Biosciences
This pathway offered by the Department enables students to specialise in the Biological Sciences. Students experience a broad-based programme with opportunities that span the traditional disciplines of chemistry, biology and physics. Students have some scope to bias their degree towards general biological science, environmental science or animal science.
Recent advances such as the sequencing of the human genome, genetic engineering and protein analysis have made the biosciences the most rapidly expanding branch of science.
Year 1 (Level 4)
The first year consists of modules in: Core Science; Organism & its Environment; Microbiology & Cell Culture; Variety of Life and Introduction to Environmental Systems.
Year 2 (Level 5)
The second year's study consists of modules in: Control Systems 1; Control Systems 2; Molecular Biology; Chemistry; Anatomy & Physiology; and either Evolution; Reproduction & Development; or Animal Care and Behaviour.
Year 3 (Level 6)
In the third year, students study: Individual Study; Pests, Parasites & Pathogens; Introduction to Bioinformatics; Animal Health and Welfare; Ecology & Conservation and ONE from: Sense and Perception; Ionising Radiations or Practical Ecology (field course).
Career Opportunities
The broad, multi-disciplinary nature of the programme is well suited to anyone seeking opportunities in either a technical, managerial or public relations role. The level of scientific literacy developed by this programme is valuable in other non-scientific areas of industry, commerce and the media.
For those without appropriate entry qualifications, Biosciences may be taken as a four year degree, beginning with the one year full-time Science Foundation.
B.A./B.Sc. Combined Degrees in Biosciences
Picture showing a flower with pollen cloud.Students choosing this programme experience a broad-based multidisciplinary programme with opportunities that span the disciplines of Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Within the combined honours scheme, students can combine Biosciences with another academic subject from a wide range of possibilities.
Year 1 (Level 4)
In the first year, students will be given a general foundation in the sciences which will prepare them for the more specialist modules at Levels 5 and 6. At this level, all students study two modules: Variety of Life and Core Science.
Year 2 (Level 5)
At Level 5, students take one, two or three modules from: Reproduction and Development, Molecular Biology; Chemistry or Anatomy and Physiology.
Year 3 (Level 6)
At Level 6, students must take: Pests, Parasites and Pathogens; Introduction to Bioinformatics; and none, one or two from Practical Ecology; Sense and perception or Individual Study .
Career Opportunities
The multidisciplinary approach to this programme is ideal for those wishing to pursue a career in teaching in schools and colleges, or working for the increasing number of employers who require such a background in biology. A wide range of other employment opportunities exist, depending on the other subject chosen. Students who successfully complete the degree may also wish to opt for postgraduate study (MSc./PhD.)
For those without appropriate entry qualifications, Biosciences may be taken as a four year degree, beginning with the one year full-time Science Foundation.