Program Overview

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Biology BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The biodiversity crises on our planet have highlighted how central the study of Life Sciences is to our future. Our Biology course brings natural history and medical science together to offer a wide-ranging and flexible degree.

Course Options

• Full Time (3 years)
• Full Time (4 years) with placement year
• Part Time no fixed duration

Study Type and Length

• Study type: Full Time
• Course length: 3 Years

Campus and UCAS Code

• Campus: Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
• UCAS Code: C103

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offers: 104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, from any level 3 qualification
• Additional requirements: English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent)
• Mature students: We welcome and encourage applications from mature students (aged 21 and over)
• International students: Please read the entry requirements for your country

Course Modules

Level 4 (Undergraduate year 1)

• Diversity and Evolution (NS4201)
• Fundamentals of Ecology (NS4204)
• Biochemistry (NS4207)
• Animal Physiology (NS4208)
• Methods in Biology (NS4209)
• Ethics in Biosciences (NS4213)
• Field Research Training (NS4220)

Level 5 (Undergraduate year 2)

• Animal Behaviour (NS5207)
• Microbiology (NS5209)
• Plant ecology and diversity (NS5211)
• Research: Skills & Proposal: Biology (NS5223)
• Optional modules:
  • Internship (NS5001)
  • Biogeography (NS5205)
  • Cellular Pathology (NS5210)
  • Mammalian Reproduction (NS5215)
  • Anatomy & Biomechanics (NS5216)
  • Marine Ecology (NS5219)
  • Field Research (NS5220)
  • Monitoring & Management of Habitats & Species (NS5243)
  • Geographic Information Systems (NS5307)

Level 6 (Undergraduate final year)

• Biology Dissertation (NS6223)
• Biotechnology (NS6232)
• Optional modules:
  • Professional Experience (NS6001)
  • Field Placement (NS6002)
  • Avian Biology (NS6202)
  • Population and Community Ecology (NS6203)
  • Pollution in Ecological Systems (NS6204)
  • Parasitology (NS6209)
  • Evolution and Behaviour (NS6210)
  • Neuroscience (NS6216)
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology (NS6231)
  • Frontiers in Cancer Medicine (NS6236)
  • Reintroduction & Rewilding (NS6240)
  • Wildlife Disease (NS6241)
  • Advanced Geographic Information Systems (NS6306)

Fees and Costs

• Start date: Sep 2025
• Location: Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham
• UCAS code: C103
• Fee (UK): £9,535
• Fee (international): £17,425

Careers

• We offer a range of short-term and year-long placement options
• Recent students have interned with the NHS, the RSPB and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
• Graduates can work as biologists, ecologists, wildlife journalists, laboratory technicians, conservation biologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, researchers/teachers or environmental consultants

Teaching Staff

• Dr Julia Webb, Academic Course Leader for Biology

Placements

• Duration: 12 months, full-time (minimum 35 hours a week)
• Location: Popular destinations include the UK, USA, China and Europe
• Visa: You may need a visa if you’re on placement abroad
• Finance: Your tuition fee is reduced for your placement year – and you can still apply for a maintenance loan and get money advice
• Placement support: We’ll help you find a great placement and get the most out of the experience

Research

• Our research focuses on various areas, including ornithology, conservation, and ecology
• We have published papers jointly with students and invite students to work with us on our research projects

Student Stories

• Students have gone on to work with organizations such as the BBC, The Society of Biology, and the EU Cooperation on Science and Technology
• Students have also worked on research projects, including a study on the Dipper population and its impact on river health

School of Education and Science

• We offer a range of courses in education and science
• Our school is ranked 2nd in the UK for academic support and 6th in the UK for teaching
• We have a strong focus on research and offer various research opportunities for students

Related Stories

• Research launched to discover Dipper population and what this means for river health
• Predatory plant is more sensitive than we thought, new UoG research reveals
• Researchers shed light on future changes in British woodlands by unlocking secrets buried for 6,000 years

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