Undergraduate Degrees

This programme offers you the opportunity to undertake our BSc Biological Sciences programme with an additional year of study abroad at a university in Australasia, North America or Europe. These degrees are four years in duration and share the same course profile as the three-year programme, except you will spend your third year abroad before returning to UEA for your final year of study.

During the first year you will take a variety of subjects without committing yourself to a particular specialisation. These first year units cover biological sciences, including evolution, ecology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and the physical sciences. In addition you will learn essential scientific methods and techniques, including applied maths and statistics.

During the second and final years of study you can steer your degree programme towards your areas of interest or chosen specialism. You will also have the opportunity to complete a substantial independent final year research project. There are currently more than 25 advanced optional modules including: Genomes; Genes and Genomics; Behavioural Ecology; Cancer Biology; Evolutionary Biology and Conservation Genetics.

A Year Abroad

During the third year of your course you will spend a year studying abroad at one of our exchange partners:

Australasia – Current partners include: Murdoch University, Perth; Macquarie University, Sydney; and University of Auckland, New Zealand.

North America – We currently have exchange agreements with US universities in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Missouri and Oregon. We also have exchange partners in Canada which currently include universities in British Columbia and Ontario.

Europe – Students on the European exchange programme will take appropriate language modules during the second year, in preparation for the year spent in France, Italy, Germany, Spain or Sweden. Learning a second language and the experience of living and studying in Europe have proved a valuable asset to our graduates.

Biological Sciences offer 11 different full-time undergraduate degree programmes (plus three part-time degrees) in a range of subjects. Approximately 150 new undergraduates join us each year to study Biological Sciences (including a range of specialised programmes), Biomedicine, Biochemistry and Ecology.

Our students also have the opportunity of studying abroad for a year in either Europe, North America or Australasia, or spending a year in industry. Indeed we are one of a very few departments in the UK able to offer such a comprehensive spectrum of biology-related degree programmes.

Two of the distinguishing features of the degree courses we offer are excellence and choice. You are able to choose from a large number of degree programmes composed of a wide range of teaching modules. Lectures and seminars introduce the latest ideas and understanding of biology, and you will gain a thorough training in modern experimental methodology through hands-on practical or fieldwork sessions.

Why Study Biology?

The biological sciences comprise a broad range of inter-linked disciplines which encompass the study of life from the molecular level, through cells, tissues and organisms, to populations and ecosystems.

As well as being intellectually interesting, advances in the Biological Sciences have direct relevance to our everyday lives. Examples of this are to be found in new medical treatments, increased agricultural output, the protection of endangered species and the development of new food products. These breakthroughs have improved the quality of life for millions of people over the past few decades, and led to a greater understanding of our impact on the environment and the need for better resource management and conservation.

Some examples of recent advances include:

• The development of new vaccines
• The development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for infectious diseases
• The production of recombinant hormones in bacteria, e.g. insulin for the treatment of diabetes
• The development of new techniques for the forensic detection of crimeThe development of disease and drought resistant strains of crop plants
• The designation of thousands of wildlife reserves and national parks worldwide to protect and conserve endangered species and areas of special ecological interest
• The development of biological control techniques to combat weeds and pests thereby reducing the use of herbicides and insecticides
• The development of bioremediation – using naturally occurring plants or microbes to clean up pollution, e.g. oil spills

Continuing research into the biological sciences is essential if we are to overcome problems such as cancer, HIV and tuberculosis, find ways to treat or cure genetic diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis, unlock the secrets encoded in the Human Genome Sequence, protect endangered species, conserve ‘at risk’ habitats, and combat threats such as bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases. Biological Scientists are at the forefront of biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and ecological research, so if you are looking for an exciting, flexible field of study with excellent career prospects, both within science and in the wider employment market, then look no further than the biological sciences.

UniStats Information

Year Abroad

With our Biological Sciences and Ecology degrees we offer you the option to spend a year of your studies abroad - in Australasia, Europe or North America.

Going to a university in another country will allow you to experience other cultures and by going to departments where different aspects of the biological sciences are taught, you can really broaden your academic and personal horizons.
To take a year abroad you must maintain a good standard of academic performance during the first and second years of your degree programme. In placing you at your overseas university we take into account your field of interest and do our best to place you at the University of your choice.

Australasia

Since September 2002, we have been exchanging student to Australasia We currently exchange with many institutions, including the University of Sydney, Murdoch University near Perth, Western Australia, and the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In addition to transport costs, living costs and medical insurance, Students are required to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad, and we cover the Australasian fees via the exchange agreements.

Europe

Our longest standing year abroad programme offers students the chance to study at a range of European universities. We currently have exchanges with the Universities of Marseille and Nice in France, Tuscia (Viterbo) in Italy, the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain. 

Students who wish to study at a European university will be required to have achieved a GCSE grade B or above in the language of instruction for the year abroad.

Students on a European exchange programme will be expected to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad, and we will pay the fees of the European university.

North America

We also have a number of reciprocal exchange agreements with universities in North America. In the United States, our many partner universities may be found in Arizona, California (all major campuses), Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Missouri and Oregon to name but a few. Our current Canadian partners are in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. In addition to transport costs, living costs and medical insurance, students on a North American exchange programme are required to pay 15% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year abroad.

Entry Requirements

A Level:

AAB to include Biology

International Baccalaureate:

33 points including 3 HL Subjects at Grade 6 including Biology

Scottish Highers:

AAABB to include Biology and one other Science

Scottish Advanced Highers:

AAB to include Biology. Other Sciences at Advanced Higher level would confer an advantage

Irish Leaving Certificate:

AAAABB at higher level including Biology and at least two other Science subjects

Access Course:

See Below

HND:

Please contact university for further information

European Baccalaureate:

80% overall, including 8.0 in Biology

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

Gap Year

Special Entry Requirements

Intakes

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Fees and Funding

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year Abroad Fees

For Home/EU students opting for a  Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350.  The Year Abroad tuition fee will be subject to an  annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year Abroad and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships.  To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students 

The School of Biological Sciences has 2 £1,000 year one scholarships available for 2013 entry.  The Scholarship deadline is 15th March 2013.  Please contact the Admissions office at bio.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Biological Sciences)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.