Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
112-120 UCAS points
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Develop the biological, chemical and mathematical skills you need to solve biological problems.
- Conduct research in both theoretical and practical areas of biology.
- Gain a deep understanding of the breadth of biological sciences through extensive lab work and fieldwork opportunities.
- Take the opportunity to complete a work placement
- Transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers
You will develop the ability to solve biological problems and enhance your practical and digital skills for a career in biological sciences or other occupations requiring creative, analytical thinkers.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Through the exploration of biological concepts within modules such as plant physiology & anatomy, environmental biosciences and evolutionary & behavioural biology you will gain a breadth of understanding across key biological disciplines. This is supplemented by optional modules in your second and final years allowing you to explore further subjects of your choice.
With a strong focus on employability throughout you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or post graduate education providers.
You learn through
- lectures
- interactive workshops
- small group academic tutorials
- scenario-based laboratory sessions and field work
- project work
Course leaders and tutors
Melissa Lacey
Senior Lecturer in MicrobiologyI have taught microbiology, immunology and biochemistry. I am an active researcher in bacterial biofilms, novel - antibacterial agents and hospital acquired infectio … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
Once you have developed your knowledge and skills in the lab, there is the opportunity to apply for a year-long placement between your second and final year. This will give you the chance to apply theory and practice in the workplace. Alternatively, you are encouraged to undertake internships or other short placements all of which will provide you with experience to give you a significant start to your career.
Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.
You can apply for a placement in the UK or use the opportunity to work abroad for example in Europe, with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing scheme.
We have a wide range of major national and multinational placement partners, including GlaxoSmithKline, Covance, Eurofins and other universities.
Live projects
You will have opportunities to complete valuable field work. This could include exploring the natural environment of the Peak District, visiting Sheffield Botanical Gardens and a UK-based residential ecological and environmental field course – all at no additional cost.
During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to undertake a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area. Opportunities are available for both lab and non lab-based science projects allowing you the flexibility to focus on a specific area of interest.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:
- analytical science
- scientific sales and marketing
- pharmaceutical research and development analysis
- biotechnology industry
- scientific communication/journalism
- teaching
- agriculture
- environmental science and conservation
Many graduates progress to specialist masters courses or carry out research for a PhD to enhance their qualifications.
Accreditation
Graduates of BSc (Honours) Biology
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Graduates of MSci Biology
This programme has been awarded Advanced Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
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 | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with industry standard instrumentation which you will learn how to use in scenario-based practical sessions. Examples of facilities you will have access to include:
- our award winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
- real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment for quantitative analysis of nucleic acids
- high-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
Learn 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.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112-120
From A levels (including at least 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC national qualifications in Applied Science to include suitable Biology modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:
- BBB-BBC at A Level including grade C in Biology.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered (please include units on application).
- BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant biology modules ( please include units on application) alongside other level 3 study.
- Merit overall from a T level qualification from T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway only.
- A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*
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 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.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent
• equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
If English is not your first language, you will need 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.
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
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Environmental Biosciences | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Human Physiology And Anatomy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Plant Physiology And Anatomy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Ecology And Environmental Biosciences | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Evolutionary And Behavioural Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Molecular Biology And Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Cell Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Pathological Basis Of Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Topics In Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Bioethics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Bioinformatics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Environmental Biotechnology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Neurobiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
| Module: Plant Biotechnology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† 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 2023/24 is £15,860 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Biosciences and chemistry courses (PDF, 238KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
