Biological Sciences (BSc / Diploma of Higher Education / Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry
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Overview
This programme provides a firm foundation in biological sciences. It develops both the intellectual and the practical skills needed to understand biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. The teaching is informed by the research interests of the academic staff, which cover key areas across a range of biological sciences, including botany, microbiology and zoology.
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Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Develops both the intellectual and the practical skills needed to understand biological systems.
- Provides a firm foundation in biological sciences, preparing you for employment or further training.
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Course structure
You will take three modules (90 credits) each year. Modules in Years 1 and 2 provide a general grounding in skills and a basic knowledge of biology. In Years 3 and 4, advanced modules provide more specialisation.
Year 1
- Field Biology
- From Molecules to Ecosystems
- Practical Skills for the Biosciences.
Year 2
- Cells: Membranes, Energy and Metabolism
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Introduction to Microbes and Plants.
Years 3 and 4
- Advanced Topics in Biodiversity (2012 start)
- Environmental Biology (2013 start)
- Evolutionary Biology (2012 start)
- Microbes and Antimicrobials (2013 start)
- Research Methods and Statistics (runs every year) .
In the final year of the BSc, you must undertake a Biology Literature Project (30 credits) and additional modules to the value of 60 credits. For eligible students, one of these may include a Biology Experimental Project (30 credits).
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Study resources
Most modules have online support via our online learning environment.
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Further study opportunities
- We offer MSc programmes in: Health and Disease; Microbiology; Bioinformatics with Systems Biology; Structural Molecular Biology; and Structural Biology.
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Careers information
Graduates go on to careers in scientific research, in the health sector or public health settings, or in environmental organisations. Visit our list of biology careers websites to find out more.
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Further details
Learning objectives
On successful completion of this course, you should be able to demonstrate:- sound knowledge of a wide range of living organisms
- an understanding of many aspects of biological systems, from cell biology to evolution and from molecules to communities
- awareness of current advances and challenges in the biological sciences
- knowledge and familiarity of the following: critical reasoning; hypothesis formulation and testing; problem solving; information gathering; summarising
- an ability to handle quantitative data (including statistical analysis)
- the ability to apply cognitive and practical skills to experimental and/or literature-based research in the biological sciences.
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Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
- We recommend you apply as early as possible. Later applications may also be considered, subject to availability of places
- Interviews held throughout the year.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews
