Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £17,155 per year -
How long will I study?
4/5 Years
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Where will I study?
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What are the entry requirements?
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What is the UCAS code?
A046
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When do I start?
September 2025
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Placement year available?
Yes
Course summary
- Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.
- Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.
- Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.
- Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.
- Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.
Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.

Come to an open day
Visit us to learn more about our gold-rated teaching and why we were awarded the highest possible rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
How you learn
You’ll be taught by experts on this course – all our staff are active researchers. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring your taught material is at the forefront of science. You’ll also have opportunities to complete your own research, and you’ll work on real-world projects alongside industry professionals to develop your commercial awareness.
We’ll teach you to apply your knowledge to increasingly complex problems, encouraging you to think independently. You’ll develop a questioning, probing approach and apply creative solutions to difficult issues. We’ll make sure you are stretched and challenged through real-world case studies, presentations and peer and self-assessments.
You’ll learn through:
- In-person seminars, lectures and workshops
- Independent study, supported by tutorials and your academic adviser
- Practical laboratory experiences with industry-standard equipment
- Placements
- Research opportunities
- Field work
- Real-life projects
- Simulated environments
- Networking opportunities
Key themes
In your first year, you’ll study introductory cellular biochemistry, organs and tissues – as well as plant, microbial and animal evolution in an environmental context.
In your second year, we’ll cover evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and the human biological condition, plus cell, molecular and synthetic biology.
In your final year you explore plant, microbial and environmental biotechnology – with an emphasis on industrial applications for synthetic biology with associated regulatory affairs, ethical and societal aspects of biology. You’ll choose from a wide range of modules this year, and you’ll complete an independent research project.
Course support
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Access to specialist support services to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Previous students have completed placements for companies and organisations such as Kew Gardens, Labcorp, Porton Down and John Innes Institute.
Live projects
You’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects for real-world organisations such as Galileo Pharmaceuticals – a company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Analytical science
- Scientific sales and marketing
- Pharmaceutical research and development analysis
- The biotechnology industry
- Scientific communication or journalism
- Teaching
- Agriculture
- Environmental science and conservation
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- Various wildlife trusts
- Rentokil
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- Labcorp
- AstraZeneca
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Equipment and facilities
You’ll have access to various collaborative and independent learning spaces, and a large suite of high-quality laboratories. You’ll use the same industry-standard equipment and software that you’ll be using in your career.
On this course you work with:
- Analytical tools such as HPLC and gas chromatography equipment.
- Our award-winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators.
- High-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction equipment.
If you transfer to the MSci route, you’ll work alongside PhD students and scientists in our research centre, with access to a range of cutting-edge facilities.
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces.
360 tour - biosciences and chemistry facilities
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level and at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/human biology). Or BTEC National qualification in Applied Science. We do not accept general studies. For example:
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- Pass overall from a T level qualification in either Health -Care Science or Science with D or E from core.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject considered. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3.
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent.
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent.
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience, you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
This module explores more complex topics in biology and chemistry through lectures, tutorials and lab classes, providing a foundation for further study in the Biosciences and Chemistry department at Sheffield Hallam. Through an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience you’ll gain a higher level of confidence in biology and chemistry, building on your understanding of material covered in semester 1 and further developing competent laboratory skills and data analysis.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Mammalian cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous and renal systems
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DNA technology and cancer
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Control systems and homeostasis in physiological systems, and feedback loops
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Redox reactions, oxidation states and electrochemistry
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Acid and bases, pH and buffers
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Principles of thermodynamics, enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy
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Reaction kinetics, rate law, orders of reaction and the Arrhenius Equation
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Polymers and biomolecules
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Coordination and inorganic complexes
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Environmental chemistry and societal issues
This module further develops effective study, IT, numeracy and communication skills, continuing the theme of reflective practice alongside the completion of a portfolio. You’ll learn through IT classes, seminars and tutorials, developing your study, time management, planning and communication skills.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Verbal and non-verbal communication techniques
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Presentation techniques
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Scientific writing, citation and referencing
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Academic integrity
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Statistics, measures of dispersion, range and interquartile range
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Standard deviation, standard deviation and variance
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Algebraic manipulation, expressions, substitution and re-arrangement
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Graphs and functions
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The straight line and its equation
This module develops the study, IT, numeracy and communication skills you’ll need to succeed at foundation year, and to prepare for level 4 and beyond. Through IT classes, seminars and tutorials, you’ll combine biology and chemistry knowledge with reflection, planning and the completion of a portfolio.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Familiarisation with SHU resources
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MyHallam and course-specific Blackboard sites
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Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, email and online tools
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Introduction to reflective practice and action planning
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Study skills and time management
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Using the learning centre and note taking
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Foundations of maths
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Simple arithmetic operations
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Fractions and decimals
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Recording and interpreting data
This module develops your fundamental knowledge of atoms, molecules, cells and tissues in lectures, tutorials and lab classes. You’ll gain confidence in biology and chemistry – developing safe and competent practical laboratory skills while laying the foundations to study biology or chemistry related subjects in the future.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Atomic structure, mass, atomic number and isotopes
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Chemical symbols, the Periodic Table and electronic configurations
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Bonding: ionic and covalent, intermolecular forces and bonding in metals
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Elements, mixtures and compounds: gases, liquids and solids
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Relative atomic mass and relative molecular mass: the mole concept
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Reacting masses, equations, concentrations of solutions and standard solutions
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Organic chemistry bonding, shapes of molecules and functional groups
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Cells: nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
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Cell structure, functions, membranes, organelles and replication
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Introduction to general safe laboratory work
Year 2
Compulsory modules
This module develops the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist. You’ll learn through seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Identifying and using appropriate information sources and technologies
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The application of mathematics to scientific data
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Effective communication
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Consideration of ethical issues around the mini project
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Awareness and development of employability
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Fundamental practical training
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Creativity and problem solving
This module offers an appreciation of evolution at the global level, including palaeontology, plant phylogeny, the environmental niche they inhabit and the biochemistry that allows them to do so. You’ll build on the chemistry from semester 1 to investigate soil, biological cycling and sustainability.
You’ll study topics such as:
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The meaning of an environment
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Analytical chemistry
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Evolutionary theory
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Diversity of life
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Plant structure, diversity, biochemistry, genetics and sex
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Comparative anatomy
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Cellular evolution
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Immunology
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Haematology
This module develops your knowledge and understanding of the core bioscience concepts and fundamental processes of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and genetics. You’ll also explore the underpinning knowledge of basic organic and physical of chemistry, learning from seminars and tutors.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Structure, chemical and biological functions
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Carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, DNA and RNA
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Structure and function of virus, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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Genetic regulation and control of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
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Tissue and organ structures, human anatomy and physiology
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The underpinning chemistry for bioscientists
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Biological and environmental chemistry and pathophysiology
This module introduces the fundamental professional and practical skills you’ll need as a scientist, within a programme of seminars, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Appropriate information sources and technologies
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The application of mathematics to scientific data
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Introduction to professional ethics
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Introduction to global science issues
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Introduction to sustainability and the UN Sustainability Goals
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Effective communication
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Awareness and development of employability
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Fundamental practical training
Year 3
Compulsory modules
This module enables you to apply your lab, practical and professional skills – demonstrating strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. Through
course-focused lab-based projects, you’ll incorporate work-integrated learning using real problems and scenarios seen within the scientific industry.
You’ll apply learning and skills to:
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Technical activities, experimental design and project management
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Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design
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The use of appropriate information sources and technologies
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Effective communication, presenting and written communications
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Processes in accountability, time management and decision making
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Applications of mathematical and statistical techniques
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Usage of information technology for the range of scientific activities
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Data handling and manipulation of large and complex data sets
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Data application to bioinformatics
This module enables you to apply your practical and professional skills to demonstrate strong scientific practice and the employability qualities you’ll need as a scientific graduate. You’ll undertake
lab-based work-integrated underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
You’ll apply skills and learning such as:
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Ethical considerations and technical activities
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Experimental design and project management
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Use of appropriate information sources and technologies
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Effective communication, presenting and written communications
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Processes in accountability, time management and decision making
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Sustainability and sustainable lab practice within practical design
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Mathematical and statistical techniques
Module Aim:
Develop an understanding of a range of principles and concepts in ecology and evolutionary and animal behavioural, as well as the laboratory and field and modern computational techniques used to investigate and advance knowledge in this area, to underpin their application to a range of contemporary issues from molecular to ecosystem, in applied ecology, conservation and evolution and animal behaviour & sex.
This module covers fundamental principles of biochemistry and cellular processes including the structure and function of biomolecules, energy production and gene expression. Through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, you’ll learn about cell biology, cycle regulation and the relationship between cellular biochemistry and disease.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Chemical structure and functional properties
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Pathways involved in energy production and metabolism
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Gene expression mechanisms
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Cellular structure, organelles and function
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Cellular signalling pathways
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Biochemical processes
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Ethical considerations in biochemistry research
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Use of animal models
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The potential implications of biotechnology advances
Year 4
Compulsory modules
Module aim:
The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).
A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting.
The placement will:
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Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course
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Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
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Grow their student network and relationship building skills
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Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs
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Help student make informed graduate careers choices
Indicative Content:
In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.
Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.
To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Module Aim:
To support students to develop, evidence, reflect on and improve their employment skills within the context of their career aspirations, the work-place and their own scientific discipline.
Indicative content:
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Employment and further study opportunities for Biosciences & Chemistry graduates both in scientific and non-scientific settings
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Oral and written communication of employability skills
Delivered through a programme of workshops and tutorials covering employment opportunities and skills.
Development and articulation of employability is embedded within all courses through the Professional & Scientific Practice modules that run from level 4 to level 6.
Module Aim:
Develop an understanding of how biology can be used in industry and beyond to solve current disease, contamination and research problems. Students will link to level 5 and be lead to solve industry related problems and design strategies to produce novel substances in plants, measure and remove pollutants from the environment and modify bacteria to aid bioremediation. Students will need to critically analyse the current literature and produce creative strategies to solve problems while appreciating the economics of the situation.
Indicative content:
Methods of analysis of micro and macromolecyles in the environment
Bioremediation of polluted environments
Synthetic biology in plant and microbial systems
Applications of Bioreactors
Industrial considerations relevant to biotechnology
Module Aim:
The module aims to expand students’ ability to independently follow a research strategy, undertake critical assessment of data obtained and to extend and apply professional and personal skills required for the planning and implementation of a research activity. The student will develop their communication skills following scientific standards. Teaching is delivered through multiple activities, lab- and non-based, online, in person, both in groups and individually.
Indicative content:
Projects will be allocated a project from a pool of topics related to academic staff’s research and professional interests.
Topics will be course relevant and can span across chemistry, biochemistry, analytical science, pedagogy, biomedical sciences, biology and bioinformatics, with each grouping containing several sub-topics.
Elective modules
This module expands your knowledge of genetic concepts. Through seminars and remote learning, you’ll explore the latest advances in our understanding of genetics across the living world.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Genes, chromosomes and heredity
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DNA structure, replication and organisation
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Gene expression and its regulation
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Genetics of organisms and populations
This module introduces big data and how data sets can be exploited to extract meaningful insights, delivered through taught sessions (on campus and online) and practical workshops. You’ll explore the concepts and theories that underpin data science, gaining an understanding of how big data is generated, and hands-on experience with analysing and presenting data effectively using coding platforms.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Application of coding to biosciences and chemistry
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Bioinformatics tools
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Analysis of data from systems biology
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Statistical analysis of large data
This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure, function and regulation of biological molecules and pathways, with a focus on their practical applications in research, biotechnology and medicine. You’ll gain the skills to examine biomolecular structure and function, manipulate DNA for biotechnological purposes, and study how biomolecular interactions control events at molecular and cellular levels.
You’ll study topics such as:
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New and developing biochemical techniques
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Applications to health, sustainability and climate change
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Synthesis of proteins and biomolecules
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Genetic manipulation using biochemical techniques
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Modification of organisms through cloned genes
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Altering the biological properties of proteins
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Investigating biomolecular and genomic function
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Transcriptional and translational regulation
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Signalling pathways in cell biology
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Metabolic pathways leading to systems biology
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High resolution cellular imaging
This module develops your understanding of how dietary components contribute to maintaining life, health and disease prevention. You’ll explore how the body utilises nutrients, energy balance and what happens when it goes wrong, as well as the wider effects of dietary imbalances on disease progression.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Dietary changes through the ages
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Macronutrients and micronutrients
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Sources and requirements
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Digestion, absorption and biological roles
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Energy balance, activity and energy requirements.
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Assessment of Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
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Processes for energy metabolism
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Control of body weight, appetite and food intake
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Diets for weight loss
This module provides in-depth understanding of neuroscience, neurophysiology and neurobiology, including an awareness of the impact of new technologies and concepts which can be translated to other body systems. Through lectures and seminars, you’ll apply the knowledge base developed to consider technical advances for treating specific neurological diseases and other systems diseases.
You’ll study topics such as:
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Brain anatomy and physiology
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Action potential, synapses and postsynaptic responses
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Functional systems (e.g. limbic system)
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Neurotransmitters and receptors
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Neuroplasticity
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Specific areas and pathways
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Aging brain
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Advances in diagnostic techniques
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Therapies for neurological and other diseases
This module reviews the basic pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic concepts of drug action, creating an awareness of the impact of new technologies and concepts on the discovery and development of pharmacological agents. You’ll consider the pharmacological properties of drugs used to treat and prevent specific human diseases, as well as the impact of pharmacological agents on global health and wellbeing.
You’ll study topics such as:
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How drugs act in general and at a molecular level
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Drug specificity and selectivity
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Drug receptors, enzymes, channels and transporters
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Types of drugs
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Quantitative analysis of drug actions
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Drug administration and absorption
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Drug distribution, metabolism and elimination
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Therapeutic use of drugs
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Personalised medicine and precision medical science
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Development of drugs from discovery to market
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students on full-time undergraduate degree courses in 2025/26 is £9,535 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year). These fees are regulated by the UK government and therefore subject to change in future years.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,155 per year (capped at a maximum of 20% of this during your placement year)

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.