BSc (Hons) Biology
When can you start this course? |
UCAS code |
Fees |
Course length |
Entry requirements
Why choose this course?
- This course is recognised by the Society of Biology. This means that on graduation you'll meet the requirements for Associate Membership of the Society of Biology (AMSB) and can apply for full membership following appropriate professional experience.
- In the 2011 National Student Survey, 95% of our students said they were satisfied with the teaching on our course.
- You'll be taught by a teaching team who are recognised nationally and internationally for their high quality research and teaching. This means that you'll be taught about the latest developments in biology.
- We work closely with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and they provide access to their reserves which you'll use as part of field trips. You will also be able to undertake projects with the trust for your independent study module and on a voluntary basis if you wish to.
- You'll be able to tailor this course to your own interests in biology by specialising in areas of your own choice.
- Our teaching has been rated as 'excellent' in recent quality inspections, so you can be sure you'll receive a high standard of teaching.
- You'll get the chance to participate in lots of practical work in our laboratories, and also enjoy fieldtrips in the UK and abroad. This will help you to put the theory you learn into practice.
- You'll undertake a major research project in your final year to develop your practical knowledge and skills further in an area of your choice.
Programme Leader Graham Rowe talks about studying Biology at Derby. Watch his video.
About the course
Biology is constantly evolving. You'll learn about the traditional biological topics, such as human biology, genetics, the evolution of life and ecology, and we'll also teach you about current issues including the human genome and how it is making an impact in drug development and cancer therapies.
You can tailor your degree to your own interests by choosing a range of modules in specialist areas. You'll have the opportunity to look at sex and violence in crickets, the conservation of highly endangered plants and the causes of cancer. During stage three you'll complete an independent study giving you the opportunity to personalise your degree further.
Most of our teaching team are active members of our Biological Sciences Research Group, so you'll be studying an up to date course that is informed by research.
You'll be taught through lectures and tutorials, which are supported by hands on laboratory practicals. There will also be opportunities to go on fieldtrips, from days out in Derbyshire, Kew Gardens and Twycross Zoo to a residential in the Mediterranean.
Between stages two and three you can apply to work in industry. This will really enhance your CV and boost your employability skills. You'll develop the relevant professional skills that employers are looking for and you'll also be able to apply your experience to your final stage studies.
BSc (Hons) Biology is recognised by the Society of Biology, which means that on graduation you'll meet the requirements for Associate Membership of the Society of Biology and can apply for full membership following appropriate professional experience.
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...
Stage one
You'll study these subjects:
- Evolution of life
- Invasion of the land
- Genetics
- Human biology
- Ecology
- Molecular and cellular biology
Stage two
You'll study these subjects:
- Evolutionary and forensic genetics
- Ecosystems
- Rainforests, deserts and oceans
- The cell
And you'll choose two of these subjects:
- Human physiology and disease
- Microbiology
- Biological basis of animal behaviour
- Field biology
- Developmental biology
You could choose to study in the USA or Canada for one semester during stage two.
Stage three
You'll study these subjects:
- Independent studies for biological sciences
- The human genome
And you'll choose three of these subjects:
- Behavioural ecology
- Oncology and immunology
- Habitat management
- Wildlife conservation
- Science communication
- Vocational module
Modules
Stage 1
Modules you have to take (core):
 Biology of Organisms: Invasion of the Land What will I cover in this module?
You'll focus on groups of organisms that have adapted to life on land, including terrestrial fungi, lower and higher plants, insects and spiders and amphibians, reptiles and mammals. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Biology of Organisms: Origins of Life What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the process of biological evolution and to the variety of living plants and animals. You'll focus on the first groups of organisms to evolve, prior to the colonisation of land. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Ecology What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the interactions between organisms and their environment. You'll be assessed by exam and coursework, based on fieldwork. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Essential Chemical Skills How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Essential Laboratory and Field Skills What will I cover in this module?
This module introduces, and helps to develop, a broad range of key skills that you'll be able to apply throughout your degree and beyond. These include introductions to laboratory and field techniques (microscopy, the use of keys for identification, behavioural data collection and field sampling), complementary generic scientific techniques (e.g. core statistical methodologies for biosciences), as well as key transferable skills (reviewing literature, data organisation, presenting an argument in the form of an essay). At the start of the course you are also presented with the current statistics on graduate employment and the state of the economy to highlight how important this course will be to you and also to emphasise the need for the extras on your CV to make you competitive in the job market. This aspect is addressed throughout the course and is supported by a final session with Marian Derbyshire which explicitly builds on the framework by introducing the concept of a personal development program (PDP) and advising you on how to design and implement a strategy for deciding on and attaining their future goals. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Genetics What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to provide you with a broad introduction to, and basic understanding of, the key concepts in classical and molecular genetics. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the relationship between structure and function in the human body, and study the inter-dependence of life support systems and the interaction of the biological state with the environment. You'll be assessed by an exam and coursework. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll be introduced to the concepts and functioning of the cell unit in terms of structure and biochemical processes. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 2
Modules you have to take (core):
| Biological Basis of Animal Behaviour What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the study of animal behaviour including physiological mechanisms and evolutionary function. To take this module, you'll need to have already completed Genetics and Evolution. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Cellular and Molecular Processes How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Ecosystems What will I cover in this module?
You'll focus on the interactions between the individuals within populations, and on the interactions between members of different populations. In particular, you'll look at competition, herbivory, predation and decomposition. You'll then explore how these interactions and other factors lead to structure in communities. You'll be assessed by a practical exercise and exam. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics What will I cover in this module?
You'll develop an understanding of the molecular basis of fundamental biological and forensic processes, such as transcription and translation. You'll be introduced to the current techniques and approaches in molecular biology applied in a forensic and evolutionary context. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Rainforests to Deserts: How Life Endures What will I cover in this module?
You'll look at the interactions of organisms within biomes, and review issues associated with the sustainable exploitation of different biomes. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Research Methods: Critical Thinking What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to facilitate the development of a critical and investigative approach to the study of biological or forensic sciences through familiarisation with the skills and concepts fundamental to research. How many credits is it worth?
7.5 |
| Research Methods: Developing Skills What will I cover in this module?
Our module aims to provide you with a link between the elements of the research process, inherent in the taught modules provided by the programme, and the Independent Study in Biological or Forensic Sciences which you'll take at Level 6. How many credits is it worth?
7.5 |
And you'll choose two of these modules:
| Comparative Animal Physiology What will I cover in this module?
You'll consider the adaptations, both physiological and behavioural, that have evolved and allow animals to survive and exploit even the harshest of habitats. To take this module, you'll need to have already completed Biology of Organisms. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Field Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll look at terrestrial, aquatic or marine environments, where you'll build on the ecological and biological concepts that you're learning during your second year. You'll be assessed by coursework. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Physiology in Health and Disease What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the concept of disease within the context of normal physiological mechanisms. You'll be assessed through computer based assessments and a major piece of written work based on the development of a case study scenario. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Invertebrate Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine the range of body form and function among invertebrate groups and consider the possible evolutionary relationships between them. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Microbes and Disease What will I cover in this module?
You'll cover the history of microbes and disease, mechanisms of pathogenicity, disease transmission, and the problems of sustainable control due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Vertebrate Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine the range of form and function found within the vertebrate phylum and consider the evolutionary relationships within the group. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Stage 3
Modules you have to take (core):
| Current Issues and Professional Practice How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Independent Studies for Biological Sciences and Sport and Exercise What will I cover in this module?
This module represents an opportunity for you to exercise initiative, creative thinking, and organisational skills in the pursuit of an independent piece of work of your choosing (subject to approval on academic, safety and ethical grounds where appropriate), and is a continuation of personal skill development initiated in stages two and three. Central to the research study will be a degree of problem solving and formulation and testing of hypotheses. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework How many credits is it worth?
30 |
And you'll choose five of these modules:
| Aquatic Biology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the principles of aquatic biology by looking at physico-chemical and biological interactions in both freshwater and marine environments. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Behavioural Ecology What will I cover in this module?
You'll cover sperm competition, female mate choice, sexual conflict, mating systems, the evolution of altruism and communication. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Forensic Entomology |
| Habitat Management What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine how plants and animals can be managed in practical terms to maintain and enhance their natural interest, using examples from a range of habitats including woodlands, grasslands and wetlands. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Human Genome |
| Mammalian Reproduction What will I cover in this module?
You'll consider in detail the journey taken by an embryo throughout pregnancy, how it survives its mother's immune response, and how it signals to her that it is ready to be born. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Oncology What will I cover in this module?
You'll explore the cause of cancer, how it is treated and what directions are currently being undertaken by cancer research scientists. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Ornithology What will I cover in this module?
Our module approaches Ornithology - the scientific study of birds - from a biological and evolutionary perspective. You'll examine the form, function and behaviour of birds and an understanding of the field's broader implications, including the latest advances. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Pathogenic Microbial Interactions What will I cover in this module?
You'll investigate the interactions between micro-organisms and their hosts and you'll gain an understanding of the range of methods by which they can be controlled. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Vocational Module |
| Wildlife Conservation What will I cover in this module?
You'll examine global threats to species, and the methods used for their conservation. You'll study and evaluate current practices in biological conservation. You'll be assessed by coursework and exams. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
Modules and content may change from year to year so this list is just a guide. We will confirm the exact modules that are on offer before you start your course.
Your career
Our graduates go into careers such as applied research, medical laboratory work, wildlife conservation, industry, scientific sales, local government, the media or management, while others have become teachers after completing a postgraduate teaching course.
You'll also develop your critical thinking skills, which are crucial when moving on to further study, such as veterinary and medical qualifications, or a masters degree such as our MSc Conservation Biology.
Recent graduate Kimran Hayer is now studying for a PhD in Microbiology. She says "Without the degree in Biology and the skills I have developed as a person along the way, I don't think I would have predicted a couple of years ago that this is what I'd be doing." Read her full story.
Graduate Kathryn Jeffs for example has done really well since graduating. She always knew she wanted a career in the media and has now reached the top of her profession. She was Assistant Producer for Life of Mammals TV series and her work has now been seen by millions around the world. More recently she is a producer on one of BBC TV's most ambitious projects to date - the Frozen Planet series.
Kathryn added: "My course at the University of Derby was a niche one enabling me to be a stronger candidate amongst my peer competitors. I chose science because I wanted to continue engaging with wildlife, exploring the natural world and communicating the knowledge I gained. Frozen Planet has been four years in the making. It took 2,356 days to shoot in the Polar regions where the temperature at times plummeted to minus 50 degrees Celsius. It enabled me to travel to some incredible places but what I valued most was the opportunity to speak to the scientists - their work is the lifeblood of our films."
What our students say
"The biology degree programme at Derby university is engaging and inspiring with enthusiastic and supportive teaching staff. The wide range of subject area covered in the biology course has given me the skills required to access a wide range of career pathways."
Eleanor Hindle, current student
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Derby. It has a friendly atmosphere and all the biology modules are based on one campus, so there's no problem finding your way round. There are many opportunities to gain practical skills in both the field and laboratory. I've especially enjoyed looking at live animals in invertebrate and animal behaviour classes, and in the field."
Dot Brogden, Prizewinner Biology.
Read about what some of our past students are doing now.
How you'll learn
Formal lectures, tutorials, practical work in laboratory and field, computer aided study.
How you're assessed
Every module has a slightly different form of assessment including practical or fieldwork, computer based assessments in the first year as well as the traditional written exam.
Fieldtrips
You'll take part in a broad range of fieldtrips throughout this course, whether it's day trips to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to investigate plant adaptation or a week long residential trip to study biology in the Mediterranean. We feel that fieldwork is essential to the study of Biology especially as it enables you to explore things first hand in their environment and not just in a laboratory.
Work placements
Placements allow you to develop the skills you have learnt in the University and apply them to real situations outside. This is something which potential employers are always looking for. We encourage you to gain experience with potential employers as part of a dedicated vocational module which you can choose to take.
Anything else?
We offer a wide range of optional modules to allow you to tailor your degree to your own interests and career aspirations. Our programmes have been designed to meet subject standards, student interests and the needs of employers.
Visit our Biological Sciences website
For more information please visit our Biological Sciences website to see case studies on current students, videos from various fieldtrips, details of the staff you'll get to meet and much more.
Biology, Zoology and Forensics masterclass
We invited back some of successful graduates, including BBC Producer Kathryn Jeffs to talk to our current biology, zoology and forensics students about life after graduation. View more on the masterclass.
Our research
We're very proud to announce our successful submission to the Biological Sciences Unit into the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise 2008.
The results show that, although The Biological Sciences Research Group is relatively small, our research work is of significant quality. It should also be noted that Derby was the only post 1992 University in this region which made a successful submission Biological Sciences Unit of Assessment.
For more information see RAE 2008.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
UCAS code
C100
Fees
This is a resource intensive course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £7,495 (each year)
- Part time: £935 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).
International students
- Full time: £9,975 (each year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
More information about our fees for September 2012 and the support available
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: up to 6 years
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 260-300 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent ...
Our entry requirements are usually 260-300 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
Standard entry requirements
