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Study level:
Undergraduate

Course summary

Are you passionate about life on our planet, and issues such as human and animal health and sustainability?

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, our course aims to inspire you through the study of animals (including humans), plants and microbes. Study topics in genetics, cell biology, physiology, evolution, and conservation. Learn how to apply this knowledge to detect and treat diseases, protect endangered species, or create transformative biotechnology.

A range of optional modules taught by leaders in their field will allow you to tailor the course to your interests and career plans. It is also possible to switch to an integrated four-year master's course (MSci), depending on your grades in the second year. 
You will gain experience in a range of laboratory and field work techniques from your first semester. You will develop key skills in purpose-built teaching laboratories, with practical activities such as:

  • Neuroscience: how neurotransmitters interact with muscle cells

  • Immunology: immune cells and phagocytosis

  • Development: gene expression and mutation

  • Optional field trips to local nature reserves and international field centres

In year three you will do a year-long research project guided by a member of academic staff, where we will train you in transferable and advanced research skills.

Modules

There are a range of optional modules to choose from in every year of the course. You'll study these alongside core modules.

In your first year, you'll study the biology of animals, plants and microbes and the biochemical, evolutionary and genetic processes that underlie their biology. The experimental approach forms a key component to the year, with modules teaching practical skills and the principles of experimental design and analysis.

In your second year, a major theme is health and disease in humans, other animals and plants. You'll learn about the genetic and developmental basis of disease, the fundamental biology of pathogens and parasites, and what happens when the nervous system doesn’t work properly.

In your third year you'll work on a year-long research project, alongside studying optional modules. This major practical project that allows you to undertake your own biological investigation. In addition, there are wide-ranging optional modules. The research project is a biological investigation to suit your personal interests and aspirations, taken under the guidance of our expert academics.

If you choose to study the integrated masters (MSci), you’ll complete a year-long research project in your fourth year. This could be lab- or literature-based.

For the most up-to-date module information and full details, please visit the course page on our website.

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C100
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Biology and a second science at A level. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

Applications are assessed on an individual basis

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 0 credits

30 Level 3 credits at distinction of which 15 are in biology and 15 in a second science.

Scottish Higher - AABBB

in combination with grades AA in Scottish Advanced Highers, to include Biology and a second science. Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Applications are assessed on an individual basis

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Applications are assessed on an individual basis

Scottish Advanced Higher - AA

including Biology and a second science subject. Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology. Offers made in combination with grades AABBB in the Scottish Highers

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

6,6,5 at Higher level to include biology and another science subject at Higher Level. Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B

Acceptable in combination with 2 science A-level qualifications, to include Biology.

Extended Project - A

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English language or Literature and maths at grade 4 or above also required.

T Level - Not accepted

Biology is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:

Foundation Biological Science - 55%
Foundation Chemistry - 55%
Overall pass - 40%

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5no less than 6.0 in each element
TOEFL (iBT)87Minimum of 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

97% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
International£30750*Year 1
EU£30750*Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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