Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Biology Program

The BSc (Hons) Biology program at the University of York is a flexible and broad-based degree that covers biomedicine, biotechnology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology. This course is ideal for students who want an interdisciplinary approach to biology or wish to specialize at a later stage.

Program Overview

• The program is a 3-year full-time course.
• The UCAS code for this program is C100, and the institution code is Y50.
• The start date for the program is September 2026.
• The typical offer for this program is AAB, including Biology and a second science.

Course Content

The course content is divided into three years, with core modules and option modules in each year.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
  • Life on Earth
  • Genetics
  • Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges
  • Cells to Organisms
  • Molecules of Life
• Academic integrity module: This module covers essential skills and knowledge to help students study independently and produce work of a high academic standard.

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
  • Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
• Option modules: Examples include Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges, Cell Biology, Genome Expression and Maintenance, and Molecular Microbiology.
• Elective modules: Students may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language, or an interdisciplinary topic.

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • BSc Research Project
• Option modules: Examples include Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Pathogens, Ageing and Regenerative Medicine, and Molecular Machinery in Action.
• Elective modules: Students may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language, or an interdisciplinary topic.

Fees and Funding

• The annual tuition fees for UK (home) students are £9,535, and for international and EU students, the fees are £32,350.
• There are opportunities for scholarships, tuition fee loans, and maintenance loans.
• Additional costs may include text books, course books, and optional residential field trips.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is delivered by academic scientists with additional contributions from clinical researchers.
• The teaching format includes small-group teaching, lectures, practicals, workshops, and field courses.
• Assessment is via a mixture of closed exams, online open exams, and continuous assessment.

Careers and Skills

• A degree in Biology provides an excellent basis for science or health-related careers, and for a wide range of other occupations and professions.
• Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from biological and biomedical research and development, to careers in science communication, the health service, forensic science, environmental health, and wildlife conservation.
• Transferable skills include problem-solving, communication skills, teamworking skills, critical and analytical thinking, data interpretation and presentation, independent study skills, logical and critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: Typical offer is AAB, including Biology and a second science.
• Alternative offers may be available for students who meet certain criteria, such as widening participation or contextual offer.
• English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent qualifications.

Accreditation

• The undergraduate course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• As a graduate, students will meet in-part the academic and experience requirement for membership and chartered biologist (CBiol).