The ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner solving problems using the latest analytical and computational techniques has been identified by several Research Councils and independent reviews as an essential attribute for graduates entering the world of employment in the 21st century. Our new Life Sciences BSc has been designed to fulfil this need. Graduates of this programme will be equipped to work in a variety of professions requiring an understanding of Life Sciences, as well as other professions that value analytical skills and logical thinking.

On completion of the degree, students should have the ability to see science in a modern, interdisciplinary context having cultivated transferable skills and a broad range of problem solving abilities. A strong emphasis is placed on employability and professional skills with students being encouraged to appreciate the unique qualities of their degree that set them apart in the marketplace. The programme will enhance employability by equipping graduates with skills in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, experimental techniques, information technology, team working and time management which are highly valued in the job market . Many careers in the Life Sciences are open to our graduates in the public and the private sector. These include the life science industries, clinical genetics laboratories, clinical trials and the regulatory sector, in sales and marketing related to healthcare and diagnostic products, in diagnostic pathology and clinical laboratories, human performance laboratories, forensic laboratories, government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes, in research and development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries, and research laboratories in universities.

Further opportunities will exist in areas such as environmental regulation and monitoring, conservation, animal welfare. Alternatively, our graduates would also be well equipped to pursue many career options outside of science in business, finance and information technology, for example, in scientific journalism, in business administration as a management consultant or in finance and banking. Careers in the Public Sector would also be open to such graduates, such as in science teaching or in the civil service. Students who have specialised in a defined, interdisciplinary, scientific field may proceed to study at postgraduate level (Master’s and PhD).  

Level 1 

There is a common programme of study at Level 1 that will give a firm foundation for later specialisation. We aim to give students a broad, core foundation of knowledge across the life sciences, in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, biological psychology and environmental sciences. A comprehensive practical and analytical skills programme supports the development of the student’s laboratory and statistical analysis skills.

Level 2

In the second year students choose two streams of specialisation, giving a broad and interdisciplinary scientific education. Students select from a range of recommended stream pairings from: biochemistry, cell biology, cognitive neuroscience, computational data analytics, environmental health, evolution and behaviour, genetics, infection and immunity and sport and exercise sciences (details of allowed stream combinations can be found here). Since so many problems in the life sciences require knowledge of computer programming, all students undertake a module in introductory bioinformatics. Students are also able to broaden their knowledge further by selecting elective study blocks in non-science subjects, such as languages, management studies, computing or creative writing from outside the Department of Life Sciences.

Level 3 

At the end of the second year, students choose one of their Level 2 streams as a major Stream for their final year of study and maintain the other as their minor stream. We will give students in-depth knowledge of the cutting edge of current research and research in their streams of study while also allowing them to further widen their study with another elective module from outside the Department of Life Sciences. Students will therefore gain both depth and breadth of knowledge. Students will develop a research project in their major stream. This will develop confident graduates who are able to critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and communicate science in an interdisciplinary manner across the life sciences.

Level 1

Compulsory
Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics
Biochemistry
Biosphere
Foundations of Psychology: Brain and Cognition
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Practical Research Skills
Quantitative Research Skills
Synoptic Assessment in Life Sciences 1: Teamwork and Presentation 

Level 2

Compulsory 
Career Skills in Life Sciences
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Synoptic Assessment in Life Sciences 2: Interdisciplinary Literature Interrogation and Synthesis

Optional streams (students choose two from the allowed combinations)

Biochemistry

Metabolic Regulation
Analytical Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Molecular and Cellular Biology
Animal Development
Principles of Human Disease

Cognitive Neuroscience

Biological Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Developmental Psychology

Computational Data Analytics

Introductory Programming
Logic and Computation

Environmental Health

Ecosystem Stressors
Environmental Health

Evolution & Behaviour

Biological Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Social Psychology

Genetics

Genetic Engineering
Molecular and Cellular Biology
History of Genetics

Infection and Immunity

Immunobiology
Medical Microbiology
Principles of Human Disease

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Theory and Application in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Biomechanics of Human Movement
Applying Sport Sciences to Practice
Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology 

Level 3

Compulsory
Final year research project
Synoptic Assessment in Life Sciences 3: Research Methods, Culture and Communication

Students take all study listed for their major stream and half of the study listed for their minor stream.

Biochemistry

Medical Biochemistry
Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology

Cell Biology (only available as a minor at L3)

Cellular Pathologies

Cognitive Neuroscience (any two from)

Practical Investigations of Mind and Brain
The Cognitive Neuroscience of Consciousness
Drugs, Hormones & the Brain

Computational Data Analytics

Algorithms and their Applications
Software Development and Management

Environmental Health

Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
Health and Society

Evolution & Behaviour

Animal Behaviour
Evolutionary Psychology

Genetics

Gene Therapy
Genomic Medicine

Infection and Immunity

Medical Immunology
Microbial Pathogenesis

Sport and Exercise Sciences

Biomechanical Analysis Techniques
Physiology of the High Performance Athlete
Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
Applying Sport Sciences to Practice

Final year project

In your final year students will conduct an independent empirical research project under the supervision of an academic in the Department of Life Sciences. Final year projects are often the most fulfilling aspect of the course.

Projects may take a variety of forms (from lab-based research to complex data analysis), but will be related to the area of specialisation of a student’s Major Stream, and potentially also related to their future career plans. Your project experience is often what sets you apart as an individual and employers usually ask about your project in interviews.

• GPA 5.0 or 80%

75% is required in any specific subjects that are stated in GCE A-level entry requirements above.

• IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 51 (51 in all subscores)
• BrunELT: 60% (min 55% in all areas)