Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Biological science asks deeper questions about the human body and challenges facing humankind such as;Why are some people more prone to certain diseases and medical conditions than others?How can we ensure that people remain healthier as they get older?Why do bacteria evolve to defend themselves against antibiotics and what can we do about it in the future?In its attempt to answer these questions, biology encompasses many areas of scientific study such as living organisms, life cycles, adaptations, and the environment. Biological science also incorporates a wealth of exciting and diverse topics from biochemistry and biotechnology to genetics, microbiology and physiology.Biological Sciences at Aston offers you an incredible mix of top-quality teaching, world class research and the opportunity to gain real world experience with our optional placement year. For those who achieve the required grades in the second year, you will be given the option to enhance your learning by transferring onto our integrated masters MBiol programme; giving you the platform to be a research and development leader and innovator of the future.Professional accreditationOur BSc Biological Sciences course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). RSB accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, preparing graduates to address the needs of employers. The criteria set by the RSB requires evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.Students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the MBiol Biological Science integrate masters programme which holds Advanced Degree Accreditation by the RSB*. This advanced accreditation recognises academic excellence in biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The criteria require evidence that graduates from the course meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.Placement yearThe best way to prepare you for your future career is to gain experience in the real world of work. That's why our course offers you the option to complete an integrated placement year, taken between the second and final years of your degree.Designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd, you can undertake placements in hospital, industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings.Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.

Year 1 Study a range of key bioscience topics where you will gain knowledge of the structure, function, synthesis and degradation of biomolecules, how genetic material is stored and inherited, and how to work safely in a laboratory setting. Core modules: Biomolecules, Cells to Systems, Microbiology and Genetics, and Metabolic Physiology for Biology. Year 2 Build your knowledge gained in your first year, as well as discovering exciting new topics all while developing the skills to apply fundamental biological concepts to experimental and real-world problems. Core modules: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Mechanisms of Pathology, Human Disease, and Cell Signalling and Physiology. Placement Year (Optional) Opportunity to gain valuable career boosting experience by setting your studies in a real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. This course is available as BSc Biological Science (3 year without placement) or BSc Biological Science (4 year with placement year) and both options are available to home, EU, and international students. After year 2, students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the integrated masters MBiol programme. Please note you can choose to take the placement year as MBiol Biological Science is available as 4 year without placement or 5 year with placement year. Final Year (BSc) Develop the skills required to complete a substantial original research project and choose from a selection of advanced subjects those that most suit your future career aspirations. Core modules include Research Project Preparation, Research Project and Professional Development for Biological Scientists. In addition, you will complete a series of specialist optional modules. Final Year MBiol (Optional) Students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the integrated masters MBiol programme. Please note you can choose to take the placement year as MBiol Biological Science is available as 4 year without placement or 5 year with placement year. In the final year for MBiol Biological Science students will complete a substantial six-month research project, where you will get the opportunity to work alongside postgraduates and post-doctoral fellows in addition to studying advanced masters level modules