Biology (with Foundation Year)

Study the science of life – a varied and exciting discipline that takes you from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

• Cover all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems.

• Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

• Build a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills.

• Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests and choose from a range of specialisms, all underpinned by sustainability.

• Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in the life sciences, and take advantage of local opportunities in biological data science, bioinformatics and more.

• Gain experience on internships with our research-active staff, or and apply for placements with a range of employers.

Biology is the study of life. Life on earth is fascinating, astonishing, diverse and beautiful, and the course aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of the wide variety of living organisms. Your knowledge will encompass how organisms evolve, their physiology, and how they function within the environment.

However, all life is currently under threat; with man-made (anthropogenic) change affecting the earth and all its systems. The biological sciences offer us a wide range of tools which can be used to alleviate these effects and preserve our natural environment, both for the benefit of plants, animals and humans, and for their current and future generations.

This degree in Biology offers a multidisciplinary approach, preparing you to evaluate aspects of all life on earth, and provide solutions to ensure a sustainable future.

You'll have the opportunity to select pathways within the course aligned to your specific interests, including but not limited to:

• Cell/molecular/laboratory

• Genetics/evolution/bioinformatics

• Plants/microbes/biotechnology

• Whole organisms (animals/humans)/environment/field skills

Principles of sustainability underpin much of the teaching throughout the course.

You'll have the opportunity to engage with field trips in the local area and further afield. Additional self-funded field trips are also available.

Year 1:
Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
Information and Communication Technology
Maths for Scientists
Cellular Biology
Critical Thinking
Biology: Physiology
Chemistry
Physics for Life Sciences

Year 2:
Principles of Biology (30 credits)
Quantitative Techniques and Tools for Biologists (30 credits)
Introduction to Genetics and Genomics (15 credits)
Physiology of Organisms (30 credits)
Ecology and Sustainability (15 credits)
Continuing Professional Development - Level 4

Year 3 Core Modules:
Principles of Genetics (15 credits)
Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Preparation for Research (15 credits)
Continuing Professional Development

Year 3 Optional Modules:
Vertebrate Biology (15 credits)
Invertebrate Biology (15 credits)
Plants and Microbial Sciences (15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits)
Laboratory Techniques for Bioinformatics (15 credits)
Field Skills in Biology (15 credits)
Animal Health and Disease (15 credits)
GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits)
Proteomics and Molecular Structures (15 credits)

Year 4 Core Modules:
Undergraduate Project (30 credits)
Developmental Biology and Genetics (15 credits)
Policy, Globalisation, and Economics of Sustainability (15 credits)

Year 4 Optional Modules:
Biogeography (15 credits)
Comparative Ecophysiology (15 credits)
Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits)
Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits)
Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits)
Current Advances in Bioinformatics (15 credits)
Current Advances in Plant and Microbial Sciences (15 credits)
Current Advances in Evolution and Biodiversity (15 credits)
Systems Biology (15 credits)

Throughout the course, we’ll use a range of assessment methods to measure your progress. Besides exams, these include essays, practical reports, computer-based assessments, presentations, debates, classroom- or laboratory-based tests, and reviews of scientific papers.