BSc (Hons) Biology
University of Lincoln
Key Information
Campus location
Lincoln, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* per level international students | UK students: £9,250 per level
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Introduction
Biology is the science of life itself, exploring the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms.
The BSc (Hons) Biology degree at Lincoln covers a diverse range of subject areas while allowing students to develop their own specialisms. The course includes opportunities for overseas fieldwork to study living organisms in their natural environments.
Students join a vibrant academic community in the Department of Life Sciences and can benefit from research-focused teaching by academics. There is an emphasis on practical work, with students conducting their own projects alongside academics and practising researchers.
Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild. For UK-based field trips, the University will cover the costs of transport, accommodation and meals at the field site.
How You Study
Throughout this course, students are able to study the many facets of biology, develop an understanding of research methods, and apply their learning in the laboratory and in the field.
The first year of this degree introduces students to the different elements of biology, including evolution, ecology, metabolism, microbial biochemistry, and genetics. In the second year, students can study a range of topics including molecular biology, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, clinical biochemistry and diagnostics, immunology, human ageing and disease, and conservation biology, alongside training in data handling and analysis.
In the third year, students can select from specialist areas including veterinary parasitology, applied biochemistry, cancer epidemiology and pathology, 21st-century medicine, blood sciences, plant-animal interactions, soil biology, global change biology, animal cognition and welfare, palaeobiology and behavioural ecology, in addition to undertaking an individual research project to develop independent investigation skills.
Teaching at Lincoln places a strong emphasis on students engaging actively with their studies from the outset. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as researchers and producers who can make a contribution to their field of study. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and practical classes, which cover the core subject matter and technical skills, supported by tutorials and seminars which allow students to develop, analyse, and present their own findings. Practical classes in the laboratory and field allow students to practise project management and data gathering, handling, and interpretation skills.
Students in this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. There is also an opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.
Modules
First Year
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
- Ecology (Core)
- Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
- Microbial Biochemistry (Core)
- Plant Structure and Function (Core)
- Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)
Second Year
- Conservation Biology (Core)
- Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
- Evolution (Core)
- Molecular Biology (Core)
- Animal Behaviour (Option)†
- Animal Health and Disease (Option)†
- Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (Option)†
- Human Ageing and Disease (Option)†
- Immunology (Option)†
- Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)†
- Reproduction and Development (Option)†
- SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
- UK Field Course (Option)†
Third Year
- Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
- Plant and Animal Interactions (Core)
- 21st Century Medicine (Option)†
- Animal Cognition and Welfare (Option)†
- Applied Biochemistry (Option)†
- Behavioural Ecology (Option)†
- Blood Sciences (Option)†
- Cancer Epidemiology and Pathology (Option)†
- Global Change Biology (Option)†
- Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (Option)†
- One Health (Option)†
- Overseas Field Course (Option)†
- Palaeobiology (Option)†
- Soil Biology (Option)†
- Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
Field Trips
Students can participate in a residential field trip in the UK, enabling them to study animals and plants in the wild. There is also an optional overseas field course in the third year which provides the opportunity to do research in a novel environment and to study local flora and fauna. Destinations may vary but have previously included the cloud forests of Ecuador, the Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa, Kevo in Finland, and Peniche in Portugal.
Students who opt to undertake a field trip overseas will be expected to cover transport costs (including flight costs). These costs will vary depending on the location of the field trip. Accommodation and meals at the field sites are fully funded by the University. Students may be required to pay for overnight stays, local travel, and food close to the destination if their flights arrive the day before the team is scheduled to meet.
Students are expected to cover the costs of personal items of clothing and travel equipment, some of which may be specialised for the environment they are travelling to, and recommended medicines and travel toiletries such as anti-malaria medication, vaccinations, insect repellent, and sunscreen. These costs will depend on what students choose to bring.
Optional Placement Year
All full-time Biology students may take an optional placement year between the second and third year of the programme. These placements are student-led, though they will be continuously supported by academic staff throughout. Placements provide the opportunity to gain work experience and a chance to hone students' skills in a professional environment. When students are on an optional placement, they will be required to cover their own transport, accommodation, and meal costs.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework such as laboratory exercises or reports, case studies, problem-solving exercises, essays, poster or oral group presentations, short answer and structured questions, and project reports. This is in addition to written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Fees and Scholarships
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
Entry Requirements
United Kingdom
- A Level: BBB, to include a grade B in Biology or Chemistry (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
- International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall to include Higher Level grade 5 in Biology or Chemistry.
- BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science*: Distinction, Distinction, Merit or equivalent. *not all modules are accepted.
- BTEC Diploma Applied Science is acceptable with other qualifications.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Biology or Chemistry.
- A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, and EPQ.
- Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.
The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
International
Non-UK Qualifications:
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.
EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
Career Opportunities
This course is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to enter a range of scientific and non-science-based roles in agriculture, biotechnology, animal sciences, and environmental protection. A wide range of career paths is available to biology graduates including research and development, technical roles, science communication and publishing, and scientific sales and marketing. Some students choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.
"The course opened up ideas and opportunities which I would not have been able to get anywhere else. All of the staff are exceptionally friendly, and approachable, and just want you to make the most out of your degree."
Demi Christofi, BSc (Hons) Biology graduate
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
How You Study
Throughout this course, students are able to study the many facets of biology, develop an understanding of research methods, and apply their learning in the laboratory and in the field.
The first year of this degree introduces students to the different elements of biology, including evolution, ecology, metabolism, microbial biochemistry, and genetics. In the second year, students can study a range of topics including molecular biology, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, clinical biochemistry and diagnostics, immunology, human ageing and disease, and conservation biology, alongside training in data handling and analysis.
In the third year, students can select from specialist areas including veterinary parasitology, applied biochemistry, cancer epidemiology and pathology, 21st-century medicine, blood sciences, plant-animal interactions, soil biology, global change biology, animal cognition and welfare, palaeobiology and behavioural ecology, in addition to undertaking an individual research project to develop independent investigation skills.
Teaching at Lincoln places a strong emphasis on students engaging actively with their studies from the outset. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as researchers and producers who can make a contribution to their field of study. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and practical classes, which cover the core subject matter and technical skills, supported by tutorials and seminars which allow students to develop, analyse, and present their own findings. Practical classes in the laboratory and field allow students to practise project management and data gathering, handling, and interpretation skills.
Students in this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. There is also an opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.
First Year
- Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
- Ecology (Core)
- Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
- Microbial Biochemistry (Core)
- Plant Structure and Function (Core)
- Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)
Second Year
- Conservation Biology (Core)
- Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
- Evolution (Core)
- Molecular Biology (Core)
- Animal Behaviour (Option)†
- Animal Health and Disease (Option)†
- Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (Option)†
- Human Ageing and Disease (Option)†
- Immunology (Option)†
- Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)†
- Reproduction and Development (Option)†
- SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
- UK Field Course (Option)†
Third Year
- Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
- Plant and Animal Interactions (Core)
- 21st Century Medicine (Option)†
- Animal Cognition and Welfare (Option)†
- Applied Biochemistry (Option)†
- Behavioural Ecology (Option)†
- Blood Sciences (Option)†
- Cancer Epidemiology and Pathology (Option)†
- Global Change Biology (Option)†
- Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (Option)†
- One Health (Option)†
- Overseas Field Course (Option)†
- Palaeobiology (Option)†
- Soil Biology (Option)†
- Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How You Are Assessed
The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework such as laboratory exercises or reports, case studies, problem-solving exercises, essays, poster or oral group presentations, short answer and structured questions, and project reports. This is in addition to written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.
Program Outcome
How You Study
Throughout this course, students are able to study the many facets of biology, develop an understanding of research methods, and apply their learning in the laboratory and in the field.
The first year of this degree introduces students to the different elements of biology, including evolution, ecology, metabolism, microbial biochemistry, and genetics. In the second year, students can study a range of topics including molecular biology, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, clinical biochemistry and diagnostics, immunology, human ageing and disease, and conservation biology, alongside training in data handling and analysis.
In the third year, students can select from specialist areas including veterinary parasitology, applied biochemistry, cancer epidemiology and pathology, 21st century medicine, blood sciences, plant-animal interactions, soil biology, global change biology, animal cognition and welfare, palaeobiology and behavioural ecology, in addition to undertaking an individual research project to develop independent investigation skills.
Teaching at Lincoln places a strong emphasis on students engaging actively with their studies from the outset. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as researchers and producers who can make a contribution to their field of study. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and practical classes, which cover the core subject matter and technical skills, supported by tutorials and seminars which allow students to develop, analyse, and present their own findings. Practical classes in the laboratory and field allow students to practise project management and data gathering, handling, and interpretation skills.
Students on this programe learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. There is also opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
This course is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to enter a range of scientific and non-science-based roles in agriculture, biotechnology, animal sciences, and environmental protection. A wide range of career paths are available to biology graduates including research and development, technical roles, science communication and publishing, and scientific sales and marketing. Some students choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.