Biology - 2012 entry
BSc (Hons)
- single
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
In Year 2 students can choose from a large variety of modules including plant science
In Year 2 students can choose from a large variety of modules including plant science
Student field trip to the Gorges du Tarn in southern France
Biology students in the lab
This course is run by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
New discoveries and technological advances within biology are at the heart of modern society. Progress in animal, plant and microbial sciences has increased our capacities in agriculture, biodiversity assessment and conservation, medicine and pollution control and remediation, and these sciences are at the forefront of the continually expanding global biotechnology industry.
The biology course at Oxford Brookes offers opportunities to study animal, plant and microbial systems from the cellular and sub-cellular levels to the interactions of organisms with the environment. This course allows you to focus on specific areas or to maintain a broad perspective. As well as developing your skills as a biologist, you will have the opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience, which will further enhance your career prospects.
Why Brookes?
- At Oxford Brookes, there is a strong emphasis on laboratory and field work including residential courses in the Cévennes (in the south of France) and Devon, enabling students to put their skills into practice.
- We have great links with regional environmental organisations, providing exciting work placement and career opportunities. For example, one of our students researched mobile applications for recording information in the field for WildKnowledge Ltd.
- Students have opportunities to work with research groups such as our Environmental Information Exchange and Pond Conservation, providing students with potential project ideas and work experience.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Various teaching methods are used, including lectures, group projects and practical exercises, all backed up by good library and IT resources. Throughout your course, emphasis will be placed on general transferable skills such as public speaking, computer use and report writing; these skills often form part of the assessment of individual modules.
The courses are taught by specialist staff who are actively involved in research work. This work is sometimes included in module content and students may have opportunities to participate in research projects, reinforcing our commitment to integrate research into teaching.
Assessment methods vary according to the range of knowledge and skills covered. In some modules, assessment is entirely by coursework.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed your course, you will:
- integrate the core processes within plants, animals and microbes from sub-cellular to community levels into an understanding of their function and context
- be competent in applying practical and analytical methodologies within biology
- recognise the major contributions of biology as a multidisciplinary science to the welfare and development of society
- be familiar with the central roles of biology in the development of ideas about evolutionary processes and the diversity of life
- be able to interpret the interconnectedness of biological and environmental systems.
In detail
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Angela Njoroge
The course has been wonderful, and after three years I've even got used to English weather!
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Year 1 provides a foundation in biodiversity, cell biology, physiology and biochemistry. You will develop skills in safe laboratory and field working, data handling, statistics and information technology. 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 adjust to academic life at university and establish good study habits.
In Year 2 and the final year you can choose from modules including molecular biology and genetics, microbiology, animal behaviour and plant science, allowing you to either maintain a wide perspective over several inter-related subject areas, or specialise in a focused area.
The final year modules are designed to build on earlier knowledge and skills with an emphasis on self-management and independent learning, thus serving to demonstrate your progression to an honours-level qualification. Throughout, practical aspects of biology are emphasised through laboratory exercises and fieldwork designed to develop your understanding of the techniques employed by biologists.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.
Year 1
- Biodiversity (double)
- Biology of Cells (double)
- Chemical Principles and the Environment
- Chemistry of Cells (double)
- Field Course: Identification and Methodology
- Human Structure and Function (double)
- Skills for Life Scientists (double)
Year 2 and final year
- Advanced Topics in Cell Biology
- Advanced Topics in Wildlife Conservation
- Advances in Biotechnology
- Animal Behaviour
- Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)
- Enterprise Skills for Life Scientists
- Environmental Change: Field-Work and Research (double)
- Environmental Consultancy
- Environmental Processes, Pollution and Climate Change (double)
- Evolution and Animal Development (double)
- Field Course: Surveys and Licensing
- Haematology and Immunology
- Independent Study in Life Sciences
- Infection, Immunity and Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (double)
- Plant Science
- Project (double)
- Research Methods for Biology and Environmental Sciences
- Science and Humanity
- Special Study in Life Sciences
- Threatened Species
- Work Experience
Work placements
The work experience and final-year project modules not only provide you with opportunities to gain invaluable professional experience in an area of interest to you but also enable you to develop links with biological and environmental organisations, which will enhance your career prospects.
Work placements have included research into mobile applications for recording information in the field for WildKnowledge Ltd. Students also have opportunities to work with research groups, such as our Environmental Information Exchange and Pond Conservation.
Field trips
We run three specific field courses in Oxford, the Cévennes (southern France) and Devon, aimed at enabling students to put their skills into practice.
Field course: Identification and Methodology
Students will experience a one week trip to the Cévennes in the South of France. Cévennes is a most spectacular and diverse landscape that is rich in natural history. You will identify animals and plants in the field and apply a wide range of field techniques learned in the classroom.
Field course: Surveys and Licensing
Students visit a range of local environments to gain field techniques for assessing key habitat types and species for UK flora and fauna.
Environmental Change: Field-Work and Research
Students go to South Devon for a week to investigate environmental change using experimental design and advanced data analysis.
There are also opportunities to gain real-life experience of environmental consultancy or other work experience. For example, some students have researched the population dynamics of tigers and their prey items in the Ranthambore National Park in northern India.
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
Professional accreditation
After graduation, those working in a biological discipline may apply for membership of the Society of Biology.
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
C100 BSc/BG
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: Environment and Land-Based Studies 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. Other typical offers include:
- A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (equivalent to 280 UCAS tariff points)
- 1 12-unit vocational A-level grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels 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 qualification (see our typical offers). Preferred A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Environmental Sciences and Geography.
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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Why Oxford is a great place to study Biology
Oxford is surrounded by over 100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest including Otmoor, Wytham Woods and Cothill Fen to name a few. Easy access to these sites provide excellent opportunities for fieldwork and we endeavour to fully exploit our local environment.
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities. Students also benefit from our strong links with local organisations such as NERC's Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.
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, the Radcliffe Science Library and can gain free entry to the Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum.
Specialist facilities
The department has a range of specially-designed facilities for students studying biology and environmental science related subjects. For example, the developmental biology area boasts both a butterfly lab and a laboratory dedicated to one of the most studied organisms in developmental biology, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Furthermore, we have a number of environmentally-controlled rooms and cabinets.
Alongside a range of microscopes enabling study of specimens from the organism to the cell level, the department also has a vast array of equipment for fieldwork and laboratory-based research at its disposal. From mass and atomic absorption spectrometers to bat detectors, moth traps and pond nets, students will get hands-on with chemical analyses and ecological surveys.
Support for students studying Biology
Our Personal and Academic Support System (PASS) is gaining 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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Professional accreditation
After graduation, those working in a biological discipline may apply for membership of the Society of Biology.
Career prospects
There has never been a more exciting time to be a biologist. Bioscientists are at the heart of the action in today’s world. They frequently work with chemists and physicists to contribute to improvements in health, sport, medicine, conservation and the food industry.
This course will equip you for a variety of stimulating roles in biological and environmental organisations or academia. For example, recent graduates have been employed as field trial officers, forensic scientists, environmental health officers or teachers, or worked for Pfizer, the Health Protection Agency or the UN. Our students have a very good record of gaining employment that is relevant to their degree subject. Your broad-based understanding is often an advantage over narrower specialisms and employers value the transferable skills you gain from our degrees.
Some of our students choose not to pursue their subject specialism but use their degree to gain degree-level employment in a wide range of contexts including management, journalism and the media, finance and other areas of commerce, law, computing and the leisure industry.
Further study
Some of our graduates go on to further study at postgraduate level, for example our MSc degrees in Environmental Management and Technology and Conservation Ecology.
