Biological Sciences
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: C112 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Aston University, Birmingham
UCAS Code: C112 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
BBB in three A level subjects including Biology. BBC in three A level subjects including Biology and B in either Core Maths or Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). BCC in three A-level subjects including Biology for our contextual offer scheme (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). RESITS: We welcome applications from students who have tried to improve their examination grades by taking resits and the highest grades will be accepted. We treat these applications in the same way as other applications. PREDICATIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: Whilst the grades listed here are the entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are only estimates, so we consider applications where predicted grades are slightly below the entry requirements if the overall application is strong. We also consider applicants who have already achieved a minimum of CCC grades at the application stage on a case-by-case basis, provided their application is strong, they have a robust academic reference, and any gaps in their academic record are explained.
Access to HE Diploma
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 distinctions and 30 merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification, and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement. Subjects Accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Five GCSEs which must include Mathematics and English all at grade C/4. Please note we do not accept Key skills or Functional skills in place of these.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
31 points overall and must include grades 5, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. OrR 28 points overall and must include grades 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects which must include Biology. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language for contextual offer students (more details: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with 5 subjects at Higher Level. Must achieve H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 and includes Biology at grade H3 or above
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grade B in A-Level Biology. Contextual offer students must also achieve grade C in A-Level Biology (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A levels of which one must be Biology. Contextual offer students must also achieve grade BC in two A levels of which one must be Biology (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
BTEC RQF* – National in Applied Science D*D*D* (you do not require an additional A Level) BTEC QCF* in Applied Science DDD and you must also achieve grade B in A Level Biology. Contextual offer students must also achieve grade C in A-Level Biology (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC which is QCF or RQF – National then you must achieve DDD and grade B in A Level Biology. *QCF – Qualification Credit Framework, RQF – Regulated Qualification Framework. If you are unsure of the exact BTEC Qualification name, please contact your school or college provider to confirm.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A levels of which one must be Biology. Contextual offer students must also achieve grade BC in two A levels of which one must be Biology (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready).
Scottish Advanced Higher
must include Biology
Scottish Higher
Must include Biology at Higher Level.
This will accepted in place of one A Level but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
From the gene to the cell, to the whole person; if you have a passion for exploring how the human body works, study the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences at Aston University.
**Course overview**
Biology encompasses many areas of scientific study such as living organisms, life cycles, adaptations, and the environment. Biological science also incorporates a wealth of exciting and diverse topics from biochemistry and biotechnology to genetics, microbiology, and physiology.
Our BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences offers you an incredible mix of top-quality teaching, world-class research and the opportunity to gain real-world experience with our optional placement year. For those who achieve the required grades in the second year, you will be given the option to enhance your learning by transferring onto our master's programme; giving you the platform to be a research and development leader and innovator of the future.
**Professional accreditation**
As a BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences student, you will learn the skills to work as a competent scientist in various professional settings. Royal Society of Biology (RSB) accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, preparing you to address the needs of employers. The criteria set by the RSB require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
**Year 1**
Study a range of key bioscience topics where you will gain knowledge of the structure, function, synthesis and degradation of biomolecules, how genetic material is stored and inherited, and how to work safely in a laboratory setting.
**Year 2**
Build your knowledge gained in your first year, as well as discover exciting new topics all while developing the skills to apply fundamental biological concepts to experimental and real-world problems.
After year 2, students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the integrated masters MBiol programme. You can choose to take the placement year as MBiol Biological Sciences is available as 4 years without placement or 5 years with a placement year.
**Placement year**
You will have the opportunity to gain valuable career-boosting experience by setting your studies in the real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals. Designed to make you stand out in the graduate crowd, you can undertake placements in hospital, industrial or research laboratories, as well as non-laboratory settings. Our students have completed placements in Clinical trial companies, Research institutes, Breweries, The food industry, Pharmaceutical companies (e.g. AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline), Medical sales, and Biotechnology companies.
**Final year / penultimate MBiol year**
Develop the skills required to complete a substantial original research project and choose from a selection of advanced subjects those that most suit your future career aspirations.
Students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the MBiol Biological Sciences integrated masters programme which holds Advanced Degree Accreditation by the RSB*. This advanced accreditation recognises academic excellence in biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The criteria require evidence that graduates from the course meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
*Please note we do not offer a Foundation Programme, if you select year 0 on your application form this will be amended to year 1 at admissions review stage.
Modules
Year 1 Study a range of key bioscience topics where you will gain knowledge of the structure, function, synthesis and degradation of biomolecules, how genetic material is stored and inherited, and how to work safely in a laboratory setting.
Core modules: Biomolecules, Cells to Systems, Microbiology and Genetics, and Metabolic Physiology for Biology.
Year 2 Build your knowledge gained in your first year, as well as discovering exciting new topics all while developing the skills to apply fundamental biological concepts to experimental and real-world problems.
Core modules: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Mechanisms of Pathology, Human Disease, and Cell Signalling and Physiology.
Placement Year (Optional) Opportunity to gain valuable career-boosting experience by setting your studies in a real-world context of a working environment alongside professionals.
This course is available as BSc Biological Science (3 year without placement) or BSc Biological Science (4 year with placement year) and both options are available to home, EU, and international students. After year 2, students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the integrated masters MBiol programme. Please note you can choose to take the placement year as MBiol Biological Science is available as 4 year without placement or 5 year with placement year.
Final Year (BSc) Develop the skills required to complete a substantial original research project and choose from a selection of advanced subjects those that most suit your future career aspirations.
Core modules include Research Project Preparation, Research Project and Professional Development for Biological Scientists. In addition, you will complete a series of specialist optional modules. Final Year MBiol (Optional) Students who achieve a minimum of 65% in their second year will be given the option to transfer onto the integrated masters MBiol programme. Please note you can choose to take the placement year as MBiol Biological Sciences is available as 4 year without placement or 5 year with placement year. In the final year for MBiol Biological Sciences students will complete a substantial six-month research project, where you will get the opportunity to work alongside postgraduates and post-doctoral fellows in addition to studying advanced masters level modules
Assessment methods
You will be continuously assessed throughout the course with a wide range of assessments linked to learning outcomes, such as; exams, essay writing, practical and laboratory reports, presentations and peer assessment.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Please visit our helpful webpage for applicants: https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/your-application/funding
The Uni
Aston University, Birmingham
School of Biosciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Biosciences (non-specific)
Teaching and learning
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Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Biosciences (non-specific)
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
These stats refer to the prospects of graduates from general courses in biosciences. About a quarter go into further study and for those who go into work, bioscience, teaching and finance jobs are the most common types of employment. But you can go into most careers with this kind of degree — the majority of jobs for graduates don’t ask for a particular degree subject - and you will acquire a wide range of skills valued by many employers. If you want to find out more specifically about the prospects for your chosen subject, it might be a good idea to go on open days and talk to tutors about what previous graduates from your chosen subject went on to do.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Biosciences (non-specific)
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£27k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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