Biology (with Placement Year)

Study the science of life – a varied and exciting discipline that takes you from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

Whether your interests lie in cell, molecular and laboratory biology; genetics, evolution and bioinformatics; plants, microbes and biotechnology; or whole organisms, environments, and field skills, on this course you’ll learn to evaluate aspects of all life on earth, including the ways it is under threat.

You’ll discover how a variety of living organisms evolve, their physiology, how they function within their environments – and how these environments can be sustained.

Why ARU?

• Cover all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

• Build a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills.

• Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests through optional modules, all underpinned by sustainability.

• Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in life sciences.

• Gain experience on internships with our research-active staff, or apply for work placements.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Animal Physiology and Behaviour (30 credits)

• General Microbiology (15 credits)

• Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)

• Mathematics for the Biosciences (15 credits)

• Principles of Biology (30 credits)

• Continuing Professional Development (Level 4)

• Into ARU

Year 2

• Field Skills in Biology (15 credits)

• Invertebrate Biology (15 credits)

• Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits)

• Plants and Microbial Sciences (15 credits)

• Preparation for Research (15 credits)

• Principles of Genetics (15 credits)

• Ruskin Module (15 credits)

• Animal Health and Disease (15 credits) *

• GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits) *

• Marine and Terrestrial Communities (15 credits) *

Year 3:

• Placement year

Year 4

• Undergraduate Project (30 credits)

• Biogeography (15 credits)

• Comparative Ecophysiology (15 credits)

• Professional Field Ecology (15 credits)

• Sustainable Land Management (15 credits)

• Wildlife Conservation (15 credits)

• Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits) *

• Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits) *

*optional

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Besides exams, these include essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, debates, classroom- or laboratory-based tests, and reviews of scientific papers.