Biological Sciences BSc(Hons)

Course in brief

Our Biological Sciences BSc(Hons) covers everything from microbiology, human and animal physiology and biochemistry to ecology, genetics, and molecular biology. You will discover how modern biology can be used to understand and change the world we live in.

With an emphasis on applied learning, this course allows you to explore biological systems at molecular, cell, tissue and whole organism levels. You have the freedom to shape your learning experience and career through option modules, and an optional placement year.

You will have the opportunity to develop your practical skills on field trips and by using our specialist labs and facilities. Current destinations for optional field trips include South Africa and Portugal.

You will learn with a course team who are internationally recognised experts in their field, with research strengths in areas such as zoonotic disease, human physiology, diabetes, genomics, disease processes, and ecology and conservation.

If you achieve the required standard in year 2, you can choose to progress directly to the third year of the Biological Sciences MSci and study towards a masters-level qualification.

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 C120

Full-time 3 years
With placement year 4 years

Recognised by the Society of Biology

Book your open day place

Apply now with UCAS

Start in 2018: how to apply

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level BCC–CCC (104–96 UCAS Tariff points), or BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Our conditional offers typically fall within this range.

A-levels must include biology.

We will generally make you an offer if your predicted grades are at the top of this range. If your predicted grades are towards the lower end of this range we may still make you an offer if you have a good GCSE (or equivalent) profile or relevant non-academic achievements.

International Baccalaureate
27 points, specified subjects.

Access to HE Diploma
Pass with 60 credits overall. Must include 12 credits at level 3 in biology. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at merit or above.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least three subjects, which must include English language, mathematics and a science.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

Foundation degree/HND/HNC
May enable you to start the course in 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.

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.

Course in detail

Course structure

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

Fieldwork is used to contextualise the taught material 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.

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

Essential Skills for Biosciences
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.

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 a range of optional 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
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.

Placement year

A placement year is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore a potential specialism and develop your skills, enhancing your CV.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including 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 Module (either Biology Experimental Project or Ecology Project)
Species Interactions
Innovations in Bioscience Research

Options*

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

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

Facilities

The Huxley building houses purpose-built laboratories for the study of ecology, molecular biology and tissue culture. We also have a suite of microbiology laboratories in addition to biomaterials and chemistry facilities.

Our industry-standard Image and Analysis Unit features scanning electron microscopes and confocal microscopes, providing a comprehensive research and development service for novel products and materials from a physicochemical, cellular biological and microbiological perspective.

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 (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

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."

Course statistics

Unistats and key information sets

Unistats enable you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Unistats data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They are updated following course changes, and give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course.

Programme specification

These charts give an indication of how much time you will spend on different activities at each level of the course, and an indication of the balance of assessment by coursework, and written and practical exams. For courses with option modules, actual proportions will depend on the modules you choose.

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked above). You can find out also about the range of support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Overall workload

Assessments

Careers and employability

The course is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology as providing the necessary skills for a career as a professional biologist. Our graduates have secured a variety of roles including laboratory science, forensics and scientific consultancy, education, biological research or further study.

Fees and funding

Your fees

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

International (full-time) 14,040 GBP

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2018–19.

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.

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.

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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. We recommend Unihomes and House Share when you’re balancing learning with placements, shifts and other commitments, because they give you more choice and flexibility.

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 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

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map

Find out more

Biology and ecology news

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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."

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."