Specialised facilities
Funded field trips
Career-ready focus
 
     
     
     
    Details
Year 1
 
    Core modules
  
  
          BIOL119Z
          
          
            Introduction to Biology
              20 credits
          
        
This module is designed to give you some fundamental basic skills and information to help you start to become an independent biologist. The module will cover data and information gathering, analysis, evaluation and presentation. Much of the module will be based around field/lab activities providing you with data for analysis and presentation.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
          BIOL129Z
          
          
            Professional Development in Biological Sciences 1
              0 credits
          
        
Skills in fieldwork, e.g. in identification, or in the laboratory, e.g. in liquid handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the progressive acquisition of a range of basic field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 4 modules.
          BIOL130Z
          
          
            Biological Sciences Field Biology
              20 credits
          
        
This module provides an introduction to the natural history, taxonomy, identification and sampling methods for the major groups of organisms with opportunities to explore and test hypotheses based on these concepts in the field and lab.
60% Coursework
40% Tests
          BIOL131Z
          
          
            Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
              20 credits
          
        
The cell is the basic building block of life. This module introduces you to the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the cell biology that allow different cells to do different things including some highly specialised cells of multicellular organisms. The module will then focus on the molecular basis that underlies cell function introducing you to the metabolic pathways and molecules that allow cells to work.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL132Z
          
          
            Ecology and the Diversity of Life
              20 credits
          
        
This module introduces the fundamental principles of ecology and the diversity of life. It examines patterns of life on Earth, past and present, and how an understanding of these supports efforts to conserve biodiversity and manage resources sustainably. The module also provides an overview of the domains of life on Earth, introducing the remarkable variety of organisms with which we share the planet.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL133Z
          
          
            Principles of Physiology
              20 credits
          
        
This module is an introduction to the fundamental principles of comparative physiology, and the structure and function of the body systems of plants and fungi as well as animals. The module also introduces the concept of environmental physiology, how organisms respond to their environment.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          MBIO161Z
          
          
            Evolution and Behaviour
              20 credits
          
        
Covers the principles underpinning evolution with a special focus on animal behaviour as adaptive traits. Module covers concepts of the genetic basis of inheritance, population genetics, selection, adaptation, function, fitness and speciation. We will use key examples and practical classes to illustrate key ideas and consider the development of some of the ideas in a historical context.
50% Examinations
50% Tests
Year 2
 
    Core modules
  
  
          BIOL211Z
          
          
            Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
              20 credits
          
        
Diversity, lifestyles, taxonomy and physiology of organisms within the Bacteria and the Archaea, as well as training students in key research and transferable skills through an intensive team laboratory research project. The module focuses on recent developments in microbiology and is highly research-oriented, looking primarily at terrestrial, freshwater, plant and animal host-associated organisms.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL220Z
          
          
            Molecular Biology
              20 credits
          
        
Starting from the central dogma of molecular biology, this module will introduce the theoretical underpinning of the structure of DNA, its replication, transcription into RNA and translation into protein. The module will also focus on the theory behind the techniques used in recombinant DNA technology and the modulation of gene expression in a range of organisms from different domains, for industrial and research use.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL225Z
          
          
            Professional Development in Biological Sciences 2
              0 credits
          
        
Skills in fieldwork or in the laboratory, as well as other transferable skills, e.g. in data handling, are an important aspect of any biology degree, and can contribute to the employability of graduates. The purpose of this module is to track the continued acquisition of a range of field, laboratory and transferable skills of relevance to each degree programme, and delivered in the other Level 5 modules.
          BIOL233Z
          
          
            Biological Sciences Field Course
              20 credits
          
        
An understanding of how to carry out field biology is fundamental to our degree. On a residential, overseas field course or alternative, you will learn about practical fieldwork while learning about the biology and geography/geology of the fieldwork location. The most recent residential field course was held in the Azores.
67% Coursework
33% Tests
          BIOL234Z
          
          
            Methods in Biology
              20 credits
          
        
Using core and programme specific activities this, module equips students to perform key laboratory and field techniques in the biological sciences using appropriate methods with regard for safety and risk assessment. The module embeds core skills such as data analysis and presentation, the use of statistical analysis software (e.g. R) for analysis and data presentation, searching and use of literature and bioinformatics.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
          BIOL235Z
          
          
            Plant Ecophysiology
              20 credits
          
        
This module looks at plant-environment interactions in specific habitats, including those affected by human activity. In all cases the challenges associated with the particular environment or biotic interactions are examined as well as the stress responses which may occur in the plants growing there. The features of plants which are well adapted to exploit the opportunities provided by particular habitats are explored.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
    Optional modules
  
  
          BHCS2018Z
          
          
            Systems Physiology: Function and Dysfunction
              20 credits
          
        
This module examines human physiological mechanisms of function of major body systems at the cellular, tissue, organ and organism level. It also explores mechanisms of dysfunction at the cellular, organ and systems level. The module will emphasize relationships between structure and function and will emphasize correlations between normal physiology and pathophysiology, normal anatomy and pathology, and homeostasis and homeostatic imbalances.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL214Z
          
          
            Ecology
              20 credits
          
        
An understanding of basic concepts is needed to solve ecological problems. This module explores key concepts in ecology at the levels of individuals, populations and communities. The concepts are supported with examples taken from terrestrial and aquatic systems, and provide a useful insight into the search for general theories in ecology.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
Optional placement year
 
    Core modules
  
  
          APIE303
          
          
            Biology:Placement
          
        
This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved company or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their biological knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.
Final year
 
    Core modules
  
  
          BIOL311Z
          
          
            Ecotoxicology
              20 credits
          
        
This module provides a detailed analysis of the concepts and principles of ecotoxicology, with an emphasis on evaluation of ecotoxicological techniques and methods for assessment of impacts of pollutants on the aquatic environment.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          PROJ302Z
          
          
            SoBMS Project
              40 credits
          
        
This module provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on an individually developed topic and experience the entire process of scholarly research: from problem formulation, through the design and execution of an investigation, analysis of results and presentation of outcomes. It will develop skills in independent working and self-awareness in relation to personal, professional and academic development.
75% Coursework
25% Practicals
    Optional modules
  
  
          BIOL301Z
          
          
            Plant Biotechnology
              20 credits
          
        
Despite the increasing importance of 'food security' in a changing world, plant biotechnology has had much negative publicity. This module will give students an appreciation of the science and also the ethical and social issues that surround the subject and show why these techniques are so important to secure our food supply.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL310Z
          
          
            Global Change Biology
              20 credits
          
        
This module provides the student with an in-depth overview of the likely consequences of climate change for plant and animal species biology and distribution over the coming century. From this starting point we will show how an understanding of climate change biology is vital for conservation theory and practice over coming decades.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL320Z
          
          
            Animal Nutrition
              20 credits
          
        
This module examines the principles and practice of animal nutrition for a range of animal species. It provides an understanding of feds, feed evaluation, diet formulation and feeding. The module also examines the impact of ingredient, physical, manufacturing and legal constraints on the production of diets.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL321Z
          
          
            Pharmacology and Natural Products
              20 credits
          
        
Natural products (NPs) from diverse sources are used by humans including many compounds that affect organisms at cellular and molecular levels. This module will give you an understanding of the generalised mechanism of action of such compounds, their synthesis and an overview of specific compounds, their actions and uses from an array of biological sources and in a number of clinical and industrial contexts.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
          BIOL322Z
          
          
            Aquatic Microbial Ecology
              20 credits
          
        
This module covers methodologies and current research in aquatic microbial ecology. You will study microbial life from all three domains of life - the Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea as well as viruses. You will cover freshwater (lakes, rivers), marine (polar ice caps, neuston, benthic plain, hydrothermal vents) and hypersaline (playas, soda lakes) ecosystems as well as flora and fauna of these ecosystems as habitats.
50% Practicals
50% Examinations
          BIOL323Z
          
          
            Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
              20 credits
          
        
Learn to use a range of modern animal behaviour analysis techniques in a variety of settings, such as labs, farms, zoos etc. Cover how you identify and follow individual animals to collect social data and construct a social network, how to analyse animal movement and how we can test and train animals to assess behavioural changes - and how to communicate, to a wider audience, the importance of these techniques.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
          BIOL324Z
          
          
            Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics
              20 credits
          
        
Technological advances have generated a substantial increase in the amount and speed of data production. You will build expertise in skills used for data analysis, essential for working in the life sciences (big data sets, bioinformatics, phylogenetics, image analysis and genomics etc.) to address questions in biology, ecology, evolution and behaviour; and communicating these complex ideas to the wider public.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
 
      Course-specific academic regulations
This course has unique rules relating to:
- Progression
- Passing a module
Experience
Benefit from fieldwork, near and far
Joining us in September 2025 or 2026? The University will now cover the cost of your international travel (flight to and travel within the country) and accommodation for your second-year field trip ensuring you can take part in this valuable learning experience without any financial worries. This trip is an excellent opportunity to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, create memories with your classmates, and enhance your studies.
 
         
         
         
      Visiting Slapton Ley was a great introduction to some practical elements of the course and ecological work. We visited the Azores in year 2, which was a brilliant trip - studying some of the endemic species and visiting volcanic areas. I drew upon the skills I had learnt on these two trips in my work as an ecologist.
 
         
         
         
        -  LABplus – a resource centre designed to support practical work, offering equipment, sample materials and learning aids to reinforce your lab skills.
- Ecoloans library – offering access to equipment such as bat detectors, camera traps, sensors, binoculars, nets, GoPros and field guides.
- Controlled environment chambers – enabling precise experimental work in varying environmental conditions.
Expand your horizons with a research expedition
- taken part in cetacean surveys aboard the University yacht, Take The Helm, between Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and the Isles of Scilly
- carried out assessments of south-west UK fish nurseries, catching, identifying and measuring juvenile fish in a number of key estuary sites
- spent two weeks on a field course in North Sulawesi (Bunaken and Bangka islands) where they learned about the biodiversity of coral reefs and how to monitor them
- enjoyed a week in the Azores, collecting data to assess the relative abundance of different colour forms of Clouded Yellow butterflies.
I felt very fortunate to have the opportunity to be taught about coral reefs by experts while directly observing the reef. I don't think many learning experiences can top that.

.jpg) 
         
         
        Keep up to date
 
      Support every step of the way
 
                  
                      
                        Dr Anne Plessis
                      
                      Lecturer in Plant Biosciences
                    
 
                  
                      
                        Dr Chiara Boschetti
                      
                      Lecturer in Biological Sciences
                    
 
                  
                      
                        Dr George Littlejohn
                      
                      Associate Professor of Plant and Fungal Biology
                    
Research
Our staff and postgraduate students are involved in a wide range of relevant research. We are closely linked with the following research groups:
Enrich your studies – join BioSoc
 
      Life in Âé¶¹´«Ã½
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student
 
 
Careers
 
      The atmosphere of studying at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ opened my eyes to the sea, and my biology degree provided me with professional credentials that allowed me to develop my skills as a marine biologist.
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences graduate
Why you should do a placement
 
      I had various projects and responsibilities throughout my 10-month placement which meant every day was variable. Some of these projects included the effect of microplastics to insect communities, and comparing the effect of fermented seaweed bio stimulants on basil plants.
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
    Tuition fee price changes
  
  £18,650 per year
£19,200 per year
    Tuition fee price changes
  
  Additional costs
Fund your studies
TOTUS student scholarship
 
      Supporting students with the cost of living
 
      Apply
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
    GCSE
  
  
    A levels
  
  
    BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
  
  
    Access courses
  
  
    International Baccalaureate
  
  Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
C100
P60
3 years 
 (+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹´«Ã½
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
 
          Looking for an alternative route into biology degrees? This foundation year, taught by University academics, builds your knowledge, confidence and study skills – preparing you to succeed and progress onto any biology degree.
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
C100
P60
3 years 
 (+ optional placement)
Full-time
Âé¶¹´«Ã½
Other routes to this course
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
.jpg) 
       
             
                       
         
                   
                   
                   
 
