Program Overview

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Biology

BSc (Hons)

Attendance

Full-time

Campus

Preston Campus

Start

September 2025

Duration

3 years

UCAS Code

CC10

Delivery

In-person

Foundation year available

Our biology degree offers a broad understanding of major biological concepts from ecosystems, plant biology, and human biology to microbiology and biotechnology integration. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in laboratories and field techniques, preparing you for a diverse scientific career.

Why study with us

• Taught by internationally-recognised research-active scientists in plant biology and evolutionary ecology.
• You’ll develop advanced knowledge of contemporary biology, and high-level technical skills.
• You'll enhance your learning through residential field trips, with an optional overseas trip in your third year.

Modules

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Biosciences
  • Module code: BL1011
  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the science behind biology. You'll learn about the molecular biology of the cell through to the level of the whole organism. You'll also gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience of common biological techniques.
• Essential Skills in Biosciences
  • Module code: BL1012
  • Introducing you to the concepts of chemistry as well as the relevant mathematical manipulations. You will develop your knowledge in literature searching, the application of databases, scientific communication, ethics, and health and safety. You will also get the necessary knowledge and skills to support the understanding of biosciences as a discipline and a profession.
• Introduction to Field Biology
  • Module code: BL1605
  • This module introduces you to some of the theoretical and practical elements of environmental biology with a focus on the ecology of natural environments and the impact of human activities. The learning and teaching strategy will develop a range of academic and personal skills including biological and environmental data collection, data analysis and presentation, self-organisation, independent study and research, accessing and assessing information sources, and effective communication including academic writing and presentation skills.

Year 2

• Bioscience Practical Skills
  • Module code: BL2011
  • During this module, you'll develop your experimental skills and learn about various proteins. You'll examine cell biology, molecular biology, and immunological techniques. You'll also explore biological samples, cellular components, and interactions with external factors.
• Topics in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Module code: BL2019
  • This module builds upon and applies the knowledge base in environmental and plant biology and ecology covered in level 4 and complements other level 5 and 6 modules. You'll explore the evolutionary concepts and processes that underpin all areas of modern biology and biosciences.
• Biology of Disease
  • Module code: BL2012
  • You will gain knowledge of the nature of different pathology specialisms, including immunology, microbiology, haematology, cellular pathology, and biochemistry. You will investigate causes and disease effects at the cellular and subcellular levels. You will study aetiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment currently presenting major healthcare challenges.
• Molecules to Cells
  • Module code: BL2013
  • On this module you'll learn how genomes are maintained, copied and inherited. You'll also learn how gene expression is regulated, how mutations are acquired and the effects mutations have on protein function, maturation and trafficking. Intracellular signalling pathways, the cell cycle and cell death will also be studied.
• Tissues to Organisms
  • Module code: BL2014
  • This module will provide you detailed knowledge of major organ systems of the body. You will investigate the functions of organ systems through physiological measurement. You will learn research skills, perform experimentations and literature review and show your findings through presentations.

Year 3

• Research Project
  • Module code: BL3011
  • In this module you will complete a piece of independent scientific research and will use a range of laboratory and research skills to analyse, interpret and present scientific data. As an outcome you will also gain both personal and professional development.
• Contemporary Topics in Applied Biology
  • Module code: BL3029
  • In this module, you'll learn about the latest findings and developments in a range of applied biological research topics. This will demonstrate the breadth and value of current biological research. It will also highlight the societal benefits of biology, including its impact on our everyday lives. You'll extend your knowledge of career possibilities in a range of biology-related and employment sectors.
• Infection Sciences for Biomedical Sciences
  • Module code: BL3016
  • You'll study strategies employed by different microbial groups to elicit infection. As well as concepts of infection and disinfection sciences. You'll learn about a range of investigative approaches and cultural techniques. Including those for high-risk patient groups, as defined by WHO. You'll discuss the principles and the applications of clinical microbiology and infection control. You'll also gain knowledge of specialist laboratory services provided by Public Health England.
• Molecular and Cellular Pathology
  • Module code: BL3017
  • You'll study current analytical techniques used in cellular and molecular pathology. The module introduces core scientific concepts. Specifically in the understanding of disease processes and diagnosis. You'll learn how molecular information underpins many developments in disease diagnosis and treatment. You'll develop critical awareness of genomics and proteomics as tools for disorder analysis.
• Drug Development
  • Module code: BL3021
  • This module aims to enable you to discuss the process of releasing drugs onto the market through animal testing to clinical trials. You will experience a range of pharmacological and biochemical techniques when investigating drugs and the mechanism of action, efficacy of drugs and their removal from the body.
• Fieldwork
  • Module code: BL3030
  • Engage in field-based activities and research relevant to your degree. The module aims to allow detailed field-based investigation of course themes in various locations. Extend your theoretical and practical knowledge through fieldwork and gain experience in devising, conducting and reporting on small-scale field investigations. You'll also develop higher-level field skills in observation, experimental design and data analysis and presentation.
• Work Based Learning Module
  • Module code: BL3603
  • On this module you will identify and secure their own placements by the end of your second year. You'll complete assessments with appropriate support from the module leader, including feedback on your essay topic as soon as possible after completion of your placement. This will enable you to spend time on the independent study required of the essay.

Entry requirements

• Minimum qualifications:
  • UCAS: 104-120 points at A2 including Chemistry or Biology at C. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship & community Studies not accepted
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM - DDM in Applied Science. Please see UCAS for specific module requirements
  • BTEC Diploma: DD in Applied Science. Please see UCAS for specific module requirements
  • Pass Access Course: 104-120 UCAS points including 15 level 3 credits in Biology or Chemistry at Distinction
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass with 104 - 120 UCAS points from Higher Level subjects including Higher Level Biology or Chemistry at grade 5
  • T Level Science or T Level Healthcare Science with an overall grade M
  • IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
  • GCSEs: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

Fees and funding

• 2025/26:
  • UK: Full-time £9,535 per year
  • International: Full-time £17,325 per year

Learning and assessment

• A three-year degree qualification usually comprises 360 credits and every 20 credits equate to 200 hours of study. Teaching is a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical sessions and independent study.
• Independent study is an important aspect of your degree course. The exact combination of study time is explained within your module descriptors and will depend on your option choices. You’ll benefit from extensive teaching laboratories and access to specialist research equipment. As well as cell culture, microbiology and molecular biology facilities. UK-based fieldwork is covered by your fees and embedded throughout your course. This enables you to gain key practical skills, with extra options to carry out international field studies.
• You'll have the opportunity to meet and work with role models who are professional biologists in government and non-governmental organisations.
• You’ll be assessed using a mixture of coursework styles designed to develop your transferable skills. Such as practical and fieldwork reports, case studies, research posters, oral presentations and examinations.
• You’ll undertake a dissertation research project in your final year on a topic of your choice with guidance from one of the biology teaching team. This can be a field or lab investigation, a desk-based study, or developing and evaluating a biology-based educational resource.

Industry links

• The Young Scientist Centre (YSC) is part of our unique collaboration with the Royal Institution. It's only purpose-built facility of its kind in a UK university. It offers young people from schools in deprived areas the chance to get involved in exciting hands-on science activities. On our biology course, you'll have the opportunity to gain useful work experience based in the YSC during your degree.

What can I do with a biology degree?

• You can follow a range of biology-related careers. From becoming a research scientist or technician to working in the health or pharmaceutical industries. You could also pursue conservation and species management or teaching and science communication.
• In addition, biology graduates are in demand in many other employment sectors in the UK and overseas. Including graduate entry level into the civil service, business, accounting, sales and marketing.
• Many biology undergraduates will develop an interest in a specialist area of their discipline. Continuing to study at postgraduate level for a Master of Science (MSc) or Research (MRes) or a doctoral degree (PhD or DPhil). Whilst others choose to take a postgraduate teaching qualification or graduate entry level into medicine.