What is biology?
Biology is a science for those with adventurous minds. Apart from offering a degree in biology that covers a broad range of biological topics, you can also chose to study: genetics, which studies the way cellular and developmental processes are programmed by genetic information, coded as DNA; human genetics, which uses genetics and genetic technology to understand human biology and disease; zoology, which studies the biology of animals; or biochemistry and genetics, which covers areas such as molecular biology, genetic engineering and biotechnology.
How will I study?
Teaching in the School received an 'excellent' rating (23/24) in an independent assessment. Our teachers are active in internationally recognised research, so you will benefit from working with those at the cutting edge of developments. Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as laboratory classes, field work and computer-aided learning. We use state-of-the-art lecture and laboratory facilities, and you will have a personal tutor who will oversee your academic progress and personal wellbeing. The School has longstanding links with the School of Biosciences, which offers courses that focus on applied environmental biology and animal, plant, agricultural and food science. You will have the opportunity to take optional modules in these areas.
BSc or MSci?
The MSci courses are recommended for those of you who expect to follow a career in the biological sciences and would benefit from an additional year of masters-level research training. The BSc courses are ideal for those who wish to obtain a strong background in the biological sciences, and provide entry into a wide variety of careers and destinations including postgraduate training.
Assessment
In all courses, formal exams, together with continuous assessments, determine your overall mark. The first year is a qualifying year which you must pass, but your marks do not affect your overall degree. Marks gained in subsequent years make up your final degree classification.
Career prospects
There is a strong demand for graduates trained in biology, zoology and genetics. Some students undertake employment in relevant areas such as conservation biology, intellectual property rights law, hospital laboratory diagnosis, or in research in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. Others find employment in careers not directly related to their field of study, such as accountancy, computing, finance, management and scientific administration. Many of our students go on to further study and research, either at Nottingham or elsewhere.
Application and interview
Offers are usually made without interview. Students with non-standard entry qualifications, including mature students, may be invited for an interview.
Open days
Students offered a place are invited to a visit day between December and March. For dates of University-wide open days, please see
www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays