BSc in Biology

Biology at Hull is all about tackling global challenges, from genetic engineering through to climate change.

You’ll gain real-world practical skills in the lab and in the field, and learn to communicate important topics in biology to diverse audiences. You'll study in a supportive and friendly department with access to industry-standard facilities.

This degree reflects the breadth of modern biological sciences, with core topics including genetics and genomics, microbiology, evolution, cell biology and biological diversity. We’ll help you build your degree around your interests, like molecular genomics, toxicology, applied ecology or other specialist topics. Fascinated by human biology? You can also take modules from biomedical sciences. Or if you’re interested in all areas of biology you can take a broad range of options - the choice is yours.

You'll get plenty of hands-on training in the lab and field and you'll work on mini-projects throughout your course.

You can also take one of our residential field course options, including overseas trips to Brazil or Mallorca, where you’ll learn essential skills for ecological careers.

Our degree will open doors to exciting careers. Our graduates have gained jobs in bioscience industries, teaching, veterinary medicine, ecological consultancy and scientists in government and non-government organisations. Our students also go on to further study through either Masters or PhD level qualifications, becoming scientific leaders of the future.

Excellent teaching is highly valued here. We are a small, friendly supportive group, which means you’ll get to know your personal support tutor well over the course of your time at Hull. We also have three winners of the Royal Society of Biology’s Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award in the department. We bring industrial collaborators into our teaching so you can see how biology is used in real-world contexts.

How you'll study

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,200 hours per year. That’s based on 200 hours per 20 credit module. And it includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

We don’t just rely on exams. We have a diverse range of assessments designed to help you develop a range of transferable skills. For example, instead of writing an essay, we might ask you to write a policy brief or a wildlife management plan, like you might be asked to do when you start work.

6 reasons to study Biology at Hull

1. Specialise in molecular or ecological - or keep options broad
2. Gain industry-standard lab skills
3. Staff include three RSB Teachers of the Year
4. Fieldwork opportunities overseas and in the UK*
5. Modern facilities including genomics labs
6. 96% graduate employability rating†

Your future prospects

• Biologist
• Laboratory scientist
• Postgraduate researcher (MSc or PhD)
• NHS research assistant
• Biotechnologist
• Biology teacher
• Environmental Scientist
• Science Communicator / Broadcast journalist
• Conservationist

The field, analytic and lab skills you’ll learn here are much in demand, and you’ll get the chance to engage with potential employers in a range of local organisations and businesses.

Our team gives you expert advice and training. We’ll help you explore your options and progress into a career you’ll love. You’ll learn how to apply for jobs and prepare for interviews and meet employers at on-campus events.

Sectors like environmental consultancy are growing. We have excellent links with organisations such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, allowing you to develop practical skills and links with employers.

The course consists of 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120.

First year

The first year is designed to give you a good foundation in all aspects of Biology, from molecular genetics through to ecology. Modules include training in essential skills including fundamental laboratory and field skills, experimental design, scientific writing and data analysis.

Compulsory

• Microbiology
• Cells and Organelles
• Diversity of Life
• Principles of Genetics
• Evolution

Optional

• Human Physiology
• Ecology (with optional Dive Training)

Second year

In the second year, you can start to tailor your programme to your interests, and will also be introduced to more advanced lab or field techniques. We will also give you training in how to apply for scientific jobs to enhance your employment prospects on graduating.

Compulsory

• Genetic Analysis
• Vertebrate Zoology
• Molecular Evolution and Genomics

Optional

• Metabolism
• Conservation Biology
• Biological Basis of Disease
• Cellular Regulation and Biotechnology
• Ecological Monitoring
• Behavioural Ecology

Final year

You can select your choice of final year modules from a wide range of options, including residential field courses around the world, Biology in Education or a work placement module.

You can choose modules allowing in-depth study of areas of interest; we regularly review our final year modules to ensure they include cutting edge topics. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project within your area of interest, working closely with a member of our academic staff to develop skills to prepare you for employment or post-graduate study.

Core (select one)

• Final Year Projects
• Biology in Education
• Microbial Genomics Project

Compulsory

• Ecotoxicology
• Wildlife Ecology and Management
• Biological Futures
• Practical Conservation

Optional

• Human Genetics
• Sensory Physiology of Animals
• Field Studies (Biology)
• Sex and Social Behaviour
• Invertebrate Zoology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular and Medical Parasitology

All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.