BSc (Hons) Biology

Part-time study available
International students can apply
Overseas study available
Work placement opportunity

This course will provide you with a sound training and equip you with many of the personal and practical skills you will need for your future career.

It is a flexible course designed to offer you plenty of choice so that you can either study a broad range of topics or specialise in areas of biochemistry in which you are particularly interested.

Course Structure

In year 1 you will study a range of topics in six modules covering both theory and practice across the biological sciences.

The highlight of year 2 is an excellent residential field trip at Dale Fort in Pembrokeshire in May for the Marine Biology module which includes studies of the zonation and ecology of animals and plants on various rocky sea shores.

In year 3 a wide range of optional modules and project possibilities allows you to specialize in your areas of interest. You can undertake a lab-based research project for 40 credits and choose four modules from the following list or take a literature or data analysis project worth 20 credits plus five modules from the following:

Year 1

From Molecules to Microbes (20 credits)

This module focuses on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms and their structure, function and importance.

Genetics (20 credits)

This module will help you develop an understanding of genes and genetics, and their influence on evolution and development. It looks at the basic principles of molecular genetics, and the function and evolution of genes in organisms.

Cell Biology (20 credits)

This module will look at the multidisciplinary nature of cell biology and the basic structure of cells, focusing on animal cells. It will help you develop a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental physiological and biochemical functions carried out by cells.

Biodiversity (20 credits)

This module focuses on the origins and diversity of living organisms (including humans), the environmental processes and their role in the generation of biodiversity.

Biological Skills (20 credits)

This module will help you develop practical laboratory skills relevant to cell, organismal, micro- and molecular biology which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.

Study Skills (20 credits)

In this module you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement. You will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year 1 and beyond as well as an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.

Year 2

Clinical Genetics and Immunology (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide you with a cohesive lecture and laboratory programme to enable you to become aware of mammalian immunological mechanisms and to develop an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge in the application of clinical laboratory techniques used for diagnosis.

Human Physiology (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to encourage an awareness of the physiological nature of life in humans and develop an understanding of form, function and adaptation in organ systems central to the maintenance of life and interaction with the environment.

Terrestrial and Freshwater Habitats (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to provide scientific information on the ecology of selected terrestrial and freshwater habitats. You will study the environmental factors influencing adaptations of organisms to land and aquatic habitats.

Parasite and Vector Biology (20 credits)

This module looks at selected examples of pests and parasites and their impact on human health and human society. It gives an understanding of the life-cycles, basic systematics, transmission, pathology and control of the examples chosen.

Biological Research Skills (20 credits)

This module is to help you develop an ability to understand the basics of scientific research under the following areas in order to prepare you for future research based activity:

critical evaluation of research-based literature
understanding experimental techniques and design
data interpretation, analysis and presentation
dissertation writing and presentation.

Marine Biology (20 credits)

This module provides awareness of the biology and ecology of marine environments as well as providing you with the opportunity to undertake field work and encouraging you to adopt an investigative approach to ecological studies.

Microorganisms in Action (20 credits)

This module provides detailed coverage of selected aspects of microbial physiology and the interactions between microbes and plants and animals.

Year 3

Biology of Parasites I (20 credits)

This module looks at the importance of human and animal parasites, in relation to medical, veterinary or wild-life aspects, life-cycle biology, host response and the principles of parasite epidemiology and transmission. You will also study strategies for parasite detection, diagnosis and control.

Medical and Public Health Microbiology (20 credits)

In this module you will be introduced to medical and public health microbiology, practical skills, methods of isolation, identification and typing of bacteria from various sources.

Topics in Human Physiology (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of selected human physiological systems including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and the methodology used to monitor and assess cardiovascular and respiratory function.

Biotechnology (20 credits)

This module encourages an awareness of the importance of biotechnology in industry, and develops your knowledge of a variety of biochemical processes in a range of important industrial applications.

Applied Hydrobiology (20 credits)

The module focuses on biology relevant to the water industry and organisations which regulate and control the aquatic environment for example the Environment Agency. The major themes are biology associated with water resources and water pollution. The module will be enhanced by field studies and external visits.

Terrestrial Ecology (20 credits)

Study the consequence of human actions on the environment from prehistoric times to the present day, the appropriate ecological principles involved in plant-animal interactions and in the autecology of selected dominant species.

Biology of Parasites II (20 credits)

This module looks at the biology of selected parasites of human or veterinary importance and their interactions with hosts and vectors.

Clinical Immunology (20 credits)

This module looks at mammalian immunological mechanisms and the roles played by T and B cells/Lymphokines in generating an immune response. It helps you develop an understanding of the genetics of antibody diversity, HIV pathogenesis and the current immunodiagnostic assays for infectious and non-infectious diseases.

Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology (20 credits)

This module will develop an understanding of the physiology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in humans, and an awareness of methodology used to monitor and assess normal function and disorder in these systems.

Part-time structure

If you are studying part-time you select two to four modules from each year of study, completing the rest of the modules for the year in the following year. This leads to a maximum six-year duration for a part-time degree. If studying part-time you do not have the placement option.