Biological Sciences MSci

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. 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 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

• Essential Skills for Bioscientists
• Diversity of Life
• Biochemistry and Bioanalytical Techniques
• Introduction to Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Introduction to Human Physiology

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 options in 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.

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

Options*

• Cold Environments and Environmental Change
• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
• 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

*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

Options*

• Applied Molecular Biology
• Issues in Ecology and Conservation
• Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• Bioscience Independent Study
• Evaluating Research in Biosciences
• 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.

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).

Facilities

Our facilities include laboratories purpose-built for the study of ecology, molecular biology, tissue culture, cell culture, histology and microbiology, allowing you to develop your practical skills. 

You will also benefit from access to an Image Analysis Unit, which uses advanced scanning electron microscopy to create high-resolution images of clinical and environmental samples; Confocal Microscopy; a Clinical Imaging Sciences centre; and a dedicated bioresource centre.

Our facilities for researching fish development and behaviour include two recirculating aquarium systems in racks holding 18 tanks for rearing fish eggs and a DanioVision Behavioural Observation Chamber. We also have professional-standard electrofishing equipment and dinghy to enable fish population surveys of freshwater habitats.

Facilities also include soil and water analysis laboratories, computer suites running GIS, remote sensing equipment and a physical geography lab. 

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map