Plant specimen under a microscope, with students wearing lab coats and working in the background
BSc (Hons) Placement year available

Biology

Study the science of life – a varied and exciting discipline that takes you from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

Whether your interests lie in cell, molecular and laboratory biology; genetics, evolution and bioinformatics; plants, microbes and biotechnology; or whole organisms, environments, and field skills, on this course you’ll learn to evaluate aspects of all life on earth, including the ways it is under threat.

You’ll discover how a variety of living organisms evolve, their physiology, how they function within their environments – and how these environments can be sustained.

  • Person using a microscope in a science lab

    Find out more about our BSc Biology degree, a varied course that ranges from the molecular, to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

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Why ARU?

  • Cover all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems.

  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.

  • Build a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills.

  • Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests through optional modules, all underpinned by sustainability.

  • Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in life sciences.

  • Gain experience on internships with our research-active staff, or apply for work placements.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Principles of Biology (30 credits)
  • Mathematics for the Biosciences (15 credits)
  • General Microbiology (15 credits)
  • Animal Physiology and Behaviour (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Ecology and Conservation (30 credits)
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Principles of Genetics (15 credits)
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
  • Preparation for Research (15 credits)
  • Continuing Professional Development
  • Vertebrate Biology (15 credits) *
  • Invertebrate Biology (15 credits) *
  • Plants and Microbial Sciences (15 credits) *
  • Laboratory Techniques in DNA Manipulation (15 credits) *
  • Laboratory Techniques for Bioinformatics (15 credits) *
  • Field Skills in Biology (15 credits) *
  • Animal Health and Disease (15 credits) *
  • GIS and Spatial Ecology (15 credits) *
  • Proteomics and Molecular Structures (15 credits) *
Year 3
  • Undergraduate Project (30 credits)
  • Developmental Biology and Genetics (15 credits)
  • Policy, Globalisation, and Economics of Sustainability (15 credits)
  • Biogeography (15 credits) *
  • Comparative Ecophysiology (15 credits) *
  • Human-Animal Interactions (15 credits) *
  • Microbial Pathogenicity (15 credits) *
  • Molecular Cell Biology (15 credits) *
  • Current Advances in Bioinformatics (15 credits) *
  • Current Advances in Plant and Microbial Sciences (15 credits) *
  • Current Advances in Evolution and Biodiversity (15 credits) *
  • Systems Biology (15 credits) *
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Maths for Scientists
  • Cellular Biology
  • Critical Thinking
  • Biology: Physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics for Life Sciences
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Year 3
  • Work Placement Life Science
Module details

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As a Biology student at ARU, you’ll be able to take advantage of:

  • state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our £45m Science Centre
  • the chance to gain experience and build your employability skills on an optional placement year
  • award-winning IT and library facilities.

Careers

Our Biology course offers a large range of potential graduate avenues, across many areas of cutting-edge science, such as:

  • Bioscience, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries
  • Bioinformatics
  • Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare, agricultural, environmental sustainability products
  • Data analysis/science
  • Education: university, college and school teaching
  • Environmental and conservation projects
  • Quality control, food production, food industry and food safety
  • Government departments and the civil service
  • Government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes
  • Research and development for agri-environment industries
  • Research laboratories in universities
  • Science communication and public engagement
  • Science policy
  • Ecology

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters such as our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation, MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation, or MSc Applied Bioscience. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

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