Course overview
This degree aims to provide you with a broad, well-balanced background in biological science. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of this biological knowledge to exciting recent advances in animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, food production and environmental science. The course offers a wide range of optional modules but you are required to study a minimum number in microbiology, animal biology and plant biology.
Year one
During the first year, you will study core modules in Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology, Whole Organism Biology, Industrial Applications of Biology and Plant and Cell Physiology. This combination of animal, plant and microbial sciences, underpinned by cell biology, biochemistry and genetics, provides the basis for specialisation during your second and third years.
Year two
In the second and third years, there are no core modules and a wide range of optional modules. You will be required to retain a breadth of knowledge by keeping a minimum number of modules in each of three areas: microbiology, animal biology and plant biology.
Year three
During the final year, you will undertake a research project in a subject area of your choice (animal, plant or microbial).
More information about this course - please view our School pages
Entry requirements
A levels: ABB-BBC, including at least two science subjects at A level (one of which must be biology; other can include maths and geography), and an additional A level or equivalent.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 87 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For details please see alternative qualifications page
Foundation year - a foundation year is available for this course
Notes for applicants
Our modular courses are flexible and offer the opportunity to combine your main studies with modules in other subject areas (please note that all modules are subject to change).
Scholarships - for details of scholarships, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Modules
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical year-one modules
-
Genetics and Cell Biology
-
Whole Organism Biology
-
Introductory Biochemistry
-
Genetics with Specialist Options
-
Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation
Typical year-two modules
-
Neurophysiology and Pharmacology
-
Principles of Immunology
-
Mammalian Biochemistry
-
Introductory Plant Pathology
-
Plant Biotechnology
Typical year-three modules
There are no other core modules in this year, but choices must include a minimum in all three areas of microbiology, animal biology and plant biology, as in year two.
Typical optional modules
-
Systems Neurophysiology
-
Reproduction and Fertility
-
Co-ordinated Physiological Functions
-
Plant Cell Signalling
-
Industrial Methods in Microbial Analysis
-
The Microflora of Foods
-
Animal Nutrition
-
Field Crops - Cereals
Skills and careers
By the end of the course you will have a strong background in fundamental and applied biology having studied a wide range of subjects across the whole field of biological sciences. Career options include industrial and academic research, commerce and teaching.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2009/10 full time graduates of the School of Biosciences was £19,256.09.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.