BSc (Honours)/MSci Biology

UCAS code

C100

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time, plus one year to MSci (optional)

At a glance

Study biology and learn how to apply biological principles to real world situations and develop critical thinking skills that are highly valued by employers. You learn along side internationally renowned researchers who help ensure the course content and lab skills follow the latest biological developments. You also have the opportunity to earn up to г18,000 on a work placement year.

Key points
Х Study on a modern course relevant to the employed biologist taught by active researchers.
Х Learn contemporary laboratory techniques using industry-standard facilities.
Х Study a variety of organisms from microbes to humans and how they affect society and the environment.
ХаApply forаa work placement and gain valuable work experience.
Х Develop attributes valued by employersаsuch asаthe ability to communicate and problem solve.

What is biology?
Biology is the study of living organism, and their interdependencies. It ranges from the molecular and sub-cellular to single celled organisms, and plants and animals.

About this course

Build on your understanding of biology and develop the skills and knowledge for a career in biology, with lab work that reflects or parallels the work being carried out in industry and research labs.

You learn the latest laboratory skills and techniques in modern and well-equipped facilities. For example you learn to use specialist cell culture facilities that replicate industry equipment. You also benefit from highly valuable field work including a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in London, which is supported by academic staff.

You benefit from the strong emphasis on laboratory work which brings the theory from lectures to life and allows you to gain the practical skills every biologist needs.

You learn through practical-problem solving and complete many short, independent lab projects. The lab programme is designed to allow you to use cutting-edge techniques to investigate real life scenarios.

Once you have developed your knowledge and skills in the lab, you can apply for an optional third-year paid work placement which may allow you the chance to apply them in the workplace. This is a great opportunity to gain experience and professional skills that can give you the all-important edge at the start of your career.

We have a wide range of major national and multinational placement partners, including Х GlaxoSmithKline Х AstraZeneca Х Covance Х Eurofins Х the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. You can apply for a placement in the UK or use the opportunity to work abroad in Europe, America and further afield. On placement, you can earn up to г18,000 a year.

Finally, you combine all the skills and knowledge you have gained during your final year research project. This can sometimes be carried out at your placement organisation to help improve further your employment prospects. Previous project titles include 'Investigating the membrane interactions of Alpha Synuclein Oliomers in Parkinson's Disease' and 'The development of Microbial Fuel Cells utilising Methane Oxidising Bacteria'.

The optional transfer to the MSci qualification is suitable for students who achieve goodаresults during years one and two.

Key areas of study
The course has a strong focus on
Х animal behaviour and evolution
Х biochemistry and genetics and how these respond to real world problems
Х the effect of human, microbiological and plant activity on the environment
Х plant biology in a molecular, biotechnological and sustainable context
Х analytical, reflective and critical thinking for biologists

Associated careers

This broad-ranging course means you can enter many careers. Our graduates are working in many related careers including Х pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries Х agriculture Х research.

Many graduates progress to specialist masters courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their qualifications. Graduates may also have a career in teaching or use their skills in non-scientific careers such as business and the civil service.

Course content

Year one modules

Х plant physiology and anatomy Х human physiology and anatomy Х cells, molecules and microbiology Х environmental sciences Х practical and professional skills for biology

Year two modules

Х evolutionary biology Х biochemistry and molecular biology Х environmental and ecological bioscience Х advanced cell biology Х practical and professional study for biology

Year three

Х optional work placement

Final year core modules

Х plant biotechnology Х environmental biotechnology Х research project Х professional practice

Final year options

Х bioethics Х human genetics Х bioinformatics Х applied biochemistry

MSci year (optional)

Х research methods and statistics Х research projects

Assessment

Х examinations Х coursework Х written assignments Х tests Х group work Х practical work

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or Level 2 equivalent, such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following

Х 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including 80 points in biology, or BTEC National qualifications which must include chemistry and biology modules. We do not accept general studies A level.

Х successful completion of our Extended Degree in Biosciences or equivalent

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

You also need to demonstrate an ability to
Х study academic subjects at degree level
Х debate topics and issues
Х draw on conclusions from written material
Х study independently as well as a member of a group
Х use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
Х successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations

These are normally achieved through completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

2013 entry requirements

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or Level 2 equivalent, such as Level 2 adult literacy/numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

For 2013 entry,аmandatory UK field trips are included in the course fee

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk