Biology with Foundation Year

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.

• Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.

• Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.

• Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.

• Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.

Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll be taught by experts on this course – all our staff are active researchers. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring your taught material is at the forefront of science. You’ll also have opportunities to complete your own research, and you’ll work on real-world projects alongside industry professionals to develop your commercial awareness.

We’ll teach you to apply your knowledge to increasingly complex problems, encouraging you to think independently. You’ll develop a questioning, probing approach and apply creative solutions to difficult issues. We’ll make sure you are stretched and challenged through real-world case studies, presentations and peer and self-assessments.

You’ll learn through:

• In-person seminars, lectures and workshops

• Independent study, supported by tutorials and your academic adviser

• Practical laboratory experiences with industry-standard equipment

• Placements

• Research opportunities

• Field work

• Real-life projects

• Simulated environments

• Networking opportunities

Key themes

In your first year, you’ll study introductory cellular biochemistry, organs and tissues – as well as plant, microbial and animal evolution in an environmental context.

In your second year, we’ll cover evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and the human biological condition, plus cell, molecular and synthetic biology.

In your final year you explore plant, microbial and environmental biotechnology – with an emphasis on industrial applications for synthetic biology with associated regulatory affairs, ethical and societal aspects of biology. You’ll choose from a wide range of modules this year, and you’ll complete an independent research project.

Course support

Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:

• Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.

• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Live projects

You’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects for real-world organisations such as Galileo Pharmaceuticals – a company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.

Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.

You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.

Year 1

**Compulsory modules **

Concepts In Biology And Chemistry

Developing Skills For Science

Foundation Skills For Science

Foundations Of Biology And Chemistry

**Year 2 **

**Compulsory modules **

Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists

Evolution And Environmental Biology

Fundamentals Of Life Sciences

Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists

**Year 3 **

**Compulsory modules **

Applying Professional Skills For Scientists

Developing Professional Skills For Scientists

Ecology, Advanced Evolution And Animal Behaviour

Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry

**Year 4 **

**Compulsory modules **

Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry

**Final year **

**Compulsory modules **

Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists

Plant And Environmental Biotechnology

Research Project

**Elective modules **

Advanced Genetics

Applications Of Data Science

Applied Biochemistry

Human Nutrition And Health

Neurobiology And Neurophysiology

Pharmacology

Coursework
Exams
Practicals

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Royal Society of Biology