Biology with Foundation Year
BSc (Hons)

Put your future as a professional biologist on a firm footing. Starting your studies with a foundation year is ideal if you are thinking about a change of career, exploring your interest in science, or don’t yet meet the entry requirements for our honours degree.

• Choose the foundation year route to build the skills, confidence and knowledge you need for success: you can gain your full honours degree in four years
• Immerse yourself in a subject which is constantly evolving to address important 21^st century challenges
• Gain a thorough grounding in traditional aspects of biology while discovering the latest research-led innovations
• Enhance your practical experience through exciting work placement and internship opportunities
• Get to grips with latest instrumentation and technology in our first-rate laboratories
• Take full advantage of our action-packed programme of fieldtrips: recent visits have taken in Twycross Zoo, Kew Gardens, Burton Breweries and even a week-long residential in Majorca
• Draw on our extensive network of contacts and strong employer partnerships to broaden your professional outlook
• Receive support every step of the way from our highly experienced teaching team, recognised nationally and internationally for their influential research 

You can also study Biology as a Joint Honours subject.

Realise your ambitions on a course which offers inspiring teaching, exceptional facilities and challenging real-world learning opportunities.

The ideal starting point for your studies

The foundation year route is perfect for you if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree in biology but lack the formal qualifications to enter our honours degree programme directly. It also opens new doors if you are contemplating a career change and need to strengthen your knowledge of biology before taking your ambitions further.

During the foundation year, you’ll develop your understanding of cellular biology, chemistry, geoscience, and organisms and their environment. You’ll also improve your academic study skills as well as your capacity to undertake research and handle data – enabling you to progress with confidence to stage one of the honours degree.

Our courses featuring a foundation year are continuous, so you don’t need to apply again once you have completed your first year successfully. From day one, you’ll enjoy the extensive support and guidance provided to all University of Derby undergraduates.

A vibrant and varied degree

Studying at Derby offers you not only a solid grounding in traditional aspects of biology but also a fascinating introduction to scientific research. You’ll work towards a broad-based qualification which covers key areas such microbiology, physiology, animal behaviour, genetics and wildlife conservation as well as cellular and evolutionary processes.

You’ll also widen your knowledge to take in bio-innovation, habitat management, genomics, oncology and immunology, tropical marine biology, science communication, and ecological consultancy.

When you graduate, you’ll have all the skills, knowledge and vision you need to work as a versatile, resourceful and forward-thinking professional biologist.

Make new discoveries on fieldtrips

You’ll combine your laboratory investigations with a variety of fieldtrips to put your scientific know-how in a wider context and deepen your understanding of the natural environment.

Our portfolio of fieldtrips is constantly expanding to add further interest to your studies. Recent examples include visits to Burton Breweries; exploring plant adaptation at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew; analysing how animals interact at Twycross Zoo; and conducting ecological studies on a week-long residential in Majorca.

Working in partnership for your success

We have teamed up with organisations such as the Royal Derby Hospital, Sea Life, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Derby Museums, the Olive Ridley Project and Eurofins to bring vital elements of real-world learning to your studies.

These collaborations give you access to field site visits, employer-led projects and guest lectures, not to mention work experience and internship opportunities. They represent a gateway to the wealth of career opportunities open to Biology graduates.

A learning environment to inspire you

Our learning facilities have recently been upgraded, so you’ll have an up-to-date setting in which to develop high-level practical skills, including laboratories with the latest instrumentation. There is also a student research laboratory where you’ll have a dedicated space for your final-year independent study.

Our Biology students also benefit from working in our glasshouse with plants from diverse habitats and our insectary housing many different species.

An impressive reputation for research

Our teaching team includes active international researchers whose work is pushing the boundaries in areas such as ecology, entomology and biodiversity. Their findings are showcased in leading scientific journals and at global conferences. They are also sought after as media commentators, helping shed new light on complex scientific subjects for the benefit of the wider public.

In just one example, Professor Karim Vahed was elected a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society for his ‘substantial contribution to the study of insects’ and has featured on TV programmes such as the BBC documentary Spider House.  

Passionate about their subject, the team is equally committed to your success. They pride themselves on being approachable and supportive to ensure your learning experience is as stimulating as possible.

Stand out from the crowd

We place a strong emphasis on fostering the transferable skills which will get you noticed in the competitive graduate job market. Alongside your scientific knowledge, you’ll develop your abilities in communication, problem-solving, networking, teamworking and leadership.

Our Independent Study module offers you an exciting chance to investigate a theme in depth and enhances your capacity to think for yourself. You could even present your research at high-profile conferences or contribute to novel community projects which encourage greater public interest in science.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, e-learning, hands-on laboratory practical work and fieldtrips. Our varied teaching methods help you show your individual strengths and enhance your understanding.

Fieldtrips

You'll take part in a broad range of fieldtrips throughout this course, such as day trips to the Burton Breweries, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew to investigate plant adaptation, or a week-long residential trip abroad. Fieldwork is essential to the study of biology as it allows you to explore the natural environment outside of a laboratory.

Work placements 

Placements allow you to develop the skills you learn at University and apply them to real world situations. This is something which potential employers are always looking for. We encourage you to gain experience with potential employers by offering internships and a placement opportunity on our optional, Vocational Module.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of written assignments including portfolios, practical and fieldtrip write-ups and data analysis, essays, computer-based assessments, poster presentations and seminar presentations, as well as traditional written examinations.

September 2019 typical entry requirements

Alternative entry qualifications:

• BTEC - MPP
• Pass Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 and 15 at Level 2.

We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.

Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.

2019/20 Fees

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re proud of the achievements of our Biology graduates. Many have gone on to work as research scientists, laboratory and pharmacy technicians, healthcare assistants, medical laboratory assistants, wildlife conservation officers and scientific sales professionals. They regularly return to the University to deliver masterclasses and give inspiring talks to current students about life after graduation.

Among many notable graduate success stories:

• Kathryn Jeffs went on to work as a producer on the BBC’s Frozen Planet series.
• Agata Stodolna, who now works at SureScreen Diagnostics in Derby, helped develop new sampling methods to determine whether a missing person has drowned in a river or lake.
• Darren Parker is now a university postdoctoral researcher in Finland.

As well as equipping you for a broad range of scientific careers, our course paves the way to professional, specialist and postgraduate qualifications. Some of our graduates have undertaken further study to pursue a future in veterinary or medical science. Others have progressed to teaching and lecturing roles after completing postgraduate courses.

If you are interested in exploring practical solutions to environmental problems, you could also consider our highly regarded masters degree – the MSc Conservation Biology.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

† Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

Included in your fees

• You will receive a dissection kit, goggles and a laboratory coat
• All equipment and consumables needed for your experimental/ fieldwork are provided by the University. This is subject to consumables being costed for the Independent Study and approved by your programme leader
• Free membership of the Royal Society of Biology for a year after graduation
• Mandatory fieldtrips in optional modules: Previous destinations have included Kew Gardens, Sea Life Centre and Hardwick Hall Woodlands

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• If not already owned, appropriate footwear for fieldwork such as Wellington/Walking boots - approximate cost is between £5-£50
• If not already owned, appropriate outdoor clothing such as a waterproof jacket and trousers - approximate cost is bewtween £50-£100
• Two bound copies of your Independent Study - approximate cost is £12

Optional costs not included in your fees

• Additional international fieldtrip costs for optional modules as follows: Field Biology L5 (Majorca) - approximate cost is £480, Tropical Marine Biology L6 (Maldives) - approximate cost is £1,900
• Travel to work experience/placements - cost is dependent on your placement venue of choice
• Our links with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) give you the opportunity to gain Student Membership with CIEEM - approximate cost is £10

Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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