BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

This course will equip you with the biological knowledge and the practical skills to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges. From genes to ecosystems, you’ll explore the fundamentals of life on Earth and how this knowledge can be applied to make positive changes to individuals, societies and global environments.

Developing your core knowledge

The first year consolidates and develops your core knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry, cell biology, human physiology and evolutionary biology. In addition, you’ll develop important practical laboratory and scientific skills that will form the basis of future successes in academic writing and experimental design. You’ll start to define your pathway though the degree, begin to specialise as a biological scientist and identify potential placement opportunities.

Exploring your chosen subjects

Year two provides opportunities to explore your chosen subjects in greater depth. With guidance from expert academics you’ll start to take ownership of your knowledge by developing your own project ideas and considering potential career paths. You’ll explore connections between subjects and gain an appreciation of how professional research is conducted. At this point you might also elect to undertake a 30-week placement.

Opportunity to specialise

The final year offers further opportunities to specialise in your biological disciplines and really focuses your mind on career paths. You’ll develop and complete a defining capstone dissertation project that will highlight your abilities and interests – ending the degree as an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled biological scientist.

Our students often work in partnership with staff to co-create research, collaborating with professionals and assisting with placement opportunities. We often collaborate with professional practitioners too, so the work has immediate practical benefits as well as being an inspiring way to learn.

I became interested in genetics whilst studying at BU and this gave me the motivation and confidence to pursue my placement in the USA, a once-in-alifetime opportunity.

Sophie Billington, graduate and Clinical Laboratory Scientist, CooperGenomics

Key areas of study

UCAS code C100

A Foundation Year is available on this course. See page 64 for more information

Key Information

Duration and delivery: 3 years full-time with optional 2-week placement or 4 years full-time with a minimum 30-week placement

Entry requirements: 104 - 120 tariff points

Required subjects: None

If English is not your first language: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent

See website for latest details of: Entry requirements, contact hours and course costs