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  • Biological Sciences (BSc / Diploma of Higher Education / Certificate of Higher Education)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • All modules have coursework assessment, including in-class tests, practical reports, essays, problem-solving and data analysis worksheets, oral communication and poster presentations, internet surveys and roleplay. Some modules in Years 3 and 4 have an unseen written examination.

  • Attendance
      • Two evenings a week.
      • October–July.
      • Residential field course in the summer vacation.
  • Duration
      • BSc: four years part-time.
      • Diploma of Higher Education: three years part-time.
      • Certificate of Higher Education: one year and one term–two years part-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Over 21: strong interest in biology; previous experience in biological, biomedical, pharmaceutical or health science fields.
      • Under 21: normal university entry requirements (A-level or equivalent in biology or other science subject).
      • The science access programme Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine provides a direct route into Year 1 of the BSc. The Foundation Degree in Science gives direct access to Year 3 of the BSc.
      • We are committed to making the biological sciences accessible to students from a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse career aspirations. 
  • Fees and funding
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, laboratory practicals, field courses and seminars. Most modules have a range of content online. There is a one-week residential course in field biology during the summer at the end of Year 1.

      We provide a range of teaching approaches and learning experiences that will enable you to become a confident and autonomous learner.

Biological Sciences (BSc / Diploma of Higher Education / Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry


  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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).

  • Study resources
  • Further study opportunities
  • 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.

  • 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.
  • Apply now