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Biological Sciences

  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
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2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Develop biological knowledge and practical skills to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges. From genes to ecosystems, explore the fundamentals of life on Earth and how to make positive changes to individuals, societies and global environments.

Why study BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences at BU?

  • Consolidate and progress your core knowledge and understanding of biological chemistry, cell biology, human physiology and evolutionary biology

  • Develop important practical laboratory and scientific skills that will form the basis of future successes in academic writing and experimental design.

  • Define your pathway though the degree, with options to explore your chosen subjects in greater depth, developing your own project ideas and considering potential career paths. 100% of our graduates are either working or studying 15 months after graduating (source DiscoverUni 2023).

  • Option to complete a 30-week placement to gain experience and insights for your future career.

  • You’ll develop and complete a defining dissertation project that will highlight your abilities and interests – ending the degree as an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled biological scientist.

  • We often collaborate with professional practitioners so that your work has immediate practical benefits as well as being an inspiring way to learn.

Your degree will be centred around developing the skills you need to work in professional practice, as well as equipping you with a variety of transferable skills that will give you a range of career options in Biotechnology, Environmental science, Forensic and biomedical research, and Education

Foundation year: We have a foundation year option for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the scientific skills required for Biological Sciences, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the foundation year, you will progress to the full degree.

Modules

Course Modules

Core units in year 1: Scientific Research Skills | Cell Biology | Chemistry | Diversity of Life | Human Anatomy & Physiology | Practical Skills in Biology
Core units in year 2: Advanced Scientific Research Skills | Animal Biology | Evolutionary Biology - Optional units in year 2: Biochemistry | Ecosystems | Behavioural Ecology | Advanced Cell Biology | Environmental & Societal Challenges | International Field Trip | Introduction to Toxicology | Microbiology
Final year core unit: Independent Research Project | Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation - Optional units final year: Advanced Topics in Genetics | Marine Conservation | Pathophysiology | Biomolecules | Parasitology & Epidemiology | Primate Behavioural Ecology |Advanced Systems Biology | Climate & Environmental Change | Molecular Ecology |

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 4 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

Bournemouth University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

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Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades BBC–ABB) from a minimum of 2 A-levels.

T Level
M

120 UCAS tariff points

UCAS Tariff
112-128

112–128 UCAS tariff points (A-level grades BBC–ABB) including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Scottish Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades AABC–AAAB) from a minimum of four Scottish Highers.

Access to HE Diploma

102 - 118 tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language or English Literature and Mathematics grade 4 (or grade C in the old grading system). We also accept iGCSEs, Key Skills and Functional Skills and other qualifications at Level 2 of the National Qualifications Framework.

Scottish Advanced Higher

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades CCD–BCC) from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)

Extended Project

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

Distinction*, Distinction (104 UCAS tariff points)

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

An overall score of 28 - 31 points.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

Distinction, Merit, Merit (112 UCAS tariff points)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

112–128 UCAS tariff points (grades M2, M3, M3 to M1, M1, M2) from a minimum of two principal subjects.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component of writing, speaking, listening and reading.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Please note that this information reflects historical entry requirements for UK 18-year-olds who pursued A level and BTEC qualifications. Please see the relevant course page of our website for the most up-to-date details on this course’s entry requirements and selection methods. Our offer-making process is based on your potential to succeed on your chosen course and considers a range of factors.

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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