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    Online courses from The University of Kent

    Biology – BSc (Hons)

    Biology BSc (Hons) summary information

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    Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. This degree provides a broad survey of the various biological disciplines but with a focus on modern molecular techniques. You investigate life forms ranging from viruses and bacteria to complex animals and plants.

    Overview

    In the School of Biosciences, we have a community spirit and students learn with and from each other. We are also renowned for our innovative teaching methods, including:

    • new ways of using IT in lectures allow you to revisit the teaching at a later date
    • academic-developed animations to help explain tricky concepts
    • final year communication projects teaching you how to share scientific knowledge with the public.

    Our degree programme

    The School of Biosciences has gained accreditation from the Society of Biology for all undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science.

    In your first year, you are introduced to a broad survey of the various biological disciplines, including biochemistry, biodiversity, cell and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, human physiology, and field study work. You also take a skills course to gain more expertise in laboratory practical work, and the analysis and presentation of biological data.

    In your second year, you develop your knowledge of gene regulation, cell biology, microbiology, animal and plant physiology, and human health and disease. The modules at this stage go into greater depth and subjects can include animal form and function, plant physiology and adaptation, gene expression, infection and immunity, microbial physiology and skills for bioscientists 2.

    During the summer vacation after your second year, there are opportunities to work in one of our research labs on an eight-week Summer Studentship. The School attracts a large research income (about £4.5 million per year) and is ranked 7th in the UK for research intensity (outperforming 19 of the 24 Russell Group universities).

    In your final year, the range of optional modules increases to allow you to specialise in subjects that interest you, such as neuroscience, virology, immunology, bioinformatics, cell signaling, aging, cancer, primate biology or climate change and conservation. You also complete an eight-week research project, which may be laboratory, business, computing or communication based.

    Year in industry/Year abroad

    On our related programme, Biology with a Sandwich Year, you spend a year working between Stages 2 and 3. You can also study or work abroad as part of your degree on our Biology with a Year Abroad programme.

    Study resources

    We recently spent £2 million on our laboratories to ensure that you develop your practical skills in a world-class environment. We give you extensive practical training and you spend up to three days a week in the laboratory during your final year project.

    Extra activities

    You can join BioSoc, a student-run society. Previous activities have included research talks and social events.

    We also encourage our students to attend outside conferences and events. In 2015, Kent students competed with 280 teams and won the gold medal at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Giant Jamboree in the USA.

    Professional networks

    Our school collaborates with research groups in industry and academia throughout the UK and Europe. It also has excellent links with local employers, such as:

    • NHS
    • GSK
    • MedImmune
    • Eli Lilly
    • Lonza
    • Aesica Pharmaceuticals
    • Sekisui Diagnostics
    • Cairn Research
    • Public Health England.

    Accreditation

    87%Biological Sciences at Kent scored 87% overall in The Complete University Guide 2022.

    Entry requirements

    Make Kent your firm choice – The Kent Guarantee

    We understand that applying for university can be stressful, especially when you are also studying for exams. Choose Kent as your firm choice on UCAS and we will guarantee you a place, even if you narrowly miss your offer (for example, by 1 A Level grade)*.

    * exceptions apply. Please note that we are unable to offer The Kent Guarantee to those who have already been given a reduced or contextual offer.Find out moreEntry requirements

    Please contact the School for more information at study-bio@kent.ac.uk.

    The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

    If you are an international student, visit our International Student website for further information about entry requirements for your country, including details of the International Foundation Programmes. Please note that international fee-paying students who require a Student visa cannot undertake a part-time programme due to visa restrictions.

    Please note that meeting the typical offer/minimum requirement does not guarantee that you will receive an offer.

    • A levelBBC including Biology or Human Biology grade B or Double Award Applied Science at grade BB including the practical endorsement of any science qualifications taken.
    •  GCSEMathematics grade C
    •  Access to HE DiplomaAccess to Higher Education Diploma with 18 level 3 credits at distinction, 24 at merit and 3 at Pass, and to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits in particular subjects at distinction or merit grade.
    •  BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis. Subjects likely to be acceptable are Applied Science, Biomedical Science and Medical Science. Typical offers when made are Distinction, Distinction, Merit. Please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
    •  International Baccalaureate30 points overall or 15 points at HL including Biology 5 at HL or 6 at SL and Mathematics 4 at HL or SL
    • International Foundation ProgrammePass all components of the University of Kent International Foundation Programme with a 60% overall average including 60% in Skills for Bioscientists, Fundamentals of Human Biology and Life Sciences (plus 50% in LZ013 Maths and Statistics if you do not hold GCSE Maths at 4/C or equivalent).

    English Language Requirements

    Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

    Please note that if you do not meet our English language requirements, we offer a number of ‘pre-sessional’ courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme.

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    Course structure

    Duration: 3 years full-time

    Modules

    The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

    On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

    Stage 1

    Compulsory modules currently include

     BIOS3000 – Introduction to Biochemistry (15 credits)

     BIOS3010 – Enzymes and Introduction to Metabolism (15 credits)

     BIOS3020 – Molecular and Cellular Biology I (15 credits)

     BIOS3070 – Human Physiology and Disease (15 credits)

     BIOS3080 – Skills for Bioscientists (15 credits)

     BIOS3230 – Diversity of Living Organisms (15 credits)

     BIOS3240 – Genetics and Evolution (15 credits)

     BIOS4000 – Biosciences Academic Support, Key Skills and Information I (1 credits)

    Optional modules may include

     BIOS3210 – Biological Chemistry A (15 credits)

     BIOS3211 – Biological Chemistry A (15 credits)

     HECO3030 – Survey and Monitoring for Biodiversity (15 credits)

     WCON3111 – Principles of Biogeography and Ecology (15 credits)

    Stage 2

    Compulsory modules currently include

     BIOS5030 – Cell Biology (15 credits)

     BIOS5050 – Infection and Immunity (15 credits)

     BIOS5130 – Human Physiology and Disease 2 (15 credits)

     BIOS5300 – Biosciences Academic Support, Key Skills and Information II (1 credits)

     BIOS5320 – Skills For Bioscientists 2 (15 credits)

     BIOS5460 – Animal Form and Function (15 credits)

     BIOS5470 – Plant Physiology and Adaptation (15 credits)

     BIOS5480 – Microbial Physiology and Genetics I (15 credits)

    Optional modules may include

     BIOS5010 – Gene Expression and Its Control (15 credits)

     BIOS5490 – The Genome (15 credits)

    Stage 3

    Compulsory modules currently include

     BIOS6000 – Research Project (30 credits)

     BIOS6100 – The Cell Cycle (15 credits)

     BIOS6280 – Microbial Physiology and Genetics II (15 credits)

     BIOS6500 – Eukaryotic Biodiversity and Evolution for Biologists (15 credits)

     BIOS6520 – Biosciences Academic Support, Key Skills and Information III (1 credits)

    Optional modules may include

     BIOS6003 – Science Communication and Public Engagement (15 credits)

     BIOS6020 – Cell Signalling (15 credits)

     BIOS6040 – Biological Membranes (15 credits)

     BIOS6060 – Pathogens & Pathogenicity (15 credits)

     BIOS6200 – Frontiers in Virology (15 credits)

     BIOS6220 – Advanced Immunology (15 credits)

     BIOS6380 – Bioinformatics and Genomics (15 credits)

     BIOS6420 – Cancer Biology (15 credits)

     BIOS6430 – Neuroscience (15 credits)

     BIOS6440 – Biology of Ageing (15 credits)

     BUSN6120 – New Enterprise Development (15 credits)

    Which one’s right for you?

    Some other similar courses you may be interested in.

    Fees

    The 2022/23 annual tuition fees for UK undergraduate courses have not yet been set by the UK Government. As a guide only the 2021/2022 fees for this course were £9,250.

    • Home full-timeTBC
    • EU full-time£15900
    • International full-time£21200

    For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

    For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

    Your fee status

    The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

    Additional costs

    General additional costs

    Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

    Funding

    University funding

    Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details. 

    Government funding

    You may be eligible for government finance to help pay for the costs of studying. See the Government’s student finance website.

    Scholarships

    General scholarships

    Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

    The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

    At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence. 

    The scholarship will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of A*AA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications (including BTEC and IB) as specified on our scholarships pages.

    Teaching and assessment

    Teaching includes lectures, laboratory classes, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. You have an Academic Adviser who you meet with at regular intervals to discuss your progress, and most importantly, to identify ways in which you can improve your work further so that you reach your full potential.

    Most modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year exams. Exams take place at the end of the academic year and count for 50% or more of the module mark. Stage 1 assessments do not contribute to the final degree classification, but all stage 2 and 3 assessments do, meaning that your final degree award is an average of many different components. On average, 29% of your time is spent in an activity lead by an academic; the rest of your time is for independent study.

    Contact hours

    For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

    Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

    Programme aims

    The programme aims to:

    • instil a sense of enthusiasm for the application of different methods and disciplines to biology, confront the scientific, moral and ethical issues raised by the study of biology, and engage in critical assessment of the subject material
    • provide a broad and balanced foundation of the science that underpins general biology and methodology in a modern society, including detailed knowledge of the biological techniques and methods of assay, analysis and examination used by biologists, the essential biomolecular and organismal knowledge required for understanding life at all levels of complexity
    • provide a stimulating, research-active environment in which you are supported and motivated to achieve your academic and personal potential
    • educate you in the theoretical (subject-specific knowledge) and practical (laboratory skills and methods) aspects of biology
    • facilitate the learning experience through a variety of teaching methods
    • give you the ability to undertake an independent research project
    • prepare you for further study, or training, and employment in biology and non-biology based careers, by developing key transferable and cognitive skills
    • develop the qualities required for employment in situations requiring the exercise of professionalism, independent thought, personal responsibility and decision making in complex and unpredictable circumstances
    • provide access to as wide a range of students as practicable.

    Learning outcomes

    Knowledge and understanding

    You gain knowledge and understanding of:

    • the chemistry that underlies biochemical reactions and the techniques used to investigate them
    • the principles that determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and be able to explain detailed examples of how structure enables function
    • the molecular basis of genetics, and be able to explain some detailed examples
    • gene expression, with detailed knowledge of specific examples: the structure, arrangement, expression and regulation of genes, and relevant experimental methods
    • a wide range of cells (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and be able to explain critically how they develop and how their properties suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally
    • suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry, organismal biology, ecology and molecular biology
    • the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological catalysis and the role of enzymes and other proteins in determining the function and fate of cells and organisms
    • the analysis of the impact of external influences on growth, development and reproduction, and explain reproductive strategies
    • the interactions of structure and metabolic function at cellular and organismal levels
    • the significance of internal and external influences on the integration of metabolism for survival and health
    • the methods and principles underlying taxonomy and classification
    • the principles and processes governing interactions of organisms and their environment.

    Intellectual skills

    You gain the following intellectual abilities:

    • recognising and applying subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles. For example, the relationship between genes and proteins, or the nature of essential nutrients in microbes, cells, plants and animals
    • analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including published research or reports
    • obtaining and integrating several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
    • applying subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
    • recognising the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciating the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

    Subject-specific skills

    You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

    • designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data such as from a survey database. Data may be obtained through individual or group projects using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, you must pay due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, and procedures for obtaining informed consent
    • an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment
    • the ability to handle biological material and chemicals in a safe way, thus being able to assess any potential hazards associated with biological experimentation
    • perform risk assessments before the execution of an experimental protocol
    • the ability to use basic and advanced experimental equipment in executing the core practical techniques used by biologists
    • find information on biological topics from a wide range of information sources and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy
    • plan, execute and assess the results from experiments
    • identify the best method for presenting and reporting on biological investigations using written, data manipulation/presentation and computer skills
    • be aware of the employment opportunities for biology graduates.

    Transferable skills

    You gain transferable skills in the following:

    • identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
    • recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members, negotiating skills
    • evaluating performance as an individual and a team member, and evaluating the performance of others
    • an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view
    • receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal and graphical
    • communicating to a variety of audiences using different formats and approaches
    • citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner
    • sample selection; recording and analysing data in the field and/or the laboratory; validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and uncertainty during collection
    • preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually
    • solving problems by a variety of methods, including the use of computers
    • use of the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information
    • the ability to work independently, effective time management and organisation
    • identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
    • possess an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work.

    Independent rankings

    Biological Sciences at Kent scored 87% overall in The Complete University Guide 2022. It was also ranked 10th for research intensity.

    Careers

    Graduate destinations

    Our graduates have gone on to work in:

    • commercial, government and hospital laboratories
    • scientific publishing
    • science writing
    • event management
    • science communication.

    Recent graduates have also worked in a wide range of non-scientific careers including teaching, marketing, sales, banking, accountancy, the police force and social work.

    Help finding a job

    The School of Biosciences runs employability events with talks from alumni outlining their career paths since graduation.

    The University has a friendly Careers and Employability Service, which can give you advice on how to:

    • apply for jobs
    • write a good CV
    • perform well in interviews.

    Career-enhancing skills

    You graduate with an excellent grounding in scientific knowledge and extensive laboratory experience. In addition, you also develop the key transferable skills sought by employers, such as:

    • excellent communication skills
    • work independently or as part of a team
    • the ability to solve problems and think analytically
    • time management.

    You can also gain new skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.

    Professional recognition

    All of our Biology degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), and our four-year Biology with a Sandwich Year programme has Advanced Accreditation. Students graduating from Society of Biology recognised courses are eligible for Associate Membership and are entitled to two years’ Associate Membership at half price.

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