Biology BSc (Hons)

3 years, starting in September 2020

You can apply for this course from September 2019.

Develop the knowledge and skills to play a vital role as a practical scientist and interpreter of modern bioscience.

Gain a broad range of skills and knowledge by learning about life on all scales, from the molecular to global ecosystems. You’ll study different topics in modern biosciences, as well as having the option to focus on some specific areas.

In the first two years, you’ll gain a foundation in the biosciences through a set of core units. You’ll also gain hands-on experience of practical scientific techniques in dedicated undergraduate laboratories.

In the final year, you’ll undertake a research project, giving you first-hand experience as a researcher and the opportunity to contribute to some of the world-leading research in the Department.

You will graduate with a solid foundation for further study or graduate roles where a broader knowledge of biosciences is needed. The academic and key skills you develop will also prepare you for a wide range of other careers.

Teaching

Specialist teaching is influenced by the expertise of academics in the Department and includes areas such as cell biology, biodiversity and ecology, evolutionary biology, genomics, plant science, microbiology and immunology, neuroscience, developmental biology and stem cells, structural molecular biology, cancer genetics and biotechnology.

We also have world-leading research centres, covering evolution, regenerative medicine, networks and collective behaviour and mathematical biology.

Facilities

Practical classes take place in our well-equipped teaching laboratories. You will also have access to specialist technology in a dedicated computer laboratory for bioinformatics.

Take a look around our biochemistry lab.

Careers

You'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in a variety of fields, such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, education, environment, or roles in agricultural, medical and chemical laboratories. Many of our graduates also choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.

Studying a biosciences degree requires you to apply a broad skill set to the understanding of complex processes. This skill set is also useful in a range of other careers, such as business, management and science teaching.

Find out more about what our graduates go on to do.

More about biosciences at Bath:

Course structure

This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2020 and ends in 2023. Induction week starts on 21 September 2020.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.

As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 60 credits (ECTS) in each academic year. These are usually split into 30 credits for each semester you study. Sixty credits are the equivalent of 1200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.

Compulsory course units

These compulsory units are currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new units.

Year 1

Year 2

Data interpretation
Plus optional units

Year 3

Final year project
Plus optional units

Optional course units

You'll be able to choose from a number of optional units in years 2 and 3. Here are some examples of the optional units currently being studied by our students.

Placement

This is the three year version of the course. We also offer it with a placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as part of your degree.

Find out more about going on placement.

Learning and assessment

Learning

Assessment

Typical assessment breakdown

This average assessment breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Your specific unit choices will determine the actual breakdown of assessment methods that you will experience.

% written exam

% practical exam

% coursework

Year	Written Exam	Practical Exam	Coursework
Year 1	80%	0%	20%
Year 2	71%	0%	29%
Year 3	48%	0%	52%

Typical contact time breakdown

This average contact time breakdown is based on a typical choice of optional units. Scheduled learning and teaching may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. Your optional unit choices will determine your actual personal contact hours.

% time in scheduled learning and teaching

% time in independent study

% time in placement/year abroad

Year	Scheduled	Independent	Placement
Year 1	30%	70%	0%
Year 2	24%	76%	0%
Year 3	25%	75%	0%

This information shows typical student contact time based on information from the 2016/17 academic year.

Studying Biology at Bath from University of Bath on Vimeo.

‘I've been able to see what options there are after university but also study something that I really enjoy.’

— Hannah Larkin BSc Biology including placement year (2018)

Entry requirements

Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying biology. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

You will need a strong performance in Biology and a second science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. The second subject should be:

Chemistry
Electronics
Environmental Science
Food Science or Food Technology
Geography
Geology
Mathematics or Further Mathematics
Physics
Psychology
Statistics

We are aware that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We take this into careful consideration through our contextual admissions process.

Origin of qualifications

Select the country where your qualification comes from.

British qualifications

A level Typical offer

AAB

AAB in three A levels including A in Biology and a second science or mathematics subject.

If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

A level Alternative offer

ABB

Most of our students will join us with three A levels, but you may have study beyond this (such as a project qualification or additional study in maths) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

ABB in three A levels including Biology and a second science or mathematics subject with A in Biology or a second science or mathematics subject plus one of the following:

grade A in an EPQ
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer. If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement.

You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Typical offer

36 points

36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in HL Biology and a second HL science or mathematics subject.

You must study Biology to be considered for this course. We may be able to consider for you for this course if you study either Biology or your second science or mathematics subject at Standard Level (but not both). In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Biology or a second science or mathematics subject plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.

BTEC RQF Typical offer

DDD

DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).

We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science. It is important that you are covering enough of our essential and preferred optional units to make sure that you have sufficient Biology and Chemistry/Mathematics preparation for our course. Please contact us to discuss the suitability of your optional units before making an application.

You must also have achieved a grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

BTEC QCF Typical offer

D*DD

D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF).

You must also have achieved a grade B or 6 in GCSE Mathematics. If you are taking ‘Unit 7: Mathematical Calculations for Science’ as part of your BTEC (QCF) qualification, then we can consider you with a grade C or 4 in GCSE Mathematics.

See the ‘Combinations of qualifications’ section for information about combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications that we can consider.

Cambridge Pre-U Typical offer

D3, D3, M1

D3, D3, M1 in three principal subjects including grade D3 in Biology and a second science or mathematics subject.

Cambridge Pre-U Alternative offer

D3, D3, M1

Most of our students will join us with three principal subjects, but you may have study beyond this (such as a Global Perspectives course or additional study in maths) which demonstrates your individual talents that will help you with your degree. We recognise these studies through our alternative offers.

D3, M1, M1 in three principal subjects including Biology and a second science or mathematics subject with D3 in Biology or a second science or mathematics subject plus one of the following:

grade M1 in Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives
grade A in an EPQ
grade B in the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification

If you receive an offer for this course and are studying one of these qualifications you will be given both the typical and alternative offer.

You can find out more about our alternative offers, including a complete list of qualifications we consider on our dedicated page.

Scottish Highers Typical offer

AB in Advanced Highers

AB in two Advanced Highers including Biology and a second science or mathematics subject plus AAAAB in five Scottish Highers.

Access to HE Diploma Typical offer

33 credits at Distinction

A pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering), with at least 33 credits achieved at Distinction and 6 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 30 credits achieved at Distinction from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) units, of which at least 12 credits must be from Biology units.

Open University credits Typical offer

Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of a Pass 2 with 70% in a relevant Level 2 Biology unit.

You are typically expected to study at least 120 credits including at least 30 credits at Level 2. You should ideally be taking units including S112: Science: concepts and practice and a Level 2 unit/s in Biology. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.

Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans/grants for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.

Combinations of qualifications Typical offer

Your application will be considered individually based on the particular combination of qualifications and subjects that you are taking.

We can consider combinations of accepted qualifications, of which some common examples are:

AB in A level Biology and a second science or mathematics subject plus D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate (RQF) OR the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (RQF). We cannot consider BTEC qualifications in Applied Science alongside Biology and a second science or mathematics subject
AB at A level including a science or mathematics subject (except Biology) plus D3 in Pre-U Biology
AA at A level including Biology and a second science or mathematics subject plus 5 in an IB HL Certificate. While we do not consider the IB Careers Programme for entry, we are able to consider the combinations of components that are typically offered by this route, such as BTEC and IB HL Certificate combinations

We can also consider combinations that are not listed and that do not include A levels. You should read the information about essential and preferred subjects and subject combinations. We cannot consider different qualifications in the same subject area.

GCSE requirements

GCSE Mathematics grade C or 4 plus GCSE English grade C or 4 (or equivalent from English language category C).

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Hong Kongese qualifications

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

5, 5 in Biology and a second science elective plus 4 in a third elective or core English or Mathematics or 5 in Biology and 4 in a second elective subject plus 5* in core Mathematics and 5 in the Algebra and Calculus extended paper.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

French qualifications

French Baccalaureate

14.5 overall with 15 in Biology (Life & Earth Sciences) and 15 in either Mathematics or Physics/Chemistry.

Option Internationale Baccalaureat (OIB)

13.5 overall with 15 in Biology (Life & Earth Sciences) and 15 in either Mathematics or Physics/Chemistry.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

European qualifications

European Baccalaureate

82% overall with 8.5 and 8.0 in Biology (4 periods) and one of Chemistry (4 periods), Geography (4 periods), Mathematics (5 periods) or Physics (4 periods).

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Indian qualifications

Higher Secondary School Certificate (12th Standard)

Average of 80% across 4 subjects with 85% in Biology and 80% from one of Agriculture, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

We do not accept Physical Education as one of these 4 subjects.

These requirements are for the CBSE,CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

American qualifications

Advanced Placement Tests

5, 5, 4 in three APs including 5 in Biology and one of Calculus BC, Chemistry, Environmental Science, any AP Physics or Statistics.

We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these 3 subjects.

You will also need to pass your High School Diploma and achieve an ACT score of 30 or SATR scores of 720 in both Mathematics and Evidence based Reading and Writing.

SAT Subject Tests

We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Irish qualifications

Irish Leaving Certificate

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 in 6 Irish Leaving Certificates with H1, H2 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Singaporean qualifications

Singapore A levels

AAB in 3 H2 level subjects including A in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.

Polytechnic Diploma (3 years)

3.3 overall in Biotechnology or Biomedical Science with a minimum B+ in Biology and one other science module.

We are unable to consider applications for entry into year 2 with a Polytechnic Diploma for this degree.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Turkish qualifications

Lise Bitirme Diplomasi

CGPA of 75% with 85% in Biology plus one other science or mathematics subject from the final year.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Greek qualifications

Apolytirion

19 in the Apolytirion, plus AB in two A levels including Biology and a second mathematics or science subject.

We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Spanish qualifications

Titulo de Bachiller

A score of 8.5 overall with 9 in Biology and one other science or mathematics subject.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

German qualifications

Abitur

1.6 overall with 13 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.

The required grades in Biology and another mathematics or science subject must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.

English language requirements

Category C

You will normally need one of the following:

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 184 with no less than 175 in all elements
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If you studied for UK qualifications in English Language or English Literature, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

If you studied for English language qualifications from another country, make sure you have the required grades for this course.

Fees and funding

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home, EU, Island or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for undergraduate courses.

Placement fees

Placement fees vary

You will normally pay a reduced tuition fee while on a placement period or studying abroad. Find out more about placement fees and study abroad fees.

Extra costs

Optional field course to Gower, South Wales: £300, or to Algarve, Portugal: £330, payable during the first semester of the second year. If you are in receipt of a University of Bath bursary these charges will be waived.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card, cheque, bank transfer or cash. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of text books.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

Course title

Biology
Final award

BSc (Hons)
Mode of study

Full-time
Course code

C100
Institution code

B16
Department

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Location

University of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
UK/EU application deadline

15 January 2020
Overseas deadline

15 January 2020
Application eligibility

UK and Overseas students are eligible to apply
Regulator

The Office for Students (OfS)

Selection process

We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, you may be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process so we can better assess your studies and experiences. If you are studying a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma, please make sure that your UCAS application is submitted by 15 January: if you apply after this deadline, then it may be too late for us to include you in our interview process.

Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.

Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.

Course enquiries

Undergraduate Selection

Ways to experience the University.

Visit us