Program Overview

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Biology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Biology touches all areas of our life, from the microscopic working of our cells to immune evasion strategies of bacteria. This degree draws on recent technological and theoretical advances in biosciences. You select a specific pathway, allowing you to align your degree studies to your individual interests and career aspirations.

Course Structure

Year 1 Core Modules

• Anatomy and Physiology
  • Gain basic knowledge of human anatomy and an understanding of the mechanisms associated with control and regulation of the physiological processes of the major organ system.
• Animal and Plant Biology
  • Focus on multicellular organisms such as animals and plants to introduce physiology, population biology, ecology, and the complexity of ecosystems.
• Biochemistry and Chemical Science
  • Study the key principles of biochemistry, including the structure of the atom, chemical bonding, and the forces that operate between molecules, chemical reactions, and biological pathways.
• Biodiversity and Evolution
  • Examine the complex biodiversity and ecology of the microbial, plant, and animal worlds and the importance of their conservation.
• Cell Biology
  • Increase your understanding of biological processes at the cellular level, exploring eukaryotic cell architecture and function with a molecular and mammalian focus.

Year 2 Core Modules

• Bioethics
  • Gain an introduction to ethical issues central to biosciences, understanding the use of animals to advance knowledge of physiological processes for animal and human health and disease.
• Bioreactors and Fermentation
  • Develop a broad understanding of bioprocesses and selecting appropriate bioreactors for selective products.
• Human Metabolism and Clinical Biochemistry
  • Gain an understanding of the human metabolism, endocrinology, and clinical biochemistry, examining metabolism, the chemical processes that occur in living organisms.
• Immunology
  • Gain a solid foundation of the immune system and its role in protection against microorganisms and maintaining human health.
• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
  • Be introduced to a range of modern molecular biology concepts and techniques, addressing general molecular biology, molecular biology of genetic diseases, and using molecular biology for applications.

Specialist Modules

• Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Animal Science pathway)
  • Be introduced to the study of animal behaviour and welfare, encompassing evolutionary function, interactions of animals with their environment and each other.
• Clinical Pharmacology (Human Biology pathway)
  • Explore the nature of drugs as chemicals, which interact with cellular mechanisms at the molecular, systemic, and behavioural level.
• Ecology and Biodiversity (Biology and Animal Science pathways)
  • Explore how complex interactions shape the distribution and abundance patterns of species in the natural environment.
• Life Course and Health (Human Biology pathway)
  • Understand the life-course model, one of the most important ideas in public health, and how it looks at the critical stages of life and the different influences on health.

Year 3 Core Modules

• Biologics and Health Product Development
  • Develop the necessary entrepreneurship skills to understand the process of business start-up and introduce the necessary tools to manage nutrition, medical, biotech, and the healthcare sector ventures.
• Science Research Project
  • Complete an in-depth, independent investigation into a specialist aspect of your field of study, bringing together a range of practical and academic skills developed in previous years of study.

Specialist Modules

• Biodiversity and Ecosystems (Animal Science pathway)
  • Explore key areas where biological-based technologies have the potential to offer more sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
• Biogeography and Conservation (Biology and Animal Science pathways)
  • Explore the biogeographical distribution of species and how this can inform conservation practices.
• Bioinformatics and Genomics (Biology and Human Biology pathways)
  • Cover the fundamental principles of genome analysis and bioinformatics, learning how to access publicly available biological resources and how to retrieve information about genomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic sequences.
• Human Ageing and Disease (Human Biology pathway)
  • Further your understanding of the molecular, cellular, and whole organism ageing processes, addressing how ageing occurs by the accumulation of damage to molecules, cells, and tissues.
• Medical Microbiology (Biology and Human Biology pathways)
  • Explore how modern clinical microbiology can be used to detect, diagnose, and control infectious diseases.
• Trends in Animal Science (Animal Science pathway)
  • Be introduced to current trends associated with animal use in scientific research, extending your understanding in the context of current areas of research and societal interest.

How You Learn

This course aims to produce graduates who are competent in a range of knowledge, understanding, experience, and practical skills appropriate to biological sciences.

You learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars and workshops
• Laboratory work
• Field work
• Computer laboratory-based sessions
• Group projects
• Research projects
• Personal tutor meetings

How You Are Assessed

You may be assessed through:

• Formal exams
• Laboratory and/or fieldwork skills and reports
• Computer-based assessments
• Problem-solving exercises
• Data interpretation exercises
• Critical analysis of case studies
• Oral presentations and technical interviews
• Essays, literature surveys, evaluations, and summaries
• Collaborative project work
• Preparation and display of posters
• Planning, conduct, and reporting of project work
• Electronic portfolios
• Videos

Entry Requirements

We are committed to widening participation and encourage all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us.

• Year 1 entry: 96-112 UCAS tariff points
• You must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent and have studied at least one relevant subject at Level 3.
• Eligible subjects include Biology, Applied Science
• Typical Level 3 qualifications include A levels, BTEC Extended Diploma, Access to HE Diploma

Employability

You gain broad scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many career opportunities nationally and globally.

Typical careers include:

• Scientific research
• Laboratory scientist
• Science communication and public engagement
• Teaching
• Sales and marketing in science
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Information for International Applicants

International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country.

Tuition Fees

• UK applicants: £9,535 a year
• International applicants: £17,000 a year

Duration

• Full-time: 3 years (4 with work placement)
• Part-time: 4-6 years

UCAS Code

C100 BSc/BioS

Start Date

September

Attendance

• Full-time: 1-2 days a week
• Part-time: 1-2 days a week

Campus

Tees Valley, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, UK

Contact

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