Biological Sciences BSc(Hons)

International equivalencies

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

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 ones to Wales and South Africa. 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.

Year 1 

In your first year you will explore the foundations of biological science. You will also be able to choose from a small selection of option modules according to personal interest alongside the core modules.

Modules

• Physiological Ecology
• Ecological Processes
• Introduction to Microbiology
• Introductory Biochemistry
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genes and Inheritance
• Bioanalysis
• Essential Skills for Biosciences

Options** (choose two)

• Human Physiology 1
• Biology of Reproduction
• Introduction to Biomedical Science
• Biology Field Skills
• Habitat Ecology
• Introduction to Pathology (Cells and Disease)
• Elements of Chemistry*

*Compulsory for students without AS Chemistry

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

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.

If you impress your employer during the placement year, there is a chance that you will be offered a full-time position once you graduate.

Final year 

In the final year, you will be able to shape your own curriculum as you choose from a wide selection of optional modules. You will also undertake an individual research project, which will be supervised by a member of academic staff but will also involve a large amount of independent research in your chosen area.

Modules

• Biology or ecology project

Three from:

• Biogeography
• Parasitology
• Medical Genetics
• Clinical Immunology
• Biology Independent Study
• Ecology Field Skills [20 credits]*
• Applied Ecology and Conservation [20 credits]**
• Blood Sciences [20 credits]*
• Cellular Pathology and Pathobiology [20 credits]**

Three from:

• Animal and Plant Interaction
• Neuroscience
• Diet and Disease
• Microbial Control
• Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
• Molecular Ecology
• Zoonoses
• Biology Independent Study
• Applied Ecology [20 credits]*
• Blood Sciences [20 credits]*
• Cellular Pathology and Pathobiology [20 credits]*

*Option modules may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability
**20-credit modules count for two out of your three options.

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 3 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).

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."

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map