Program Overview

Biology

BSc (Hons)

Overview

A contemporary, skills-based Biology degree that produces highly employable biology professionals.

Course Structure

• Year one: Focus on fundamental topics such as cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution, classification, food production, and ecosystems.
• Year two: Cover a range of concepts including biological systems and the importance of biology in real life.
• Year three: Single honours and major students will undertake a dissertation in the final year.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment.

Course Modules

• Year one (Level 4):
  • Biological Techniques
  • Ecology and Diversity of Life
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • The Microbial World
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Communicating Science
• Year two (Level 5):
  • Biological Systems
  • Biology in Society
  • Research Skills for Biology
  • Conservation Ecology
  • Human Pathophysiology and Nutrition
  • Food Analysis
  • Human Nutrition
  • Environmental Management
  • Behavioural Ecology
  • Microbial Applications and Biotech
  • Clinical Psychology
  • The Marketing Business
  • Environment and Education
  • Science Journalism and Publishing
  • Professional Placement Year
• Year three (Level 6):
  • Dissertation Planning
  • Dissertation Publication
  • Plants and People
  • Environmental Practice
  • Medical Biology
  • Applied Sports Exercise and Nutrition
  • Anatomy, Physiology and Metabolism for Physical Activity
  • Food Safety
  • Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Investigations in Microbiology
  • Marine Biology and Conservation
  • Wildlife Conservation Field Course
  • Publishing Industry Project

Opportunities

• Study abroad: As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.
• Fieldwork: From Kew Gardens to Haverfordwest, you'll have opportunities to participate in fieldwork opportunities across the Biology modules.
• Work placements, industry links, and internships: Our students have worked with clients such as the NHS, Bristol Zoo, Operation Wallacea, English Nature, and local authorities.

Facilities and Resources

• Laboratories: Located in the Gardens area of the Newton Park campus, we have a number of well-equipped and recently refurbished laboratories dedicated to a variety of practical work.
• Low Hazard Laboratory Space: We have a 'low-hazard' laboratory space where you can carry out activities such as the preparation and assessment of food, exercise, or psychological studies.
• Biology Resources Room
• Commons building
• Newton Park library
• Virtual Learning Environment

Professional Placement Year

• Overview: The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months.
• Preparation: Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.
• Assessment: As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours, and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

Fees

• 2025 entry:
  • UK full-time: £9,535
  • UK part-time: £4,768
  • International full-time: £17,670
• Professional Placement Year: During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full-time fee.
  • UK: £1,905
  • International: £3,534

Entry Requirements

• A Level: Grades BBB-BCC including a Grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Biological Sciences, or Social Biology.
• BTEC: Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject.
• T Levels: Grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
• International Baccalaureate: A minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of Grade 5 in Biology or a related subject at Higher Level.
• Access to HE courses: Typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in a science or related subject.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

• IELTS: 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.