Biological Sciences is a fascinating subject area and it’s related to our everyday existence. It studies life and living organisms including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution and taxonomy. From the growth and division of simple bacteria through to the evolution, development, growth and adaptation of complex multi-cellular organisms, and the emerging role of genomics in personalised medicine and biodiversity in a changing world.

• This course has advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.
• You’ll have the opportunity to study core topics and consider contemporary issues in all major aspects of biology. Optional choices in each year of your course provide you with opportunities to specialise further in core areas of molecular cell biology, organismal biology, and ecology and environmental biology. Or alternatively, you can vary your choice of optional modules to keep your coverage of the biological sciences broad.
• The third year is your chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world. The research placement widens your horizons and lets you apply your knowledge to real-world projects.You’ll have a great opportunity to put your knowledge into action and pick up valuable skills that could help boost your employability.
• Your learning will be supported by doctoral-level academics with expertise or active research interests in diverse areas of biology and genetics, including cancer pharmacology, ancient and modern patterns of human migration, environmental and evolutionary microbiology, novel antimicrobials, and the cell biology of human disease.
• You’ll also receive hands-on practical training in the laboratory using modern equipment, developing the skills and interests that help to prepare you for a research dissertation in the final year.

As a student on this course you’ll be able to apply for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK). You’ll also be eligible for student affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Biology and upon successful graduation be eligible to apply for one year associate membership, this can help open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

Placements

In the third year of this course, you’ll get the chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world on an optional placement year working for an organisation related to your areas of interest. This is when you’ll really be able to see your knowledge in action, pick up invaluable skills for your future career and boost your employability to help you hit the ground running after graduation.

You could stay to do your placement in the UK or experience a new culture and work abroad for one year. Where could this year take you?

Previous students in the Biological Sciences subject area have undertaken placements with Abcam plc, the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Pfizer, Solvay (Novecare), The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Germany) and Sooam Biotech Research Foundation (South Korea).

Your Career

Graduates from our Biological Sciences courses can consider a wide range of career options in areas such as medical research, the NHS, molecular sciences, medical genetics, pharmaceuticals, developing scientific patents, medical sales or marketing, medical writing and teaching.

Biological Sciences BSc(Hons) is a new course and therefore there are no graduates as yet. However, previous graduates have gone on to work in roles such as Clinical Study Co-ordinator in Ophthalmology at NHS, Laboratory Technician at ALS, Microbiology Medical Laboratory Technician at IDEXX Laboratories and PhD Researcher at the University of Huddersfield.**