Entry requirements
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level
GCSE/National 4/National 5
English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents Science at grade C or 4 or equivalents
UCAS Tariff
104 UCAS points from three A levels (including 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC National qualifications (including suitable Chemistry and Biology modules). We do not accept General Studies. BCC at A Level including Biology. DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
- Gain a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of biological, chemical and mathematical skills suitable to investigate and describe the biological world.
- Develop the confidence and ability to solve biological problems.
- Conduct research in a range of theoretical and practical areas, including the skills of project management.
- Choose to transfer onto the MSci qualification.
- Have the opportunity to study abroad — Erasmus funding is available for European placements.
Take part in rigorous intellectual training that cultivates an interest in current developments at the frontiers of the subject. Gain an underpinning knowledge of chemistry, physics and maths, taught in context. Enhance your skills for a career in biology or any occupation requiring confident, creative, analytical thinkers.
If you're planning a career in research, you can transfer to the MSci qualification (depending on your results in years one and two of the BSc route).
**How you learn**
The course includes a coherent programme theme to enable you to develop as professional biologists, operating beyond just knowledge acquisition. You have the capability to act on opportunities and apply learning to solve problems, whether theoretical or applied.
**You learn through**
- lectures
- workshops
- tutorials
- scenario-based laboratory sessions.
There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus programme.
**Applied learning**
**Work placements**
Once you have developed your knowledge and skills in the lab, you can apply for an optional third-year work placement, which gives you the chance to apply theory and practice in the workplace. Alternatively, you are encouraged to undertake internships or other short placements to enhance your future career goals.
You can apply for a placement in the UK or use the opportunity to work abroad in Europe, America and further afield. We have a wide range of major national and multinational placement partners, including
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Covance
- Eurofins
- Universities
- Field trips
Complete valuable field work, which has previously included exploring contrasting environments in the Peak District, visits to Sheffield Botanical gardens and a UK-based residential ecological and environmental field course, all at no additional costs.
Modules
The modules for 2020/21 may vary to those given below, which are for academic year 2019/20.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology 20 credits
Environmental Biosciences 20 credits
Human Physiology And Anatomy 20 credits
Plant Physiology And Anatomy 20 credits
Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs 20 credits
Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills 20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
Applied Ecology And Environmental Biosciences 20 credits
Evolutionary And Behavioural Biology 20 credits
Molecular Biology And Biochemistry 20 credits
Professional And Scientific Practice 2 40 credits
Elective modules
Advanced Cell Biology 20 credits
Pathological Basis Of Disease 20 credits
Topics In Biochemistry 20 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
Professional And Scientific Practice 3 20 credits
Final year
Compulsory modules
Plant Biotechnology 20 credits
Research Project 40 credits
Elective modules
Applied Biochemistry 20 credits
Bioethics And Bioinformatics 20 credits
Bioethics And Human Genetics 20 credits
Bioinformatics And Human Genetics 20 credits
Environmental Biotechnology 20 credits
Neurobiology 20 credits
Assessment methods
* Coursework
Exams
Practical
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.
The Uni
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University
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This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What do graduate employment figures really tell you?The recession was tough on biology graduates, and although the jobs market has improved for them - a lot - it's still not back to where it was a few years ago. If you want a career in biology research — and a lot of biology students do - you'll need to take a doctorate, so give some thought as to where you might do it and how you might fund it (the government still funds doctorates for good students). A lot of graduates also take 1 year Masters courses to specialise in this wide and deep subject - most students take a standard biology course for their first degree and then specialise in subjects like ecology, conservation or marine biology later. Hospitals, universities, biotech firms, zoos and nature reserves and clinical and scientific testing are common industries of employment for biology graduates.
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