BSc (Hons) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BSC (HONS) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Study life itself. Discover the why, how and what of living organisms, from how we came to be, to how we’ve since evolved.
Our three-year Biological Sciences degree spans the entire scale of biological systems – from molecules to ecosystems. Study with us and you’ll be able to explore the subject as a whole, before selecting the area of specialisation that fascinates you most.
We’re world leaders in biological research, and you’ll benefit from exposure to our cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole-organism biology.
You’ll get to grips with the application of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security, biotechnology and human health.
And you’ll get to explore the role of biology in tackling the challenges society faces today – and in the future.
About
Our flagship Biological Sciences degree allows you to study a wide range of science subjects in your first year without prematurely committing yourself to any particular specialisation. You’ll also be given a grounding in other core sciences such as mathematics, statistics and chemistry.
As the course progresses, the flexibility of the programme encourages you to explore and pursue your own specialist interests within biological sciences. You’ll also have the chance to develop your specific scientific interests through independent research in your final year, when you’ll complete a substantial research project.
If you love the world around you – examining how this connects to that, and how that impacts on this – our degree is an excellent choice. You’ll cover topics from antibiotic resistance to biofuels, from cancer to bees. And you’ll lay the foundations for a career at the forefront of biological research, where you could have a positive impact on the daily lives of people all over the world.
You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the new £75-million Quadram Institute.
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, following an independent and rigorous assessment.
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Placement Year and Study Abroad
The BSc Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad enables you to spend your third year studying overseas. Time abroad is a great way to build contacts and show future employers your resilience and adaptability. You could also choose the BSc Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry and spend a year in the workplace. Not only will it give you first-hand knowledge of the way in which your chosen field operates, it will also greatly improve your chances of progressing within that sector, thanks to the relevant work experience, valuable contacts and real-world insight you’ll gain.
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After the Course
You’ll not only gain scientific knowledge, you’ll also develop your skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking. This combination makes you highly employable. Our graduates have gone on to establish careers in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, conservation management, environmental assessment, teaching, science communication and more. A number of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD).
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Pharmaceutical industry
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Science media and publishing
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PhD and Master’s programmes
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Environmental management and conservation
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Healthcare
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Assessment for Year 1
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Assessment for Year 2
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Beginners' Language Modules
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Assessment for Year 3
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Beginners' Language Modules
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Assessment for Year 1
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 2
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Beginners' Language Modules
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Students must take BIO-6019Y or BIO-6023Y or BIO-6028Y or BIO-6022Y (dependent on availability).Students may be moved from BIO-6019Y to BIO-6023Y, based on stage 2 results.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation.
Assessment for Year 3
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Beginners' Language Modules
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
BBB/ABC, or BBC with an A in the Extended Project, including grade B in Biology or Human Biology. Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.T Levels
No acceptable pathways for 2022 entry.BTEC
DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management with Science. Excludes BTEC Public Services, Forensic Science, Uniformed Services or Business Administration.Scottish highers
AABBB including grade A in Biology.Scottish highers advanced
CCC including Biology.Irish leaving certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3, including Biology.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in Biology.European Baccalaureate
70% overall with grade 7 in Biology.International Baccalaureate
31 points including 5 in HL Biology.GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
International Year One in Biology (for year 2 entry)
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
See our Tuition Fees page for further information.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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How to Apply
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is an 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 application 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 is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
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