Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  The University of Northampton’s Biological Sciences course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  SDG15: Life on Land

  A wide and diverse range biological aspects of science are explored throughout this degree programme. This Biological Sciences interdisciplinary degree provides you with the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge base in the first year of study before specialising in topics and disciplines in the second and third year.

  You will have the opportunity to choose modules that most interest you or ones that specifically meet your future career aspirations.  You can choose from varied aspects of biological science including plant and animal biology, genetics, environmental science, microbiology, human biology, ecosystems, pharmacology, ecology, adaptations to life, neuroscience and biochemistry.

  You will apply your knowledge throughout your biological sciences degree and recognise its relevance to society at national and global levels. You also have the opportunity to learn a wide range of laboratory and field skills as well as learning about current issues and research areas.

  You may also elect to take the Life Science Placement Year module after your second year before returning to complete your degree.  We will help you find this paid placement and support you during this year.

  Our modules are informed by staff who are active researchers in their specialist areas, introducing you to scientific principles to help you develop analytical skills and encourage you to evaluate and recommend solutions to real-world biological problems.

  You will be supported during your final year research project by a supervisor with relevant research expertise and by studying the second year research methods and specialised laboratory and/or fieldwork modules with essential training in the latest techniques. You even have the opportunity to present your own final year research dissertation at our annual research conference.

  • Stage 1
    • SLS1013 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 Credits)
    • ENV1002 Introduction to Ecology (20 Credits)
    • ENV1128 Lab and Field Skills (20 Credits)
    • SLS1020 Genetics and Molecular Biology (20 Credits)
    • SLS1019 Introduction to Microbiology (20 Credits)
    • ENV1129 Diversity of life: Form and Function (20 Credits)

    All modules in Stage 1 are compulsory

  • Stage 2
    • SLS2014 Techniques in Molecular Biology (20 Credits)
    • ENV2143 Data Technologies (20 Credits)
    • ENV2124 Fieldwork Module (20 Credits)
    • ENV2103 Biogeography (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • ENV2140 Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • ENV2138 Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SLS2001 Genes and Genomics (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SLS2069 Infectious Disease (20 Credits) (Designated)

    Students must take SLS2014, ENV2143 and ENV2124 plus three designated modules.

    Optional Placement Year

    SLS2017 Life Sciences at Work (40 Credits) (Designated)

  • Stage 3
    • ENV4017 Research Project and Dissertation in the Biological Sciences (40 Credits)
    • ENV3142 Contemporary Issues in Biology (20 Credits)
    • ENV3021 Biodiversity and Conservation (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SLS3001 Health, Risk and Environment (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SLS3023 Applied and Environmental Microbiology (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • SLS3024 Gene Regulation (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • GEO3140 Monitoring the Earth’s Surface (20 Credits) (Designated)
    • ENV3150 Global Sustainability Issues (20 Credits) (Designated)

    Students must take ENV4017 and ENV3142 plus three designated modules.

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• Accreditation

  Accreditation of this Biological Sciences degree is pending from the Royal Society of Biology – the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom.

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Biological Sciences degree at the University of Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your biological sciences course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Placements

  You may also elect to take the Life Science Placement Year module after your second year before returning to complete your Biological Sciences degree. This is an optional and paid placement year, working within industry. Students who complete this typically achieve higher degree outcomes and have improved employability. The University has a whole team of people to help you find a paid placement and will support you during this year.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the biological sciences degree?

  We aim to make learning an engaging and enjoyable experience from our extensive online resources and face to face teaching. We will introduce you to science principles, help you to develop analytical skills and encourage you to evaluate and recommend solutions to real-life, local to global, biological problems.

  Teaching and learning occurs through a variety of methods, with laboratory practicals, workshops, learning how to use new software, fieldwork, seminars and lectures.

  Modules are typically semesterised, which means that modules are delivered in either the Autumn Term or the Spring term. You will have four hours of contact time per week to enable you to get the most out of practical sessions, workshops and field visits.

  All the module tutors use our virtual learning environment (NILE) to provide additional resources to facilitate your independent learning.

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  Each module typically has four hours per week contact time and students typically study three modules per week. In addition, all students are allocated a personal tutor before they start their degree. They will meet with their personal tutor on a regular basis and are able to book office hours with them for both academic and pastoral support.

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment methods in this biological sciences degree include writing scientific reports, blogs, articles, giving presentations, and taking time constrained assessment and exams. Many modules are assessed through 100% coursework but some modules have exams that could be worth up to 60% of the final module grade.

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