Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Biological Sciences (Animal Biology and Ecology) BSc (Hons) Programme

The Biological Sciences (Animal Biology and Ecology) BSc (Hons) programme is offered by the University of Surrey, with the aim of providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of biological sciences. This programme is designed to develop a deeper knowledge of the study of all living organisms and how they are interconnected, from micro-organisms to humans, animals, and ecosystems.

Awarding Body and Teaching Institute

The awarding body and teaching institute for this programme is the University of Surrey.

Framework and Final Award

The programme is structured at FHEQ Level 6, leading to the final award of BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Animal Biology and Ecology).

Subsidiary Awards

Subsidiary awards available in this programme include:

• Ord: Biological Sciences
• DipHE: Biological Sciences
• CertHE: Biological Sciences

Professional Recognition

The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Modes of Study

The programme is available in two modes of study: | Route Code | Credits and ECTS Credits | | --- | --- | | Full-time | UCD10019, 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits | | Full-time with PTY | UCD10032, 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |

Faculty and Department/School

The programme is offered by the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences.

Programme Leader

The programme leader is PIRIE Tara (Biosciences).

Date of Production/Revision of Specification

The programme specification was produced/revisioned on 13/11/2025.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The educational aims of the programme are:

• To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of biological sciences and to develop a deeper knowledge of the study of all living organisms and how they are interconnected.
• To provide a high-quality education in the various aspects of biological sciences for students with diverse career aspirations.
• To provide opportunities for students to think creatively, both individually and within groups, in order to propose innovative solutions to a range of problems of a biological (animal) nature.
• To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students' interest in biological sciences, and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical, and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.

Programme Learning Outcomes

The programme learning outcomes are categorized into attributes developed, including:

• C: Cognitive/analytical
• K: Subject knowledge
• T: Transferable skills
• P: Professional/Practical skills The specific learning outcomes include:
• An understanding of laboratory and field-based investigation and its application to various aspects of Biological Sciences.
• Understanding laboratory-based investigations in biological sciences applicable to studying human health and disease.
• Acquiring a good breadth of knowledge in the field of biological sciences in general and a good depth of knowledge in the specialist fields.
• Understanding the basic principles of evolution, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, experimental biology, immunology, microbiology, and infectious diseases.
• Evaluating research findings and scientific literature and demonstrating the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it.
• Demonstrating an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings.
• Learning basic laboratory skills relevant to several fields of biological sciences.
• Developing advanced practical skills relevant to biological sciences.
• Interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
• Developing resourcefulness and resilience to respond positively and effectively to opportunities, challenges, difficulties, and setbacks.
• Learning and working independently and taking responsibility for planning and organisation of work.
• Communicating ideas, principles, and theories effectively by oral, written, and visual means.
• Working effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome.
• Developing competencies to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds in ways that respect the interests of cultural groups and individual rights.
• Applying basic statistical and numerical skills to biological data.
• Developing digital capabilities and computer literacy skills using online and electronic resources.

Programme Structure

The programme is structured as follows:

• Full-time: This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits.
• Full-time with PTY: This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits, including an optional professional training year.

Modules

The programme consists of various modules, including:

• Year 1: CELL BIOLOGY, MICROBIOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MICROBIAL WORLD, CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOSCIENCES, BIOCHEMISTRY: THE MOLECULES OF LIFE, INTRODUCTION TO PRINCIPLES OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PRACTICAL SKILLS, BIOCHEMISTRY - A CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW, MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS - GENES AND THEIR FUNCTION, PRINCIPLES OF EVOLUTION.
• Year 2: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS: FROM GENES TO BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION, INTEGRATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS, EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE, FROM NEURONES TO BEHAVIOUR, MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, ANIMAL & PLANT ECOLOGY - THEORY & PRACTICE, BIODIVERSITY, MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND INTERACTIONS, INTRODUCTION TO IMMUNOLOGY.
• Year 3: ANIMAL DIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY, APPLIED IMMUNOLOGY, SYSTEMS BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH AND DISEASE, ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR, NEUROSCIENCE: FROM MOLECULES TO MIND, BIOLOGICAL RHYTHMS, EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES, ANIMAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES, RESEARCH PROJECT.

Opportunities for Placements/Work-Related Learning/Collaborative Activity

The programme offers opportunities for placements, work-related learning, and collaborative activity, including:

• Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics
• Professional Training Year (PTY)
• Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY)

Quality Assurance

The programme is subject to the Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes, which can be found on the University's website.

Other Information

The programme also focuses on developing global and cultural capabilities, sustainability, digital capabilities, and employability skills, with the aim of producing graduates who are well-equipped to pursue a range of careers in biological sciences and related fields.