Get research and industry-ready on our sustainability-focused biology course – from animal and plant physiology to biochemistry, genetics, evolution and data-science.
Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.
Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.
Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.
Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.
Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.

Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.

Work placements

Once you have developed your knowledge and skills in the lab, there is the opportunity to apply for a year-long placement between your second and final year. This will give you the chance to apply theory and practice in the workplace. Alternatively, you are encouraged to undertake internships or other short placements all of which will provide you with experience to give you a significant start to your career. 

Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.

You can apply for a placement in the UK or use the opportunity to work abroad for example in Europe, with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.

We have a wide range of major national and multinational placement partners, including GlaxoSmithKline, Covance, Eurofins and other universities.

You will have opportunities to complete valuable field work. This could include exploring the natural environment of the Peak District, visiting Sheffield Botanical Gardens and a UK-based residential ecological and environmental field course – all at no additional cost.

Research projects

During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Through the exploration of biological concepts within modules such as plant physiology & anatomy, environmental biosciences and evolutionary & behavioural biology you will gain a breadth of understanding across key biological disciplines. This is supplemented by optional modules in your second and final years allowing you to explore further subjects of your choice.

The foundation course content is delivered and assessed in a variety of innovative and exciting ways, helping you to gain skills required for success on your chosen degree route. You will study 6 modules designed to prepare you for future success while studying one of our bioscience or chemistry degrees. Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it is where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records and analyse data, as well as working both independently and with others.

With a strong focus on employability throughout you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or post graduate education providers.

You learn through

• lectures
• interactive workshops
• small group academic tutorials
• scenario-based laboratory sessions and field work
• project work

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:

• analytical science 
• scientific sales and marketing
• pharmaceutical research and development analysis
• biotechnology industry
• scientific communication/journalism
• teaching
• agriculture
• environmental science and conservation

Many graduates progress to specialist masters courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their qualifications.

 

UCAS points

• 64

From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level or BTEC National qualification. Also need to have at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/physics or maths). We do not accept general studies.For example:

• CC at A Level
• MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
• A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.

You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.

• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3

GCSE

• English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
• Science at grade C or 4

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.

If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent

Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Concepts In Biology And Chemistry	40	Practical
Developing Skills For Science	20	Coursework
Foundation Skills For Science	20	Coursework
Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry	40	Practical

 

Year 2 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Practical
Evolution And Environmental Biology	40	Coursework Practial
Fundamentals Of Life Sciences	40	Coursework Exam
Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework

 

 

Year 3 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applying Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Developing Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Ecology, Advanced Evolution And Animal Behaviour	40	Coursework Practical
Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry	40	Coursework Exam

 

Year 4 Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry		Coursework

 

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists	20	Coursework
Plant And Environmental Biotechnology	40	Coursework Practical
Research Project	40	Coursework Practical

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Genetics	20	Practical
Applications Of Data Science	20	Coursework
Applied Biochemistry	20	Coursework
Human Nutrition And Health	20	Coursework
Neurobiology And Neurophysiology	20	Practical
Pharmacology	20	Exam