The programme aims to produce graduates:
- who can apply knowledge and understanding of biological sciences and related subjects to real life technological problems
- who have a deep understanding of selected areas of the subject of Biology
- who have the general marketable graduate skills which are essential to employers
Why study this course?
Our Biology team are experts in a range of biological areas from human biology to wildlife conservation. We have excellent resources for teaching Biology, including recently refurbished laboratories.
This Biology programme will provide you with an excellent grounding in the subject, combining a broad appreciation of this very diverse discipline with the opportunity to develop some of those subjects in more depth, such as animal or human biology. Being able to choose a large number of your modules is a significant advantage of this course.
The course will build upon your current understanding of biology and science so that by the end of your programme you should have an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of biology. And don't worry if your science background is limited; in Year 1 you will have ample opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge to enable you to take the subject further in Years 2 and 3 with confidence.
Features
The programme is taught by enthusiastic research active staff in modern, spacious laboratories housed on campus. Teaching and learning involves a range of methods including lectures, seminars, group discussions and presentations.
Experimental work, including laboratory practicals and/or field studies, is an integral part of the programme.
Specialisation into areas of Animal or Human Sciences is a feature of the final year. The programme may be studied as a single honours degree or as part of a combined honours degree programme.
Programme Structure:
Pathways in human biology, biomedical, behavioural science and ecology routes are available. Module choices (compulsory and optional) include:
Year 1 (Level 4)
- Essential Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Introductory Microbiology and Immunology
- Data Handling and Project Design
- Introduction to Animal Behaviour
- Wildlife Ecology*
* Not available for combined honours students
Year 2 (Level 5)
- Research Methods
- Biology of Disease
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Applied Microbiology
- Human Metabolism*
- Behavioural Ecology
- Adaptations to the Environment*
- Field Ecology*
- Wildlife Crime and Conservation
- Work Based Learning or Experiential Learning (six-week placement)
* Not available for combined honours students
Year 3 (Level 6)
- Dissertation (40 credits) or Research Project (20 credits)*
- Medical Microbiology and Infection Control
- Immunology and Haematology
- Clinical Biochemistry and Genetic Analysis
- Forensic Toxicology
- Animal Behaviour and Conservation
- Conservation and Environmental Impact
- Physiology and Behaviour
- Animal Cognition
- Evolution and Human Behaviour
- Entrepreneurship in Context*
* Not available for combined honours students
Modules are delivered through practical work, investigative research, and theoretical lectures. Your learning will be assessed by a combination of assignments (including essays, reports, presentations and seminars), practical assessments and examinations. Students benefit from visits by specialist guest speakers, and off-site visits are occasionally also available.
The University has well-developed web-based student support that forms the core of all of our teaching activities and which you will be able to access through a specially designed gateway for your programme.
Many career possibilities are open to graduate biologists. A degree in biology provides opportunities in a wide range of careers, including research or manufacturing in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries, working for environmental or government testing laboratories, sales and marketing, teaching, and many more. A degree in Biology may also give options for graduate entry into other careers, such as management or to the armed forces.
Each year, several graduates continue to develop their expertise in specialist topics through MSc taught programmes, or postgraduate research leading to MPhil or PhD degrees.
Teacher training is also a popular option for biology graduates.
Combined Honours
| UCAS points: |
A minimum of 240 - 280 UCAS points from GCE A Levels, including a grade C in one of the subjects recommended by the department |
| GCE A Level: |
The department requires one of the following subjects as essential for entry:
GCE A Level: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Science
GCE Applied A Level: Applied Science |
| BTEC: |
BTEC National Diploma/Certificate (Applied Science): merit/distinction profile |
| Irish/Scottish Highers: |
B in 4 subjects, including Biology, Chemistry or Human Biology |
| International Baccalaureate: |
26 points, including 4 in Biology or Chemistry |
| QAA: |
QAA recognised Access to HE Diploma (Science), Open College Units or Open University Credits |
| OCR: |
OCR National Extended/Diploma: merit profile plus one of the GCE A level subjects listed above |
| Extra Information: |
The Advanced Diploma: acceptable in combination with one of the GCE A Level subjects listed above
Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer
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