Biology (Joint Honours)

UCAS code: Y002

Start date: September

Course length: full time: three years, part time: up to six years 

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

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.

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.

• BA (Hons) in Biology and English
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Environmental Hazards
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Film & Television Studies
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Geography
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Geology
• BA (Hons) in Biology and History
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Human Resource Management
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and International Relations & Global Development
• BA (Hons) in Biology and Law
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Mathematics
• BA (Hons) in Biology and Popular Music Production
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Sociology
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Sport & Exercise Studies
• BSc (Hons) in Biology and Third World Development
• BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies and Biology

Stage one

You'll study a selection of these modules:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Ecology
• Human Biology
• Genetics
• Evolution of Life
• Invasion of the Land

Stage two

You'll study a selection of these modules:

• Ecosystems
• Evolutionary and Forensic Genetics
• Rainforests, Deserts and Oceans
• Biological Basis of Animal Behaviour
• Human Physiology and Disease
• The Cell
• Developmental Biology

Stage three

You'll study a selection of these modules:

• Independent Studies for Biological and Forensic Sciences
• The Human Genome
• Oncology and Immunology
• Behavioural Ecology
• Wildlife Conservation
• Habitat Management
• Science Communication
• Vocational Module

Our entry requirements are usually 220-300 UCAS points, of which at least 200-240 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc. including Grade C at Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science or a Science related BTEC/Access Diploma.

We'll accept up to 60 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 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.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time:

• If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £7,700 per year.
• If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject or a specialist subject it will cost £8,250 per year.

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

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.