Recent exciting advances such as the sequencing of many individual human genomes, and advances in genetic engineering and in protein analysis have triggered a ‘Biological Revolution’ and made the biosciences the most dynamic and rapidly expanding branch of science. Increasingly, the traditional boundaries between the science disciplines have become blurred and this programme is for students who are excited by such developments within the biosciences. It embraces topics as diverse as microbiology and cell culture, molecular biology, plant and animal taxonomy and physiology, ecology, plant and animal pathology, bioinformatics and bioethics. A high proportion of our students find employment in a wide variety of posts within the science sector, including cancer research, medical microbiology, pharmaceuticals, conservation management, and teaching in schools and FE colleges. Many others have gone on to continue their studies. The Biosciences degree at Canterbury Christ Church University is extremely popular with students, and is regularly the highest scoring subject area in the University with respect to the National League Tables. Additionally, it is placed in the top 50% of all UK universities offering this subject area. For several years running, we have had the joint highest score for value-added in the entire country and HESA data shows that the proportion of our Biosciences students gaining employment within six months of graduating was the third highest in the UK in 2010 – 11 league tables and fifth highest in 2011-12.

Core knowledge and understanding is acquired through a number of methods and strategies including lecture and discussion; laboratory practical; field course, student-led seminars; tutorials; individual oral presentations; group oral presentations; poster presentations; problem solving exercises, case studies and projects. Intellectual skills are promoted through lectures, practical classes, workshops and seminars. Learning to apply these thinking skills is achieved by the use of case studies and especially through laboratory and field-based activities. This enables students to apply their classroom learning in more challenging environments and to appreciate general processes and relationships in practical and ‘real-world’ settings. Throughout their degree, students receive academic and personal support from their personal tutor as well as from the Student Support Guidance Service and the Employability and Careers Service.