Biological Sciences with Placement Year MBiolSci

Program Overview

The Biological Sciences with Placement Year (MBiolSci) program at the University of Sheffield offers a five-year master's degree that combines a broad foundation in biological sciences with a dedicated year of paid work placement in industry or research. Students develop a deep understanding of biological systems across all scales, from organisms and the environment to biomedicine and molecular biosciences. The program culminates in a major research project under the guidance of world-leading academics, preparing graduates for successful careers in research, industry, healthcare, education, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This five-year Master's degree program in Biological Sciences with Placement Year at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive and vibrant exploration of biological systems across all scales.
It combines a broad foundation in biological sciences with a dedicated year of paid work placement in industry, business, charities, or government. The program culminates in a final year focused on a major research project under the guidance of world-leading academics.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with a deep understanding of biological sciences, develop their research skills, and provide them with valuable work experience to prepare them for a successful career in the field.
• Description: The program emphasizes a broad and vibrant spectrum of study across all scales of biological systems, from organisms and the environment to biomedicine, human health, and molecular biosciences.
Students can choose to specialize or maintain a broad approach, tailoring their studies to their interests. The program encourages creativity, independent thinking, and the expression of ideas. Students have opportunities to contribute to research on cancer and aging in collaboration with the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, conduct field research projects in the Peak District National Park, and participate in field courses in the UK or abroad.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers a wide range of biological sciences, including:
• Organisms and the Environment:
Biodiversity, sustainability, climate change, ecology, conservation, animal behavior, plant science, ecosystems, and evolutionary biology.
• Biomedicine and Human Health: Human physiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, developmental biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, and human reproduction.
• Molecular Biosciences: Molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
• Structure: The program is structured over five years:
• Year 1:
Introduces fundamental concepts in biology, develops practical skills in the lab and field, and provides an overview of scientific practice.
• Year 2: Builds upon Year 1 knowledge, introduces more advanced scientific topics and techniques, and allows students to begin specializing in areas of interest.
• Year 3: Dedicated to a paid work placement in industry, business, charities, or government.
• Year 4: Focuses on a major research project, with opportunities for intensive field or lab courses, and allows students to choose modules from across the breadth of bioscience.
• Year 5: Dedicated to a major research project, providing students with advanced laboratory skills and embedding them within specialist research groups.
• Course Schedule: The program follows a traditional academic year structure with semesters in the fall and spring.
• Modules: The program offers a wide range of modules, with core modules in each year and a selection of optional modules.
Each module has a detailed description outlining its content, learning objectives, and assessment methods.

Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Exams:
Written examinations to assess knowledge and understanding of core concepts.
• Tests: Short assessments to evaluate specific skills and knowledge.
• Presentations: Oral presentations to demonstrate communication skills and research findings.
• Coursework: Written assignments, essays, reports, and projects to demonstrate critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Practical Work: Laboratory experiments, field studies, and data analysis to assess practical skills and scientific methodology.
• Application: Applying knowledge and skills to solve problems and answer questions.
• Communication: Effectively communicating ideas and findings in written and oral formats.
• Practical Skills: Demonstrating proficiency in laboratory techniques, field methods, and data analysis.

Teaching:

• Methods: The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures:
Traditional lectures delivered by world-leading academics to introduce core concepts and share research findings.
• Small Group Tutorials: Interactive sessions to facilitate discussion, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
• Research Projects: Hands-on research experiences in the lab, field, or using computational methods.
• Practical Lab Sessions: Opportunities to develop practical skills using state-of-the-art equipment.
• Field Trips: Excursions to zoos, aquaria, wildlife reserves, and other natural environments to gain real-world experience.
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of highly qualified and experienced academics who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes a student-centered approach, encouraging active learning, independent thinking, and the development of transferable skills.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in:
• Research:
Academia, government research institutions, and private research organizations.
• Industry: Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, environmental consulting, and agricultural industries.
• Healthcare: The NHS, private healthcare providers, and charities.
• Education: Teaching and outreach roles.
• Other: Marketing, science communication, IT, and human resources.
• Opportunities: The program provides students with opportunities to:
• Gain Work Experience:
Through a dedicated placement year in industry, business, charities, or government.
• Develop Research Skills: Through a major research project and opportunities to participate in research groups.
• Network with Professionals: Through interactions with academics, industry professionals, and other students.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers due to their:
• Strong Scientific Knowledge:
A deep understanding of biological sciences.
• Research Skills: Proficiency in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Work Experience: Valuable experience gained during the placement year.
• Transferable Skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

Other:

• Facilities: Students have access to world-class laboratory and computing resources for biological research, including:
• Alfred Denny Museum of Zoology: Used for teaching animal anatomy, biodiversity, and evolution.
• Controlled Environment Facility: Allows for the study of the impacts of climate change.
• Microscopy Equipment: Used to understand and prevent diseases such as MRSA.
• Genomics, Proteomics, and Metabolomics Research Facilities: Provide opportunities for advanced research.
• Student Profiles: The program features profiles of current and former students, highlighting their experiences, research projects, and career paths.

Please use 2024-25 information as a guide. £9,250Home students 2024 annual tuition fee £29,110Overseas students 2024 annual tuition fee