Northumbria University Newcastle - Biology BSc (Hons)

Northumbria University Newcastle

Biology BSc (Hons)

The Biology degree offers a broad and deep understanding of the scientific principles of the study of living systems and an introduction to the key issues associated with rapid advances in biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental technology.

It also offers flexibility as you can opt for a specialist pathway of study after your first year - meaning you can either continue with your BSc Biology degree, or choose to specialise in biotechnology or neurobiology.

Whichever pathway you choose, there’ll be opportunities for practical work and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, which can include a sandwich year work placement, study abroad option or through work-related training in industry. This means the course is ideal for anyone considering a career in biosciences, or as a foundation for further study at postgraduate level. As a graduate, you’ll leave with subject-specific knowledge, practical laboratory skills, research skills and more; enabling you to make informed contributions to the understanding of what underpins life here on earth.

Entry Requirements

20 UCAS Tariff points

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Subject Requirements:

Grade B in A-level Biology, or a recognised equivalent

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

Career Prospects

As a Biology graduate you’ll not only have gained expert, subject-specific knowledge but you’ll also secure a whole host of wider skills to support your future career choices, including data-handling, complex problem solving and project management. 

Biology graduates are sought-after in many specialist fields including biotechnology and medicine, scientific civil service, environmental protection, forensic science and science education, as well as by employers who value their high-level skills in communication, analysis and numeracy.

Many of our recent graduates have gone on to work for leading global organisations including GlaxoSmithKline, Brenntag and Covance, whilst others have gone into teaching and research roles or on to postgraduate studies. The Applied Sciences department is business focused – we seek to develop sustainable partnerships with industry and commerce to benefit you, the student. The applied nature of research has enabled enterprise and consultancy to be established in collaboration with a wide range of industrial partners ranging from large multi-nationals to small companies based in the region and nationally.

Course Details

  • You’ll learn through a mix of approaches including lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions. A strong emphasis is placed on applied and problem-based learning, this is embedded into each year of study and particularly within the final year research project.
  • You’ll begin the course with an introduction to a broad range of fundamental subject areas and skills which will be enhanced as you progress and further develop your subject knowledge, laboratory skills, experimental design, data-handling and communication skills. You’ll also be involved in increasingly complex assignments and practical and field work exercises, with a greater emphasis on group and independent learning.
  • During your final year you’ll carry out an individual research project in an area of interest. At this stage, you’ll be expected to exercise independent thought and critically evaluate and synthesize complex subject matter in the fields studied.

Year One

Cell Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
Practical Skills (Core,20 Credits)
Biochemistry (Core,20 Credits)
Anatomy and Physiology (Core,20 Credits)
Animal and Plant Biology (Core,20 Credits)
Introduction to the Microbial World (Core,20 Credits)
Academic Language Skills for Applied Sciences (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Year Two

Principles of Cellular and Biomolecular Analysis (Core,20 Credits)
Biology of Disease (Core,20 Credits)
Molecular Biology and Genetics (Core,20 Credits)
Human Metabolism (Core,20 Credits)
Environmental Biology (Optional,20 Credits)
Biology in Action (Optional,20 Credits)
Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology (Optional,20 Credits)
Investigative Biotechnology (Optional,20 Credits)
Principles of Neuroscience (Optional,20 Credits)
Neuroscience Case Studies (Optional,20 Credits)

Year Three

Study Abroad (Optional,120 Credits)
Industrial Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Business (This is made up of modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)

Year Four

Biomedical and Biological Sciences Research Project (Core,40 Credits)
Molecular Cell Interactions (Core,20 Credits)
Advanced Analytical Techniques (Core,20 Credits)
The Impact of Science on Society (Core,20 Credits)
Current Topics in Biology and Microbiology (Optional,20 Credits)
Applied Bioinformatics and Post Genomics (Optional,20 Credits)
Neuroscience in Practice (Optional,20 Credits)

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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