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Biology influences our everyday lives, and is at the forefront of social change, for example, stem-cell research, the use of genetically-modified organisms, humanity’s effect on the environment, and sustainable energy and food production.
Overview
Studying Biology, you investigate, describe and analyse the structures and functions of living organisms together with how they interact with the environment.
This BSc programme provides a broad survey of the various biological disciplines, including anthropology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, infection and immunity, microbiology, and the physiology of animals and plants.
The 'Sandwich Year' between Stages 2 and 3, provides an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience in industry in the UK or abroad. During your placement you are paid by your employer and produce an independent research project.
Opportunities are also available to work in one of our research labs during the summer vacation after your second year. The Stacey Fund provides funding for 20 to 30 eight-week Summer Studentships annually. These optional projects offer an ideal opportunity to gain further hands-on research experience.
Our related programme, Biology with a Year Abroad, includes one year studying abroad.
The School of Biosciences
Biosciences at Kent is rated one of the top schools in the country by its students. The School also has a reputation for innovation. Two of our academics have recently won National Teaching Fellowship Awards; for work on the School's communication projects and introducing novel ways of using IT in lectures which enables the teaching to be captured and easily reviewed later. The facilities within the School are excellent and include a recent £1 million refurbishment of the teaching laboratories.
Independent rankings
In the National Student Survey 2015, 96% of students in the School of Biosciences were satisfied with the overall quality of their course. Furthermore, at a subject level, the School of Biosciences is ranked in the top 20% in The Guardian University Guide 2016, and in the top 25% in The Complete University Guide 2016.
Course structure
The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.
Year in industry
Biology offers the possibility of taking a one-year placement away from the University between Stages 2 and 3. Sandwich placements provide an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience in industry in the UK or abroad. You are paid by your employer and also produce an independent research project.
On a sandwich placement you acquire additional skills and gain first-hand experience of a particular type of work, which will help to inform your career decisions at the end of your degree. Students have worked at companies including: GlaxoSmithKline, MedImmune, Lonza, BASF, Eli Lilly and Bayer Crop Science.
Progression: To progress to stage 2 you must achieve an overall average of 65% in Stage 1 unless you applied before July and met the conditions of the entry offer made. If the 65% requirement is not met, you will be transferred to the equivalent 3-year programme which is identical except for the year spent away from the University.
Visit the School of Biosciences web pages for more information about the sandwich option, including comments from past students.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. You have an Academic Adviser who you meet with at regular intervals to discuss your progress, and most importantly, to identify ways in which you can improve your work further so that you reach your full potential.
Most modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year exams. Exams take place at the end of the academic year and count for 50% or more of the module mark. Stage 1 assessments do not contribute to the final degree classification, but all stage 2 and 3 assessments do, meaning that your final degree award is an average of many different components. On average, 29% of your time is spent in an activity lead by an academic; the rest of your time is for independent study.
The Sandwich Year is assessed by a presentation and a written report and contributes 10% to the overall mark.
Programme aims
The programme aims to:
- instil a sense of enthusiasm for the application of different methods and disciplines to biology, confront the scientific, moral and ethical issues and engage in critical assessment of the subject material covered
- provide a broad and balanced foundation of the science that underpins biology and methodology in a modern society including a detailed knowledge of the biological techniques and methods of assay, analysis and examination used by biologists and biomolecular and organismal knowledge required for understanding of life at all levels of complexity
- provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which students will be supported and motivated to achieve their academic and personal potential
- educate students in the theoretical and practical aspects of biology
- provide students with the ability to undertake an independent research project
- prepare students for further study, or training, and employment in biology and non-biology based careers, by developing their transferable and cognitive skills
- develop the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances
- provide an opportunity to gain experience as a biologist working in a professional environment such as industry, hospital research laboratories and government research laboratories
- develop employment-related skills, including an understanding of how to relate to the structure and function in an organisation, via a sandwich year
- provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
You gain knowledge and understanding of:
- the chemistry that underlies biochemical reactions and the techniques used to investigate them
- the principles that determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and be able to explain detailed examples of how structure enables function
- the molecular basis of genetics, and be able to explain some detailed examples
- gene expression, with a detailed knowledge of specific examples, such as the structure, arrangement, expression, and regulation of genes and relevant experimental methods
- a wide range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and be able to explain critically how they develop and how their properties suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally
- suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry, organismal biology, ecology and molecular biology
- the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological catalysis and the role of enzymes and other proteins in determining the function and fate of cells and organisms
- the analysis of the impact of external influences on growth, development and reproduction, and explain reproductive strategies
- the interactions of structure and metabolic function at cellular and organismal levels
- the significance of internal and external influences on the integration of metabolism for survival and health
- the methods and principles underlying taxonomy and classification
- the principles and processes governing interactions of organisms and their environment
- the way a professional biologist can contribute to the organisation in which they work.
Intellectual skills
You gain the following intellectual abilities:
- the ability to recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles. For example, the relationship between genes and proteins, or the nature of essential nutrients in microbes, cells, plants and animals
- the ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports
- obtain and integrate several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
- apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
- recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.
Subject-specific skills
You gain subject-specific skills in the following:
- designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data such as from a survey database. Data may be obtained through individual or group projects; obtaining, recording, collating and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working independently or in a group in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, students must pay due attention to risk assessment, and procedures for obtaining informed consent
- an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment
- the ability to handle biological material and chemicals in a safe way, thus being able to assess any potential hazards associated with biological experimentation
- perform risk assessments prior to the execution of an experimental protocol
- to be able to use basic and advanced experimental equipment in executing the core practical techniques used by biologists
- to find information on biological topics from a wide range of information sources and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy
- to be able to plan, execute and assess the results
- to identify the best method for presenting and reporting on biological investigations using written, data manipulation/presentation and computer skills
- be aware of the employment opportunities for biology graduates.
Transferable skills
You gain transferable skills in the following:
- identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
- recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members, negotiating skills
- evaluating performance as an individual and a team member, and evaluating the performance of others
- developing an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view
- receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal and graphical
- communicating about their subject to a variety of audiences using different formats and approaches
- citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner
- sample selection, recording and analysing data in the field and/or the laboratory, validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and uncertainty during collection
- preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually
- solving problems by a variety of methods including the use of computers
- using the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information
- to be able to work independently using effective time management and organisation skills
- identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- developing an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work
- the ability to function effectively in a working environment.
Careers
Our students are in high demand after graduation. Our emphasis on laboratory skills and the teaching of biology at a molecular level allows students to successfully compete for graduate training positions and research-based employment and the Sandwich Year option will further enhance your employability in these areas by providing you with a period of professional practice. Also, the analytical and problem solving skills we teach are attractive to a wide range of careers outside of science.
Recently, our graduates have gone into jobs in lab-based research, government agencies, teaching, scientific publishing, marketing and information technology. Typically, about 30% of our biology graduates take a higher degree after graduation, either a one-year MSc or a three/four year PhD.
For more information on the services Kent provides you to improve your career prospects visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability.
Professional recognition
Our Biology degree programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
Entry requirements
Home/EU students
The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.
| Qualification | Typical offer/minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| A level | ABB including Biology or Human Biology grade B |
| GCSE | Mathematics grade C |
| Access to HE Diploma | The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to pass the Access to Higher Education Diploma with 36 level 3 credits at distinction and 9 at merit, and to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits in particular subjects at distinction or merit grade. |
| BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma) | The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis. Typical offers when made are Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction. |
| International Baccalaureate | 34 points overall or 16 points at HL including Biology 5 at HL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL |
International students
The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements. See our International Student website for further information about our country-specific requirements.
Please note that if you need to increase your level of qualification ready for undergraduate study, we offer a number of International Foundation Programmes through Kent International Pathways.
English Language Requirements
Please see our English language entry requirements web page.
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
General entry requirements
Please also see our general entry requirements.
Fees
The 2016/17 annual tuition fees for this programme are:
| UK/EU | Overseas | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time |
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
The Government has announced changes to allow undergraduate tuition fees to rise in line with inflation from 2017/18.
The University of Kent is currently considering whether to increase its regulated full-time tuition fees for all returning Home and EU undergraduates from £9,000 to £9,250 in September 2017. This would be subject to us satisfying the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework and the access regulator's requirements. The equivalent part-time fees for these courses might also rise by 2.8%.
For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk
UK/EU/International students on an approved Year Abroad for the full 2016/17 academic year pay an annual fee of £1,350 to Kent for that year. Those on an approved Year in Industry pay an annual fee of £865 to Kent for that year. Students studying abroad for less than one academic year will pay full fees according to their fee status.
Funding
Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Details of our proposed funding opportunities for 2016 entry can be found on our funding page.
General scholarships
Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.
The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence
At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. For 2016 entry, the scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our scholarships pages. Please review the eligibility criteria on that page.