Biology

Three years full-time or up to six years part-time.

The course structure consists of a series of compulsory and optional modules, which form a logical, coherent progression through the three stages of the degree. There is the opportunity to specialise within the degree, which gives a greater emphasis to individual interests. Biology is a fast-evolving discipline: the current media response to genetically modified organisms, embryo research, gene therapy, conservation and food safety, indicates that there is a huge public interest in biology.

The course is designed for those who enjoy a multidisciplinary approach to the subject, with appropriate opportunities for specialisation. Practical laboratory-based work is an important component of this course and Avenue Campus is ideally situated for studying the natural environment, with many opportunities to visit a range of habitats both in the UK and abroad. Tutors promote critical, independent thinking and help students to develop a range of skills, particularly those related to reporting findings to others. These skills are not only relevant to work within biology, but are also transferable to a wide range of careers.

Stage one

Students study modules on a range of topics including ecology, biodiversity, cellular biology, evolution and research methods.

Stage two

The modules at this stage build upon your studies from stage one and include advanced human genetics, habitat ecology and an optional overseas field course.

Stage three

All modules at stage three, except the project module, are optional, providing the opportunity to specialise in a chosen subject if students wish to. The compulsory 40 credit project module allows students to spend time researching a topic of their own choosing, developing specific interests.

• Flexibility to specialise at stages two or three to give a greater emphasis on personal interests
• Overseas field course at stage two
• Professional development and work placement modules at stage three
• Committed, research active staff who understand the latest developments and issues within biology

• Integrated Physiology
  
• Biodiversity and Conservation
• Immunology and Health
• Introduction to Biodiversity
• Introduction to Ecology 
• Molecular Biology of the Cell
• Neuroscience

A wide range of assessment is used, including essays, reports, oral presentations, field reports, time-constrained tests, as well as end-of-stage examinations. The first stage is assessed mainly by continuous assessment and in the second and final stage the end-of-stage examinations comprise less than half of the total assessment.

Ideal for a variety of careers including industrial research and development, postgraduate research, consultancy, science writing and journalism, science teaching and the health professions.