Course summary

Our five-year MBiolSci is designed to give you the best start for a career in industrial or academic research. You'll combine the research-focused integrated masters with a year-long, paid work placement as part of your degree. Biological Sciences at Sheffield gives you a unique level of flexibility, letting you tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. You'll be able to study the full extent of biological sciences, from organisms and the environment, to biomedicine to biochemistry, genetics and microbiology. From year 1, you’ll choose which topics to study and which you avoid, so that from the get go, you’re defining your degree and putting your skills and knowledge into place for a vibrant future. You’ll have access to modules across all scales of biological systems from biotechnology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and biochemistry, to biomedicine, neuroscience, human health and disease, to biodiversity, evolution, sustainability and climate change. More than half of our Biological Science students are taking modules across this full spectrum of the biological sciences. You’ll have the chance to carry out your own research projects in the lab, where you can use the latest, cutting-edge equipment to analyse stem cells, sequence DNA, image cells or landscapes; alternatively, you might want to find out how organisms and populations grow or study proteins and enzymes. Alternatively, you might choose to do field research projects in the Peak District National Park, or to embark on a once-in a lifetime field course in the UK or abroad. You can make the most of our links with the NHS, completing research on cancer and ageing in conjunction with the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. No matter what you choose, it’ll give you invaluable hands-on experience in your chosen area. Our students have found placements in industry, charities or government at organisations that include GSK, Pfizer, the Institute for Cancer Research, Microsoft Business Unit, West Yorkshire Police, the Environment Agency and the Field Studies Council. You could even apply your scientific knowledge and transferable skills to areas outside the bioscience industry such as market research, communications or business development. Our courses are taught in a wide range of methods. Of course we include traditional lectures and small group tutorials, (where our world-leading academics will share their latest research findings with you). We also include research projects and practical lab sessions (where you’ll be working with the latest technology for DNA and protein analysis) as well as field trips to zoos, aquaria and wildlife reserves. A placement is a great opportunity to test out a career path and many students are offered a graduate-level job at the end. You'll pay reduced fees for the year you're on placement and you'll have the support you need from your tutor and the University. The majority of your final year is devoted to a major research project where you'll develop advanced laboratory and fieldwork skills. You’ll work alongside our world-leading academics and explore everything from genetics to biodiversity and climate change.