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Biology BSc (Hons)
The impact of biology on society and the effects of human influences on the environment are important issues that are central to this course.
The Biology course is part of the Biological Sciences programme. You can explore the biology of human beings, other living organisms and their relationship with the environment. We have access to a wide range of local habitats and links with employers.
Biology is a broad award where you can take modules from across a range of Biological Science subjects. If you wish to study a wide range of biological disciplines and/or wish to progress onto a PGCE, then you will find this award suitable.
A strong practical emphasis runs throughout the course, complementing a traditional approach to learning. In your first year you will develop a good understanding of the structure and functions of living organisms. In Years 2 and 3 the modules become more specialised.
In your final year you will undertake an Independent Study, which is a double module and must demonstrate original data. The Independent Study will have been designed in the research methods module in Year 2. Past topics have included extraction and amplification of ancient DNA, the effect of televised sport on blood pressure and heart rate and the effect of carbohydrate type on tobacco suspension cell cultures.
View the Biology Programmes Overview
UCAS code
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK. For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com
Biology BSc (Hons) (Single Honours) C100 BSc/Bio
Study options
It is also possible to study Biology as a joint degree with another subject.
The combination subjects available are: Ecology and Psychology.
The University of Worcester’s degree combinations add breadth to your studies and enhance your employability.
Get in touch
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk
Dr Rob Herbert
Course Leader
01905 855215
r.herbert@worc.ac.uk
Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
01905 855201
ise@worc.ac.uk
240 UCAS Tariff points if you have A2 Biology and A2 in another Science, e.g. Chemistry
260 UCAS Tariff points if you have A2 in Biology and A1 in another Science
270 UCAS Tariff points if you have A1 Bioology and A2 in another Science
280 UCAS Tariff points if you have A1 Biology
If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.
Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com/
Modules
A sample of available modules includes:
Year 1
Biological Diversity
Cell Biology
Introduction to Ecology
Comparative Zoology
Year 2
Research Methods
Molecular Genetics
Botany
Animals & their Environment
Human Biochemistry
Systems Physiology
Field Techniques in Ecology
Microbial Biology
Year 3
Integrated Studies in Biology
Forensic DNA Analysis
Plant Development
Behavioural Ecology
Conservation Genetics
Animal Movement
Mammalian Reproduction
Assessment
There are a variety of methods used for assessment. Most modules are assessed using more than one type of assessment, e.g. examination and coursework.
Coursework assessments include seminar papers, practical reports, essays, posters and presentation.
Examinations include short tests, multiple choice, long answer, seen examinations and practical examinations.
Teaching methods include practical sessions, fieldwork, workshops, lectures, directed study, tutorials.
In many cases, learning materials are also available via the University of Worcester Intranet. It is anticipated that e-Learning will become more integrated in your teaching and learning through the use of WebCT, the University virtual learning environment.
Amanda Townsend
Student, Biology BSc (Hons)
"The BSc Life Science degree is a really good mixture of lab, field and academic work. I am particularly interested in genetics and microbiology, but the Environmental Management module was one of my favourites. I was enjoying the course so much I was elected Student Representative, which means that I take issues concerning fellow students and present them at the departmental meetings - it's great that we have a way to voice our opinions."
Academic department
Institute of Science and the Environment
"The Institute's acclaimed research has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people"
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute
Employability
This course will prepare you for a number of different career paths, including nature conservation, work with the police, laboratory practice, medical and laboratory sales, public sector work and both primary and secondary teaching.
The Biological Sciences courses have a strong applied component. We have retained a great deal of practical and field work, both of which have been greatly reduced in many universities; these give our students an advantage when seeking employment. This has suited students well for careers in the laboratory or the field. Some are engaged in research or education and some undertake medical qualifications or complete higher degrees.
There are many opportunities to extend one’s experience and enhance one’s CV by carrying out voluntary work. Staff members in the Institute have links with several Wild Life Trusts (including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust) and other environmental and conservation agencies, Sea Life Centres, Safari Parks etc. and can help organise voluntary work (which can feed into Independent Studies projects in the final year of study). There has also been the possibility for students to gain experience by volunteering to work within the Environmental Sustainability Eco Campus initiative.
There have recently been opportunities for paid employment with SLR (a local environmental company) in the form of short contracts in the summer carrying out ecological surveying.
Other students have obtained short term paid employment or volunteering opportunities associated with the delivery of the national pollen forecast by the National Pollen and Aerobiology and Research Unit.
Staff members in the Biological Sciences are active in applying for Vacation Research Assistantships which allow selected students to engage in real research projects for 8-10 weeks during the summer (normally between Years 2 and 3); applications may be made to the University’s own scheme but also to national organisations.
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