Biology, BSc (Hons)

Biology is a broad and captivating discipline focused on the scientific study of living organisms, from bacteria to large mammals. This course builds essential knowledge and skills for diverse career opportunities. Situated near varied environments, it offers customized learning through local, residential, and international field courses in habitats like marine ecosystems, wetlands, and terrestrial areas. Key facilities include a £1.3 million Visualisation Centre, a £1.6 million survey vessel, a £4.2 million science laboratory, and a centre for sustainable aquatic research. The BSc Biology programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology and explores themes such as animal welfare, conservation, pest control, microbiology, and climate impacts. All courses include options for a year in industry or abroad to boost confidence, communication skills, and employability.In Year 1, modules typically cover animal diversity, cellular biology, ecology, and core skills. Year 2 includes animal physiology, immunobiology, marine ecology, and field courses. Year 3 focuses on biodiversity, epidemiology, plant conservation, and professional skills. Assessment combines lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, field courses, examinations, coursework, and a research project. We guarantee conditional offers for eligible applicants; visit an Open Day for more details.

Year 1: Areas studied typically include: animal diversity; form and function; cellular and microbial biology; marine and terrestrial ecology and animal behaviour; molecular and evolutionary biology; plants and algae – diversity, form and function and core skills for bioscientists. Year 2: Areas studied typically include: animal physiology; cell and immunobiology; coastal marine ecology; ecological microbiology and the cycles of life; ichthyology; molecular ecology; parasitology; plant ecology; terrestrial vertebrates; field ecology (residential) and animal conservation and welfare. Year 3: Areas studied typically include: biodiversity; biological control of invertebrate pests; epidemiology of infectious diseases; physics for biologists; plant conservation and ecology; sensory ecology; laboratory or field professional skills, phylogeny and macroevolution, hormones and behaviour, international field courses.