Biology - BSc (Hons)

with a Foundation Year

Course structure

Duration: 4 years full-time

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

The modules for Stages 1-3 of the degree course can be viewed on the Biology - BSc (Hons) page.

• Foundation

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.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

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 raised by the study of biology, and engage in critical assessment of the subject material
• provide a broad and balanced foundation of the science that underpins general biology and methodology in a modern society, including detailed knowledge of the biological techniques and methods of assay, analysis and examination used by biologists, the essential biomolecular and organismal knowledge required for understanding life at all levels of complexity
• provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which you are supported and motivated to achieve your academic and personal potential
• educate you in the theoretical (subject-specific knowledge) and practical (laboratory skills and methods) aspects of biology
• facilitate the learning experience through a variety of teaching methods
• give you the ability to undertake an independent research project
• prepare you for further study, or training, and employment in biology and non-biology based careers, by developing key transferable and cognitive skills
• develop the qualities required for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances
• 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 detailed knowledge of specific examples: the structure, arrangement, expression and regulation of genes, and relevant experimental methods
• a wide range of cells (both 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.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• recognising and applying 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
• analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including published research or reports
• obtaining and integrating several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
• applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
• recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating 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 using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, you must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, 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 before the execution of an experimental protocol
• the ability to use basic and advanced experimental equipment in executing the core practical techniques used by biologists
• find information on biological topics from a wide range of information sources and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy
• plan, execute and assess the results from experiments
• 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
• 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 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 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
• use of the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information
• the ability to work independently, effective time management and organisation
• identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
• possess an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work.

Careers

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to work in:

• commercial, government and hospital laboratories
• scientific publishing
• science writing
• event management
• science communication.

Recent graduates have also worked in a wide range of non-scientific careers including teaching, marketing, sales, banking, accountancy, the police force and social work.

Help finding a job

The School of Biosciences runs employability events with talks from alumni outlining their career paths since graduation.

The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

You graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as:

• excellent communication skills
• work independently or as part of a team
• the ability to solve problems and think analytically
  
• time management.

You can also gain new skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

Professional recognition

All of our Biology degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and our four-year Biology with a Sandwich Year programme has Advanced Accreditation. Students graduating from Society of Biology recognised courses are eligible for Associate Membership and are entitled to two years’ Associate Membership at half price.