Biological Science (With Foundation Year)

This course offers you a wide understanding of life, ranging from single-celled organisms to more complex systems found in plants, animals and humans. You explore their structure at molecular, cellular and organismal level. You gain advanced knowledge in the fields of microbiology; physiology; biochemistry; ecology; evolution; molecular and cellular biology; mechanisms of health and disease; and the application of biology in industry. The course also helps you evaluate and confidently discuss the ethical issues around biological developments such as cloning.

Foundation Year
In the Foundation year you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years.

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Contemporary STEM building with high-tech labs and bespoke study spaces, providing you with a vibrant and supportive learning environment.

• Cell culture lab and specialised analytical science suite.

• HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines alongside facilities for qPCR and protein purification, allowing you to carry out high-end biotech experiments.

Partnerships and Collaborations

• Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works with industry professionals across the pharma-biotech, health and food sectors, including Glaxo Smith Kline, Life Science Group and GrowPura. Our collaboration within the sector help you establish links and gain valuable work experience.

Your Student Experience

• Enjoy practical-oriented, real-world learning that prepares you for employment in your specialist field.

• Get involved in field trips to industry leaders like Biogen, MSD Merck and the Centre for Alternative Technologies.

• Benefit from industry masterclasses and visits from a range of experts including Rothamsted Research; Glaxo Smith Kline; MSD Merck; Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; and UK Health Security Agency.

• Make the most of our annual STEM Careers Expo, bringing together employers and students through presentations, workshops and networking sessions.

• Take part in our Student Skills Lab scheme, where you’ll learn and test out cutting-edge practical techniques with the support of recent graduates.

• Learn from an academic team with active industry involvement and research expertise in progressive areas such as drug development, food security and cancer pathways.

• In your final year, undertake your own research project under the guidance of the Biological Science team, all of whom are actively involved in research themselves.