Core content
Foundation year (optional)
To prepare you for your degree, you take introductory modules in biology and chemistry along with mathematics and study skills, including IT. Practical work is an important element of the foundation year.
Year 1
You take a series of core modules. These give you the basic knowledge and skills needed across biology, from genetics, molecular biology and cell biology to evolution, behaviour and ecology. You also learn general background skills needed in biology including statistics and field work.
Year 2
You choose eight options, one of which is the Mediterranean fieldtrip. You may now specialise in your main area of interest and could choose modules involving fieldwork and learning about behaviour, evolution or conservation, or you could select modules focusing on neuroscience, genetics, development, cancer, etc. If you are not yet ready to specialise, you can keep your choices open by selecting a wide range of options.
Year 3
You spend half of the first term on a project that can be a laboratory experiment or a field study, an in-depth written report or even communicating science. For the rest of the year, you choose six modules, ranging from genomics to behaviour and including the Ecuador fieldtrip, following your particular interests.