Biological Sciences - 2012 entry
BSc (Hons)
- single
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
Inside one of the science laboratories
Inside one of the science laboratories
An infected cell projection
Students can choose from a large selection of modules to study, including Molecular Biology and Genetics.
This course is run by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
The biosciences seek to shed light on the secrets of life - they form the basis of new developments in many disciplines of human health care, such as medicine and toxicology, and in forensic science. Our understanding of the cellular and systemic interactions within the body during both health and disease has expanded greatly in recent years. Treatments of infections, cancers and genetic disorders continue to develop as the biosciences continue to advance our knowledge of how the human body works.
Oxford Brookes has an international reputation for outstanding research work in the biological and biomedical sciences and the Oxford area is an increasingly important European centre for the bioscience industry. This course also provides the opportunity to take time out to work with one of the local companies or research laboratories that support the development of our courses.
Why Brookes?
- You will get the opportunity to go on exciting work placements to enhance your career opportunities through our established links with local bioscience organisations and hospitals.
- You gain the practical skills employers require by using our state-of-the-art equipment such as electron and confocal microscopes.
- You will get to know the other students and lecturers on your course well as we keep our practical classes small.
- Our academics are keen to involve you in our research groups. We explore subjects such as genetic damage induced by radiation and the mechanisms of nicotine addiction.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, practicals, tutorials, seminars and surgeries. Biological Sciences is a hands-on subject and we have a good range of equipment and specialised laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to attend seminars given by visiting speakers from around the world.
Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework may consist of practical reports, essays, seminar presentations or numerical problems.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed the course, you will have:
- an understanding of the main principles, theories and concepts underlying modern biological sciences and their applications in different situations
- the skills required to practise the major techniques in biotechnology competently and safely
- the ability to formulate and implement effective research strategies to solve problems in biological sciences
- an awareness of the safety legislation concerning substances hazardous to health and genetically-modified organisms
- a range of transferable skills in such areas as written and verbal communication, organising and evaluating information, using information technology and working independently and in teams.
In detail
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Faculty of Health and Life Science Twitter feedRELATED COURSES:
Anita Casey
My friends have commented that I have much more confidence. The feedback that you get, and realising what you’re achieving, really helps your self-belief.
See full profile »Course content
Studies in Year 1 aim to develop a firm understanding of core topics such as cell biology, physiology, chemistry and mathematics, along with basic science skills. A feature of your first year is a series of tutorials with your academic adviser (a member of the teaching staff who is responsible for overseeing your academic progress). The tutorials are designed to help you to adjust to academic life at university and establish good study habits.
Year 2 and the final year allow you to expand your studies in both breadth and depth, and you can choose from modules covering diverse topics, from biochemistry to clinical physiology, and from molecular biology of cancer to immunology. The topics are all supported by time spent in practicals, and you may wish to develop your scientific skills further by carrying out a research project with one of our staff members.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.
Year 1
- Biology of Cells (double)
- Chemistry of Cells (double)
- Exercise Physiology and Nutrition (double)
- Human Structure and Function (double)
- Skills for Life Scientists (double)
Year 2 and final year
- Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
- Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)
- Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology (double)
- Clinical Physiology
- Enterprise Skills for Life Scientists
- Evidence Based Medicine and Diagnostics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Independent Study in Life Sciences
- Infection, Immunity and Immunology
- Integrated Physiology (double)
- Medical Physiology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (double)
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Molecular Medicine
- Project (double)
- Research Methods for Life Scientists
- Science and Humanity
- Special Study in Life Sciences
- Work Experience
Work placements
Before the final year of your course, there is an opportunity for you to undertake a professional placement in a research laboratory.
We encourage and assist students to undertake work placements, because there are so many benefits to gaining hands-on industry experience, not least that it gives our graduates the edge when applying for jobs.
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: part-time study is possible.
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
C900 BSc/IO
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Tuition fees
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: Level 3 at grade C, including A-level Science at grade C
Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer.
We seek to admit students who have the potential to make good scientists and accept that qualifications are not the only indicator of future potential. Typical offers also include:
- A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (equivalent to 280 UCAS tariff points)
- 1 12-unit vocational A-level at grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels at grade C
- other recognised qualifications, eg BTEC Nationals or Scottish qualifications (equivalent to 280 UCAS points).
If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our Admissions Tutor.
Specific entry requirements
A-level: You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent. Preferred A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Human Biology and Physics.
GCSE: Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science (or equivalent) at grade C minimum
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Liz Clegg
I wanted to do a language as an extra module and my academic advisor helped me do that. I am planning on studying abroad next year in Italy. My Italian isn’t very good, but I hope to pick it up whilst I’m there. It counts as my second year.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Biological Sciences
Recognised as one of Europe's leading centres of enterprise, innovation and scientific knowledge, Oxfordshire is a bioscience hotspot with the Oxford, Milton, Begbroke and Harwell Science Parks in the county.
Oxford is also home to leading health care providers such as the Oxford Radcliffe NHS Hospitals Trust providing excellent work experience and career opportunities.
Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.
In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.
Specialist facilities
Students will be taught in well-equipped laboratories and have opportunities to use state-of-the-art technology, including equipment such as electron and laser confocal microscopes.
Support for students studying Biological Sciences
Our Personal and Academic Support System (PASS) has gained national and international recognition for its proactive approach to personal tutoring. It recognises that students need to make various adjustments as they move into higher education, whether from school or employment.
The system encompasses three elements:
- a structured group tutorial programme
- an academic adviser who will help you to plan your degree programme and future career
- interaction with other students on your course.
The first stage includes regular seminars covering a wide range of subjects including research skills, understanding assessment criteria and making the most of coursework feedback. Our programme also helps students adjust to university life by developing their transferable skills.
Secondly, our academic staff monitor your progress regularly to check that you are maximising your potential. If you experience academic difficulties we can arrange for you to receive academic mentoring support.
Thirdly, if you are faced with challenges that affect your ability to study, such as illness, bereavement, depression, financial difficulties or accommodation issues, we will work with you in finding a way forward. Please talk to your academic adviser or our student support team. Oxford Brookes also offers a range of excellent services to support you.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
Our graduates enjoy good career prospects with diverse destinations, from medical school and teaching to local authorities and research laboratories. As many as 50% of our graduates each year are appointed to research posts in universities, research institutes or biotechnology companies, while others pursue careers allied to medicine and health care.
Further study
About a quarter of our graduates go on to further study, such as master's, PhDs or PGCEs.
