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.

Top reasons to choose this course 

• Progress to a degree accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Specialist facilities such as our Image Analysis Unit and purpose-built ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
• Fieldwork opportunities including optional trips to destinations such as South Africa.
• Learn with internationally recognised researchers who specialise in areas including human physiology, diabetes, genomics, disease processes, and ecology and conservation.
• Guest lectures from professionals.
• Gain work experience on placement in industry.

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

Core modules

• Foundation Biology

  This module introduces the key biological concepts that will inform and underpin your understanding of biological systems and processes. You will become familiar with the scientific terminology and methodologies needed to study biosciences at undergraduate level, covering topics in human and environmental biology including molecules, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, evolution and ecological processes. 

• Foundation Study Skills

  This module focuses on the skills needed to study a biological, pharmaceutical or chemistry degree, for example testing by experiment and evaluating the results, key laboratory techniques and safe practice in the lab. You will also develop transferable skills like time management, effective essay writing, locating sources of information and presentation and communication skills.

• Data Handling for Science

  This module introduces the mathematical, statistical and data handling skills that you need for undergraduate study in biological and chemical sciences, and pharmacy. You will explore key principles and methods and carry out analysis on a range of information, helping you develop skills in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation within defined criteria. 

Options*

• Foundation Chemistry

  This module introduces the key concepts in chemistry, covering physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and enabling you to become familiar with lab work, relevant theories, terminology and practices. This will prepare you to study science subjects such as biosciences and pharmaceutical sciences at undergraduate level. 

• Foundation Geography, Earth and Environment

  We live in an ever-changing environment, where short- and long-term changes can take place over millions of years or decades. Planetary processes, landscape evolution, environmental adjustment and human occupation all interact with one another. This module will introduce you to the basic principles and philosophies of geography, environmental studies and the geosciences. It will develop your familiarity with scientific terminology and methodologies essential for completion of a geographical, environmental or geoscience undergraduate degree.

*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, marine biology or blood science. 

Modules

Core modules

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists

  This module enables you to develop skills that are essential for professional bioscientists, including how to effectively communicate scientific thought. You will develop mathematical and statistical skills that you’ll use throughout your degree and apply them in the context of bioscientific data handling, interpretation and reporting.

• Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

  Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations and evolution. You’ll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques. 

• Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

  This module introduces the study of living organisms. You will explore the morphology and physiological adaptions of microbes, virus, fungi and plants, focusing on identifying organisms, their key cellular features and associated processes and functions. You’ll also look at their links to environments and how they interact with other organisms.

• Introduction to Biochemistry

  This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about 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 will 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.

Options*

• Fundamentals in Blood Sciences

  This module introduces biomedical science as a profession. You will explore areas of blood sciences which include haematology, coagulation, blood transfusion and clinical biochemistry. Working through and interpreting case studies will enable you to develop essential biomedical science knowledge and skills.

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

  This module provides an introduction to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science, illustrated with the use of both classic and cutting-edge case studies. Emphasis is placed on the links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research. 

• Fundamentals of Marine and Freshwater Biology

  This module introduces the principles of marine and freshwater biology by examining the evolution  and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. You will focus on physical and chemical aspects of aquatic ecosystems, their impact on the populations of organisms that live in these ecosystems and how organisms adapt to their environments. Practical sessions will cover methods for collecting, handling and analysing scientific data, as well as developing effective science communication skills.

*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 climate change. You can choose to study environmental, ecological, biomedical and clinical areas through option modules.

Modules

Core modules

• Animal Diversity and Adaptations

  This module will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the vast diversity of the animal kingdom and the various adaptations that have evolved to enable animals to survive and thrive in different, and sometimes extreme, environments. You will explore the principles of animal classification, evolutionary processes and the remarkable range of functional adaptations exhibited by animals.

• Research Skills and Professional Development

  This module will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge required to improve your graduate career opportunities. You’ll grow your understanding of the role of experimental design in the data collection stage of a laboratory investigation and enhance your skills in the analysis of such data. You will also gain investigative, reflective, communication, self-presentation and digital literacy skills relevant to career planning and development.

Options*

• Sustainable Futures

  This module will introduce you to historical and contemporary debates around sustainability and encourage you to ‘think spatially’ about environmental and social inequalities associated with approaches to sustainability and sustainable development through relevant case studies. Topics might include vulnerabilities and conflicts in water supply systems, food security and food sovereignty. A field visit to Brighton will help you explore pathways to sustainability in practice and provide a firsthand context in which to deepen critical engagement with key sustainable development debate.

• Earth Surface Processes

  This module will explore the erosional and depositional processes, landforms and sediments associated with fluvial, glacial/periglacial and aeolian environments. You will learn about the factors influencing the evolution of these environments over timescales from hours to decades. It will also introduce you to key techniques used to describe geomorphic environments, such as flume simulation, particle size/shape analysis and qualitative/quantitative interpretation.

• Environmental Pollution

  This module investigates how society manages pollution in order to protect human health and the natural environment. You will examine changing attitudes to pollution and how environment management and technology can be used for pollution control. You’ll also explore sustainability and technologies in relation to the management of waste, air quality, water, wastewater and noise pollution.

• Population Biology for Conservation

  This module will teach you about the conceptual aspects of wildlife populations, their conservation and management, and how behaviour serves as the fundamental link between single organisms and population processes. You will study population genetic mechanisms, such as genetic drift and inbreeding, and how these interact to influence threatened species. You will also discuss the dynamics of current and future threats to surviving populations and learn to interpret population biology data.

• Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)

  This module takes the form of lectures, workshops and field days that will provide you with training in ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and the collection of field data. As part of a personal project, you will be able to design and undertake individual field investigations. You will gain practical experience and expand your knowledge of applied ecological issues such as land management, environmental assessment and conservation of rare species.

• Ecology and Conservation International Field Course

  The exact content of this module depends upon location as it features a combination of lectures and workshops which take place during an international residential field trip. You will learn ecological census, monitoring and evaluation techniques and how to collect field data while experiencing and learning about the ecology of a specific ecosystem outside of the UK. You’ll be able to design and undertake individual field investigations as well developing your teamwork, communication and presentation skills.

• Ice Age Earth

  The last 2.6 million years (the Quaternary) have been characterised by major environmental changes associated with the expansion and contraction of the polar ice sheets. In this module you will learn about the causes of environmental changes and their impact upon past societies and consider the impacts of climate change due to human factors, such as fossil fuels, and external causes like changes in solar energy and the Earth’s orbit. After a local field visit and laboratory analyses, you will undertake a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

• GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice

  This module will help you develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the areas of optical Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and apply this learning to real-world situations in the geographical, geological and environmental sciences. You will be encouraged to engage in spatial and digital computing, remote sensing, data handling and problem solving so you become proficient at using remote sensing and GIS software.

• Global Challenges: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

  On this module you will explore global environmental challenges from natural science and social science case perspectives. Case studies will introduce you to topical and current environmental challenges and you’ll examine how some issues may be addressed through interdisciplinary management and mitigation. Alongside lectures, you’ll take part in workshops where you will look at research on contemporary issues developed by students and small group engagement that will help you to deepen your thinking around the subject.

• Human Biochemistry, Metabolism and Pharmacology

  The emphasis of this module is on human biochemistry, pharmacology and the metabolism of the healthy human body. You will learn about cell cycle control and cancer, intracellular signalling cascades and mechanisms of cell death; intermediate pharmacology (drug mechanism of action, dose response and drug adverse reactions) enveloping pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; endocrinology; and the interrelationships of different metabolic pathways operating in various organs in regulating these processes.

• Infection and Immunity

  This module will give you a detailed knowledge and understanding of the key concepts in immunology and microbiology. There will be a strong emphasis on laboratory investigation and the techniques used to detect components of the immune system and identify microorganisms. You will investigate the diversity, distribution and biology of microorganisms and their effects on host organisms as well as the components of the immune system and the normal immune response.

• Intermediate Blood Sciences

  This module aims to deepen your knowledge of clinical biochemistry, haematology, haemostasis and blood transfusion. It features topics including endocrinology, haematinics, coagulation and blood transfusion medicine, equipping you to distinguish disorders in these systems through laboratory techniques and lectures. You will study investigative techniques and skills in differential diagnosis to prepare you for the next academic level.

• Clinical Genetics and Molecular Biology

  This module introduces you to the molecular basis of clinical phenotypes and explores how this knowledge informs methods of detecting, screening and predicting clinical outcomes. The content will cover areas including DNA mutation, inheritance patterns and pharmacogenomics, and you will gain an insight into how the consideration of ethics and risk plays a part in clinical genetics.

• Intermediate Human Physiology

  This module will deepen the knowledge and understanding of physiology you gained in Introduction to Human Physiology. You will learn how physiological systems integrate in practical applications, with examples such as body fluid balance (digestive and renal systems), exercise physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal) and temperature regulation (integumentary and cardiovascular). The module will provide you with the depth of knowledge and understanding of human anatomy and physiology to support detailed studies in the clinical laboratory specialities.

• Marine and Freshwater Ecology

  This module will develop your knowledge of global marine and freshwater habitats. You will investigate and discuss the diversity of habitats, including lentic, lotic, transitional and marine systems, and explore aquatic systems, from source to sea. The module will cover a range of human-made impacts and conservation issues related to the disturbance of systems and species. A series of one-day field trips will enhance your practical abilities, including survey techniques and identification skills.

*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 and undertake 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

Core modules

• Ecology Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills by pursuing an independent and original scientific investigation in the field of ecology and report on the results. Studying independently, you will produce a full project report in the format of a scientific paper and present a summary of the project in poster format which will be assessed through an oral examination. You will be supported with key skills workshops and supervisory guidance throughout.

• Bioscience Research Project

  In this module you will demonstrate core research skills in an independent and original scientific investigation by undertaking a data-generating project. You will learn about literature searching and retrieval; approaches to reviewing a topic for investigation; identifying research problems; designing a scientific investigation; ethical issues; working safely in the laboratory; methods of data analysis; and how to present project reports. At the end, you will submit a final project report and present a summary of the project in poster form.

• Species Interactions

  The biology, behaviour and ecology of most species are influenced by their interactions with other organisms. This module will help you develop an appreciation for the complexities of relationships between plants and animals, animals and microbes, and plants and microbes. There will be an emphasis on understanding the positive and negative species interactions, including the role of organisms in the spread of disease, as well as researching the nature of interspecies relationships as drivers for ecosystem development.

• Innovations in Bioscience Research

  In this module you will explore contemporary issues in bioscience research, develop your understanding of key research priorities and learn to critically evaluate key literature within the field. Staff will give lectures on their areas of research specialisation which might include microbiology and musculoskeletal physiology, biomedical device application and the biology of ageing.

Options*

• Ecological Impact Assessment

  Using a hands-on approach, this module gives you an overview of Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) processes within the current legal context and requirements. You will adopt the role of consultant and undertake surveys using biodiversity metric tools to complete a Preliminary Ecological Assessment leading to an EcIA, produce a technical report and discuss limitation and mitigation opportunities associated with the assignment.

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing

  This advanced module on spatial and digital computing will strengthen the data-handling and critical thinking skills you gained in the GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice module. It will teach you the expertise needed to identify and critically examine geographical and wider environmental issues. The module delivers theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you retain and reapply geospatial information to unfamiliar contexts, so you are able to develop novel solutions and evaluate outcomes.

• Independent Study Module

  This independent study module gives you the opportunity to thoroughly research key areas of a topical issue in contemporary biosciences to a level not possible in other taught modules. You will choose two topics related to your degree subject in which you will be able to specialise. By focusing on areas of specific personal interest, you will further develop transferable skills such as planning, written and communication skills.

• The Frozen Planet

  The Frozen Planet module examines the processes and resulting land systems associated with glacial and periglacial environments and explores how ice interacts with and physically shapes the landscape. You will learn about glacier motion; glacial and periglacial erosion, transport and deposition; glacial and periglacial hazards; palaeoenvironmental reconstruction; sedimentology and micromorphology; permafrost and ground ice; and periglacial slope processes. The relationships between ice and sea level change, ice and climate change, and ice and engineering will also be explored.

• Political Ecology: Contested Environments

  In this module you will explore global environmental challenges through the lens of political ecology which provides a framework for the critical thinking needed to examine power and the politics of nature-society interactions. You will study themes including resource access; property and ecosystem management; colonial-capitalist natures and the rights of Indigenous people; coloniality, extractivism and conflict; socionatures and urban infrastructures; environmental identities; and political subjectivities.

• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

  Providing an ecological perspective to some of the problems associated with human exploitation of the environment, this module explores how knowledge of ecology and conservation may help manage these issues and improve understanding. You will focus on ways to address global priorities – including sustainable agricultural and agroecosystems, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, restoration and rewilding – and explore the pressing challenges in ecology and conservation, such as climate change, disconnection to nature, invasive species and human-wildlife conflict.

• Clinical Microbiology and Immunology

  In this module you will investigate the pathology and epidemiology of infectious and immunological diseases and how they can be diagnosed clinically and in the laboratory. You will also explore the means available to limit the spread of infections in global environments (epidemics and pandemics) and local environments (hospital outbreaks, individuals), including vaccines, antimicrobials and vector control, as well as the interactions between microorganisms and the immune system in the origin and development of infectious diseases.

• Cellular Pathology

  This Cellular Pathology module will give you an understanding of the major pathological changes in diseases from the molecular and cellular level, and the principles and application of related diagnostic techniques. It will provide a research evidence-based knowledge of selected pathological conditions by exploring examples of disease processes. Areas covered include inflammation, loss of cell cycle control, infertility and IVF, and molecular diagnostic techniques.

• Advanced Diagnostics in Blood Science

  Building on the Fundamentals in Blood Sciences module, this aims to further develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in applying the results of clinical laboratory tests to detect and distinguish between a variety of acquired and inherited disorders. You will cover specific areas of blood science, including routine and specialist clinical biochemistry investigations; disorders of haemostasis; transfusion medicine and clinical governance; and lymphoid and myeloid dysplasia.

• Current Topics in Aquatic Environments

  In this module you will examine the major environmental processes that are important to aquatic habitats such as rivers, coasts and marine ecosystems. Site visits will facilitate the critical evaluation of selected aquatic habitats so you can gain an understanding of anthropogenic impacts – for example climate change, renewable energy and over-exploitation of resources – as well as natural disturbances, and explore opportunities for mitigation and restoration of disturbed sites.

*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 (eg, 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 2025–26.

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

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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