Biology is a very wide-ranging subject because of the vast diversity of life forms and because it can involve studies at the molecular and even atomic levels right through to the ecosystem and landscape scale. Nevertheless, it is a discipline with clear unifying themes; the principles of natural selection are core whether one is considering the survival of species, the birth of new gene functions or the evolution of a fold in a protein. This course provides not only the opportunity to study classical biology but also to understand the dramatic effects of the new technologies that have swept through the subject over the last decade. The course deals with many different groups of organisms in terms of their structure, development, physiology, metabolism and ecology. It also explains how a range of new techniques, such as the sequencing of the entire genomes of an increasing number of species, have added enormously to knowledge so that modern biologists can address questions that were unanswerable in the past. A key strength of the course is the clear linkage between this new information and established knowledge. For example, the new ‘genomics’ material is taught in association with Mendelian genetics and modern ‘bioinformatics’ methods are used to show how evolution can be followed by examining DNA and amino acid sequences from different species. Lecturers on the course have research experience in their specialist subjects but there is a strong focus on supporting student learning. There is an emphasis on practical work making use of our excellent new facilities, and also on the application of the knowledge acquired. In your final year, you will undertake an Independent Study Research Project that allows you to gain valuable personal experience in the design and implementation of a research plan. Throughout the course, you will engage in activities that are designed to enhance your skills with a particular emphasis on those characteristics directly related to employability. The course has received excellent feedback through the National Student Survey.

The course prepares you for a number of degree paths including scientific researcher within government, industry or medical institutions, medical and laboratory sales, nature conservation, a range of public sector work and a teaching career. Further study through Masters and PhD degrees are also possibilities. The Biological Sciences courses have a strong applied component. We have retained a great deal of practical and field work, both of which have been greatly reduced in many universities; these give our students an advantage when seeking employment. This has suited students well for careers in the laboratory or the field. Some are engaged in research or education and some undertake medical qualifications or complete higher degrees. There are many opportunities to extend one’s experience and enhance one’s CV by carrying out voluntary work. Staff members in the Institute have links with several Wild Life Trusts (including Worcestershire Wildlife Trust) and other environmental and conservation agencies, Sea Life Centres, Safari Parks etc. and can help organise voluntary work (which can feed into Independent Studies projects in the final year of study). There has also been the possibility for students to gain experience by volunteering to work within the Environmental Sustainability Eco Campus initiative.