Program Overview

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Introduction to the Biological Sciences (with foundation year) BSc (Hons) Program

The Biological Sciences (with foundation year) BSc (Hons) program is designed for students who do not currently meet the degree-level entry criteria. This integrated foundation degree offers a gateway to the BSc courses in Biological Sciences, providing students with a transformative year that supports the transition to university learning.

About the Course

This course is an integrated foundation degree, where students progress onto the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences course once they successfully complete their foundation year. The foundation year acts as a launch pad, supporting students with the development of robust study skills, increased confidence in tackling intricate problems, and the cultivation of independent learning.

Why Study Biological Sciences at NTU?

Students can take their degree anywhere they want by choosing specialist modules, focusing on areas such as microbiology, environmental biology, neuroscience, physiology, or biochemistry. This enables students to build their confidence and become professional biological scientists. Students gain hands-on experience in labs, on field trips, and through projects that mirror the work environment.

Research-Informed Teaching

The research conducted at NTU tackles real-world issues, and the people working on this research teach the students. This means that students can be sure that what they are learning is at the forefront of new biological discoveries. For example, Dr. Axel Barlow, a molecular ecology and animal evolution expert, has used his expertise to uncover the secrets of the dwarf elephant, which became extinct about 19,000 years ago.

Work-Like Experiences

Students design their own experiments in group work and put them to the test in both laboratory and field learning environments. Developing problem-solving skills through trial and error is essential for graduate-level skills, and students gain this experience from the beginning of their degree. The curriculum also incorporates employability skills, so students learn theory, skills, and how to find and apply for their dream job.

Take a Work Placement

The work placement is a great opportunity for students to not only learn how to do the job but also to gain an understanding of the industry and what it takes to be successful. NTU's strong industry connections and the support of the Employability team provide students with the tools they need to make the most of their placement experience.

Develop Your Portfolio

At NTU, students have the opportunity to create a skills portfolio, which is a valuable tool when graduating, as it allows students to show future employers that they possess all the skills required to work in a professional environment.

Meet Our Staff

The experienced teaching and technical team come from diverse backgrounds, so whether students' interests lie in research or industry, NTU has the team to support them. For example, Dr. Peter Redfern is Managing Director at Loreus Ltd., an environmental consultancy and training provider, and Carlos Abrahams is Technical Director at Baker Consultancy, an ecology consultancy.

Course Accreditations

This program has been awarded interim accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, which acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.

Module Information

The course is divided into modules, including:

• Applied Biology
• Data Handling and Analysis
• Introductory Science for Biologists
• Foundation Biology
• Professional Practice and Skills
• Professional Skills Project
• Practical Techniques for Biology
• Biological Systems
• Introduction to Biochemistry
• Genetics and Immunology
• Introduction to Physiology
• Introduction to Microbiology
• Professional Skills for Bioscientists I
• Professional Skills for Bioscientists II
• Bioscientists of the Future
• Biomolecular Structure and Function
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Microbial Structure, Identification and Distribution
• Ecosystems
• Biodiversity and Evolution
• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases
• Metabolism and its Control
• Applied Bioinformatics
• One Health
• Research Project
• Infectious Diseases and their Control
• Immunology and Virology
• Tackling the Biodiversity Crisis
• Adaptations and Survival
• Current Topics in Physiology
• Current Topics in Neuroscience
• Cell Signalling and Cancer
• Evolutionary Biology and Genetics

Student Experience

Students have praised the course, citing the new high-tech buildings and the support from the Employability Team as highlights of their experience.

How You're Taught

Students learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and workshops. The course is very practical, and students spend a lot of time in industry-standard laboratories and, depending on the modules chosen, in the field.

Who Will Teach You?

The teaching team includes experienced lecturers such as Dr. Erika Whiteford, Dr. Nelson Chong, Dr. Sarah Rayment, and Emma Gaunt, who have diverse backgrounds and research interests.

Entry Requirements

• UK students: 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent, with GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
• International students: 72 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent, with English language requirements met.

Fees and Funding

• UK students: Ł9,790 per year, with a reduced fee for placement year or year abroad.
• International students: Ł17,950 per year, with a reduced fee for placement year or year abroad.

Careers and Employability

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organizations such as AstraZeneca, Cabinet Office, Procter and Gamble, NHS, Microsearch Laboratories Ltd, Cancer Research UK, and Medical Technologies Innovation Facilities. Many graduates choose to undertake further study on one of NTU's postgraduate courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.

Campus and Facilities

Students mainly study in the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Centre (ISTeC) and Rosalind Franklin buildings, with access to facilities including the extensive SuperLab. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub and is close to the city of Nottingham, with its rich history, culture, and entertainment options.