14Jun
UndergraduateDurham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The 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, with themed routes covering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Plant Science, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science. The first year covers fundamental aspects of biology including evolution, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics, physiology, an overview of the diversity of organisms and the basics of scientific research. Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning. The final year of the degree places the strongest emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the Department. Three core modules, a workshop/field course, a literature review and a research module, are combined with three modules linked to your interests and career aspirations. As well as the three-year course, you can consider a work placement or a year abroad.
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 looks at 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 Research develops the basic toolkit of skills required for research, including communication, presentation, handling source materials, analysis, problem solving and reporting. Year 2 Core module: Research Skills for Biosciences, in which the skills required for research-led learning at Year 3 are covered. Examples of optional modules: Ecology; Behaviour; Evolution; Plant and Algal Physiology; Cell Signalling; Development; Cell Biology; Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; Integrated Physiological Systems; Microbiology; Immune Systems; Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement year or year abroad) Core modules: Literature Review involves the study of current research literature in a topic area selected by you, under personal supervision. The results of the review will be presented in a critical review article. Research Module, with options of a research project; an enterprise task developing the science and business case for a potential biotech-based product; an education project incorporating hands-on practice of teaching at primary school level; or a communications option which culminates in the production of a report. Either a Workshop (laboratory-based) or Field Course (field-based, currently held in South Africa or Scotland), involving research experience. Examples of optional modules: Advanced Topics in Ecology; 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; Genomics; Biology of Disease;
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.
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
31Jan
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:
- C103
- 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. Science subjects can be: biology/chemistry/physics/psychology/maths/geography/human biology/further maths. 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
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
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
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £31250 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £31250 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE