University of Brighton
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Biology
BSc(Hons)

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 3 years

    Part-time: 6 - 7 years

    UCAS code C100 (campus code U)

    About the course

    Biology is the science of life and studying it enables us to understand ourselves and the amazing variety of life around us. Where have we come from, how do we function, how do we interact with other organisms, what determines our behaviour? How can we address current issues in the field of biology, such as human health and how that is linked to our environment?

    This course taught at our campus in Hastings, and offers the chance to combine studies in human biology and environmental biology to answer these and other important questions.

    Lecturers on this course are research-active within their fields of expertise and are part of a larger research group.
    They have strong links with local and national organisations within their fields, are passionate about their subject and
    dedicated teachers of their discipline

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    ABB including biology at grade B. (Both biology and chemistry at AS-level.) Applicants with only two full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.

    ND/C (Level 3):
    DDM.

    International Baccalaureate:
    34 points, specified subjects.

    QAA-approved access course:
    acceptable, subject-specific units.

    GCSE (minimum grade C):
    at least three subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.

    Foundation degree/HND
    direct to year 2.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.

  • Course content

    Course structure

    The course is delivered through seminars, lectures, laboratory practicals, field work, site visits, workshops, group work and is linked with visits from experts and practitioners. You will be assessed through both coursework and exams. In the second year, you will have the opportunity of carrying out a placement matching an area of personal interest, which your tutor will help you to find and an overseas field visit to South Africa.

    Areas of study

    The course covers levels of biology from cellular mechanisms, infection and immunology, to biological diversity and ecology. The first year enables you to develop an understanding of key biology skills. In the second year you will study evolution, behaviour, microbiology, human physiology and habitat ecology.

    The third year focuses on key topical issues, including aspects of biomedicine, environmental issues, and current research priorities designed to enable students to develop key professional skills as independent researchers.

    Syllabus

    Year 1:
    Biological Systems
    Biology Skills
    Cell and Molecular Biology
    Ecology
    Approaches to Learning
    Subject Approaches

    Year 2:
    Human Physiology
    Microbiology
    Evolution and Behaviour
    Habitat Ecology
    Learning Through Practice
    Research Practices

    Year 3:
    Biology of Diseases
    Human Biosciences
    Ecology Field Skills
    Environmental Issues
    Dissertation/project

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BSc(Hons) Biology  [U2EG008]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)10,500 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Hastings

    Our Hastings campus is in the city centre, just three minutes south of the station and about the same distance from the seafront and the shopping district. It is a small and friendly campus of about 700 students.

    Living in Hastings

    The historic town of Hastings has been described as the south coast’s best kept secret. The town combines natural beauty with an exciting cultural centre and close knit student community.

    Social scene

    The up-and-coming social scene has seen a rise in pubs and bars opening in the town centre. From the quaint taverns in the old town to the slick town centre bars, there is something to suit every taste.

    Arts

    Hastings has a long established thriving art community with a large number of small galleries and art groups. The Electric Palace cinema in the Old Town is a small, independent cinema that also runs the annual ’Shot by the Sea’ film festival.

    Sports

    Alongside the university-run sports clubs, Hastings offers local sports clubs you can join, including football, rugby and netball. Or make the most of the location and take part in rowing, sailing and wind-surfing.

  • Career opportunities

    Graduate career routes include biological laboratory or research work, scientific consultancy, environmental careers and teaching. Some students progress on to masters-level courses, such as the MRes in Bioscience.

    Visit the careers service website.