Biology (with foundation year)

Tackle global challenges like genetic engineering to climate change, with this hands-on learning degree.

This flexible programme allows you to follow your interests into specialist areas or keep your options open and develop a broad knowledge of the science of living things.

You’ll learn from award-winning experts both in the lab and on field trips. Study core topics like genetics and genomics, microbiology, evolution, cell biology and biological diversity, and gain industry-standard lab skills in cutting-edge techniques like genetic analysis, microscopy, DNA sequencing and DNA programming.

Extend your studies by taking one of our residential field trips or learn to scuba dive alongside your studies.¹

The Foundation Year is an extra year of study at the start of your degree. It’s designed to boost your academic skills and knowledge of your specialist area. When you successfully complete it, you can transfer seamlessly into the full degree programme.

Why study at Hull?

• Industry-standard facilities: Put theory into practice in facilities that include super-computing power for genomic analysis and a 33,000-litre tropical aquarium. Learn the latest techniques for investigating genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry in our Advanced Training Lab.

• Award-winning tuition: We’re a small, friendly, supportive group with three Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year winners in our department.

• Field trips abroad: Learn essential skills for ecological careers on an overseas residential field trip to places such as Brazil or Mallorca.

Where could this take me?

Past graduates have gained jobs in the bioscience industries, teaching, veterinary medicine, ecological consultancy and as scientists in government and non-government organisations. You’ll graduate with in-demand field, analytical and lab skills that set you apart from the competition and let you follow your interests.

You could also go on to further study through either Masters or PhD level qualifications and become a scientific leader of the future.

¹ Choose subsidised dive training as part of our Ecology module and become a PADI-certified Advanced Open Water Diver (extra fee may be payable).

Core modules include:

Microbiology
Diversity of Life
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Genetic analysis
Molecular Evolution and Genomics
Vertebrate Zoology
Biological Futures

Optional modules include:

Human Physiology
Ecology (with optional dive training)
Biological Basis of Disease
Cancer Biology
Pharmacology and Diagnostics
Conservation Biology
Cellular Regulation and Biotechnology
Animal Behaviour

Foundation Year Modules:

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
Introduction to Biological Sciences 1
Introduction to Data Analysis
Group Challenge (Sciences)
Introduction to Biological Sciences 2
Foundation Maths Skills

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.