Biology (Cellular and Molecular Biology)

Description

This degree covers plants, animals and micro-organisms, with a strong focus on biomolecules, organelles and cells, and how they all contribute to the function of organisms as a whole.

You have the option to take a year-long work placement in a commercial or government setting, providing you with invaluable work experience to boost your employability.

You will develop the scientific skills required by professional biologists through lab-based sessions, including a specialist week-long laboratory workshop. You'll also enjoy a range of daytrips and residential field courses.

In the first year all our students study the same fundamental topics in biology, such as plant biology, microbiology and ecology. In later Stages, you will study specialist topics such as:

• molecular biology and development
• biotechnology
• immunology
• bioremediation

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 take one module from the following list:

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

You may have the flexibility to choose an alternative optional module from the wider University.

This first year is shared with Biology (C100), 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

• ACE2034 Introduction to Immunology
• BIO2004 Plant Biology 2
• BIO2014 Animal Physiology
• BIO2015 Biotechnology 1
• BIO2017 Microbiology 2
• BIO2020 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biologists
• BIO2022 Molecular Biology and Development
• BIO2023 Cell Biology 2

Optional modules

You take three modules from the following list:

• ACE2031 Animal Parasitology
• ACE2041 Food Microbiology
• BIO2008 Evolutional and Population Genetics
• BIO2018 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 1
• BIO2021 Vocational Placement for Biologists

Placement year (optional)

You may choose to spend the year between Stages 2 and 3 on a work placement, extending your degree to four years. This may take you into a commercial company (eg MedImmune, GlaxoSmithKline) or a government laboratory (eg NHS), substantially improving your employability through real workplace experience.

Stage 3

Compulsory modules

• BIO3018 Biotechnology 2
• BIO3019 Genomics
• BIO3020 Bioremediation
• BIO3021 Laboratory Workshop
• BIO3023 Plant Pathology
• BIO3032 Cell Biology 3

Optional modules

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:

• BIO3001 Animal Ecophysiology
• BIO3004 Plant Biology 3
• BIO3006 Plant-Animal Interactions
• BIO3030 Antimicrobial Drug Discovery
• BIO3033 Placement Report for Biologists
• SUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science and Engineering

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.