This BSc Biological Sciences course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests.
The majority of modules in BSc Biological Sciences are optional, giving you the opportunity to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology. You will be taught by experts in their fields and have access to a range of research facilities. BSc Biological Sciences achieved an overall student satisfaction score of 93% in the National Student Survey 2020.
Within environmental biology options you will develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. The University of Reading’s award-winning campus is home to over 1,000 different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It also features the Cole Museum of Zoology and a herbarium, which house vast collections and offer volunteering opportunities. Additionally, you will have the chance to apply your scientific knowledge to a range of other habitats through our optional field courses. These normally last around two weeks and take place in locations such as Devon, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Spain and Colombia.
Within biomedical subjects you will develop an understanding of human physiology and the basis of disease. The course has a strong practical element, and you will gain valuable experience of laboratory work and learn key molecular genetic and cell biology techniques. During your final year will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working on an original research project using cutting edge facilities and equipment. Previous topics include gene therapy of muscular dystrophy, emerging viral infections, the regulation of the stress response, stem cell biology, the spread of cancer and the control of blood clotting.
Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building will open in 2020. As the new home of the School of Biological Sciences, it will offer state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building will also house the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.
**Placement**
You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the Nuffield Foundation. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.
You can can also choose to take a work placement module. Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support. Alternatively, you can opt to take the four-year version of this course, incorporating a year in industry.
**Careers**
During the course, emphasis is placed on developing transferable skills such as computer literacy, information retrieval, data handling and communication skills.
You could find employment in a wide range of roles across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, commercial manufacturing, environmental management and publishing. You may also decide to take up a research career or move into further study. Overall, 92% of our graduates are in work or study 15 months after the end of their course [1].
[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18; First Degree responders from Biological Sciences.
Course Details - Modules
Sample modules may include:
*Evolutionary Processes
*Cancer and Cell Communication
*Venoms and Poisons
*Bacterial Pathogens
*Animal Behaviour
Check our website for more details of the course structure.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
C100
Institution code:
R12
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BBD including A level Biology and one other science at grade B.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Full list of acceptable English Language Tests
http://www.reading.ac.uk/ad-EnglishTests.aspx
Unistats information
Student satisfaction :
89%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs):
90%
Go onto work and study:
95%
Fees and funding
England
9250.0
Year 1
Northern Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
Scotland
9250.0
Year 1
Wales
9250.0
Year 1
Channel Islands
9250.0
Year 1
Republic of Ireland
9250.0
Year 1
EU
23700.0
Year 1
International
23700.0
Year 1
Additional Fee Information
Additional Fee Information are not listed for this Course.
Provider information
Whiteknights House
PO Box 217
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Reading
RG6 6AH
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