Biology

Description

Our Biology BSc Honours degree is the widest-ranging of our degrees, examining everything from micro-organisms to mammals, and biomolecules to the biosphere.

In the first year all our students study the same fundamental topics, such as plant biology, microbiology and ecology.

In later Stages, you will have a choice of specialist topics, many of which are linked to our research expertise, such as:

• plant biology and pathology
• biodiversity and conservation
• animal ecophysiology

Lab-based sessions equip you with the scientific skills required by professional biologists.

You gain practical experience through a species identification course, and a choice between a week-long course on ecology, animal behaviour or the application of molecular techniques.

Quality and ranking

Biological Sciences at Newcastle ranks in the top 150 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2014.

The quality of the Biology study experience at Newcastle is recognised with an overall satisfaction score of 92% in the National Student Survey 2013.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 15490 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time Intensity Flexible

Course Content

Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage.

Please be aware that programme modules do change and therefore may differ for your year of entry.

Stage 1

Compulsory modules

• ACE1013 Introduction to Genetics
• BIO1001 Cell Biology 1
• BIO1002 The Animal Kingdom
• BIO1003 Plant Biology 1
• BIO1004 Microbiology 1
• BIO1005 Evolution
• BIO1006 Ecology 1
• BIO1010 Biology In Action
• BIO1019 Introductory Biochemistry for Biologists

Optional modules

You choose one module from the following list:

• ACE1022 Crop Pests
• BIO1007 Introduction to Marine Vertebrates
• PSY1006 Instinct, Learning and Motivation

Other optional modules may also be available.

This first year is shared with Biology (Cellular and Molecular Biology) (C1C7), Biology (Ecology and Environmental Biology) (C180) and Zoology (C300), allowing for easy transfer to any of these before second year should your interests change.

Stage 2

Compulsory modules

• BIO2002 Biodiversity and Conservation 1
• BIO2003 Field Identification Skills
• BIO2004 Plant Biology 2
• BIO2007 Vertebrate Biology
• BIO2008 Evolutionary and Population Genetics
• BIO2014 Animal Physiology
• BIO2017 Microbiology 2
• BIO2020 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biologists
• BIO2022 Molecular Biology and Development

Optional modules

You choose three modules from the following list:

• BIO2009 Ecology 2
• BIO2013 Animal Behaviour
• BIO2015 Biotechnology 1
• BIO2018 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 1
• BIO2021 Vocational Placement for Biologists

Stage 3

Compulsory modules

• BIO3004 Plant Biology 3
• BIO3006 Plant-Animal Interactions
• BIO3016 Mechanisms of Behaviour
• BIO3019 Genomics
• BIO3023 Plant Pathology

Optional modules

You choose one module from the following list:

• BIO3021 Laboratory Workshop OR
• BIO3022 Residential Field Course

You choose one module from the following list:

• BIO3194 Biological Literature Review OR
• BIO3195 Biological Information Project OR
• BIO3196 Biological Research Project

You choose three modules from the following list:

• ACE3049 Companion Animal Behaviour
• BIO3001 Animal Ecophysiology
• BIO3003 Ecological Modelling
• BIO3018 Biotechnology 2
• BIO3031 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 2
• BIO3032 Cell Biology 3
• BIO3035 Biodiversity Science and Management

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 90

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

take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis. If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.

- A Levels

AAB-ABB including Biology and normally another science subject but excluding General Studies. Chemistry is preferred at A or AS level, but not essential. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade B if not offered at A or AS level.

- Scottish Qualifications

AAABB-AABBB at Higher Grade including two science subjects. Advanced Higher Biology and another science subject normally required. Higher Grade Chemistry desirable.

- International Baccalaureate

35 points normally including Higher Level Biology at grade 6 or above. Chemistry is preferred at Higher Level but not essential. Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and Chemistry required at Standard Level grade 5 if not offered at Higher Level.

- Irish Leaving Certificate

A1A1A1B1B-A1A1B1B1B at Higher level, preferably including Biology, Mathematics and another science subject.

- Access Qualifications

A unit in Biological Sciences is essential and units in Chemistry, Mathematics or Quantitative Methods desirable. At least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and in addition at least 15 level 3 credits at a minimum of Merit.

- BTEC Level 5 HND

Applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

A science-related subject with substantial biology and chemistry units at overall DDD grade.

- Cambridge Pre-U

D3,D3,M2-D3,M2,M2 in Principal Subjects including Biology and normally another science subject. Chemistry is preferred, but not essential. GCSE Mathematics minimum grade B if not offered at a higher level.

- PARTNERS - A Levels

BBC including Biology and normally another science subject but excluding General Studies. Chemistry is preferred at A/AS level but not essential. Mathematics required at GCSE (minimum grade B) if not offered at A/AS level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle Universitys supported entry route for students from identified schools and colleges. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

- PARTNERS - BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

A science-related subject with substantial biology and chemistry units at overall DMM-MMM grade.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle Universitys supported entry route for students from identified schools and colleges. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.

- English Language Requirements

For this degree you will need a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Visit our International Students webpages to find out more about our English language admission requirements and English language support courses offered by INTO Newcastle University.

- International Foundation Programmes

If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English language requirements specified above, you should consider a preparation course at INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare you for study on this degree course. INTO Newcastle University is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses including the International Foundation in Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

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 Newcastle University.