Biology 2012 Entry

Honours Degree

Biology is an exciting science for the modern world.

Many of the big science debates and ‘hot topics’ of the moment are biological — GM foods, swine flu, the human genome project, conservation, habitat loss, even some aspects of climate change.

As a biology student you will be able to take a flexible approach to your studies. The course is designed so that you can, if you wish, study purely biological modules but you can also work with students from disciplines including geography, criminology, and sociology to build up a picture of how the world functions.

You’ll be able to undertake fieldwork during our residential field weeks, one in the UK (in recent years we have been to Snowdonia National Park, Epping Forest and the Jurassic Coast of Dorset), and one overseas (we have been to Brazil, the South of France and the Algarve on recent trips). In addition you also have the chance to study several psychology modules.

The degree programme will equip you with both scientific skills and all important transferable skills such as project management. Our biosciences staff are well-placed to get you where you want to be in the working world.

We’ve developed local and national industry links, as well as international research partnerships, that will help you to gain work-related experience and project opportunities that will enhance your ability to compete for many jobs. There is also the chance to get modular credit for work experience and volunteering — both of which can make your CV stand out in a competitive job market...

Some of our modules

Cells to Organisms
Life in Earth: Diversity and Adaptation
Life on Earth: Ecology
Microbiology and Biotechnology
Marine Biology
Conservation Biology

Benefits

challenging field work opportunities
focus on relationships between life
sciences and the environment
attentive, dedicated staff at the
forefront of their fields

The Guardian University Guide has ranked University of Gloucestershire Biosciences courses 11th nationally. The Complete University Guide for Student Satisfaction on Biosciences courses rated the University of Gloucestershire as 1st nationally.

Career paths

laboratory or field scientist working
in health, conservation and many
other areas
food and drink industries
teaching in schools, colleges,
museums and field centres

How will the course be assessed?

Coursework, exams, assessments and projects.

Entry requirements

Points for degree: 280 using the UCAS tariff system.

Location

Francis Close Hall

Applications

All full-time applications should be made through UCAS.

We welcome applications from students from non-traditional backgrounds and from overseas.

Profile: Dr Adam Hart

"Our students have gone on to work in medicine, veterinary science and as researchers for organisations like the Health Protection Agency and the NHS."

Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, Biology and Animal Biology

As Course Leader and Lecturer I divide my time between student teaching (including lecturing, laboratory practicals and field work), research (I am a very active researcher, focussing on social insects – ants, wasps and bees) and have an active involvement in public understanding of science.

I absolutely love all of it – I am a biologist and to be able to do biology and teach others about it is what I have always wanted to do. Like all the biology and animal biology staff, being an active researcher and an enthusiastic teacher come together really well and this enthusiasm and knowledge rubs off on the students. Our courses have an excellent mix of theory, laboratory and field work to produce very rounded and highly employable graduates. We offer exciting field courses and a mix of modules that mean there is something for everyone.

Outside the university I am involved with research in this country on the use of chemicals to organise ant nests, the effect of climate change on species diversity and distribution and the use of pollen to identify the flight paths of migrating birds – quite a mix of interests! I am also involved with collaborative research in France and Brazil, investigating ant biology. And I am a regular broadcaster and I have my own science slot on local radio.

Other activities I’m involved with include being a regular speaker at science meetings, beekeeping meetings and schools. I am also a judge for Debating Matters, a 6th form debating contest and a regular broadcaster on local radio. I’m passionate about science and these activities give me the chance to communicate that passion to others.

Our students have gone on to work in medicine, veterinary science and as researchers for organisations like the Health Protection Agency and the NHS. Other graduates have gone into teaching or progressed to masters level degrees. Biological science teaches you to be organised and critical in your thinking and some of graduates have used these skills to go into administrative posts with councils, hospitals and charities.

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