Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): 350B (full-time); C110 (sandwich)
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years full-time/ four years with a placement
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Why stick with a single plan when you can explore an entire passion?
You’ll start by building your understanding of the fundamental principles of biosciences, and then take your degree wherever you want-whether that’s environmental biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry and microbiology, or physiology and pharmacology.
You’ll investigate, you’ll collaborate, and you’ll get hands on — in our labs, on field trips, and through your own work placement.
Why study BSc (Hons) Biological Science at NTU?
Everyone studies the same core modules in term one, to give you a broad biological sciences knowledge before you choose to specialise in a particular subject for the rest of your degree. You’ll be given support and guidance to help you choose the route that will enable you to achieve your career goals. Subject specialisations that you might choose to study:
- Bioinformatics and genetics
- Microbiology and disease
- Drug discovery
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
You can personalise your learning further by taking a placement in your area of interest, to build on the theory and skills you’ve learned. You can also choose a final year research project in a topic that reflects your core interests and deepens your knowledge and skills.
Research-informed teaching
Our research is tackling real-world issues – and the people working on this research will be teaching you. This means you can be sure that what you are learning is at the cutting edge of new biological discoveries. For example, Dr Axel Barlow, our molecular ecology and animal evolution expert, has used his expertise to uncover the secrets of the dwarf elephant which became extinct about 19,000 years ago.
During your final year research project, you’ll work closely with a member of staff, either on an aspect of their research or in their general area. You may be asked to help develop a new idea that can be incorporated into future research or teaching. You'll be working on real-world problems while gaining valuable experience.
Work-like experiences
Through group work conducted in lab and field learning environments you’ll design your own experiments and try things out. Developing problem-solving skills by testing and learning are valuable graduate-level skills, and we make sure you get this experience right from the start of your degree. We’ve also embedded employability skills in the degree, so you are not only learning theory and skills, but you know where to find your dream job and how to apply for it.
Take a work placement
Placements tell future employers that you know how to do it as well as why. Our industry connections as well as the support you'll get from our Employability team all add up to a valuable work placement experience.
You'll be supported throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary during your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Develop your portfolio
While you are at NTU you’ll create a skills portfolio. This is where you’ll keep evidence of all the techniques and skills you’ve mastered. These portfolios help you to document and develop your skills while you are with us. And they are a valuable tool when you graduate too, as they can be used to show future employers you are ready to work in a professional environment.
Meet our staff
Whether your interest is working in research or in industry, we have experienced teaching and technical team from a wide range of backgrounds. For example, as well as teaching, Dr Peter Redfern is Managing Director at Loreus Ltd., an environmental consultancy and training provider and Carlos Abrahams is Technical Director at Baker Consultancy, an ecology consultancy.
They’ll ensure you learn the latest theory and practice in your biological science field, and their contacts help us secure high quality placements and guest speakers.
Community and support
With support from your degree course leader, teaching team, personal tutor and technical staff, you can be sure we'll be here for you during your studies. You’ll also have regular tutorial sessions, which are a chance to meet in small groups with your personal tutor and discuss the topics you are studying, prepare for assessments and get to know other students. We have an open-door policy – this means that you can drop in and ask any questions you may have when you are on campus or send an email to get support outside of your on-campus teaching.
Got any feedback on your course? You’ll have lots opportunities to discuss your course, for example in your tutorial sessions, with your course leader and course reps and you even have the chance to feedback on every module you study with an end of module survey. We love to hear your feedback and how we can make improvements. Following your feedback, we've recently brought in industry specialists to teach specific aspects of our environmental modules.
There’s support from your peers too. Our mentoring schemes gives you support from other students on your course. Whether you need help with your studies or university life in general, they’ve been there and can give you a students’ perspective. Find out more about the support you’ll receive at NTU.
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We are Top 10 in the UK for teaching quality in biological science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022)
What you’ll study
Modules include:
Living Systems
Introduces levels of biological organisation from molecules to cells and ecosystems, providing a platform of knowledge and skills upon which other modules are developed.
Practical Techniques for Biology
Considers the principles of experimental design, data collection and analysis, including techniques in centrifugation, chromatography, electrophoresis, microscopy and radiobiology.
Introduction to Biochemistry
Study the key aspects of macromolecules, cell structure and function, and interrelationships in both practical and theoretical contexts.
Genetics and Immunology
Develops genetic concepts and introduces basic aspects of the immune system, including the molecules, cells and interactions involved.
Introduction to Microbiology
Study various groups of microbes, their function and roles, and consider the importance of the microbial world, the biology of microorganisms, and medical, environmental and industrial microbiology.
Introduction to Pharmacology
Considers the principles of how drugs work, including factors that affect the magnitude of the response to drugs, specificity of drug action, drug interactions and side effects of drugs.
Human Physiology
Introduces the physiology of human organ systems (respiratory, nervous, cardiovascular, urinary, endocrine and muscular) and examines the process of homeostasis
Introduction to Ecology and the Environment
This module introduces you to species, populations, communities, biomes and ecological processes in natural and modified habitats, at local to global scales. It includes how habitats are impacted by human activity, and covers environmental recording and data analysis.
Life on Earth
Taking examples ranging from protists to primates, we will introduce you to the structure, life histories and identification of living organisms that have given rise to Earth's biodiversity.
Modules include:
Biomeolecular Structure and Function
Learn about the functions of polymerases, binding proteins, helicases, ligases, topoisomerases and promosomes in DNA replication as well as RNA polymerases.
Applied Microbiology
Reviews the use of micro-organisms in the production of industrially important products and biofuels, and considers lactic acid bacteria and the production of fermented products.
Molecular Genetics of Human Diseases
You’ll develop knowledge and understanding of gene therapy.
Introduction to Microbial Metabolism and Genetics
Investigate the energy-yielding mechanisms in aerobic, anaerobic and fermentative systems and their diversity and importance to humans.
Advanced Biochemistry
Study the concepts of current biochemical techniques and their practical applications in science.
Professional Skills in Microbiology
Explores current "hot topics" in microbiology such as emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and food security.
Molecular Bioscience in Practice
Introduces the use and development of biomolecular tools specifically around DNA and RNA, expressing genetic sequences, properties and production of antibodies and antibody technologies and immunological assays.
Immunopharmacology
Considers disordered cellular and tissue physiology resulting from disease and drugs that can treat those diseases. You’ll develop an understanding of health and common illnesses.
Neuroscience
Explore the functions of the different brain regions and neuronal cell types, and relate these to higher brain activities and neuronal function.
Professional Skills in Pharmacology
This module focuses on genomics in drug discovery and immunotherapeutics as well as covering aspects of employability such as science communication and professional online identity.
Pathophysiology of Chronic Disease
You’ll look at the processes involved in maintaining normal physiology in renal, cardiovascular and nervous systems and how the same processes are affected by disease.
Physiology
Develops concepts of physiological control systems and demonstrates the link between changes in cellular and systemic function.
Host-Pathogen Interactions
Explore how pathogenic organisms and their human hosts interact with each other, and learn how we might exploit this knowledge to develop new drugs and vaccines.
Ecological Investigations (Field Course 1)
On this residential field course, typically located in Devon, you will measure and analyse the distribution and abundance of animals and plants in outstanding terrestrial, marine, and freshwater habitats.
Ecotourism
Explore at a global scale how ecotourism can be a crucial tool to help biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable livelihoods for people and the environment. Plan your own ecotourism venture.
Freshwater Ecosystems
Learn from national and international researchers and managers about the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Study their physical environments, their inhabitants, the threats they face, and how these can be managed to protect biodiversity.
Molecular Ecology
Using work-like contexts, you will explore how an understanding of fundamental molecular principles can be applied to the conservation, monitoring and management of species, populations and ecosystems.
Practical Conservation
Through an extensive amount of practical work you'll learn about the process of planning to promote conservation and biodiversity and the legal considerations of site management.
Microbial Structure, Identification and Distribution
You'll look at the function of sub-cellular structures of micro-organisms and the taxonomy and identification of the main groups of bacteria, fungi and viruses particularly those relating to forensic investigations.
Metabolism and its Control
Explore the central pathways of oxidative catabolism and anabolism of carbohydrates and fats in eukaryotic cells, and cover the biochemical basis of cellular signal transduction.
Clinical and Public Health Microbiology
Learn the principles and applications of diagnostic and analytical microbiology in the monitoring and control of diseases caused by microbes.
Clinical Biochemistry
Study a variety of disorders and learn about their clinical symptoms, biochemical and molecular defects, detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Biomedical Science in Practice
Learn about key disciplines and current research topics in biomedical science, as well as aspects of professional practice which form an important part of your preparation for employment.
Optional year-long work placement. If you are not taking a placement, you will progress directly to your final year in year three.
Modules include:
Cell Signalling and Cancer
A range of exciting and up to date topics on cell proliferation and cell death. The cell cycle, the cytoskeleton and signal transduction will be presented, and we will discuss their implication in carcinogenesis.
Molecular Microbiology
Study advanced concepts in bacterial genetics, including regulation of bacterial gene expression, molecular biology of bacterial pathogenesis and the application of knowledge in industry.
Applied Bioinformatics
Use cutting-edge bioinformatics methods to understand and identify the role that gene and protein biomarkers play in disease. Analyse real clinical data and model various scenarios that predict the clinical impact of the disease.
Research Project (40 credit points)
Develop your skills as an independent researcher by completing a 40 credit point research project, under the supervision of one of our academic staff.
Immunology and Virology
Study advanced concepts in immunology, including immune responses to infection, cancer and autoimmunity. You’ll also look at concepts in the molecular biology of viral infections.
Forensic Mircobiology
Learn the molecular methods of microbial identification and see its role in accidental and deliberate contamination investigations, quality of data collection, analysis and presentation of evidence.
Current Topics in Pharmacology
Study recent advances and developments in pharmacology and the research techniques used to study molecular pharmacology.
Current Topics in Physiology
Discuss advances in molecular, cellular and organ physiology and gain an appreciation of the research techniques used to study processes such as signaling, hormonal regulation and cardio-protection.
Clinical Pharmacology
Learn about drug development and the mode of action of selected drug types. You’ll also look at diseases of the human endocrine system and the advances in cellular and molecular techniques.
Toxicology
Considers sources, types and mechanisms of action of selected natural and synthetic toxic chemicals. It also covers how toxicity can be assessed.
Current Topics in Neuroscience
Discusses current hot topics in molecular and cellular neuroscience, including learning and memory, stem cells, and the molecular basis of certain human neurological and psychiatric illnesses.
Regulating Environmental Impacts
Explore the process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in detail and discover how the wider English and European legal systems contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Atmospheric Pollution
Investigate various aspects of atmospheric pollution, including the monitoring of environmental quality, impacts on climate change, health, and eco-toxicological responses to pollutants.
Evolutionary Biology and Genetics
Discover the concepts and processes of animal development and behaviour and the selection, speciation and behaviour as evolutionary processes.
Environmental Management (Field Course 2)
On this residential course, typically located in North Wales, we will introduce you to approaches for managing our interaction with the environment, including the role of Environmental Management Systems and low Carbon Technologies.
Haematology and Transfusion Practice
Study the biological basis of diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs, and the techniques used in their investigation.
Infectious Diseases and their Control
Learn about the global importance of infectious diseases, their effect on individuals and the population as a whole and how they can be controlled.
Cellular Pathology
Investigate the pathological basis of disease and how diagnosis is achieved using histopathological and cytological-based techniques. You’ll also explore how information can be obtained and used for treatment.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you’re taught
You will typically study six modules in Year One and Two. Each module involves substantial amounts of practical work, in addition to around 20 one-hour lectures. In your final year you’ll study five modules and a research project. You will also take part in regular seminars and tutorials to support you with your studies.
Hands-on learning
The course is very practical and you’ll spend lots of time in our industry-standard laboratories and depending on the modules chosen, in the field. This is because we believe the amount of time you spend getting hands-on experience is vital to prepare you for the world of work or research.
You’ll get to use our industry-standard equipment and techniques right from the very start of your course, such as spectrophotometers, centrifugation and gel electrophoresis. You’ll get to know how a professional lab works and how to follow laboratory processes and protocols used in industry – all valuable skills to have by the time you graduate.
If you choose some of our enviromental modules you’ll take part in regular field trips and as well as two week-long residential field courses. You’ll visit a diverse range of terrestrial and freshwater sites where you can study the biodiverse communities that inhabit natural ecosystems as well as manmade environments. Recently our students have taken week-long residential field courses to Slapton Ley in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and to the Conway Centre, Anglesey. Shorter field trips include Black Rocks in the Peak District; Bunny Wood, an ancient woodland; the town of Bakewell in the Peak District and Creswell Crags prehistoric gorge.
We have a focus on using digital skills to support your learning in practical sessions. For example, you might do an online simulation of the experiment you are going to perform in the lab. This will get you familiar with the techniques and protocols, so that you can be confident and really make the most of your time in our labs. We give you access to e-learning resources too, to help you develop your lab skills outside of the lab environment.
Contact hours
Year 1 - lectures/seminars/workshops (23%) and independent study (77%)
Year 2 - lectures/seminars/workshops (21%) and independent study (79%)
Year 3 - lectures/seminars/workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
How you’re assessed
Year 1 - coursework (42%), written (50%) and practical (8%)
Year 2 - coursework (42%), written (50%) and practical (8%)
Year 3 - coursework (58%), written (30%) and practical (12%)
A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study
Careers and employability
Your career development
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers because they leave the course with extensive practical experience and a strong background in scientific investigation and analysis.
Our recent graduates have secured roles at companies including:
- Anglian Water
- Source Biosciences
- NHS
- AstraZeneca
- Scientech Analytical Service
They have gone into a wide variety of job roles including:
- Graduate Ecologist
- Laboratory Scientist
- Research Scientist
- Research Microbiologist
- Technical Officer
Many graduates choose to undertake further study on one of our postgraduate courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
Excellent placement opportunities
NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.
On this course, after your second year, you will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement (sandwich placement). This will give you the chance to gain vital experience and put your knowledge into practice. You're also twice as likely to secure a graduate job within six months if you take a work placement.
Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, The Open University and Oikon. They secured varied roles such as Student Research Placement, Trainee Biomedical Scientist (Microbiology) and Junior Ecologist.
You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Diploma in Professional Practice.
Find out more about work placements.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Where will I study?
Teaching events are held across Clifton Campus, and include interactive workshops in spaces specifically designed for collaborative, hands-on learning.
We have the stimulating and creative environment needed to equip students with the knowledge and transferable skills to put them ahead of the graduate crowd. We provide first class facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research, these include:
- a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber
- a crime scene house forensic-training facility
- a host of sporting clubs and societies to get involved in.
Rosalind Franklin building
The Rosalind Franklin building provides some of the best laboratory teaching facilities for Chemistry in the UK. The large teaching laboratory space is equipped with modern IT facilities and equipment to ensure that you get excellent training in practical laboratory techniques and modern analytical methods.
Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Facility
This facility supports the School's extensive biomedical research activities.
Natural Sciences Research Facility
The Natural Sciences Research Facility supports and enhances the School's research in physics, biosciences, chemistry, imaging, materials and sport.
Entry requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points
What are we looking for?
- A-levels – BBC, including Biology grade C; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade C equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
Applicants without A-levels will have their qualifications assessed for subject compatibility. We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please see UCAS Course Search for more details.
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
- A-levels – BBC, including Biology grade C; or
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM, including relevant Biology modules; or
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including an A-level grade C equivalent in Biology; and
- GCSEs – English, Maths and Science grade C / 4
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. See our fees for 2022 entry.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
A good supply of these essential text books are available in the University libraries which students can easily borrow or access directly whilst studying in the library.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for a placement option during their course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Students will also be required to pay additional costs for poster preparation in their final year - estimated costs approximately £20 -£30.
Laboratory lockers
A deposit is required for laboratory lockers (approximately £5).
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.