Biology, MSci (Hons)

Course summary

Are you ready to join the next generation of biological researchers, tackling challenges such as emerging infectious diseases or the biodiversity crisis?Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this integrated master's degree will take you on a journey from learning about the building blocks of life and its incredible diversity in year one, to the cutting edge of biological research in year four.You will receive training in the key knowledge, practical and transferable skills needed to enter the world of research and development in academia and industry. Be part of a community where scientists develop new drugs, create more productive crops, and devise new conservation strategies.You will gain experience of laboratory and field work techniques in a wide range of core and optional modules across the first three years. In the fourth year, you will choose from a range of specialist research topics, such as the biology of the malaria parasite, or the effects of neurotoxins in venom.You will develop a novel research project under the supervision of a leading expert in their field. At the same time, you will receive training in key research skills relevant to your interests, from bioinformatic analysis to manuscript writing and conference presentations.

There are a range of optional modules to choose from in every year of the course. You'll study these alongside core modules. In your first year, you'll study the biology of animals, plants and microbes and the biochemical, evolutionary and genetic processes that underlie their biology. The experimental approach forms a key component to the year, with modules teaching practical skills and the principles of experimental design and analysis. In your second year, a major theme is health and disease in humans, other animals and plants. You'll learn about the genetic and developmental basis of disease, the fundamental biology of pathogens and parasites, and what happens when the nervous system doesn’t work properly. In your third year you'll work on a year-long research project, alongside studying optional modules. This major practical project that allows you to undertake your own biological investigation. In addition, there are wide-ranging optional modules. The research project is a biological investigation to suit your personal interests and aspirations, taken under the guidance of our expert academics. If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll complete a year-long research project in your fourth year. This could be lab- or literature-based. For the most up-to-date module information and full details, please visit the course page on our website.