Biological Science

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.

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.

Career-powered links

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.

Course Modules

Year 1
Microbiology and biochemistry – Study the diversity of microorganisms using techniques such as light microscopy, histological preparation and chromatography. Human anatomy and physiology – Explore the interconnected nature of the body’s systems. Cell biology – Examine the structure and organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using microscopy. Molecular genetics – Develop your understanding of this field, with a focus on cell division and genetic inheritance. Skills in biological science – Build a range of key study skills including analysis and presentation of data and basic lab techniques. Chemistry – Gain a foundation in areas such as atomic structure, interaction between molecules and thermodynamics.

Year 2
Skills in science – Build confidence in key skills like experimental design, lab safety, data analysis, finding sources and writing proposals. Medical physiology – Understand body systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, neurology and gastrointestinal.  Biotechnology – Learn how DNA replication, transcription and translation work, and how they are used to address global challenges. Food microbiology – Undertake specialist lab experiments focused on the role of microbes in food. Biochemistry – Use experimental techniques to examine how enzymes and proteins work within cells. Ecology and evolution – How Earth’s organisms interact with the environment in areas like predation, decomposition, parasites and diseases. Environmental change – Explore the changes to ecosystems due to global warming and human activity. Animals and plants in crime – Focus on the use of biological evidence in forensic investigations.

Year 3
Biological science research project – Plan, design and complete a piece of research in an area of interest relevant to the course. Innovations in biotechnology – Use techniques such as microarrays and high-throughput sequencing to generate ‘omics’ data. Environmental microbiology – Gain a detailed understanding of the diversity and significance of microbes in global ecosystems. Applied plant science – How food and materials can be produced from plants, including the role of biotechnology. Biology of disease – Examine the physiological processes underlying specific diseases and their clinical signs. Molecular biology – How the molecules of living matter operate and interact to create life. Cellular biology – Explore using molecular biology to diagnose and treat human genetic disorders.

https://www.beds.ac.uk/courses/biological-science/