Course summary
With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The MBiol course offers flexibility so that you can follow specialised routes within biological sciences by offering module combinations to address your specific areas of interest. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunity to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. Themed ‘routes’ include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science. In Year 1 you will study the fundamental aspects of biology and the basics of scientific research. Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning. Year 3 places a strong emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the Department. Two core modules, a field course or laboratory-based workshop and a literature review, are combined with optional modules linked to your interests and career aspirations. The final year, prepares you for research at postgraduate level and includes an extended project in a biology related area. Running through most of the academic year, it allows you to gain hands-on experience working alongside academic staff doing world-leading research.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: Molecules and Cells gives an overview of cells and their molecular components. It explores the structure and functions of proteins and biological membranes; cellular metabolism and energy-generating processes; and communication and signalling between cells. Genetics introduces the development of genetics and the processes linking genotype to phenotype in living organisms. It provides an overview of modern technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation. Introduction to Physiology covers mammalian physiology as a model for processes in other organisms, describing a range of tissues and processes and connecting them at a molecular and cellular level. Organisms and Environment provides an introduction to the diversity of life, from adaptation of organisms to a range of environments to diversification via the concept of evolution. It introduces the concepts of ecology and the role of behaviour in determining interactions between species and individuals, along with a survey of ecosystems and their responses for changing global conditions. Fundamentals of Bioscience Research develops the basic toolkit of skills required for research, including communication, presentation, handling source materials, analysis, problem solving and reporting. The module also covers chemistry and maths designed to support learning in the other modules. Year 2 Core module: Research Skills for Biosciences, in which skills required for research-led learning at Year 3 are covered. Examples of module themes: Ecology; Behaviour; Evolution; Plant and Algal Physiology; Cell Signalling; Development; Cell Biology; Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; Integrated Physiological Systems; Microbiology; Immune Systems. Year 3 Core modules: Workshop (laboratory-based) or field course (field-based, currently held in South Africa or Scotland), involving research experience. Literature review involves the study of current research literature in a topic area selected by you, under personal supervision. Examples of optional modules: Advanced Topics in Ecology and Behaviour; Conservation Biology; Ecology in the Anthropocene; Advanced Topics in Development; Stress and Responses to the Environment; Crops for the Future; Biochemistry and Biotechnology; Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ageing; Advanced Cell Biology; Biology of Disease; Genomics. Finally, you will select a research module comprising an enterprise task, an education project or a study of contemporary issues in the Biosciences. Year 4 The fourth year of the MBiol course examines the principles and research practice in the biosciences, and includes an additional field course or practical laboratory workshop and a research project, which will prepare you for research at postgraduate level. Staff in the Department of Biosciences will offer suitable projects over a wide range of topics in modern biological and biomedical sciences. The projects will address the requirements of potential employers, as well as providing an opportunity for you to carry out work at the cutting-edge of biosciences research. The research project will be written up as a Master’s dissertation.
Assessment method
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations as well as coursework including essays, laboratory reports, case studies, oral presentations and posters. Literature reviews (dissertation), project reports and laboratory workshop/fieldwork reports are an important part of this degree. The final-year research project is assessed through a full Master’s-level thesis.
How to apply
This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.
EU
Wales
England
International
Scotland
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C702
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - AAAAB
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 37 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) - Not accepted
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent, to include a science subject at grade A). Biology or Chemistry to be included in offer. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £31250 | Year 1 |
International | £31250 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE