Study life on all scales, from the molecular to the global ecosystem, with a focus on evolution acting at the level of DNA.

Biology encompasses the study of life from molecules to ecosystems. It's an exciting area of study that has a significant impact on our daily lives and is vital to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.

You'll gain a broad foundation of skills across areas such as evolution, ecology, biodiversity, genetics, cell biology and microbiology, equipping you with the knowledge for a range of careers in the biosciences and beyond.

Tailor to your interests

As the broadest of our biosciences courses, from year two you'll get to choose from a variety of units alongside the core units in evolution and genomics. You'll be able to choose the other areas that interest you. The options we offer are related to topics our staff are actively researching, such as developmental biology and food security.

Master's in Biology

The MBiol provides you with the same core skills and knowledge as the BSc but with greater exposure to research and advanced practical techniques. You’ll study master's-level units and carry out a major research project, giving you ideal preparation for postgraduate study or a career in research.

Undertake a dedicated research project

In your final year, you’ll carry out your own research project, giving you first-hand experience as a researcher and the opportunity to contribute to the leading research of our academics. We have world-leading research centres, covering areas including evolution and mathematical biology.

Develop your professional skills

You'll be exposed to a wide variety of opportunities to develop transferable professional skills, including problem-solving, IT, communications, time management, research and analysis, and team working. We aim for our graduates to be adaptable and creative problem solvers, ready for a career in an ever-changing world.

Gain hands-on experience in specialist labs

You’ll spend time learning practical scientific techniques in our well-equipped teaching labs. You’ll also have access to a computer lab for bioinformatics. In the final year, you'll have the opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art research labs and with some of the broad range of biological materials used in our research.

Find out more about where you'll be studying with our biosciences undergraduate facilities tour led by three of our students.

Category C

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
  
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
• TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
  
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
• Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
• Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Prepare for your future career

You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills to be part of the next generation of scientists, helping make you highly sought after by employers. You'll also be well equipped to apply the skills you've gained in a range of other careers such as business, management or marketing or even go on to further study, such as a master’s or PhD. Biological sciences at Bath is ranked 6th for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2024.

Examples of recent employers include:

• Pfizer
• Cancer Research UK
• Natural England

Find out more about what our biology graduates go on to do, what our biochemistry graduates go on to do and what our biomedical sciences graduates go on to do.

Learn more on our Biosciences Virtual Experience

You can find out more about studying a biosciences degree at Bath by visiting our Biosciences Virtual Experience page to watch videos and read case studies from staff and students in the Department.