The standard of teaching at Surrey is very good and the lectures are always interesting. Plus, the labs are really modern and are a good place to work.
Biological Sciences studies life in all its forms. We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in both teaching and research in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. Our flexible Biological Sciences degree builds on the strengths of our four well-established programmes in Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Microbiology and Biotechnology, and Veterinary Biosciences, together with other programmes offered within chemistry, engineering, human sciences, languages and management.
Choosing the Biological Sciences degree at Surrey will provide you with the opportunity to design a broad-based programme, whilst having the added benefit of being able to choose a specialism in your final year, providing you with a ‘bespoke’ degree. You will graduate from the University knowing that this programme has provided you with the knowledge and expertise in numerical, analytical and communication skills necessary to meet the changing needs within many key industries, including the NHS, and pharmaceutical, chemical and agrochemical industries, government agencies such as the Department of Health, and the Further and Higher Education providers. Many of our graduates pursue higher degrees focused on research, or more vocational courses like an MSc in toxicology; others take PGCE teaching qualifications.
A Biological Sciences degree will provide you with an opportunity to study the structure and function of cells, which are fundamental to this science. The knowledge you gain will increase your understanding of the natural world in which we live and the impact of changes introduced into this balanced ecosystem. You will have an opportunity to apply your knowledge to a number of current areas, including environmental impact, health issues and food security. You will develop lifelong skills, including the ability to solve problems, evaluate evidence and analyse data.
This programme will give you a sound and broad background in biological sciences. You will have opportunities to familiarise yourself with state-of-the-art methodology and to sample some of its most exciting applications.
The modular structure of our programme, with a broad base at the beginning, ample opportunities for specialisation at the end and the professional placement in the middle, will give you both breadth and in-depth knowledge, which is part of the secret behind the outstanding employability of our graduates. You will have the chance to choose from a wide variety of specialised subjects across the University, allowing optimum flexibility to create particular module combinations according to your own interests and aspirations. As a versatile and knowledgeable biological scientist, you will have a wide choice of careers upon graduation.
The first year is common across this and the other four bioscience programmes offered in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. At the end of the first year, you can either continue to study Biological Sciences or change to another specialised programme offered within the Faculty.
In Year 1, you will be given a broad base of knowledge and skills. You will study eight core modules. Much of the teaching is practice-based, taught in our state-of-the-art teaching laboratories. Starting from the basis of A-level Chemistry, you will be guided towards the specific chemistry of biological molecules and biological processes. You will also follow other key modules covering topics such as Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics.
Modules include:
In the second and final years of study, you will have the flexibility of choosing your own modules to provide a more ‘bespoke’ programme. You will also have the opportunity to follow one of a number of specialisms, including cancer biology, systems biology, neuroscience, immunology and molecular and cellular biology. In some cases, this will allow you to graduate with your chosen specialism named as part of your degree title, for example, BSc Biological Sciences (Cancer Biology).
During Year 2, you will be exposed to more in-depth knowledge where you will apply basic theories to more complex scenarios in problem-solving exercises. You will continue to study subjects such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Physiology in greater depth, helping to preparing you for your Professional Training placement year. You will also acquaint yourself with important novel subjects such as Plant Biology, Environmental Sciences and Zoology. Finally, you will study numerous aspects of biology which will contribute to your bespoke degree in Biological Sciences, from Biochemistry and Nutrition, to Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology.
Modules include:
The vast majority of our students choose to undertake a Professional Training placement year. We take great pride in our Professional Training programme, which is one of the very best available. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions.
We also provide placements outside the UK. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan) and Cornell University Medical School (USA).
In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to further tailor your own degree by choosing optional modules in specific topics that are of particular interest to you. You will be able to select specific module choices from the areas of Neuroscience, Toxicology, Pharmacology and Medical Biochemistry, all of which are supported by a strong teaching structure and state-of-the-art research, as well as other selected modules from other faculties such as Psycology and science communucation.
The largest single component of the year is the research project, carried out as a member of a research group under the supervision of academic staff. This will give you the opportunity to explore a research area in which you are especially interested and develop specialised lab-based skills and experience.
Modules include:
This degree programme benefits from a strong emphasis on laboratory-based practical work and includes modules that focus on the cutting-edge aspects of this area of science.
The flexibility of this programme is designed to allow you to focus on your choice of specialism in Year 3, so that you can tailor your degree and progress onto many different career routes.
The vast majority of our students choose to undertake a Professional Training placement year. We take great pride in our Professional Training programme which is one of the very best available. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions.
Most of our placements provide a salary, and to ensure their success, students are visited by a tutor during the year. We have placements across the UK, including major pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology companies and research institutes.
We also provide placements outside the UK. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan) and Cornell University Medical School (USA).
We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study, which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest. During your first year, almost a third of your time is spent in laboratory classes.
In your second year, the study becomes more specialised and you will focus on many different aspects of the subject. In your final year, you will be performing your own scientific research project, usually in one of our research laboratories.
On average you will have approximately 24 hours of contact time each week (lectures, practical classes and tutorials), and you will also be expected to undertake private study such as laboratory write-ups, essays and other coursework for a similar amount of time.
Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and practical reports as appropriate. Credits are accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with honours.
University of Surrey Bioscience graduates are employed in academic and industrial research laboratories throughout the world. Look for Surrey amongst the top universities for employment in general and subject-specific league tables.
The majority of our graduates go immediately into the job market, and many others choose further study such as MSc degrees and PhD studentships. The many transferable skills that you will gain during your studies ensure that you will be a suitable candidate for a career as a laboratory manager, science teacher or science journalist, amongst many others.
Our recent Biosciences graduates have gone on to roles such as:
You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme and to advise on option and career choices, helping you to get the most from your studies with us. You will also be paired with a student from the year of study above you, so that you may benefit from their recent experience on the programme.
As a student at Surrey, you will be treated as an individual. You will feel welcome from your very first day, and our low student-to-tutor ratio ensures that you will get to know your personal tutor and other academic staff members well during your years with us.
Come to one of our Open Days, when you can tour the campus, speak to students and academic staff, see our student accommodation and ask as many questions as you like. In the meantime, order a personal prospectus – tailored to only include the subjects that interest you.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).
At least two science/mathematics A-levels; one of which must be either Chemistry or Biology.
Offers are normally made in terms of grades. Suitable candidates may be invited to an Applicant Day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent).
At least two science/mathematics A-levels; one of which must be either Chemistry or Biology.
We offer intensive English language pre-sessional courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
| Award | Course Length | Professional Training | UCAS code | KIS code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | 3 years | C701 | View KIS data set | |
| BSc (Hons) | 4 years | C701 | View KIS data set |
We offer a range of bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.
See course information for students applying to start in September 2013.
Phone: +44 (0)1483 681 681
