Biological Sciences (including Year Abroad)

The Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of biology, encompassing molecular, cellular, developmental, ecological, and evolutionary aspects. The program is designed to provide a solid scientific foundation, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for careers in research, healthcare, environmental management, and biotechnology. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to investigate the diversity of life on Earth, understand the mechanisms underlying biological processes, and develop critical scientific skills such as data analysis, laboratory techniques, and scientific communication. An integral part of the degree is the Year Abroad, which allows students to study at a partner university in a different country, gaining international perspective, language proficiency, and intercultural experience. This placement not only enhances employability but also broadens academic horizons, exposing students to different research environments and teaching methodologies. The curriculum includes core modules in genetics, microbiology, ecology, physiology, and biochemistry, alongside optional modules tailored to individual interests, such as conservation biology, biomedical sciences, or plant sciences. The program combines lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and fieldwork, ensuring a balanced mix of theoretical understanding and practical application. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects, often in collaboration with research institutes, to develop their investigative and problem-solving skills. The final year typically culminates in a substantial research dissertation, where students demonstrate their ability to execute an independent scientific investigation. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared for careers in research institutions, environmental agencies, healthcare companies, or to pursue postgraduate studies. The University of Essex’s supportive academic environment, excellent facilities, and opportunities for professional development ensure that students are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to advancements in biological sciences and related fields.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 13950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Our courses are based on flexibility and choice, so that you can tailor your degree to your interests. In your first year you usually take four or five pre-requisite modules for your course allowing you flexibility to try subjects you have not come across before.
With a small number of exceptions, once you successfully complete the first year of your BSc, you qualify to enter the second year not only of that course but also of a range of other courses. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available.
We continue to offer a range of optional modules in your second and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project. The research project enables you to work in one of our research laboratories alongside our internationally reputed scientists, studying real science in a real scientific environment. Some of our science courses offer an optional extra year of an industrial placement.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1
Molecular Cell Biology;
Genetics and Evolution;
Microbiology;
Biochemistry of Macromolecules;
Animal and Plant Biology Ecology; and
Life Science Key Skills

Year 2
Skills in Ecology or Biomolecular Science;
Residential Field Course or Laboratory Workshop; and
optional modules from: Plants for the Twenty-first Century, Ecological Monitoring and Assessment, Cell Biology, Animal and Plant Physiology, Immunity in Health and Disease, Proteins and Regulation of Human Metabolism, Evolution, Populations and Communities, Biodiversity and Conservation, Molecular Biology, Microbial Diversity and Ecology, Marine and Freshwater Vertebrates, and Sulawesi Coral Reef Field Course

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Biology
GCSE Mathematics: C
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points, including Higher Biology grade 5 and Standard Mathematics grade 4 (if not taken at Higher Level, we consider IB certificates at the Higher level on a case-by-case basis)
If taking the Access to HE Diploma in Sciences please e-mail us.
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The Bachelor of Biological Sciences (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of biology, encompassing areas such as ecology, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and evolution. This programme is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for understanding biological processes and addressing real-world biological challenges. The course structure typically includes a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and project work, allowing students to develop competencies in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad component, which offers students the opportunity to study overseas for an entire academic year at partner universities across Europe, North America, or other regions. This international experience aims to enhance cultural awareness, language skills, and a global perspective on biological sciences. students can choose from a variety of modules tailored to their interests and career aspirations, including conservation biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, and environmental management.

Students graduating from this programme are well-prepared for careers in research, environmental consultancy, healthcare, biotechnology firms, or further academic study through postgraduate research programmes. The programme emphasizes research-led teaching, ensuring that students learn from academics actively engaged in cutting-edge biological research. Departments at the University of Essex are equipped with modern laboratories and research facilities, providing students with hands-on experience in techniques such as DNA sequencing, microscopy, and ecological surveys.

The course also emphasizes the development of transferable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific writing, which are highly valued by employers. Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to participate in internships, field trips, and research projects, fostering practical application of their knowledge and boosting employability. The university supports students through dedicated academic advisors and career services, and alumni of the programme have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and public sector organizations.

Overall, the BSc Biological Sciences (including Year Abroad) at the University of Essex aims to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, skilled, and globally-minded scientists ready to contribute to advances in biological sciences and address environmental and health-related issues facing society today.