Biology BSc (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

Accreditations

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Course Summary

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), our Biology degree is designed to provide you with the most diverse range of biological subjects to study and to help you develop a wealth of scientific skills, so that you can access the most diverse range of biology-based employment. So, whether you’re interested in microbiology or ecology, learning molecular biology skills or fieldwork skills, or working in biotechnology or conservation, you will find everything you’re looking for here at Chester. This diverse learning experience will enable you to find your passion and prepare you for a career exploring and applying it.

Why You'll Love It

Opportunities to learn, collaborate and grow

Studying Biology at the University of Chester is an inspirational experience; it is a unique opportunity to learn a wealth of new skills, meet new people and gain new experiences. From laboratory-based biology work to fieldwork, you’ll find it all here.

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Discover a range of biological subjects and get career-focused

The range of biological subjects that you will study will allow you to find and develop your passion within the life sciences, from the simplest forms of life to the most complex at every level of biological organisation. Our Biology course provides a hands-on learning experience and is career-focused, so you’ll have access to growth industries within the life sciences sector.

Supportive environment

Studying at the University will both challenge you and develop you, but the University will also support you. We have an experienced, friendly team of academic support and teaching staff, who will help you make the most of your time at Chester. From developing your academic skills to maximising your career potential, you will be supported at every step.

student in classroom with others around

What Our Students Think

1st for learning and teaching quality in the North West WUSCAS 2024
3rd in the UK for course quality 2024 unicompare
1st for student support WUSCAs 2024

What You'll Study

The Physical and Natural Sciences Foundation Year route is an ideal place to begin your journey in academic sciences. 

The Foundation Year is designed to give you a strong knowledge and skills base aligned with your chosen four-year degree. Following a solid grounding in scientific principles or behavioural sciences in your first block of teaching, you will study bespoke modules aligned with your discipline. This could involve studying the human body in health and disease and how to encourage healthy and sustainable behaviours, or the biology of terrestrial and marine animals and the impacts of their interactions with humans, or you might focus on the physical sciences and how they can help change the world for the better. Whatever you aspire to, we can offer you a supportive and incremental introduction to your science degree.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

The BSc Biology course contains core modules at each level of study.

In Year 1 (Level 4), you will be introduced to the foundations of biological science. You will be introduced to the essential principles, mechanisms and concepts needed to understand biology at every level of organisation. You will receive a comprehensive education in the biosciences, from biochemistry and cell biology to organisms and ecosystems. You will also be introduced to the skills required to investigate the life sciences.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

 

Year 2 (Level 5) builds upon the foundation from Year 1 and allows you to explore and research the key biological sciences in more detail. You will consider how important topics such as pathology, microbiology, environmental science and molecular biology interact with the wider biological world. Level 5 also provides opportunities for field work or work experience, as you start to consider future employment.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 3 (Level 6), you will continue developing your biological knowledge with an emphasis upon employability and how life sciences can be positively applied in the modern world. Subjects such as biotechnology, pharmacology and conservation are considered as opportunities for biology-based problem solving at a local and global scale.

Throughout the course, students receive extensive training to develop their professional scientific skills. This includes generating scientific questions, planning, designing and carrying out experiments, and analysing and interpreting data. This culminates in a dissertation project at Level 6.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If, during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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This course is designed around in-person study

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There may be some online learning activities

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Curriculum developed to match workforce priorities

This course is delivered in three terms of ten weeks each. In each term, you will study

40 credits comprised of either one or two modules. At Level 6, the dissertation module will also be delivered alongside your modules.

Scheduled contact hours will be approximately ten hours per week depending upon the complexity of the material being taught.

The course is delivered primarily in-person with some online learning. As part of your studies you can expect to take an active part in lectures and seminars. Alongside this, you will develop relevant skills (e.g., laboratory skills, fieldwork skills and computer skills) through participation in practical sessions, with further potential for field trips and work placements.

Independent learning is an important part of this course and you should expect to spend 30 hours per week on independent study, which might include following structured learning material on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and scientists, who have expertise in a broad range of biological sciences. Your learning may also be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

You will experience a broad range of employment-focused assessment methods throughout the Biology course. These assessments ensure you are exposed to a wide range of different types of tasks you might encounter in the workplace. These tasks will include coursework in the form of projects and reports, presentations, portfolios and investigative research projects. 

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence and key transferable skills to shape you into a world ready Chester graduate.

 

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC; Biology is required

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: (Applied Science/Animal Management): DMM

International Baccalaureate

28 points, including 5 in HL Biology

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in Biology

Scottish Highers: BBBB, including Biology

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above

T Level

T Level Science – Merit

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM

Extra Information

We accept a maximum of 8 UCAS points from GCE AS Levels. The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. 

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS 

72 points 

GCE A Level 

72 points, including a grade D at A Level Biology

BTEC 

BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science/Animal Management): MMP  

BTEC Diploma  (Applied Science/Animal Management): MM 

Irish / Scottish Highers 

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, including Biology

Scottish Highers: CCCC, including Biology 

International Baccalaureate 

24 points, including Biology

Access requirements 

Access to HE Diploma (Science): Pass overall 

T Level

Pass (D or E on the Core) 

Extra Information

Other vocational qualifications at Level 3 will also be considered, such as NVQs. 

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Compulsory field trips are covered by tuition fees. However, the course will involve additional costs not covered by tuition fees. Students are required to purchase a lab induction pack with a laboratory coat and other required equipment; the current price is £30.00, but this may be subject to price increases depending on purchase costs. Students are also required to have waterproof clothing and boots. The quality and cost of these are at the students’ discretion, starting at approximately £50, but must be suitable for fieldwork/trips in the UK in the winter months.

Other additional costs may also include the purchase of books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and travel to placements.

Students who are living away from home during their time at university will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Who You'll Learn From

Dr Robert Coleman

Senior Lecturer
Dr Robert Coleman

Dr Dan Baldock

Lecturer
Dr Dan Baldock

Dr Jonny Kyffin

Lecturer
Dr Jonathan Kyffin

Dr Virginia Harvey

Senior Lecturer
Dr Virginia Harvey

Dr Candice Owen

Senior Lecturer
Dr Candice Owen

Dr Jordan Ryder

Lecturer
Dr Jordan Ryder

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course, and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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