Why Study Here?
Module Information
The modular structure of the teaching allows for both specialisation and flexibility in course choice as well as producing a strong foundation developed by a fundamental understanding of basic science, which is particularly important in producing graduates with a high level of employability.
Click here to view modules available in the Biosciences in the University's module catalogue.
To achieve an honours degree, you will need to build up a total of 360 credits by completing a number of modules, self-contained blocks of study.
Each module is worth a certain number of credits; over each 14-16 week period of teaching and study known as a semester, you will normally be expected to take modules totalling 60 credits. Each module will usually be assessed and examined separately on completion; this differs from the traditional structure where courses were generally examined at the end of each academic year. Certain core modules will be compulsory for the degree course you are taking; others you will be able to select (subject to timetable and other constraints) from a wide range of options available within the School or offered by other Schools.
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS
• On most courses you can further tailor your degree to meet your own needs
• Students can replace up to 60 credits of their Biosciences degree (from a total of 360 for honours degrees) with other subjects of their choice, subject to timetabling and pre-requisite constraints
• Additional opportunities exist to spend a year out working in industry, study at one of our partner universities overseas, or volunteer to work with a recognised charity
CHINESE STUDIES
Students can select from the many modules offered by the Institute of Contemporary Chinese Studies. These include modules in Mandarin, ranging from beginners’ level through to intermediate levels, and modules offering translation between Chinese and English. Specialist modules on Chinese politics, economics and culture are also available.
MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES
The University of Nottingham offers modules on numerous aspects of the Middle East, including Islamic Religious Thought, International History and the Middle East Conflict. These modules are available at different levels and are taught by staff in several departments in the University of Nottingham, particularly the Schools of History and Politics and the Department of Theology.
A WIDER PERSPECTIVE
Studying at The University of Nottingham opens up a wide range of possibilities beyond your chosen degree route. Degrees may be complemented by a diverse range of other subjects; our course admissions staff will be happy to advise on the options available.
A YEAR IN INDUSTRY
Students may make the most of our extensive industrial links by arranging to combine their degree with an industrial placement between years 2 and 3. Recent students from the School of Biosciences have spent time working at, for example, United Biscuits (BSc Food Science), The Environment Agency (BSc Environmental Science) and the John Innes Centre (BSc Plant Science).
Students undertaking an industrial placement during this intercalated year may have their degree certificate endorsed "with Industrial Placement Award" in recognition. Further Information.
EUROPEAN STUDY
All three-year BSc courses in the School of Biosciences can be combined with a year-long Certificate in European Studies; this incorporates language and European modules during the autumn semester, followed by a placement at one of our partner institutions during the following spring/summer.
U21
The University of Nottingham is a founder member of Universitas 21, an extensive international network of leading research-intensive universities. Under the U21 Student Mobility Programme, students may apply for an international exchange programme, consisting of a semester during autumn of Year 2 at one of the member institutions; there is competition for places.
VSO
VSO is an international development charity working through a network of volunteers. Volunteering with VSO is an unforgettable opportunity to utilise individual skills and make a tangible contribution towards fighting poverty in a developing country.