BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- C100
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subject requirements apply).
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including Biology or Human Biology
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Course Overview
Study life itself. Discover the why, how and what of living organisms, from how we came to be, to how we’ve since evolved.
Our three-year Biological Sciences degree spans the entire scale of biological systems – from molecules to ecosystems. Study with us and you’ll be able to explore the subject as a whole, before selecting the area of specialisation that fascinates you most.
We’re world leaders in biological research, and you’ll benefit from exposure to our cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole-organism biology. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science.
You’ll get to grips with the application of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security, biotechnology and human health. And you’ll get to explore the role of biology in tackling the challenges society faces today – and in the future.
Our flagship Biological Sciences degree allows you to study a wide range of science subjects in your first year without prematurely committing yourself to any particular specialisation. You’ll also be given a grounding in other core sciences such as mathematics, statistics and chemistry. As the course progresses, the flexibility of the programme encourages you to explore and pursue your own specialist interests within biological sciences. You’ll also have the chance to develop your specific scientific interests through independent research in your final year, when you’ll complete a substantial research project. If you love the world around you – examining how this connects to that, and how that impacts on this – our degree is an excellent choice. You’ll cover topics from antibiotic resistance to biofuels, from cancer to bees. And you’ll lay the foundations for a career at the forefront of biological research, where you could have a positive impact on the daily lives of people all over the world. You will benefit from our enviable position as an integral partner of the Norwich Research Park, which is also home to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and independent, world-renowned research institutes such as the John Innes Centre, the Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and the new £75-million Quadram Institute.
Accreditations
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, following an independent and rigorous assessment.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the first year of your degree, you’ll be given a thorough introduction to Biological Sciences, alongside other core elements relating to the study of science, such as mathematics. You’ll also begin to develop the key scientific skills essential to your future research projects.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our School is home to world-class academics and internationally recognised researchers. And we’re proud to say we have some of the best facilities in the country, including our fantastic undergraduate practical laboratories. The majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars, practical laboratory sessions and fieldwork, where you'll gain hands-on experience and benefit from invaluable contact time with lecturers. In each of your modules, you’ll undertake applied work in collecting, analysing and reviewing data, plus making observations on biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge. In seminars and group discussions, you’ll hone your problem posing and solving skills. And in your first year you’ll focus heavily on cultivating your mathematical and statistical skills.
Independent Study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library throughout your course. During your final year dissertation project, you’ll develop your skills in research design and analysis, growing the independent study skills you’ll use throughout your career. You’ll also be assigned an Academic Adviser who will help you identify and work on areas for improvement across all your studies.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll have an even greater range of modules to choose from, which will focus on specific biological issues ranging from molecular plant-microbe interactions to cancer biology. You’ll also study some topics in more depth and can choose to take modules that will support your research as you conduct your substantial independent research project.
Due to the seasonal and sometimes residential nature of fieldwork, Biological Science students wishing to do Ecological research projects can choose to change from the default Research Project module to the Ecology Research Project module which has a slightly different timeline allowing for fieldwork to be conducted over summer.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our School is home to world-class academics and internationally recognised researchers. And we’re proud to say we have some of the best facilities in the country, including our fantastic undergraduate practical laboratories. The majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars, practical laboratory sessions and fieldwork, where you'll gain hands-on experience and benefit from invaluable contact time with lecturers. In each of your modules, you’ll undertake applied work in collecting, analysing and reviewing data, plus making observations on biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge. In seminars and group discussions, you’ll hone your problem posing and solving skills. And in your first year you’ll focus heavily on cultivating your mathematical and statistical skills.
Independent Study
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library throughout your course. During your final year dissertation project, you’ll develop your skills in research design and analysis, growing the independent study skills you’ll use throughout your career. You’ll also be assigned an Academic Adviser who will help you identify and work on areas for improvement across all your studies.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB including Biology or Human Biology. A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer alongside an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable subjects are: Science.
- BTEC
- DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management OR DDM plus B in A level Biology or Human Biology. Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services, Forensic Science and Business Administration. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC including Biology or Human Biology. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management. Excludes Public Services or Forensic Science.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB including grade A in Biology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC including Biology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Biology.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Biology.
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points with HL5 in Biology.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management OR DDM plus B in A level Biology or Human Biology.
Diploma: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) or Animal Management plus B at A-level OR DD plus B in A level Biology or Human Biology.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level to include Biology or Human Biology.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year.
Contextual Admissions
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll not only gain scientific knowledge, you’ll also develop your skills in areas of research and communication, IT, data collection, analytics and critical thinking. This combination makes you highly employable. Our graduates have gone on to establish careers in pharmaceuticals, the food and brewing industries, medical laboratories, forensic sciences, conservation management, environmental assessment, teaching, science communication and more. A number of our graduates have progressed on to higher degrees (e.g. MSc, PhD).
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Science media and publishing
- Environmental management and conservation
- Healthcare
Discover more on our Careers webpages.