Course summary
BSc Biological Science enables you to study and investigate the diverse aspects of the biological, environmental and life sciences in order to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the interconnection between organisms and the environment. In the first year you will study a broad programme of compulsory modules, giving you a firm knowledge base in subjects like Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology and Anatomy. In the second and third year you have the opportunity, should you wish, to specialise in a variety of topics , choosing from a range of biology, biomedical, ecology and environmental science disciplines, which, allows you to design your degree to meet your future career. Other highlights include:
- Select the topics that most interests you, designing your degree to your individual interests and career aspirations
- Lots of applied, practical laboratory classes in new £330 million Waterside Campus
- Opportunities for visits, fieldwork and overseas travel
- You have the opportunity to present your final year research dissertation at our annual research conference
- You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.
- Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop* to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).
- At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2024 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2024**
- Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.
- 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 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’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.
Modules
Stage 1 • Biochemistry and Cell Biology (Compulsory) • Introduction to Ecology (Compulsory) • Life on Earth (Compulsory) • Genetics and Molecular Biology (Compulsory) • Introduction to Microbiology (Compulsory) • Anatomy and Physiology (Compulsory) Stage 2 • Bioscience Research Methods (Compulsory) • Biogeography (Designated) • Fieldwork Module (Designated) • Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems (Designated) • Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air (Designated) • Genes and Genomics (Designated) • Health and Disease (Designated) • Techniques in Molecular Biology (Designated) • Principles of Pharmacology (Designated) • Processes of Life: Biochemistry (Designated) • Data Technologies (Designated) • Environmental Law and Justice (Designated) Optional Placement Year • Life Sciences at Work (Designated) Stage 3 • Biological Science Dissertation (Compulsory) • Contemporary Issues in Biology (Compulsory) • Biodiversity and Conservation (Designated) • Sustainable Resource Management (Designated) • Health, Risk and Environment (Designated) • Integrated Medical Genetics (Designated) • Immunology and Health (Designated) • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (Designated) • Medical Microbiology (Designated) • Applied and Environmental Microbiology (Designated) • Gene Regulation (Designated) • Monitoring The Earth's Surface (Designated) Module information is quoted for 2024 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.
Assessment method
Assessment methods 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.
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:
- C900
- Institution code:
- N38
- Campus name:
- Waterside Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 30 credits
Scottish Higher - BBBB
AS
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DMM
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 25 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M3, M3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DMM
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
AQA Level 3 (Foundation) Technical Level (360 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (540 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (720 glh)
AQA Level 3 Technical Level (1080 glh) - DMM
T Level - Pass (C and above)
You are expected to have studied a science subject
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
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | 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
University of Northampton
The University of Northampton
Waterside Campus
University Drive
Northampton
NN1 5PH
Clearing contact details
Clearing
01604 214808
Additional information
8.00 am to 5.00 pm