BSc, 4 years, UCAS: C701
Typical A level offer: BCC
Subject overview
Why biology?
Biology is the study of the living world in all its infinite beauty and complexity – from the processes at the microscopic level that occur within a cell, to how organisms interact with each other ecologically. Each level of biological organisation raises many fascinating and important questions from how cells interact to generate behaviour to how diseases evolve to infect their host.
Studying biology enables you to understand the past, present and future of life on earth, and to seek solutions to the greatest problems facing humanity – from managing environmental change to controlling disease.
Why biology at Sussex?
Biology at Sussex scored 92 per cent in the teaching category of the 2012 National Student Survey (NSS).
Sussex was ranked in the top 25 in the UK for biological sciences in The Times Good University Guide 2013 and in the top 30 in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2014.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 80 per cent of our biology research was rated as recognised internationally or higher, and over one-third rated as internationally excellent or higher.
Enthusiastic faculty teach you to the highest standard, focusing on the most current challenges such as the structure and properties of DNA, brain chemistry and the ecological effects of climate change.
A wide range of options allows you to tailor your degree to reflect your interests and ambitions.
You will be taught to think scientifically, to critically understand scientific knowledge and how to do original research. You will carry out experiments in well-furnished laboratories.
You will have fieldwork opportunities, both in the UK and abroad.
You will find our School a supportive and enjoyable place in which to study, with staff who have a genuine concern for their students.
The Biology degree course will equip you with a wide range of knowledge and skills relevant to modern biological sciences.
Programme content
The foundation year is taught at Chichester College.
This four-year course is designed for those who want to study the biological sciences at a top-rated university but lack the qualifications necessary for direct entry to one of our other degree courses. Typical entrants include those with non-science A levels, mature students, overseas applicants and students whose science A level performance fell below expectations.
The foundation year is specifically designed for the needs of students who will subsequently transfer to one of the degree courses offered by the School of Life Sciences at the University of Sussex. Introductory modules in biology and chemistry each make up 40 per cent of the study content. Practical work is an important element of these modules. The remaining 20 per cent of time is split between mathematics and study skills, including IT.
Teaching is by means of lectures, tutorials, classroom discussions and exercise classes. Small-group teaching is emphasised throughout. All modules run in parallel throughout the year and assessment is by coursework and exams.
After successful completion of the foundation year you are guaranteed a place on one of the following BSc courses at the University of Sussex: Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Ecology and Environment, or Neuroscience. Other BSc courses may also be available. Your final overall pass mark will determine which BSc course you can progress to.
We continue to develop and update our modules for 2013 entry to ensure you have the best student experience. In addition to the course structure below, you may find it helpful to refer to the 2012 modules tab.
How will I learn?
During the first year you gain valuable study skills from a variety of different teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals, allowing you to get the most from your degree.
We employ a wide range of learning and teaching methods. Lectures and laboratory work introduce fundamental concepts and provide hands-on experience. Small-group tutorial teaching encourages structured discussion to explore the complexities of specific topics. Tutorials help develop confidence in your own judgement. In seminars, you examine and explain controversial and topical issues such as the use of genetically modified crops, genome mapping, cloning and the reintroduction of species to natural habitats. The third-year project gives you experience of many of the activities carried out by a professional scientist. By receiving detailed feedback on coursework assignments, you learn to think for yourself and develop effective presentation skills. We encourage, and provide instruction in, the use of electronic resources.
At Sussex, the scheduled contact time you receive is made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes, laboratory and practical work, and group work; the exact mix depends on the subject you are studying. This scheduled contact time is reflected in the Key Information Set (KIS) for this course. In addition to this, you will have further contact time with teaching staff on an individual basis to help you develop your learning and skills, and to provide academic guidance and advice to support your independent study.
For more information on what it's like to study at Sussex, refer to Study support.
What will I achieve?
- excellent scientific training in biological science
- an understanding of biological phenomena at many different levels in a wide variety of organisms
- an understanding of ethical issues relating to recent advances in the biological sciences
- the ability to access and evaluate research literature and electronic databases
- command of a range of presentational techniques and communication skills
- the interpersonal skills necessary to achieve co-operative group planning and decision-making
- learning, thinking and problem-solving strategies that have life-long value.
Core content
Years 1 and 2
You take a range of biology modules designed to give you a broad introduction to modern biological research, with opportunities to select areas of particular interest.
Year 3
You specialise in areas of biology that most appeal to you by choosing from a wide range of final-year options, and you gain hands-on experience of doing research by carrying out a research project.
Please note that these are the modules running in 2012.
Biology - Foundation Year Module
48 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Chemistry - Foundation Year Module
48 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Mathematics - Foundation Year Module
12 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Study Skills/Science IT - Foundation Year Module
12 credits
Undergraduate academic year, Year 0
Entry requirements
Sussex welcomes applications from students of all ages who show evidence of the academic maturity and broad educational background that suggests readiness to study at degree level. For most students, this will mean formal public examinations; details of some of the most common qualifications we accept are shown below. If you are an overseas student, refer to Applicants from outside the UK.
All teaching at Sussex is in the English language. If your first language is not English, you will also need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
A level
Typical offer: BCC
Specific entry requirements: Some science is desirable, but good grades in non-science subjects will be considered. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 28 points overall
For more information refer to International Baccalaureate.
Other qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
Specific entry requirements: Access applicants welcomed (although the foundation is itself an alternative to taking an Access to HE Diploma in Science). The foundation may be suited to applicants who took an Access to HE Diploma which lacked sufficient Level 3 credit in science or was in a non-science area, where the applicant now wishes to change discipline. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, grade C, also required.
For more information refer to Access to HE Diploma.
Advanced Diploma
Typical offer: Pass with grade B or C in the Diploma and C in the Additional and Specialist Learning
Specific entry requirements: Ideally the Additional and Specialist Learning would be a science A-level. GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
For more information refer to Advanced Diploma.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Typical offer: DMM
Specific entry requirements: GCSE (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English, with at least grade C in each, are also required.
For more information refer to BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
European Baccalaureate
Typical offer: 70% overall
For more information refer to European Baccalaureate.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level)
Typical offer: BBCCCC
Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Typical offer: BBBCC
Specific entry requirements: Applicants will also need Maths and English at Standard Grade, grade 1 or 2.
For more information refer to Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in each section. Internet-based TOEFL with 88 overall, with at least 20 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 21 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
For more information, refer to alternative English language requirements.
For more information about the admissions process at Sussex:
Undergraduate Admissions,
Sussex House,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9RH, UK
T +44 (0)1273 678416
F +44 (0)1273 678545
E ug.enquiries@sussex.ac.uk
Related subjects
Fees and funding
Fees
Home/EU students: £9,0001
Channel Island and Isle of Man students: £9,0002
Overseas students: £13,0003,4
1 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
2 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
3 The fee shown is for the academic year 2013.
4The foundation year only is charged at the lower fee rate of £13,000. Subsequent years are charged at the higher rate of £16,200.
To find out about your fee status, living expenses and other costs, visit further financial information.
Funding
The funding sources listed below are for the subject area you are viewing and may not apply to all degrees listed within it. Please check the description of the individual funding source to make sure it is relevant to your chosen degree.
To find out more about funding and part-time work, visit further financial information.
Care Leavers Award (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 31 July 2014
For students have been in council care before starting at Sussex.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme (2013)
Region: UK
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
The scheme is targeted to help students from relatively low income families – ie those whose family income is up to £42,611.
First-Generation Scholars Scheme EU Student Award (2013)
Region: Europe (Non UK)
Level: UG
Application deadline: 13 June 2014
£3,000 fee waiver for UG Non-UK EU students whose family income is below £25,000
Careers and profiles
Career opportunities
As the science of biology is relevant to many fields, our graduates are much in demand for careers that directly use biological training, in fields such as scientific research, the health service, environmental management and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Our course also prepares you for a wide range of other fields such as publishing and journalism, teaching and the civil service.
Recent graduates have taken up a wide range of posts with employers including:
- clinical governance and audit facilitator at Hampshire Partnership Foundation Trust
- environmental advisor at BP
- financial advisor at Wells Capital Management
- research assistant at the University of Sussex
- resource consultant at Sharpstream
- product development manager at Sarstedt
- resource consultant at Highams Recruitment
- assistant teacher at Hurstpierpoint College
- lab technician at the University of Sussex
- presenter at London Aquarium.
Specific employer destinations listed are taken from recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education surveys, which are produced annually by the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
Careers and employability
For employers, it’s not so much what you know, but what you can do with your knowledge that counts. The experience and skills you’ll acquire during and beyond your studies will make you an attractive prospect. Initiatives such as SussexPlus, delivered by the Careers and Employability Centre, help you turn your skills to your career advantage. It’s good to know that 94 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study (Which? University).
For more information on the full range of initiatives that make up our career and employability plan for students, visit Careers and alumni.
Contact our School
School of Life Sciences
The School of Life Sciences provides an exciting and attractive environment for learning and research, with a thriving international community of students and academics.
How do I find out more?
For more information, contact:
School of Life Sciences,
University of Sussex, Falmer,
Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
E lifesci@sussex.ac.uk
T +44 (0)1273 678057
Biology
Visit us
Campus tours
We offer weekly guided campus tours.
Mature students at Sussex: information sessions
If you are 21 or over, and thinking about starting an undergraduate degree at Sussex, you may want to attend one of our mature student information sessions. Running between October and December, they include guidance on how to approach your application, finance and welfare advice, plus a guided campus tour with one of our current mature students.
Self-guided visits
If you are unable to make any of the visit opportunities listed, drop in Monday to Friday year round and collect a self-guided tour pack from Sussex House reception.
Go to Visit us and Open Days to book onto one of our tours.
Hannah's perspective
'Studying at Sussex gave me so many opportunities to really throw myself into university life, and being taught by enthusiastic academic staff who are involved in ground-breaking research meant that the education I received was second to none.
'Coming to an Open Day gave me a great insight into both academic and social life at Sussex. Working here means that I now get to tell others about my experiences and share all the great things about the University. And if you can’t make it to our Open Days, we’ve other opportunities to visit, or you can visit our Facebook page and our Visit us and Open Days pages.'
Hannah Steele
Graduate Intern, Student Recruitment Services
Aaron-Leslie's perspective
'Leaving home to study at Sussex was an exciting new experience, and settling in came naturally with all the different activities on campus throughout the year. There are loads of facilities available on your doorstep, both the Library and the gym are only ever a short walk away.
'My experience at Sussex has been amazing. It's a really friendly campus, the academics are helpful, and Brighton is just around the corner. I now work as a student ambassador, and help out at Open Days, sharing all the things I've grown to love about Sussex!'
Aaron-Leslie Williams
BSc in Mathematics