Biology and German

Biology

Applied and Human Biology is the study of life, from the simplest organism to the complexities of the human species. By focusing on the study of the Human Being, this demanding and exciting discipline offers a revealing insight into the living world.

This course will give you a sound biological foundation, and substantial training as a human biologist. The Biology degree course at Aston University will ensure that you are given support in developing practical research skills that are relevant to the climate today. You will also develop knowledge and professional skills that will open up a wide range of career opportunities when you graduate. This course will also increase understanding of the living world and how all organisms depend on each other, with particular emphasis on the human species.

German

Germany has played a central role in Europe's history and continues to be a key power in the European Union today. The German language is essential to understand more about the Europe in which we live. Whether for the purpose of business, government or culture, German will ensure that you will benefit from a wealth of opportunity in the graduate job market. German graduates are highly sought after, both to work in Europe and in European Companies based in the UK. Aston's German graduates are extremely proficient in the written and spoken language and are also well developed in analytical, communicational and other transferable skills. By choosing German as a subject in a Combined Honours Degree, you will benefit from a degree with breadth and depth significantly enhancing your career prospects on graduation

Key benefits

Biology

At Aston University our programmes concentrate on the biological aspects of health and welfare, with emphasis on biomedical, environmental and economic problems or challenges. All of our programmes are supported by our extensive research activities, which include immunology, microbiology, cancer studies, cell biology, molecular genetics, vaccine and drug development and pharmacology.

German

Aston is committed to the study of language in context. You will develop near-native proficiency and a high level of communicative skills through an in-depth study of contemporary history, politics, culture and economics of Germany and German-speaking countries. Our programme is taught in German and stresses an understanding of German society and a practical command of the language, emphasising it as a means of communication and mutual understanding in the contemporary world.

Aston's German degrees are nationally recognised as an excellent preparation for a wide range of exciting careers in languages and many other fields. As most classes are taught in German, the study of language is combined with a sophisticated understanding of the German-speaking world. The integrated Year Abroad can be spent in Germany, Austria or German-speaking Switzerland.

Teaching and assessment

Biology

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• biology laboratories

• group and individual project work

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted during each session. Each module has its own method of assessment. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, presentations and projects.

German

You will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching methods, including:

• lectures, tutorials and seminars

• language laboratories

• group and individual project work

• use of our extensive computing facilities

• corporate investigation and analysis

Students will be assessed in individual modules by end-of-semester (January & May/June) examinations and by assignments conducted and submitted during each session. Each module has its own method of assessment. Assessment methods include written exams, essays, presentations and projects.

Personal development

Biology

Graduates enter the job market with a number of desirable skills, attractive to graduate employers. You will be proficient in gathering information, conducting research and laboratory experimentation. You will have to examine and assess data, to write and prepare reports. You will have an aptitude to calculate, compute and apply formulas. Graduates of biology are also able to develop ideas and problem solve effectively, with skills in organisation and conducting research. Due to the nature of the course you will also develop a capacity to interpret technical data and build knowledge of laboratory procedures. All of these skills ensure that our graduates are sought after and well-equipped to enter the job market after graduation.

German

The placement year at Aston University has an enviable reputation and is compulsory for all Combined Honours German students. This year provides the opportunity to develop professional skills by spending a year in paid employment while developing fluency in German.

While the placement year is compulsory, students have a choice of three options. They can undertake an industrial or professional placement in an established and leading German company. Alternatively students could choose to study at one of our prestigious partner ERASMUS institutions in Germany or Austria. The third option available is to work as an English Teaching Assistant at a German or Austrian school.

The School of Languages and Social Sciences has a full-time placement officer who is dedicated in assisting students finding suitable placements.

Aston has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK. Aston University ensures that you will gain academic knowledge as well as developing a wide range of skills that are valued by employers. Aston's German graduates offer potential employers strong communication and problem-solving skills and have a proven record of securing lucrative, varied and stimulating positions after completing their studies at Aston University.

Career prospects

Biology

Graduates can choose from a wide range of careers in health, welfare, bio-medical research and the biological industries. Recent graduates have found positions in research, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, nutritional and brewing industries, environmental conservation and pollution control, scientific Civil Service, and teaching.

German

Britain's increased involvement with the European Union as well as the process of globalisation have led to an ever-increasing demand for top-quality graduates with practical, near-native language skills and an in-depth knowledge of other European countries and their business and communication cultures. They require an expertise in contemporary, social, economic and political issues as well as the ability to work comfortably and competently in a variety of media. As one of our German graduates, you will match these criteria fully. Recent graduates have entered careers in UK and international business/marketing, the languages and communications professions, education, European institutions and research. Career prospects for languages graduates in the UK are proven to be better than those studying IT, Business, Management and Economics degrees.