Biosciences

How do the Biosciences programmes compare?

Our students love the flexibility that our wide breadth of modules offers them. Our programmes have different numbers of compulsory modules in years 1, 2 and 3. This is to ensure that you get the appropriate fundamental knowledge and skills for each programme.

Outside of these core modules however, you can select optional modules, to build up your individual skills and experience in the subjects that interest you most.

It is also possible to expand your learning outside of Biosciences, by taking modules in other departments i.e. Psychology, Geography, Clinical Studies, or to study ‘with proficiency in’ selected partner subjects.​

The possibilities are numerous and each Biosciences graduate can have a truly bespoke and unique teaching and learning experience​.

Compare programmes by module options

The tables below show which modules are compulsory and which are optional in our different courses.

Modules marked with a 'C' are compulsory, and modules marked with a plus sign (+) are optional. If a module has no mark, it is not available on that course. 

Please note: The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on these degree courses based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

First year

C = compulsory
+ = optional

Module title BSc/MSci Biological Sciences BSc/MSci Biochemistry BSc/MSci Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists C C C
Genetics C C C
Microbiology C C C
Cells C C C
Biochemistry C C C
Animals C    
Plants C    

Ecology

 C    
Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds 1   C C
General Chemistry (30 credits)   C C

Second year

C = compulsory
+ = optional

Module title BSc/MSci Biological Sciences BSc/MSci Biochemistry BSc/MSci Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
Research Skills and Bioethics C C C
Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds 2   C C
Metabolism + C C
Advanced Cell Biology + C +
Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry + C C
Bioinorganic Chemistry   + C
Forensic Science + + +
Molecular Biology of the Gene + + +
Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics + + +
Modern Theories of Evolution + +  
Advanced Microbiology + + +
Medical Genetics + +  
Introduction to Pharmacology   + +
Introduction to Computer Programming + + +
Employability and Workplace Learning + + +
Molecular Plant Science + +  
Marine Biology +    
Ecology and Environment +    
Animal Ecophysiology +    
Coral Reef Field Course +    
Practical Skills in Field Ecology +    
Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour +    
Wild Behaviour +    

Third year

C = compulsory
+ = optional

Module title BSc/MSci Biological Sciences BSc/MSci Biochemistry BSc/MSci Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
Biosciences Research Project (45 credits) C C C
Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry + + C
Horizons of Biochemical Research + C +
Energy Metabolism + C +
Organic Synthesis and Drug Design   + C
Secondary Metabolites   + C
Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences   + +
Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology + + +
Cellular Basis of Immunity + + +
Molecular Basis of Infection + + +
Cell Biology of Disease + + +
Bioinformatics + + +
Science Communication + + +
Frontiers in Plant Biology + +  
Ecology of Environmental Change +    
Living in a Microbial World +    
Advanced Applications of Physiology +    
Ecotoxicology +    
Current Issues in Marine Biology +    
Biology of Marine Vertebrates +    
Psychology Applied to Health +    

Fourth year (MSci courses only)

In addition to the modules listed below, students on MSci Biological Sciences or MSci Biochemistry may choose from Masters-level variants of the third-year modules above, provided you have not already taken that module in your third year.

C = compulsory
+ = optional

Module title MSci Biological Sciences MSci Biochemistry MSci Biological and Medicinal Chemistry
Research Project (90 credits) C C C
Research Grant Proposal C C C
Advanced Topics in Natural Sciences Chemistry 1   + C
Medical Mycology + +  
Bioimaging + +  
Blue Planet +