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BSc in Biological Sciences / Cell & Molecular Biology / Human Biology / Microbiology & Immunology

Key facts

4 years full-time with integrated placement year or 3 years full-time

UCAS Codes: Biological Sciences (C112)

Cell and Molecular Biology (CC17)

Human Biology (B150)

Microbiology and Immunology (C550)

Typical offers:
A Levels: ABB including Biology or Human Biology.
IB: 33 points (Biology Higher Level 6 points, plus another science subject at Higher Level)

BTEC, Access & other:

  • Access to Science for mature students (21+) considered on an individual basis.

  • BTEC National Certificate & BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science: DD plus A level Biology at grade B

  •  BTEC National Diploma & BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDD. Eligibility dependant on modules.

     

     

Specific subject requirements: 

  • A level: Biology / Human Biology at A level grade B or above. Chemistry at A/AS level welcomed but not essential.

  • GCSE: English and Maths grade C


Tuition fees: £9,000 (£1,000 during placement year) for UK/EU students. (2012).  More on fees

Applicants receiving offers are invited to an open day.



Biology virtual tour

LHS virtual tour biology

Key benefits

  • Research in the School ranked 3rd out of 63 universities in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)
  • Emphasis on human and applied aspects of biology
  • Top ten for Anatomy and Physiology in the Guardian University Guide 2012 and for Subjects Allied to Medicine in the Complete University Guide 
  • Integrated placement year opportunities in a wide range of health, medical and commercial settings
  • Hands-on research experience with Aston's internationally recognised research groups
  • Consistently high levels of student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey (NSS)
  • Strong record of graduate employment and postgraduate research success for Aston Biology students.

Course outline

Microscope

There are currently four biology programmes available at Aston University as well as the Biomedical Science programme. These modern degree programmes are specifically designed to promote an awareness of the application of biological knowledge to human health and welfare and to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in a continually changing dynamic subject. 

After a common and broadly based first and second year you will choose topics for specialisation in your final year.  The combination of options chosen will determine the degree title as given above.

Download the course flyer PDF >

 

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Subject guide & modules

The titles of the first and second year modules are listed below. Each one these modules typically comprises approximately 100 learning hours which include lectures, tutorials, practical classes, directed student-centred learning and preparation for coursework assignments and examinations.

In the first term of the final year you will choose five modules to study in depth. 
  • Students of Biological Sciences will have a wide choice from amongst the final year modules listed below 
  • Human Biologists will concentrate on modules such as Human Physiology, Stem Cell Biology and Cancer Biology
  • Students of Microbiology and Immunology will focus on Immunology, Food Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
  • Students of Cell and Molecular Biology will specialise in modules such as Cell Biology, Applied Molecular Biology and Cell Biology of Cancer Metastasis
The second term is devoted to a research project which is supervised by an individual member of the academic staff.

Year 1   

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology I
  • Introductory Immunology
  • Inheritance and Population Genetics
  • Development & Human Anatomy
  • Biochemistry
  • Key Skills I

Year 2   

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Biotechnology
  • Metabolism
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Key Skills II
  • Microbiology II

Final year   

  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Human Physiology
  • Immunology
  • Biological Basis of Human Disease
  • Food Microbiology
  • Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease
  • Cell Biology
  • Medical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology of Cancer Metastasis
  • Bioethics
  • Cancer Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology

Learning, teaching & assessment

We use a range of assessment methods, although the typical methods are coursework and an end of year examination.  Exams generally take the form of unseen essay,short answer and multiple choice questions.  Coursework assessments take many forms and could include essays, reports of individual and group practical assignments, oral presentations and laboratory reports.  We specifically encourage team working in some assignments in which there will be peer assessments where you will assess the contribution of your colleagues and vice-versa.

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Placement year

The year involves a twelve-month professional work placement (sandwich course) between the second and final years of the degree.  This offers students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and set their studies in the context of a working environment alongside professional biologists.  

Our recent placements have been with:

  • Research institutes
  • Breweries
  • The food industry
  • Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline)
  • Clinical trials
  • Medical sales
  • Biotechnology companies.

Find out more about placement years in the Life & Health Sciences.

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Career prospects

Graduate employment for Biology students mirrors the outstanding success of Aston University as a whole.  30-40% of our graduates go into research, while others enter a wide range of careers in health, welfare and the biological industries.  In addition to scientific positions, some graduates take on general management, product development, teaching or marketing roles.

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Personal development

Graduates in Biological Sciences will leave university equipped with key skills including:

  • Fundamental laboratory techniques
  • Record keeping
  • Project development
  • Management
  • Critical analysis
  • Communication (written/oral)
  • Presentation
  • Team working
  • Report development
  • IT
  • Problem solving
  • Debating.
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Facilities & equipment

  • Modern lecture and tutorial rooms equipped with full interactive AV facilities
  • Modern laboratories with up-to-date equipment and projection facilities for demonstration purposes
  • 130-seater computer laboratory equipped with Pentium workstations and linked to key networks 
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) using Blackboard 8 software to support learning
  • Wide range of learning resources – such as up to date key texts, scientific journals and e-journals and databases, CD-ROMs and media publications.
  • newly refurbished and extended Aston University Library open 7 days a week all year round and 24 hours a day, 6 days a week at key times of the academic year.
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Teaching staff

 

Biology at Aston University is part of the School of Life and Health Sciences (LHS), which also includes The Pharmacy School, Optometry, Biomedical Science and Psychology undergraduate programmes and a thriving research culture. There are over 30 teaching and research staff in Biology with other LHS staff also undertaking Biology related teaching.

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Further information

Email us

Tel: 0121 204 4101

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