Course overview
Our Biological Sciences course spans the entire scale of biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. Our exceptionally wide range of options allow you to choose modules that are best suited to your interests and career ambitions.
You will be exposed to cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology, while covering applications of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security and human health.
Our four-year MBio gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended final-year research project in-house.
Teaching
Students learn through a combination of tutorials, lectures, laboratory work, and independent and group research.
Purpose-built teaching facilities are fully integrated with research laboratories, meaning you will be learning alongside teaching and research staff who are at the cutting edge of their fields. You will spend one or two days a week undertaking lab work.
This becomes more project-oriented in your second year, culminating in a six-week individual research project in your third year. In their final year, MBio students undertake a further 27-week research project.
Class sizes
In your first year, lecture sizes are typically 370 students. The modules you take in years two and three will vary in class size.
The maximum number is typically 100 and the minimum 10 students.
Typical contact hours
12 to 16 hours per week over 25 weeks.
In your first year you should expect around:
- 10 lectures a week,
- a full day in the laboratory,
- and a taught tutorial with your personal tutor and 6-7 of your peers.
Independent learning, reading and preparing for lectures, as well as preparing assessments, will occupy the rest of your study time.