Course in brief

With an extra year of integrated study at foundation level, this course opens up opportunities in the sciences if you don't hold the required scientific A-levels or equivalent qualifications, want to change career or simply want to explore the options offered by university-level science before deciding on your specific pathway. 

The foundation year gives you the support, knowledge and skills you need. On successful completion of the foundation year, you can progress to the Biological Sciences BSc(Hons).

With an emphasis on practical learning, you will explore biological systems at molecular, cell, tissue and whole organism levels. You will develop skills in our purpose-built ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.

Opportunities for fieldwork will further develop your practical skills and you'll be able to get involved in a research project. Destinations for optional field trips currently include South Africa and the Mediterranean. 

Guaranteed interview scheme for medicine

All students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine.

See the Course in Detail section for information about entry requirements and eligibility. 

 

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code C121

Full-time 4 years
With placement year 5 years

Applying for 2018: read our guide

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The entry requirements listed here are our typical offer for this course and should be used as a general guide. We operate a flexible admissions policy – this means that different applicants may be made higher or lower offers for the same course, depending on their other achievements.

UCAS tariff
72 tariff points. Level 3 Key Skills and General Studies will count towards the tariff.

A-levels
DDD including two full science A-levels.

Other qualifications
We will consider applicants who have completed an Access course, BTEC diploma or International Baccalaureate on an individual basis; relevant experience may also be taken into account. 

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least three subjects including English language, maths and a science.

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.

International equivalencies

International equivalencies by country
 
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language institute

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For academic preparation courses.

Why choose an integrated foundation year?  

This integrated, preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications.Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Course in detail

Course structure

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, practical classes and independent study. Assessment involves the use of essays, exams, presentations, practical exercises and communication exercises, which can vary depending which options you select.

The course offers a number of field trips, including an optional trip to South Africa. Fieldwork puts what you learn in class and the lab into a real-world context. Laboratory classes are specifically designed to investigate fundamental areas of bioscience that might be encountered when working in professional laboratories. All classes are designed to underpin key skills recognised by the industry as needed for careers in the biosciences.

Biology,_Biomedical_Science,_Ecology_029

Foundation year 

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, chemistry and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and communication.

Modules

  • Foundation Biology
  • Foundation Chemistry
  • Data Handling
  • Study Skills
Biology,_Biomedical_Science,_Ecology_003

Year 1 

 

Modules

  • Essential Skills for Bioscientists
  • Diversity of Life
  • Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques
  • Introduction to Human Physiology
  • Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

Options*

  • Introduction to Ecology and Conservation
  • Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Biology,_Biomedical_Science_004

Year 2 

Modules

  • Research Skills and Professional Development
  • Physiology of Organisms
  • Behavioural and Evolutionary Biology

Options*

  • Intermediate Human Physiology
  • Human Biochemistry and Metabolism
  • Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics
  • Diet and Exercise for Health
  • Managing Populations in Ecology and Conservation
  • Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
  • Biology International Field Course
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Climate Change
  • GIS and Remote Sensing

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

 

Biology, Biomedical Science_008

Placement year

If you choose to go on a placement year, you will have an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience and an advantage in the job market.

The placement year will give you the chance to explore a potential specialism, develop your skills and help you to secure valuable work experience, which is increasingly important in today's competitive graduate job market.

Undertaking the placement will significantly enhance your CV. It may even help you to secure a job offer once you have completed your studies at Brighton.

Biology, Biomedical Science, Ecology_012

Final year 

Modules

  • Project Module: either Biology Experimental Project or Ecology Project
  • Species Interactions
  • Innovations in Bioscience Research

Options*

  • Cold Environments and Environmental Chang
  • Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
  • Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
  • Blood Sciences
  • Cellular Pathology
  • Ecological Impact Assessment
  • Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
  • Current Topics in Marine Ecology
  • Biology Independent Study Module

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

 

Biology,_Biomedical_Science_017

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Medicine

All of the students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine.

Two versions of the scheme are available: the first allows you to transfer after year 1, and the second allows you to transfer after your final year. Both require you to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in the year you apply.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

  • GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
  • If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
  • AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
  • If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
  • Excellent term 1 class attendance record
  • A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

  • GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
  • If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in all sections
  • A 70% average for year 2 modules

You also need to:

  • take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in your year of application
  • make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
  • show evidence of healthcare-related work experience in your UCAS personal statement and
  • have an excellent record of class attendance and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Facilities

Our facilities include laboratories purpose-built for the study of ecology, molecular biology, tissue culture, cell culture, histology and microbiology, allowing you to develop your practical skills. 

You will also benefit from access to an Image Analysis Unit, which uses advanced scanning electron microscopy to create high-resolution images of clinical and environmental samples; Confocal Microscopy; a Clinical Imaging Sciences centre; and a dedicated bioresource centre.

Facilities also include soil and water analysis laboratories, computer suites running GIS, remote sensing equipment and a physical geography lab. 

Student in laboratory

Staff profile

Dr Ian Cooper, Course Leader

"My personal area of expertise is in microbiology. I studied Biological Sciences at undergraduate level, and continued on to study Microbiology at PhD level. My research extends across the following fields:

  • investigating the mechanisms by which bacteria are able to resist antibiotic action and in developing novel coatings for biomaterials to reduce the likelihood of implant-associated infection
  • the survival of human-associated bacteria in environmental matrices such as soil and water
  • and the spread of zoonotic diseases between human and animal populations.

"My research directly feeds into the course at all levels of study, and I run final-year projects in each of these themes. I am currently involved in national, EU and other international microbiology projects, and am a reviewer for international microbiology journals. I currently have four PhD students investigating quorum-sensing, microbial production of amine compounds, toxin-host membrane interactions, and the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis."

Ian Cooper

Careers and employability

When you graduate from this course you will have the knowledge and skills you need to secure roles in areas including laboratory science, forensics and scientific consultancy.

You will also be equipped to pursue a career in biological research or commit to further study.

Science students in laboratory

Fees and funding

Your fees

UK/EU (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 13,920 GBP

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2017–18.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK/EU students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

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 DBS checks, 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 check with the school that provides your course using the contact details in the Find out more tab (at the end of this page) for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

See our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location and living here

Location

About Brighton

Forward-thinking and welcoming, the city of Brighton & Hove is a community of creative and diverse people who share values like sustainability and inclusivity – just like its university.

Miles of pebble beaches, hundreds of bars, restaurants and clubs, a packed calendar of culture, music and sport and great independent and high street shopping attract visitors from all over the world. By the end of your course you’ll still be finding new things to enjoy about the city.
 
The Brighton Festival, England’s largest arts festival, takes place every May – as does the Great Escape Europe’s leading industry showcase for new music, 300 bands perform over three days at venues across the city. Major events celebrate Pride, digital culture, cinema, photography, food and the winter solstice. Our own Brighton Graduate show is a highlight, turning the university into the largest exhibition space in the south east as we celebrate the outstanding creativity of our students.

As a student here you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience what the city has to offer. Volunteering and placement opportunities enable you to play your part in the events, organisations and communities that make Brighton such a compelling place to be.

i360 and ticket booth on the seafront  What to expect enriching experiences 

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Just two miles north of Brighton city centre and the seafront, Moulsecoomb is the largest of our five campuses with more than 8,000 students. A wide variety of subjects are taught here, from engineering and product design to business and law.

Students benefit from many professional-standard facilities, including a flight simulator, design and digital media suites, and specialist research laboratories. The campus library, Aldrich, offers long opening hours and a diverse collection of books and journals for students from all subject areas.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy our basketball and badminton courts, fitness suite and climbing wall. The campus is also a few minutes walk from the South Downs National Park, providing a great place to relax during the summer months.

Accommodation

Brighton

Our Brighton halls of residence are located across the city in Grand Parade, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • Grand Parade is in central Brighton and has one hall of residence, Phoenix Brewery, within walking distance. 
  • Moulsecoomb is two miles from the city centre and also has one hall of residence, Moulsecoomb Place, on campus. 
  • Varley Park offers the biggest choice of student accommodation with ten halls of residence. 
  • Falmer campus has two halls of residence: Great Wilkins and Paddock Field. 
    Varley Park and Falmer are around four miles from Brighton centre; there are good public transport services nearby.

Aside from halls, you have the option of Unihomes, which we let out to our students on behalf of private landlords. 

You can also choose to join the many students who live away from campus in private rented accommodation. We have a list of high-quality, university-endorsed private sector accommodation and can help you find housemates to move in with.

Find out more on our Brighton accommodation webpages and if you have any questions, our accommodation team will be happy to help. You can contact them by email at accommodation@brighton.ac.uk or by telephone on 01273 644100.

Paddock Field

Moulsecoomb Place


  

Maps

house Accommodation
campus University building

Moulsecoomb campus map

 

Unistats

Unistats and key information sets

Unistats is an organisation that collects specific data about university courses in the UK which enables you to compare information that is important in your decision-making when choosing a university. All universities publish Unistats data on their online course pages.

Wherever we can we have provided extra information here to help put the data into context so that it is as useful as possible when you are making decisions.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the official university document for each course. They are updated each year, and give a very detailed breakdown of what your course might look like.

Programme specification

Find out more

Biology and ecology news

Sign up for advice about open days, new courses and opportunities in this subject area.

  • Year of entry
  • Providing this information will help us make our updates even more relevant to you.
    Please make sure you read our privacy policy

Apply now with UCAS

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Student views  

Nadin Fathallah

"I visited the university on an open day and fell in love with the campus – it was nice, welcoming and not as big and intimidating as the other universities I had visited. I also found the laboratory facilities very impressive.

"I would definitely recommend my course as well. One of the main positives is the flexibility and choice provided, allowing you to explore the aspects of the biological sciences you are most interested in. It has been possible for me to pick ecology modules, biomedical science modules and even language modules.

"The teaching staff are also extremely friendly and always available to answer any queries. I found this to be very helpful, particularly during the exam period when lecturers even set up revision sessions and drop-in classes to help us out.

"I would say to anyone who is thinking of applying for this course to definitely go for it. Make sure you visit the university on an open day as it really gives you a sense of what student life will be like."

Nadin Fathallah

Michelle Thorn

"As part of my degree in Biological Sciences at Brighton, I attended a field course in South Africa. After I graduated, I registered for an MPhil at Brighton and went back to South Africa to do my fieldwork. I have been there for nearly three years now researching carnivores in non-protected areas, and I was lucky enough to find the funding I needed to transfer from MPhil to PhD.

"My lecturers at Brighton have been immensely supportive and have helped equip me with a broad range of skills and experience, giving me the best possible start in my biological career."

Uhna Raath

"I graduated in Biological Sciences from Brighton in 2009. I have since been accepted at Keele University Medical School. The help and guidance I received throughout my time at Brighton certainly helped me gain my place here.

"The topics I studied and the research I carried out at Brighton are helping me a great deal here and I appreciate all the hard work and support from the lecturers at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. It has all given us as students a very enriched experience in our studies."

Search again

Find another course
Back to top