Biological Sciences MSci

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.

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of biological science including areas 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 in environmental, ecological, biomedical and clinical areas through a range of 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
• Biology international field course
• Infection and Immunity
• Earth Surface Processes
• Ice Age Earth
• 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.

Year 3

You will study species interactions and innovations in bioscience research, to bring you up to date with the most recent 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
• Blood Sciences
• Ecological Impact Assessment
• Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation
• Current Topics in Marine Ecology
• The Frozen Planet
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• Research Field Skills Course, Brazil

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

Final year

In your final year you will focus on an in-depth research project, working with an academic who is a recognised expert in the field. You will develop techniques in evaluating bioscience research, and benefit from a choice of option modules that reflect your areas of interest, enabling you to become a professional biologist.

Modules

• MSci Research Project
• Evaluating Research in Biosciences

Options*

• Biomedical Implants and Cell-based Strategies
• Issues in Ecology and Conservation
• Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills
• Applied Nucleic Acid Biochemistry
• Applied Protein Biochemistry
• Clinical Microbiology in the Post-antimicrobial Era
• Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
• Viruses and Human Cancer: The evolution of an idea
• Real-time Techniques for In Vitro and In Vivo Monitoring
• Understanding Age-related CNS Disorders
• Oxidative Stress and Human Disease
• Controversies In Science
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
• Applications in Geographic Information Systems
• Water Quality Analysis

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

International requirements and visas

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

Visas and immigration advice

Course fees

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. 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. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences are listed here.

• All students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses and log book.
• A budget to cover laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fees for all students.
• Access to key subject journals and subject specific databases is provided, as well as a site licence for industry-standard chemical drawing software.
• Essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided, as is project poster printing and thesis binding. However, you should budget for books, printing and stationery for personal study.
• The school provides some financial support for social activities via the student societies and holds a free annual graduation party.
• Optional placements and day trips may include additional costs but this will vary depending on location of the placement.
• For our ecology and conservation courses there are compulsory field trips for which you should budget up to £200. There are also optional field trips for which you may choose to budget up to £2,700. You may also need to buy appropriate clothing for outdoor use.
• DBS checks for MPharm students are included in the fee.
• Costs for MPharm placement travel is reimbursed up to a specified amount depending on location of placement.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships, as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2020–21.

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-time 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.

Local area

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

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