Biology (Joint Honours)

When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Entry requirements

What is joint honours?

With joint honours, you can study for an honours degree in two or even three subjects. Find out more about joint honours, including what subjects you can combine with this one.

Why choose this course?

Visit our Biological Sciences website for more information on fieldtrips and to see what some of our previous students are up to now.

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.

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.

You can combine this course with a wide range of other subjects in the joint honours scheme, including Zoology, Environmental Hazards, Geography, Criminology and Education Studies. This means you can gain a range of skills and knowledge that will appeal to potential employers.

About the course

The dynamic and exciting nature of Biology is reflected in our modules, many of which are supported by active research and visiting specialists, providing you with up-to-the-minute information of key topics. Three broad themes have been identified: Whole Organism, Molecular and Cellular and Environmental/Ecological Biology, each reinforcing the concepts and skills of a professional biologist.

You'll find a mixture of practical work, fieldwork, interactive computer-based learning technology and traditional teaching methods. Your choice of modules and independent research-based study also allows you to specialise further. Biology can be offered as either a minor, joint or major degree programme.

Your career

A general education in biological sciences and a chosen specialism will allow you a wide choice of careers from research, teaching, environmental consultancy, conservation to medical and general retailing, multimedia publishing and management.

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:

September 2012

If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:

September 2012

UCAS code

Popular courses that can be combined with Biology include:

Psychology
Mathematics
Law
Marketing
English
History
Geography
Geology

Fees

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time:

If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £6,995 per year.
If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject or a specialist subject it will cost £7,495 per year.

Part time:

You usually take 18 of modules in total for your course

Modules from classroom based subjects will cost £875 per module.
Modules from resource intensive subjects will cost £935 per module.
Modules from specialist subjects will cost £1,000 per module.

International students

Full time:

If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £9,700 per year.
If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject or a specialist subject it will cost £9,975 per 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