BSc Biology

Typical course content

The modules below provide an example of the typical course content for the BSc Biology degree. This constitutes a series of compulsory, core and optional modules amounting to eight modular units each academic year. Optional modules can be modules from outside the faculty, including Curriculum Innovation modules, and a language module, which can count towards your degree.

Students who have not taken A-level Chemistry are also able to take Introduction to Chemistry, which will provide sufficient background and insight into the subject for further studies.

Certain 2nd or 3rd year optional modules may require specified pre-requisites modules from previous years.

Patterns of Life
Macromolecules of Life
Systems Physiology

Cell Biology & Genetics
Experimental and Field Biology
Ecology & Evolution
Core Skills in the Life Sciences

Metabolism & Metabolic Disorders
Integrative Mammalian Physiology
Cell and Tissue Histology
Introduction to Marine Ecology
The Living Earth

Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
Evolution
Plant Development and Function

Adaptive Physiology
Cell Biology
Biotechnology and the Living Cell
Medical Microbiology
Environmental Microbiology
Neuroscience

Neural Basis of Behaviour

Vertebrate Development

Pure and Applied Population Ecology

Animal Behaviour

New Forest Field Course

Flow of Genetic Information
Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry
Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
Bioinformatics & DNA Technology
Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
Biological Sciences Study Abroad
Phytoplankton and Primary Production
Ecological Processes in the Marine Benthos

One of the following research project modules:
Laboratory Research Project
Field Research Project
In-Silico Research Project
Bioscience Business
Bioscience Education
External Research Project

Or a combination of two of the following modules:
Literature-based Research Project
Science Communication
Extended Science Communication
Short Field Research Project

Bioethics Project

Applied Plant Biology
Current Topics of Cell Biology
Plant Cell Biology
Biofilms and Microbial Communities
Molecular Recognition
Regulation of Gene Expression
Immunology
Global Change Biology
Cellular and Genetic Aspects of Animal Development
Biodiversity and Conservation
Applied Ecology
Topics in Ecology and Evolution
Cell Membranes
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Cancer & Chromosome Biology
Biomedical Parasitology

Evolution and Development
Fluxes, Cycles, and Microbial Communities
Tropical Ecology Field Course
Behavioural Ecology

Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from "Living and working on the web" to "Business skills for employability".

View the Curriculum Innovation modules for this course

Some of our courses also give you the option of taking a language module, which can count towards your degree. These modules cover ten languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.

View the language modules on offer for this course

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide or website).