BSc Biology (including a Foundation Year)
About this course
Biology is the science of life, concerned with how living organisms are structured, how they function, how they reproduce, how they interact with each other and their environments, and how they have evolved over billions of years. It is a discipline of extraordinary breadth, ranging from the molecular machinery inside cells to the dynamics of ecosystems, from the genetics of inherited disease to the ecology of extinction. What unites this range is a commitment to understanding living systems through observation, experiment, and the application of chemical, physical, and mathematical principles. At the University of Chester, this four-year full-time programme includes a foundation year that provides a thorough introduction to the biological sciences and the quantitative skills they require before you progress into the main degree. This makes the programme accessible to students whose prior science qualifications are not at the level required for direct entry, or who want a more gradual transition into degree-level scientific study. Once in the main programme, you will study cell and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and the techniques used in biological research, from microscopy and molecular biology to field survey and statistical analysis. A year abroad is available, giving you the opportunity to study biology in a different national and environmental context, which is particularly valuable for disciplines like ecology where understanding biodiversity in different biomes matters. You will develop strong laboratory skills, the ability to design and interpret experiments, and the scientific literacy to engage critically with a rapidly changing field. Graduates pursue careers in research, healthcare, conservation, environmental consultancy, education, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and science communication. Many go on to postgraduate study in specialist areas of biology, from molecular genetics to ecology and conservation. The foundation year makes this pathway accessible to a wider range of students.
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