Program Overview
The BSc Biological Sciences program at the University of Reading offers a flexible and customizable curriculum tailored to students' interests in either environmental biology or biomedical subjects. With a focus on hands-on research and field experiences, graduates gain expertise in ecology, human physiology, and cutting-edge laboratory techniques. The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, ensuring industry recognition and career opportunities in diverse fields, including healthcare, research, and environmental management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This BSc Biological Sciences course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests. The majority of modules in BSc Biological Sciences are optional, giving you the opportunity to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology. You will be taught by experts in their fields and have access to a range of research facilities. In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of respondents studying BSc Biological Sciences said that teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things. Within environmental biology options you will develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. The University of Reading’s award-winning campus is home to over 1,000 different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It also features the Cole Museum of Zoology and a herbarium, which house vast collections and offer volunteering opportunities. Additionally, you will have the chance to apply your scientific knowledge to a range of other habitats through our optional field courses. These normally last around two weeks and take place in locations such as Devon, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Spain and Colombia. Within biomedical subjects you will develop an understanding of human physiology and the basis of disease. The course has a strong practical element, and you will gain valuable experience of laboratory work and learn key molecular genetic and cell biology techniques. During your final year will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working on an original research project using cutting edge facilities and equipment. Previous topics include gene therapy of muscular dystrophy, emerging viral infections, the regulation of the stress response, stem cell biology, the spread of cancer and the control of blood clotting. Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring more than 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
Outline:
Year 1
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- History of Life on Earth
Year 2
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Research and Professional Skills
- Optional modules (choose 3)
Year 3
- Research Project
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
Teaching:
You will be taught by experts in their fields and have access to a range of research facilities.
Careers:
During the course, emphasis is placed on developing transferable skills such as computer literacy, information retrieval, data handling and communication skills. This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills. You could find employment in a wide range of roles across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, commercial manufacturing, environmental management and publishing. You may also decide to take up a research career or move into further study.
£9,250 New international students:
