Course overview

In the first year, all students study core biology modules, giving you a strong foundation in the subject. In later stages, you will have a choice of specialist topics, many of which are linked to our research expertise, such as:

• molecular biology, genomics and development
• plant-animal interactions
• biodiversity and conservation

Lab and field-based sessions equip you with the scientific skills required by professional biologists. You gain practical experience through a species identification course, and a choice between an intensive project-based field course or laboratory workshop examining the application of molecular techniques.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Quality and ranking

Biology at Newcastle ranks 92nd in the Life Sciences category, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

The first year of this degree is shared with other degrees in the School. This provides all students with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of biology. You can transfer to one of our other Biology degrees before the second year should your interests change (subject to achieving the appropriate grades).

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Genetics and Evolution	20
Diversity of Life: Form and Function	20
Ecology and Conservation	20
Cells and Biomolecules	20
Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Crop Pests	10
Animal Health	10
Introduction to the Sedimentary Record	10
The Marine Environment	20
Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers	20
Introductory Oceanography	10

In Stage 2, you'll continue to build upon your skills, delving deeper into the field. Modules include field identification skills, plant biology, animal physiology, experimental design and statistics for biologists, and entomology. You'll also have the option to embark on a residential field course. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Field Identification Skills	10
Plant Biology 2	10
Animal Physiology	10
Microbiology 2	10
Experimental Design and Statistics for Biologists	10
Molecular Biology and Development	10
Vertebrate Biology	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Animal Parasitology	10
Entomology	10
Animal Behaviour	10
Pollution of Air, Water & Soil	10
Employability Skills for Biologists	10
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation	20
Methods in Biotechnology: Principles, Theory and Practice	20
Methods in Biotechnology: Principles and Theory	10
Residential Field Course	10

In Stage 3, you'll have the choice between completing a biological literature review, a biological research project, or a biological information project – an innovative public communication of science project, which will see you design, produce, and present materials aimed at a specific target audience. 

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Molecular Evolution and Systematics	20
Plant Biology 3	20

Optional Modules	Credits
Animal Ecophysiology	10
Ecological Modelling	10
Genomics	10
Cellular Systems	10
Biodiversity Science and Management	20
Applied Ecology	20
Biotechnology: Applications	20
Behavioural Ecology	10
Conservation and Ecological Research in Human-modified Landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa	10
Biological Literature Review	40
Biological Information Project	40
Biological Research Project	40
Creativity and Market Research in Science and Engineering	10

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

Throughout the programme, you'll be taught via a combination of methods, including:

• lectures
• lab work
• field work
• seminars 
• tutor group sessions

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Assignments – written or fieldwork

• 

  Dissertation or research project

• 

  Essays

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

• 

  Practical sessions

• 

  Presentations

• 

  Projects

• 

  Reflective report/journal

Skills and experience

Research skills

During your studies, you'll have access to our dedicated labs and research facilities, including a field station, two research farms, and an on-campus museum with a whole host of biological collections. 

Your learning will be strongly informed by the school's research, and you'll be taught by experts at the forefront of their respective fields. 

Business skills

The optional employability skills for biologists module will equip you with real-world business skills, including a 35-hour work placement.

Previous students have completed placements at organisations including the Great North Museum Learning Team, the Great North Museum Library, and the Gorilla Project. 

You'll also have the opportunity to complete a work placement between stages 2 and 3, as well as taking part in University-wide expeditions on an extra-curricular basis. 

Hands-on experience

This is a highly practical course and you'll spend much of your time the lab or off campus on a half-day field trip. You'll develop practical skills by observing and experimenting in the lab and the field, using scientific apparatus.

Several modules include fieldwork, such as field identification skills and mammal surveying skills.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus. 

Away from the main campus, you'll have access to teaching at our two University-run farms. These are used as demonstration facilities as well as a field station with glasshouse and dedicated teaching facilities. 

On campus, you'll receive teaching in our purpose-built laboratories and be able to visit the Great North Museum, where there's a range of important biological collections. There's also our controlled-environment aquaria in the Ridley Building. 

Support

As a new student, you'll receive a tablet, so you can download online learning resources, helping to make our campus more sustainable.

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Your future

Recent graduates have taken roles such as researcher, environmental monitoring officer, science explainer, and science writer, within organisations such as RSPB, WWT, and Natural England. 

Many students also go on to further education, pursuing masters degrees, PHDs, postgraduate teaching qualifications, and medicine and law courses. 

Having developed a broad range of transferable skills, you'll also have career prospects in industries as diverse as banking and retail management, media production, and adventure tourism. 

Industry links

The faculty has built strong links with leading organisations, including:

• National Trust
• Natural History Society of Northumbria
• WWT
• National Parks Authority
• GENEIUS

These links will provide opportunities to secure work placements, internships, and volunteer roles, as well as building up an invaluable network of contacts in the sector. 

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)

UK Students

£9250

International Students

£22800

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• scholarships for students applying to study at our London campus
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages