BSc (Hons)
Biology
Study the science of living things
Course Overview
Why take this course?
This course aims to develop an understanding of the key areas of animal, plant and micro-organism biology. Taught by internationally-recognised research scientists, you will cover areas at the forefront of modern scientific endeavours. Such areas include biotechnology, ecology, biochemistry and molecular biology, all of which offer both opportunities and challenges for the future.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Choose to specialise in subject areas from marine and terrestrial biology to biomolecular science and genomics
- Use externally funded equipment worth millions of pounds to enhance your learning experience
- Study abroad on one of many conservation and research schemes
What opportunities might it lead to?
The School of Biological Sciences has major pure and applied research groups, with their research rated internationally excellent and world-leading. As a result, many of our graduates have also gone on to do higher degrees and are now involved in active research groups of their own or are prominent figures in research-led industries.
Biological science graduates are highly sought after as they possess the logic, problem-solving, communication and numeracy skills suitable for a variety of areas.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- industrial and academic research
- health service
- environmental consultancy
- science teaching
- scientific writing and the media
The course starts with a broad base, teaching everyone the basics. By the second and third year, all options are specific to each individual’s interests.
Daniella Pierce-Butler, BSc (Hons) Biology student 2012
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- C100
- Duration
- 3 years
- Entry
300 points to include 2 A levels or equivalent, with A level biology at grade C.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students: £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- School of Biological Sciences
Course:
BSc (Hons) Biology
Find out more about what it's like to study Biology here at Portsmouth.
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
Our biology course teaches the fundamental concepts and practical skills for biological sciences in your first year.
Core units in this year include:
- Biodiversity and evolution
- Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry
- Marine and Terrestrial Ecology
- Microbiology and Molecular Biology
- Experimental Biology
- Graduate Skills 1
At the end of the year you can transfer to one of the other degree pathways within the School, should your interests change.
Year two
Building on the solid foundations across the basic biological disciplines, you can begin to specialise.
Core units in this year include:
- Plant Science
- Animal Science
- Genetics
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
- Community Ecology and Residential Field Course
- Development: How Form and Function Changes
- Foreign Language
Year three
In your final year you will perform an individual research-led project, which may be undertaken locally or abroad. You also have the option to further tailor the course to your own interests.
Core units in this year include:
- Honours Project
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Gene Organisation and Expression
- Coastal Ecosystems
- Aquatic Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Genes and Development
- Genomics in Molecular Medicine
- Ecology and Conservation
Teaching and Assessment
You will experience a variety of teaching methods, which include laboratory-based practical work and a number of field trips reinforcing the theory learned in lectures, seminars workshops and tutorials, there is certainly a diversity of teaching methods. Also, our personal tutorial system ensures that you have someone to provide help with any academic or pastoral problems.
How are you assessed?
We use various methods of assessment on this course. Here is how we assess your work:
- written exams
- coursework in the form of essays and practical write-ups
- presentations
- multiple choice tests
- research project in the final year
Tutor's view
Dr Matt Guille
Biological Sciences
I believe that our teaching should be directly informed by the best and very latest research in the field. Year One highlights the most recent advances in the field, while in Year Three, you can participate in practical workshops to get a real hands-on opportunity of using our top-class X-ray structural biology facilities.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
Our research facilities are extensive and state-of-the-art
Laboratories
We are well equipped for practical teaching and research
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
Specialist Software and Scientific Equipment
Due to high external investment our research facilities are extensive and state-of-the-art. Here are a few examples of equipment you will be using:
- structural biology instrumentation
- chemical analysis facilities for detecting pollutants
- X-ray diffractometer and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers for determining molecular structures
- confocal-laser scanning, scanning and transmission electron microscopes
Laboratories
We are well equipped for teaching and research in the diverse areas of modern biology. We have:
- microbiology and embryology laboratories (with high-tech imaging and gene analysis equipment)
- ancient DNA preparation and analysis laboratories
- water quality laboratory
- the European Xenopus Resource Centre
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
I’m far more of a practical person, so being taught the theory in the lectures – something might not of quite made sense – but then to actually physically do that in the lab really compounded that knowledge and made it clear.
Claudia Slevin, BSc (Hons) Biology student 2013
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
We give career development high priority. Many graduates continue with their studies but as a newly qualified modern biologist, you may find employment in diverse areas like the biotechnology or food industry, science administration and communication, biomedical research, environmental consultancy, and teaching.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- research scientist
- science technician
- grant administrator
- medical writer
- biomedical sales specialist
- ecological surveyor
Work experience
Jump at the chance to study in Europe under the EU-funded Erasmus exchange programmes.
Living abroad is the best way to learn a new language or improve existing skills. You will gain confidence, language skills, the ability to adapt to new environments and communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. Make yourself more attractive to employers in a global market and prove you’re not afraid to take on a new challenge.
We have strong links with many European universities and institutes, particularly in France, Spain and Italy. You also have the opportunity to complete your fieldwork for a project during the second year summer break at other research facilities outside the UK, and with various conservation and research schemes including Operation Wallacea, Global Vision and Oceans Research.
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more