Program Overview

Applied Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

The course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in the health and bioscience sectors. It explores life at all levels from chemicals, molecules and cells to organ systems, laying the foundation for a career in human health and disease.

Why You Should Study This Applied Biosciences Degree Course

The course aims to develop autonomous scientists of the future - so you will know where and what to look for as you face scientific challenges throughout the course.

What You'll Study

Year One

• Chemistry for Biosciences - 30 credits
  • This module aims to teach the fundamentals of chemistry, how it is used in society and how it connects with other areas in science, with emphasis on the application to biochemistry and the human body.
• Introduction to Microbiology - 30 credits
  • Here, we explore various microorganisms and parasites, including pathogens, with an aim to develop your understanding of personal and public health, from the simplest of microbes to the most complex.
• Applied Cell Biology - 30 credits
  • This module introduces knowledge of the cell to build an understanding of human health and disease. You’ll explore the cell, carbohydrates, lipids, water and proteins and these will all be discussed within the context of cellular function.
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology - 30 credits
  • This module focuses on the structure and function of systems in the human body. Topics include how the various types of cells and tissues make up the major organs within the body.

Year Two

• Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology - 30 credits
  • You’ll explore, in more depth, the molecular regulation of the cell life cycle and division, the human genome, and the molecular process of gene expression.
• Principles of Biochemistry - 30 credits
  • This module aims to develop your academic and practical skills. The module focuses on the biochemistry of individual molecules, cells and organisms and the ways that they interact at a chemical level.
• Advanced Microbiology - 30 credits
  • Here, you will explore microorganisms and parasites and their involvement in health and illness, as well as developing a greater understanding of how pathogens spread infectious diseases and affect personal and public health issues.
• Principles of Pathophysiology - 30 credits
  • This module aims to provide you with an understanding of human organ systems and the biological mechanisms of disease.

Placement Year

• UK Work Placement - 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme.
• International Study/Work Placement - 0 credits
  • This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme.

Final Year

• Applications of Biochemistry - 30 credits
  • This module explores the application of complex principles of biochemistry through a combination of current scientific theory and lesser-known cutting-edge scientific research.
• Analysis and Applications of Cell and Molecular Biology - 30 credits
  • Here, we will expand upon the previous topics of applied cell biology and molecular biology.
• Applications of Pathophysiology - 30 credits
  • At this stage, you will take an in-depth look at the pathophysiological mechanisms of human disease.
• Applied Biosciences Project - 30 credits
  • In the final module you will undertake an independent research project.

How You'll Learn

This course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available.

Teaching Contact Hours

• Full-time: up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.
• Part-time: up to eight hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning.

Assessment

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Entry Requirements

• HNC: 64 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification, including a Science-based subject.
• HND: 80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification, including a Science-based subject.
• Degree: 104 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification, including a Science-based subject.

Fees and Funding

• UK, Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man: £7,950 per year (full-time), not available (part-time)
• EU: £7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary, £18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary
• International: £18,300 per year

Facilities

• Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
• A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
• Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
• Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
• Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of biological and chemical sciences, including cell biology, chemistry and physiology.
• Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable scientific research activities.
• Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
• Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.

Graduates have gone on to work at a number of nationally and internationally renowned companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, HelloFresh, Oxford Immunotec and ALS Environmental.