c100 - Biology BSc
Biology BSc Honours
UCAS Code: C100 (full time: 3 Years)
Course Overview
Our three-year Biology BSc Honours degree is the widest-ranging of our BSc degrees, dealing with all forms of life, at all scales, from cells and molecules to whole organisms and ecosystems.
At a Glance
UCAS Code
C100
UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded
BSc Honours
Course Duration
3 Years
Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB-ABB
IB: 32-34 points
Opportunities
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.
Quality and ranking
Biology at Newcastle ranks 92nd in the Life Sciences category, Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
Boost your employability with a work placement
Apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability.
Find out more about Work Placements.
Study Abroad
You have the opportunity to take part in a study abroad exchange in your second year through our non-EU exchange scheme.
Opportunities exist in Canada, the USA and Australia. Alternatively you can arrange to study abroad for one semester.
Find out more about study abroad.
Shared first year
The first year is shared with other degrees in the School, providing all students with a thorough foundation in the essentials of the subject.
This shared first year provides you with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of biology, through topics such as the diversity of form and function in animals, plants and micro-organisms.
You also study modules in:
- ecology
- evolution
- biochemistry
- cell biology
- genetics
- a topic from a choice in agriculture, marine biology or psychology
You can transfer to one of our other degrees before the second year should your interests change (subject to achieving the appropriate grades).
Fieldwork
All of our Biology and Zoology degrees are designed to ensure that you gain practical experience. As well as laboratory-based practical classes, you have the opportunity to take part in a number of field courses including the courses detailed below.
Species identification field course
This field course takes place in second year, providing skills that are sought after in the environmental sector. You pick any two from plants, insects and birds.
Residential field course
This project-based residential field course takes place in third year. Current locations include Kielder, Millport and Crete. You can also take an optional mammal surveying skills module in the UK or a tropical conservation research module.
Day excursions
Day excursions take advantage of our unique geographic location close to a variety of natural habitats, from Northumberland National Park to the stunning local coastline.
We also offer a vocational placement module, which enables you to enhance your CV by gaining academic credit for work in biology off campus.
Facilities and support
This degree is run by the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences.
Facilities
Facilities include:
- a field station which has a glasshouse complex and dedicated teaching facilities
- two University farms in Northumberland, which are used as demonstration facilities for students
- purpose-built teaching laboratories
- an on-campus museum – the Great North Museum – with many interesting and important biological collections
Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. This enables you to download the online learning resources you'll need for your course and helps us to make our campus more sustainable.
You will have an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have.
Social activities
There's a student-led society, BioSoc, which organises regular social events and trips for its friendly cohort of students.
Oskar, Biology BSc HonoursThe lecturers have been knowledgeable and engaging. They all truly love their subjects making them want their students to love it, this makes them very effective teachers.
Modules for 2019 entry
Please note
The module and/or programme information below is for 2019 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested (in an optional module). To find out more read our terms and conditions.
Module/programme information for 2020 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2020).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules
- BIO1020 Genetics and Evolution
- BIO1021 Diversity of Life: Form and Function
- BIO1022 Ecology and Conservation
- BIO1023 Cells and Biomolecules
- MST1204 Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences
Optional modules
You choose 20 credits from the following list:
- ACE1022 Crop Pests
- ACE1042 Animal Health
- CEG1603 Introduction to the Sedimentary Record
- MST1203 The Marine Environment
- MST1206 Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers
- MST1207 Introductory Oceanography
Other optional modules may also be available.
Stage 2
Compulsory modules
- BIO2003 Field Identification Skills*
- BIO2004 Plant Biology 2
- BIO2014 Animal Physiology
- BIO2017 Microbiology 2
- BIO2020 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biologists
- BIO2022 Molecular Biology and Development
- BIO2029 Vertebrate Biology
*BIO2003 takes place prior to Stage 2
Optional modules
You choose ONE of the following modules:
You choose optional modules to the value of 20/30 credits from the following list (total credit weighting should be 120):
- BIO2006 Entomology
- BIO2013 Animal Behaviour
- BIO2018 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil
- BIO2021 Employability Skills for Biologists
- BIO2028 Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
- BIO2031 Biotechnology 1: Principles and Theory*
*BIO2031 not available if you take BIO2030
Work Placement (optional)
You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so. It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability. Find out more about Work Placements.
If you choose this option, you take the following:
Stage 3
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
You choose one module from the following:
You choose one module from the following list:
- BIO3197 Biological Literature Review
- BIO3198 Biological Information Project
- BIO3199 Biological Research Project
You also choose 30 credits from the following list:
- BIO3003 Ecological Modelling
- BIO3019 Genomics
- BIO3032 Cellular Systems
- BIO3039 Biodiversity Science and Management
- BIO3040 Applied Ecology
- BIO3042 Biotechnology: Applications
- SUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science and Engineering
- BIO3047 Conservation and Ecological Research in Human-modified Landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa*
**BIO3047 takes place prior to Stage 3. Alternative modules may also be available.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
Careers
Biology careers
The range of skills that you acquire as a Biology or Zoology student opens the door to a wide variety of career options.
Some graduates go into jobs in research and development in:
- biological industries
- universities
- the NHS and other organisations
Others go on to postgraduate training, undertaking an MSc or PhD.
Graduates have also pursued careers in areas such as:
- sales and management in biological industries
- environmental management
- teaching
- environmental education
- science communication
Others use their degree as a stepping stone into very different careers, such as: banking and retail management; media production, event management and advertising; and adventure tourism.
Find out more about the career options for Biological Sciences from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.
What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices
See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates.
The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.
Careers and employability at Newcastle
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Applying to Newcastle University through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS codes for Newcastle University
- institution name - NEWC
- institution code - N21
UCAS buzzword
Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.
All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.
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.
Making your application
On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:
- application deadlines and other important dates
- offers and tracking your application
Application decisions and enquiries
Find out more about our admissions process and who to contact if you need help with your application.