Biological Science

BSc Biological Science enables you to study and investigate the diverse aspects of the biological, environmental and life sciences in order to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the interconnection between organisms and the environment.

In the first year you will study a broad programme of compulsory modules, giving you a firm knowledge base in subjects like Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Ecology, Evolution, Microbiology and Anatomy. In the second and third year you have the opportunity, should you wish, to specialise in a variety of topics , choosing from a range of biology, biomedical, ecology and environmental science disciplines, which, allows you to design your degree to meet your future career.

Other highlights include:

• Select the topics that most interests you, designing your degree to your individual interests and career aspirations

• Lots of applied, practical laboratory classes in new £330 million Waterside Campus

• Opportunities for visits, fieldwork and overseas travel

• You have the opportunity to present your final year research dissertation at our annual research conference

By studying at the University of Northampton, you can be sure that:

• Our expert academics teach in small groups supported with one to one assistance. Our academics and students form a tight bond, providing individualised support and guidance whilst challenging students academically.

• Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

• At UON we guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time, first year students who apply and accept their room offer by June 2026 - and we won't ask for a deposit for September 2026*.

• Students enrolling on this course at Northampton will be provided with their own brand new laptop** to keep at no additional cost. All sports clubs and societies are free to join at Northampton and every essential course text book is available via the library, meaning you won’t have to purchase copies. For more information on this visit our website (northampton.ac.uk/benefits).

• You will experience student life at the University’s £330 million Waterside Campus. Come along to an Open Day and find out more.

The Northampton Employment Promise

In fact, we’re so confident in our careers and employability support that if you achieve at least a 2:2 degree and complete either our Employability Plus Gold programme or achieve a Changemaker Gold Certificate during your time studying with us, but still haven’t secured full-time employment 12 months after graduating, we will secure a three – six month paid internship for you or support you into postgraduate study.

✱ eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Stage 1
• Biochemistry and Cell Biology (Compulsory)
• Introduction to Ecology (Compulsory)
• Lab and Field Skills (Compulsory)
• Genetics and Molecular Biology (Compulsory)
• Introduction to Microbiology (Compulsory)
• Diversity of Life: Form and Function (Compulsory)

** Stage 2**
• Techniques in Molecular Biology (Compulsory)
• Data Technologies (Compulsory)
• Fieldwork Module (Compulsory)
• Biogeography (Designated)
• Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems (Designated)
• Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air (Designated)
• Genes and Genomics (Designated)
• Infectious Disease (Designated)

Optional Placement Year
• Life Sciences at Work (Designated)

** Stage 3**
• Research Project and Dissertation in the Biological Sciences (Compulsory)
• Contemporary Issues in Biology (Compulsory)
• Biodiversity and Conservation (Designated)
• Health, Risk and Environment (Designated)
• Applied and Environmental Microbiology (Designated)
• Gene Regulation (Designated)
• Monitoring The Earth's Surface (Designated)
• Global Sustainability Issues (Designated)

Module information is quoted for 2025 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

Assessment methods include writing scientific reports, blogs, articles, giving presentations, and taking time constrained assessment and exams. Many modules are assessed through 100% coursework but some modules have exams that could be worth up to 60% of the final module grade.