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.

Live projects

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.

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. 

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

• 112-120

From A levels (including at least 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC national qualifications in Applied Science to include suitable Biology modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:

• BBC at A Level including grade C in Biology.
• DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered (please include units on application).
• BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant biology modules ( please include units on application) alongside other level 3 study.
• A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.

GCSE

• English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
• Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*

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 relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent

• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

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. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

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
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 2 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 3 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