
Bioinformatics & Molecular Modelling (option, 15 credits)
Clinical Biochemistry (option, 15 credits)
Formulations and Quality Assurance of Solids and Semi-solids (option, 15 credits)
Fundamentals of Biotechnology (option, 15 credits)
Genomics (option, 15 credits)
Topics in Inorganic Chemistry (option, 15 credits)
Toxicology (option, 15 credits)
Virology (option, 15 credits)
Work Placement (for Life Sciences) (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
You’ll leave this course equipped for a career in biological research, in hospital and public health laboratories or in the pharmaceutical, food, water and agricultural industries.
You could choose to work in sectors such as education or bioanalytics, with roles such as developer or laboratory technician. You’ll also develop the IT, research and analytical skills that are valued by employers in many different industries such as accountancy, journalism and marketing.
