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Biology (with Placement Year) at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS

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Course summary

Biology, the science of life, is a varied and exciting discipline from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems. Why Biology at ARU? Our broad-based course covers all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems. Focus on practical skills, including a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills. Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests by choosing from a wide range of specialisms, all with a central underpinning of sustainability. Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in the life sciences, especially in biological data science and bioinformatics, and take advantage of a wealth of local opportunities. Learn from Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold standard, research-active staff, who keep course content fully up-to-date with recent findings across a whole range of fields. Carry out projects and paid internships with research-active staff from the School of Life Sciences and apply for placements with a range of employers. Biology is the study of life. Life on earth is fascinating, astonishing, diverse and beautiful, and the course aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of the wide variety of living organisms. Your knowledge will encompass how organisms evolve, their physiology, and how they function within the environment. However, all life is currently under threat; with man-made (anthropogenic) change affecting the earth and all its systems. The biological sciences offer us a wide range of tools which can be used to alleviate these effects and preserve our natural environment, both for the benefit of plants, animals and humans, and for their current and future generations. This degree in Biology offers a multidisciplinary approach, preparing you to evaluate aspects of all life on earth, and provide solutions to ensure a sustainable future. You'll have the opportunity to select pathways within the course aligned to your specific interests, including but not limited to: Cell/molecular/laboratory Genetics/evolution/bioinformatics Plants/microbes/biotechnology Whole organisms (animals/humans)/environment/field skills Principles of sustainability underpin much of the teaching throughout the course. You'll have the opportunity to engage with field trips in the local area and further afield. Additional self-funded field trips are also available.

Modules

Year 1: Core modules Principles of Biology Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists Introduction to Genetics and Genomics Physiology of Organisms Ecology and Sustainability Continuing Professional Development Year 2: Core modules Principles of Genetics (15 credits) Ruskin Module (15 credits) Preparation for Research (15 credits) Continuing Professional Development Optional modules Vertebrate Biology Invertebrate Biology Plants and Microbial Sciences Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits) Laboratory Techniques for Bioinformatics (15 credits) Field Skills in Biology Animal Health and Disease GIS and Spatial Ecology Proteomics and Molecular Structures Year 3: Core modules Work Placement Life Science Year 4: Core modules Undergraduate Project (30 credits) Developmental Biology and Genetics Policy, Globalisation, and Economics of Sustainability Optional modules Biogeography Comparative Ecophysiology Human-Animal Interactions Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits) Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits) Current Advances in Bioinformatics Current Advances in Plant and Microbial Sciences Current Advances in Evolution and Biodiversity Systems Biology

Assessment method

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Besides exams, these include essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, debates, classroom- or laboratory-based tests, and reviews of scientific papers.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
C101
Institution code:
A60
Campus name:
Cambridge Campus
Campus code:
C

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

2025 entry requirements have been published using the current cycle information however, due to a current review these are subject to change. Please check back here for updates.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/biology


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
75%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

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 £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 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

In the 2025/26 academic year, the placement year fee will be £1,500. https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/support-and-facilities/careers-and-employability/placements https://www.aru.ac.uk/study/tuition-fees https://www.aru.ac.uk/student-life/preparing-for-study/help-with-finances
Biology (with Placement Year) at Anglia Ruskin University - UCAS