Biology BSc Honours Newcastle University

Our newly developed, flexible, Biology BSc Honours degree gives you the freedom to study a broad spectrum of the natural world around us.

With a host of interesting environments on your doorstep and access to world-leading research, this Biology degree will equip you with a wide-ranging knowledge of the subject.

You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of all forms of life, from cells and molecules to organisms and ecosystems.

You'll have the opportunity to put your skills into action through:

• lab-based classes
• day excursions
• residential field courses

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas. If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.

Work placement

Get career ready with work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise. If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.

• Global Top 125 University - QS World University Rankings 2023
• Top 70 for Life Sciences and Medicine - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• Top 120 for Biological Sciences - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 1st in the UK and 8th in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022
• Top 125 for Life Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2022
• Global Top 140 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

Stage 1

The first year of this degree is shared with other Biology-related degrees in the School. You can transfer to one of our other Biology and Zoology degrees before the second year should your interests change (subject to achieving the appropriate grades).

You'll develop a strong foundation in the subject and get stuck into practical work straight away. Modules include Diversity of Life, Genetics and Evolution, Cells and Biomolecules, Ecology and Conservation and Study Skills.

Compulsory Modules

• Genetics and Evolution 20
• Diversity of Life: Form and Function 20
• Ecology and Conservation 20
• Cells and Biomolecules 20
• Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences 20

Optional Modules

• Crop Pests 10
• Animal Health 10
• Introduction to Animal Physiology 10
• Natural Science Research Impact 10
• UK Wildlife 10
• Introduction to Scientific Computing for Chemists 10
• The Marine Environment 20
• Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers 20

Stage 2

In Stage 2, you'll continue to build upon your skills, delving deeper into the field. Modules include Field Identification Skills, Animal Function, Plant Biology, Microbiology, Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation and Biotechnology. You'll also have the option to embark on a residential field course or an intensive practical lab course.

Compulsory Modules

• Experimental Design and Statistics 10

Optional Modules

• Animal Parasitology 10
• Site Management and Communication Skills 20
• Sustainable Solutions 10
• Field Identification Skills 10
• Animal Behaviour 10
• Pollution of Air, Water & Soil 10
• Microbial Biochemistry 20
• Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation 20
• Biotechnology: Principles and Practice 20
• Animal Function (Physiology and Development) 20
• Plant Biology 20
• Molecular Evolution and Systematics 20
• Insect Biology and Origins 20
• Field-based Ecology: designing experiments, and residential field course 20
• Vertebrate Biology 10
• Geomicrobiology 10
• Ecology of Marine Systems 20
• Applied Marine Biology 20
• Career Development for second-year students 20
• Biological Psychology: Sex, Drugs, Rhythms and Blues 10

Stage 3

You'll work independently on an extensive project with a choice between a Biological Literature Review, a Biological Research Project and a Biological Information Project.

You will have a choice of specialist topics such as molecular biology, genomics and biotechnology; biological computer modelling; biodiversity and conservation.

Many of these are linked to our research expertise.

Compulsory Modules

• Global challenges in plant science research 20
• Biological Project Dissertation 40

Optional Modules

• Mammal Surveying Skills 10
• Biodiversity Science and Management 20
• Current Research in Ecology 20
• Biotechnology: Applications 20
• Biological Modelling 20
• Physiological Zoology 20
• Microbial Genomics 20
• Current Research in Plant and Microbial Biology 20
• Advanced Marine Research Topics I 20
• Creativity, Innovation and Market Research in Science and Engineering UG 10

Recent graduates have taken roles such as:

• researcher
• environmental monitoring officer
• science explainer at Newcastle's Centre for Life
• science writer, within organisations such as RSPB, WWT, and Natural England

Many students also go on to further education, pursuing master's degrees, PhDs, postgraduate teaching qualifications, and medicine and law courses.

Having developed a broad range of transferable skills, you'll also have career prospects in industries as diverse as banking and retail management, media production, and adventure tourism.

Industry links

The faculty has built strong links with leading organisations, including:

• National Trust
• Natural History Society of Northumbria
• WWT
• National Parks Authority
• GENEIUS