University undergraduate students studying in the Monica Partridge Building Digital Hub. Friday November 5th 2021.

Biology MSci

Medical School Queen's Medical Centre, University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you fascinated by the complexities of life, from the smallest microbes to entire ecosystems?

Our Royal Society of Biology-accredited course offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying the science of life, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges. Whether you're interested in genetics, physiology, evolution, conservation, or biotechnology, this degree provides the flexibility to explore areas that align with your passions and career goals.

From your very first semester, you'll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and fieldwork, developing essential scientific and analytical skills. With the option to specialise in later years, you'll graduate with expertise in your chosen areas and a strong foundation in evidence-based research.

A dedicated fourth year of research training and experience aims to prepare graduates for a professional scientific career.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences

Mandatory

Year 1

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Mandatory

Year 1

Anatomy and Physiology

Mandatory

Year 1

Genetics, Molecular Evolution and Diversity

Optional

Year 1

Principles of Neuroscience

Optional

Year 1

Introduction to Human Nutrition and Metabolism

Optional

Year 1

Zoology Field Skills

Mandatory

Year 2

Further Skills in the Life Sciences B

Mandatory

Year 2

Genetics and Genomics

Optional

Year 2

Evolutionary Developmental Biology

Optional

Year 2

Brains in the Wild

Optional

Year 2

Ecology Field Course

Optional

Year 2

Fundamentals of Ecology

Optional

Year 2

The Green Planet

Optional

Year 2

Cellular Communication in the Nervous System 

Optional

Year 2

Microorganisms in Biology, Health and Disease

Optional

Year 2

Nutrition for Health

Optional

Year 2

Immunology

Optional

Year 2

Development of the Nervous System

Optional

Year 2

Introductory Biotechnology

Mandatory

Year 3

Research Project

Optional

Year 3

Adapting to Change: Evolution and Behaviour

Optional

Year 3

Neurological Disorders

Optional

Year 3

Health, Ageing and Disease

Optional

Year 3

Current Topics in Human Environmental Impacts on Health 

Optional

Year 3

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Optional

Year 3

Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics

Optional

Year 3

Illuminating Life: Advanced Imaging and Technologies 

Optional

Year 3

Advanced Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics  

Optional

Year 3

Real-World Applications of Genetics and Genomics  

Optional

Year 3

The Cell Biology of Cancer  

Optional

Year 3

Conservation Biology

Optional

Year 3

Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology

Mandatory

Year 4

Becoming a Professional Scientist: Research Planning and Science Communication

Mandatory

Year 4

Research Project

Optional

Year 4

Cutting-edge Research Technologies and Ideas in Molecular Biology

Optional

Year 4

Advanced Experimental Design and Analysis

Optional

Year 4

Process and Practice in Science

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Thursday 27 March 2025. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

How you will learn

You will study in the School of Life Sciences building on University Park Campus and the Medical School, which is located within the Queen's Medical Centre. We have large lecture theatres, smaller seminar rooms and large multidisciplinary laboratories.

Assessment varies on the module being studied but typically is a combination of the types below. Exams happen twice a year at the end of each semester. Find out more about our teaching on our school website.

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations
  • Formative assessments
  • Lab reports
  • Literature review
  • Portfolio (written/digital)
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical exams
  • Practical write-ups
  • Presentation
  • Short project

You typically have around 15-16 contact hours per week, taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory practicals and field courses. In addition, you have individual and small-group tutorials supporting taught content and student wellbeing.

University undergraduate student studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park

You will graduate with a sound understanding of the biology of animals, plants and microbes and the biochemical, evolutionary and genetic processes that underlie their biology. Your final year project will have given you the freedom to pursue a specific research area of interest. The combined knowledge and skills gained from all years of your undergrad degree will prepare you for either further study or a career in many varied industries including:

  • Biomodeical
  • Conservation
  • Bioinformatics and Data Analaysis
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Healthcare
  • Graduate Veterinary and Medicine Programmes
  • Civil Service
  • Scientific Governemntal Agencies
  • Teaching
  • University Research
  • Journalism and Science Communications

Find out more about the career options open to biology graduates, including recent Nottingham graduate destinations by visiting our careers page.

Average starting salary and career progression

93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993.


HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017- 2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Course data

Open Day June 2022