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

Biology is constantly evolving. You'll learn about traditional topics, such as human biology, genetics, evolution and ecology, and current issues including the human genome and its impact on drug development and cancer therapies. Most of our teaching team are active members in our Biological Sciences Research Group, so you will be studying an up-to-date course which is informed by research.

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.

Programme Leader Graham Rowe talks about studying Biology at Derby

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 it will cost £8,250 per year.

Part time:

• If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £965 per module, (you'll usually take 18 of these in total).
• If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject it will cost £1,030 per module, (you'll usually take 18 of these in total).

International students

Full time:

• If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £9,945 per year.
• If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject or a specialist subject it will cost £10,225 per 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.

You will learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars and e-learning, which are supported by hands-on laboratory practicals. There are also opportunities to go on fieldtrips, from days out in Derbyshire, Kew Gardens and Twycross Zoo to a residential in the Mediterranean. Our variety of teaching methods help you to show your individual strengths and enhance your understanding.

How you're assessed

You will be assessed using a range of written assignments including portfolios, practical and fieldtrip write-ups and data analysis, but we also use computer-based assessments, poster presentations and seminar presentations. 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.

Our graduates go into careers such as applied research, medical laboratory work, wildlife conservation, scientific sales, the media or management. Others become teachers after completing a postgraduate teaching course or go on to further study, such a veterinary and medical qualifications, or a masters degree such as our MSc Conservation Biology.

Between stages two and three you can apply to work in industry. This will not only strengthen your CV and boost your employability, but it will also enhance your final stage of study as you apply your knowledge and experiences to your independent study.

Louise Needham, current student

"I am taught by enthusiastic lectures and the course has given me a breadth of knowledge in areas such as genetics, ecology and human biology."