Intro

Biological scientists play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of life forms and processes, leading to life changing innovations in areas such as medicine, agriculture and environmental conservation.

Our Biological Sciences MSci includes an extra year of in-depth study at masters level, so you can develop advanced research skills and specialise in the areas you are most interested in.

You’ll explore biological systems at molecular, cell, tissue and whole organism levels. Through practical, research-driven teaching, you will learn to apply scientific knowledge and investigative skills to help find solutions to environmental and societal issues.

This course offers a guaranteed interview scheme with the 91快活林 and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) for students wishing to pursue a degree in medicine. See the careers section for more information about entry and eligibility criteria.

Key facts

Location 91快活林: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code C100

Full-time 4 years
With placement year 5 years

What are my next steps?

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of 91快活林.

Book your place: Moulsecoomb campus open day 23 November

Or if you're ready,

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

A-levels or BTEC
Entry requirements are in the range of A-level ABB–BBC (128–112 UCAS Tariff points, or BTEC Extended Diploma DDM–DMM .

A-levels must include biology and chemistry. BTEC must be in a science-related subject.

International Baccalaureate
26 points, with three subjects at Higher level. Higher level subjects to include biology and one other science.

Access to HE Diploma
pass with 60 credits overall. Biomedical, combined or medical science diploma. At least 45 credits at level 3, including at least 18 biology credits and 18 chemistry credits at distinction.

GCSE (minimum grade B or grade 5)
at least maths, English language and a science.

Foundation degree
individual assessment.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits, or relevant experience may count towards your course at 91快活林, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all four elements.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Contextual admissions

When you apply to 91快活林 we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more about contextual admissions.

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
Guaranteed interview scheme with BSMS medical school
Fieldwork opportunities including optional trips to destinations such as South Africa.
Specialist facilities such as our Image Analysis Unit and purpose-built ecology, microbiology, molecular biology and tissue culture labs.
Learn with internationally-recognised researchers who specialise in areas including human physiology, diabetes, genomics, disease processes, and ecology and conservation.
Guest lectures and optional placement year.

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can .

Watch final year student Aisha work with Baxter the Giant Pacific Octopus as she sets him a series of food puzzles. Film Credit: Blue Reef Aquarium, Hastings

Year 1

You will explore the foundations of biological science including areas such as: skills for bioscientists, genetics, molecular biology, human physiology, biochemistry, and diversity of life. You can also choose to study ecology and conservation, marine biology or blood science.

Modules

Core modules

Introduction to Biochemistry

This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and pharmacology, as well as the principle techniques used in biochemical analysis. You will learn about biochemical compounds and the structure and function of the macromolecules that are created from them. The structure and function of enzymes will be covered, along with the principle metabolic pathways. You’ll also explore the theory and practical use of the most commonly used biochemical techniques.
Introduction to Human Physiology

This module will introduce you to human physiology. You'll explore anatomical structure, function, the principle of homeostasis, and neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts and major systems, with appropriate examples of disease pathophysiology.
Essential Skills for Bioscientists

This module introduces the principles of the scientific method and a variety of study and communication skills that you’ll need during your degree. You’ll develop mathematical and statistical skills and apply them in the context of bioscientific data presentation and interpretation.
Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution

Genetics is fundamental to understanding life sciences. In this module you will gain an understanding of how information is stored and inherited in living organisms. You will consider genetics from the perspectives of DNA structure, gene expression, genome replication, heredity, genes in populations, and evolution. You'll also be introduced to DNA-based laboratory techniques.
Introduction to Microorganisms and Plants

This module looks at the classification of the living world, focusing on the structures and patterns in microorganisms and plants. You'll explore taxonomic groups considering of key features, increased complexity of structure, and their ecological role and importance. You'll develop an integrated approach to the diversity of these organisms, linking evolutionary theory with biology, form and function of organisms.

Options*

Introduction to Ecology and Conservation

This module will introduce you to key concepts and principles in both ecology and conservation science – illustrated with case studies. The links between ecology and conservation and also between theory and applied research are emphasised
Introduction to Marine Biology and Ecology

This module will provide an overview of the major taxa of marine organisms, their diversity, ecology, biology and evolutionary relationship. Origin of life, evolution of marine life, living fossils and specific adaptations to marine habitats will be highlighted. You'll also be introduced to the biogeochemical processes that operate within the marine environment and how they relate to the ecology of oceans.
Fundamentals in Blood Sciences

This module introduces biomedical science as a profession. You'll explore areas of blood sciences which include haematology, coagulation, blood transfusion and clinical biochemistry. Working through and interpreting case studies enables you to develop essential biomedical science knowledge and skills.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Lecturer explaining things to two students in the lab

Year 2

You will build on the knowledge and skills gained in your first year covering research skills, professional development, behavioural and evolutionary biology and climate change. You can choose to study in environmental, ecological, biomedical and clinical areas through a range of option modules.

Modules

Research Skills and Professional Development
Animal Diversity and Adaptations
Global Challenges: Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

Options*

Earth Surface Processes
Environmental Pollution
Climate Change
Sustainable Futures
Population Biology for Conservation
Ice Age Earth
GIS and Remote Sensing Principles and Practice
Applied Conservation Field Course (UK)
Ecology and Conservation International Field Course
Marine and Freshwater Ecology
Intermediate Blood Sciences
Infection and Immunity
Clinical Genetics and Molecular Biology
Intermediate Human Physiology
Human Biochemistry, Metabolism and Pharmacology

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Placement year

A placement year is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, explore a potential specialism and develop your skills, enhancing your CV.

Our students have been on placement with organisations including bioscience companies and research organisations.

Students helping each other with an experiment in the lab

Year 3

You will study species interactions and innovations in bioscience research, to bring you up to date with the most recent bioscience research, as well as undertaking an individual research project associated with a research group. Examples include physiology and disease processes, microbiology, genetics, ageing, ecology and conservation.

You'll also choose from module options to deepen your knowledge within a specialist theme.

Modules

Bioscience Research Project OR Ecology Project
Species Interactions
Innovations in Bioscience Research

Options*

Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
Biology Independent Study
The Frozen Planet
Political Ecology: Contested Environments
Current Topics in Aquatic Environments
Cellular Pathology
Advanced Diagnostics in Blood Science
Clinical Microbiology and Immunology
Hot Topics in Ecology and Conservation

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Three students working together in the lab

Final year

In your final year you will focus on an in-depth research project, working with an academic who is a recognised expert in the field. You will develop techniques in evaluating bioscience research, and benefit from a choice of option modules that reflect your areas of interest, enabling you to become a professional biologist.

Modules

MSci Research Project
Evaluating Research in Biosciences

Options*

Issues in Ecology and Conservation
Regenerative Medicine and Medical Devices
Ecology and Conservation in Practice (placement)
Applied Nucleic Acid Biochemistry
Clinical Microbiology in the Post-antimicrobial Era
Bioscience Independent Study
Oxidative Stress and Human Disease
Monitoring Signalling Molecules in Neuroscience
Cancer: Bench to Bedside
Understanding Age-related CNS Disorders
Controversies in Science
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Omics for Diseases: Theory, Practice and Applications
Biological Membranes: Drug Targets and Disease
Plant and Invertebrate Taxonomy
Applied Protein Biochemistry
Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
Applications in Geographic Information Systems
Astrobiology
Water Quality Assessment and Management

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Meet the team

Dr Nadia Terrazzini, course leader

My professional field of expertise is Immunology. I am very passionate about promoting the understanding of Immunology to students, who often find this subject very complex. I try to introduce an element of fun in my teaching including everyday analogies (e.g. comparing the working of the immune system to a football match), story-telling and PowerPoint animations, and also use online game-based learning platforms.

In 91快活林, we aim to make students feel part of a community that supports them while at university and for life, for all aspect of their academic and personal life. In our school, there is a strong emphasis on the application of science and we train students to put theory into practice using specialist labs and equipment as well as field trips.

The best thing about teaching undergraduate students is how much I learn myself. While making my lectures up-to-date and engaging, I keep learning new material and new ways to present it. Therefore, teaching my specialist subject area gives me a deeper understanding of topics. I also love when students who initially found Immunology difficult, tell me it is their favourite subject!

Find out more about .

More about this subject at 91快活林

Careers

Prepare for your career

Apply what you learn by putting scientific theory into practice both in the labs and in the field.

You will learn from researchers who are recognised experts in their field, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to begin your career in the biological sciences.

You will study alongside students across our natural sciences courses, working together to solve problems and share your knowledge and experience. By working in this way you gain transferable skills that will be useful in your career.

Placements

There are many advantages of spending a placement year working in industry or research. It can help you to:

apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
learn new skills which can help in your career
explore specialisms to gain a better understanding of what you want to do
gain vital work experience and build your network of professional contacts
come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with bioscience companies and research organisations.

Students being supervised by a lecturer in the lab

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Facilities include a dedicated microbiology lab, primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility, molecular biology lab with access to RT-PCR equipment, an Image Analysis Suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes, and a genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our biosciences facilities.

Route to medicine

Guaranteed interview scheme for medicine

All of the students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the 91快活林 and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine. You have the opportunity to apply either after year 1 or after your final year.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; General Studies and Critical Thinking are not acceptable)
If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
Excellent term 1 class attendance record
A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
BBB at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade B; General Studies and Critical Thinking are not acceptable)
If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in all sections
A 70% average for year 3 modules

You also need to:

take the in your year of application
make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
show evidence of healthcare-related work experience in your UCAS personal statement and
have an excellent record of class attendance (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Further study

This degree also opens up a range of postgraduate study options. We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following courses, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level.

Professional advice and support

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Employable

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 15,900 GBP

Fee information for this course for 2025 entry will be updated here no later than December 2024.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2024–25.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

91快活林 Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
Student finance and budgeting while studying
Read our student contract and (pdf) for more on University of 91快活林 tuition fees.

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our biology students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university and check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What’s included in your tuition fee

The cost of project poster printing is covered for undergraduate School of Applied Science students.

The following items are covered by your fee where they are required or relevant.

Personal Protective Equipment – all students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses.
Essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided.
Access to relevant software such as Nearpod, Jamovi, Minitab and SPSS.
Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies. See the in the library for an up-to-date list of key subject journals databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.
The cost of laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fee.
You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.
If you choose to take an undergraduate optional placement year you can get 20% of your student finance England maintenance loan whilst on that placement.
Biological Sciences BSc(Hons) and MSci students who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the 91快活林 and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine Applications to BSMS are still made using the UCAS system and you must select BSMS as one of your choices. UCAS costs are covered by you.

Additional course costs

You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.
In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.
Many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices, but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
There are optional field trips which you may choose. For these you need to budget up to £1,400 to pay toward travel, accommodation, insurance, food and drinks. There are other optional modules which do not have any additional costs associated with them.
BSc and MSci students that are eligible and want to pursue a degree in medicine with the 91快活林 and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) will need to budget for any cost needed to take the UCAT admissions test.
If you choose to take an optional placement year you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of 91快活林 seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can .

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

91快活林: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About 91快活林

The city of 91快活林 & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

91快活林 is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from 91快活林 to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

Loading maps...

Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our 91快活林 Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at 91快活林

Sport 91快活林

Sport 91快活林 brings together our sport and recreation services. As a 91快活林 student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Stay in touch

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at 91快活林. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to 91快活林.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Course specification

Course specifications are the approved description of each course. They contain a breakdown of the content and structure of the course, learning outcomes and assessment. Course specs are updated following course changes.