Biological Sciences BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)

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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 structure

You will learn through lectures, fieldwork, group work, practical classes and independent study.

Fieldwork puts your studies into context using real-world activities. 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. You develop practical skills in our specialist facilities, which include an Image Analysis Unit and purpose-built ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.

Assessment involves the use of essays, exams, presentations, practical and communication exercises, which can vary depending on the options you choose. Formative exercises are used throughout the course to aid your development and learning.

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.

Core modules

• Foundation Biology
• Data Handling
• Study Skills

Options*

• Foundation Chemistry
• Geography, Environment and Geoscience

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

Year 1 

You will explore the foundations of biological science such as: skills for bioscientists, genetics, molecular biology, human physiology, biochemistry and diversity of life. You can also choose to study ecology and conservation, or marine biology. 

Modules

Core modules

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.

• Diversity of Life

  This module will provide an integrated approach to the study of living organisms. Beginning with a study of taxonomic principles, you will explore the cell biology of selected examples of microbes, plants and animals, focusing on cell structure and organisation. Practical and field exercises help bring the subject to life.

• Introduction to Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about the different classes of biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, along with the principle metabolic pathways. You’ll also explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.

• Introduction to Human Physiology

  This module will introduce you to human physiology. You'll explore anatomical structure, function, the principle of homeostasis, and neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.

• Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology

  This module will provide you with a conceptual and procedural understanding of the modern evolutionary synthesis of natural selection, Mendelian inheritance and population genetics culminating in the emergence of modern molecular biology. The recognition of DNA as the archetypical material responsible for information transfer, the discovery of the mechanisms of information flow in biological systems (eg transcription and translation) and the development and application of modern recombinant DNA techniques are also studied.

Options*

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science – illustrated with case studies. The links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research are emphasised

• Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

  This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. You'll also be introduced to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how they relate to the ecology of oceans.

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

Year 2 

You will build on the knowledge and skills gained in your first year, covering research skills, professional development, behavioural and evolutionary biology and physiology of organisms. You can choose to study environmental, ecological, biomedical and clinical areas through option modules.

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
• Applied Conservation Field Trip
• Ecology and Conservation International Field Course
• Infection and Immunity
• Earth Surface Processes
• Ice Age Earth
• Human Origins and Evolution
• Environmental Pollution
• Climate Change
• GIS and Remote Sensing

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

Placement year

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry or research. It can help you to: 

• apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
• learn new skills which can help in your career
• explore specialisms to gain a better understanding of what you want to do
• gain vital work experience and build your network of professional contacts
• come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.   

Our students have been on placement with bioscience companies and research organisations.

Final year 

You will study species interactions and innovations in bioscience research, to bring you up to date with the most current bioscience research, as well as undertaking an individual research project associated with a research group. Examples include physiology and disease processes, microbiology, genetics, ageing, ecology and conservation.

You can also choose from module options to deepen your knowledge within a specialist theme. 

Modules

• Project (Biology Experimental or Ecology)
• Species Interactions
• Innovations in Bioscience Research

Options*

• Clinical Immunology and Microbiology
• Cellular Pathology and Special Topics in Pathobiology
• Blood Sciences
• Ecological Impact Assessment
• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
• Current Topics in Marine Ecology
• Biology Independent Study
• The Frozen Planet
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Research Field Skills, Brazil

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

Meet the team

Dr Nadia Terrazzini, course leader

My professional field of expertise is Immunology. I am very passionate about promoting the understanding of Immunology to students, who often find this subject very complex. I try to introduce an element of fun in my teaching including everyday analogies (e.g. comparing the working of the immune system to a football match), story-telling and PowerPoint animations, and also use online game-based learning platforms.

In Brighton, we aim to make students feel part of a community that supports them while at university and for life, for all aspect of their academic and personal life. In our school, there is a strong emphasis on the application of science and we train students to put theory into practice using specialist labs and equipment as well as field trips.

The best thing about teaching undergraduate students is how much I learn myself. While making my lectures up-to-date and engaging, I keep learning new material and new ways to present it. Therefore, teaching my specialist subject area gives me a deeper understanding of topics. I also love when students who initially found Immunology difficult, tell me it is their favourite subject!

 Find out more about Dr Terrazzini.

Course fees

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

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Support and wellbeing

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