Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology) (BSc) C182

Introducing BSc Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology)

Evolutionary Biology is at the centre of modern biology, spanning the subject from genomes to whole organisms. All species, past and present, are related in a common phylogenetic tree. All the diverse and extraordinary adaptations that allow organisms to function have evolved through natural selection. The way life has evolved has influenced every aspect of society, from literature to medicine.

Areas of study

You will study topics such as:

• evolutionary processes and their cause
• the behaviour of genes in populations
• molecular phylogenetics
• tree building
• the origins of life and how it has evolved over time

You will learn the principles of evolutionary biology and how it can be applied to:

• geology
• plant and animal breeding
• computer science
• the emergence of infectious diseases
• questions about molecular and social evolution

Flexibility

Biological Sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

We offer 12 different Biological Sciences subject areas, including Evolutionary Biology. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

How will I learn?

Usually you will take 3 courses in each semester so 6 in total over the year. Most courses use a combination of class types that you will have a mix of each week. The main ways we teach are through:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical or workshop sessions
• individual study
• team projects

Teaching time

Depending on the courses you choose, your weekly timetable in Years 1 and 2 is likely to involve around:

• nine hours of lectures
• eight hours of practicals or workshops
• two hours of tutorials

The timetable can vary from week to week, often practical classes are every other week. Classes are designed to complement each other - usually what's being taught in lectures will be reflected in the tutorial and practical work, giving a chance to apply knowledge to real scenarios.

As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend some time outside of class consolidating what you've learnt, preparing for practicals or tutorials, or completing coursework. This could be around 15-20 hours of individual study each week.

In later years, you will undertake more personal study and research. You will also be linked with a research group and complete an in-depth project as an important part of your final-year assessment.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. Often the purpose of our assessments is to see how you apply the knowledge you have learnt to the questions or assignments you are given.

Types of assessment could include:

• practical reports
• problem solving questions
• scientific paper analysis
• tutorial presentations

A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your final-year assessment.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

The skills you will gain from a biological sciences degree are transferable and highly valued across many career pathways. They include:

• problem-solving
• analytical and quantitative reasoning skills
• presentation and communication
• group working and collaboration
• time management

Our Careers Service is available to help you throughout your time with us and for 2 years after graduating. We have a dedicated School Careers Consultant who runs drop-ins for students and can help with things like CV and application writing and preparation for interviews. We also run a series of workshops during your studies including “finding work experience” and “preparing for placement” that you are free to attend.

Our graduates

Biological Sciences students go on to work or study in a range of different fields, within and outside of science. This can include:

• further academic research - Master's, PhD
• practical research - lab technician, industrial roles, field assistant, conservation
• professional qualifications - Teaching, Medicine, Veterinary medicine, Law
• science policy - government, NGOs, charities
• science communication - journalism, publishing, media relations, outreach
• other - finance, management

Previous graduates have secured roles in both research and industry and have been employed by a variety of different organisations.

The career path you choose is up to you and will depend on your experiences, skills, values, and interests, and we are pleased to be able to support your career journey.