Course summary

Biological Sciences at Imperial aims to understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. The Department of Life Sciences offers a number of degrees in Biological Sciences, with some degrees enabling you to choose from a broad selection of modules, and others allowing you to specialise in a particular area. This degree allows you to combine your training in biological sciences with study of the French language. These classes, taught in French by the Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication, focus on the use and presentation of written and oral scientific and technical material in French. You will also receive an introduction to the theory and practice of translation, alongside further studies in the history, politics, science and technology of French-speaking countries. In the first year you will cover modules in core areas of biology and key scientific skills alongside these classes. This gives you a solid grounding in the fundamental topics, and prepares you for advanced study. In the second year you study applied biology and genetics, then begin to specialise through optional modules. You spend your third year studying in a French-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project. In your final year you will complete a research project on a topic of your choice, and choose from an even wider selection of modules such as evolutionary biology, plant biotechnology and neuroscience. Our teaching is enriched by the Department’s internationally leading research programme, so you’ll be learning at the very cutting edge of the subject. You will also benefit from access to our outstanding facilities, including for genomic and cell biology studies, tissue culture suites and the most modern microscopes. Please note: this course is not suitable for native or near-native French speakers. Normally only students who are on track for at least a 2:1 by the end of their second year, will be eligible to spend their third year abroad. The structure of the Department's courses means that transfer between different Biological Sciences degrees is usually possible up until the end of the first year. As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal College of Science (ARCS) on completion of this course.