This programme is designed to gain an in-depth understanding of living organisms, their origins, how they function and how they interact with their natural environment. Genome sequencing and stem cell biology are only two examples of major recent advances in the biological sciences with a profound impact on society, on our perception of nature and on the prospects for new avenues to treating complex diseases.

Our modular degree programme provides a solid knowledge base in the biological sciences and the opportunity to follow your interests and curiosity as the course unfolds. This course particularly emphasises practical training and research skills, as well as the development of transferable skills that can be deployed in a wide range of professional settings. The Masters year, which extends the three year BSc programme, is devoted to developing research competence through a multi-faceted teaching and research programme.

Course structure

First year

In the first year, you will take modules reflecting the full range of biology - from molecules to cells to organisms and to the environment. Up to a third of the timetabled sessions will be devoted to practical work, as the hands-on experience of working with living organisms supports and enhances a solid understanding of biological concepts.

Second year

In addition to core courses in molecular biology and evolution, you will spend two-thirds of your time studying elective modules. We offer a range of topics, including animal biology, microbiology, genetics and ecology. If you are interested in organisms and how they interact with their environment you will have the opportunity to participate in field work. Elective modules offered include the following, of which students in the second year normally choose five.

Third year

The modules we offer to final year students are strongly influenced by current research in the School of Biosciences. They reflect exciting developments across the biological sciences. All students of the Biological Sciences programme participate in the compulsory module - Biology, Communication and the Media.

In the third year, you will have the opportunity to perform a small research project, which can involve either laboratory-based research or an extensive review of the current research literature in a given area. Project work can also include a field course. Current field courses lead you to a research site in Florida, or, in alternate years, to Trentham Estate where you will study behavioural ecology and sociobiology of free roaming Barbary macaques.

Final year (Masters year)

The final year is devoted to developing and honing research skills. The central element to achieve competence in research is the research project, which extends over both semesters of the year and which takes up about 50% of the work effort. In addition, MSci students attend two skills modules Research Development and Research Techniques, as well as a taught module drawn from the specialist modules of the third year. The programme involves mandatory attendance at research seminars given by external researchers visiting the School, which are documented through extended summaries, and data handling and problem solving sessions, including the development of a grant proposal and business plan.

Take a virtual tour of one of
our teaching labs

As a Birmingham student you are part of an academic research elite and will learn from world-leading experts. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent thinker, however you will have plenty of contact with the staff who teach you.

• Lectures - Your learning will take place in a range of different settings, from scheduled teaching in lectures and small group tutorials, to self-study and peer group learning. As well as traditional whiteboard and pen, our lecture theatres are equipped with the latest techology including movies and animations, molecular graphics and ‘ask the audience’ style electronic voting systems. Student interaction using various social media is encouraged before, during and after lectures.
• Practical classes - Laboratory-based practical work is an integral part of our degree. A typical practical session will last 3 hours  delivering important transferable skills, experience of practical work is essential if you wish to move into a research career and is valued by a wide range of employers. You will be able to engage with academic and post graduate researchers who will help you during these practical sessions.
• Field courses - Biological Sciences students have the opportunity to develop their field skills on a wide range of field courses in different environments. See the Course Modules tab for details.
• Tutorials - A personal tutorial system is an essential feature of our degree programme and your tutors will help you in three important areas: supporting your academic progress, developing transferable skills and helping with any welfare issues.

To begin with you may find university level education challenging, but we will support you to enable you to make this transition. You will have access to a comprehensive support system in the School, including personal tutors and welfare tutors, who can help with both academic and welfare issues throughout your course. You will have a formal transition review during your first year to check on your progress and identify areas where you may need some additional support, and the School’s academic small group tutorial system will provide you with skills based support throughout the course.

Clinical anatomist, author and broadcaster Alice Roberts is the University's Professor of Public Engagement in Science. You can watch Alice's lecture Origins of us: Human Anatomy and Evolution above.  

Alice carries out a range of academic duties which include teaching second year Biosciences students.

Graduates of the University of Birmingham are highly regarded among employers in the UK, and a Biological Sciences degree from Birmingham is an excellent qualification for securing your future career in a diverse range of industries and employment sectors. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Advances in the biosciences are having a profound impact on our daily lives in areas from human health to conservation. Biotechnology, biological pharmaceuticals, and personalised medicine are key growth areas in the health sector. Environmental remediation, climate change and related themes pose multi-faceted challenges for the coming decades. Expert knowledge in biology and the life sciences will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, with bright prospects for exciting and rewarding careers in research, teaching, industry, the NHS and the public sector.

A substantial part of our graduates choose to take a further degree, a Masters or PhD. For many career paths, a further degree is an essential stepping-stone, including (but not limited to) careers in research. Our graduates are highly sought after by universities around the world, many stay in Birmingham and join one of our prestigious research groups. Did you know that PhDs are fully funded and that postgraduate students receive a tax free stipend equivalent to a salary?

In order to help you build an attractive CV, bursaries from the University can help fund a summer internship in a research laboratory or in a company. Also, you can apply for one of the highly prestigious (and competitive) Alumni Leadership Mentoring or Global Challenge programmes of the University, which provide unique opportunities to see top notch organisation from an insider perspective. Furthermore, the Personal Skills Award (PSA) scheme gives formal recognition to skills you acquired outside the course, for instance when volunteering for a charity or taking on responsibility within the Guild of Students. Last but not least, our 4-year course options (MSci, Professional Placement, Year Abroad) are key to giving you an edge in a competitive job market.

Helping you find the right career

The University and the School of Biosciences provide a range of services to support you in finding a career you might enjoy and to build a CV that stands out from the crowd. During term time, professional career advisers hold weekly drop-in sessions, discussing with you how to prepare a CV and cover letters, the graduate application process and how to explore possible career paths. An annual Biosciences Careers Fair brings employers from the life sciences sector to our School for networking and discussions, while in the Biosciences Insight series, professionals highlight the diverse employment opportunities in the life sciences in weekly sessions throughout the term.