BSc in Biological Sciences

Requirements are:

UCAS Codes: 

• Biological Sciences (C112) 
• Cell and Molecular Biology (CC17) 
• Human Biology (B150) 
• Microbiology and Immunology (C550) 

Typical Offers:

A Levels: ABB-BBB including Biology or Human Biology. 

IB:33 points (Biology Higher Level 6 points, plus another science subject at Higher Level)

BTEC, Access & other:

• Access to Science for mature students (21+) considered on an individual basis. 
• BTEC National Certificate & BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science: DD plus A level Biology at grade B 
• BTEC National Diploma & BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science: DDD. Eligibility dependant on modules. 

Specific subject requirements:

• A level: Biology / Human Biology at A level grade B or above. Chemistry at A/AS level welcomed but not essential. 
• GCSE: English and Maths grade C

Year 1

• Microbiology I - provides the student with an introduction to bacterial physiology, pathogenicity, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. 
• Biochemistry - provides the student with an overview of the structure of biological macromolecules and the small molecules from which they are assembled. 
• Physiology - provides students with a theoretical and practical approach to the physiology of nerves and the nervous system, muscle, brain, endocrine glands, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, blood, kidneys, gastro-intestinal tract and digestion. 
• Inheritance and Population Genetics - examines the modes of inheritance of the gene. This module also introduces students to some of the underlying principles of population genetics. 
• Development and Human Anatomy - reviews the principles and foundation elements of embryology and the study of human anatomy. 
• Cell Biology - provides a basic introduction to cellular components and processes involved in the birth, life and death of cells. 
• Molecular Biology - provides students with a basic introduction to the nature, properties, structure, function and replication of genes. 
• Introductory Immunology - provides the student with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules. This module also explores the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and examines how these may be controlled. 
• Key Skills - comprises a series of academic tutorials with a personal tutor and a series of workshops on career management and IT skills. 

Year 2

• Microbiology II - covers microorganisms of medical importance including Gram-positive, Gram-negative and intracellular bacteria from the perspective of clinical manifestations, microbial pathogenesis; infection control and prevention. 
• Metabolism - provides the student with an understanding of major pathways of intermediary metabolism and their integration and regulation. 
• Molecular Genetics - describes the molecular basis for the regulation of gene transcription and presents the key techniques in gene manipulation. 
• Biotechnology - provides an insight into the importance of biotechnology and commercial biology including fermentation, large scale microbial culture, antibiotic production and tissue culture. 
• Nutrition and Dietetics - provides the student with the basic concepts in human nutrition and dietetics including macronutrients, obesity, vitamins and minerals, food allergy and diabetes. 
• Endocrinology - provides a detailed study of the endocrine system, extending and developing information covered in earlier parts of the course. 
• Molecular Pathology - examines some of the molecular mechanisms involved in cell growth, differentiation, maturation and senescence. 
• Immunology II: provides the student with an understanding of the immune system as an integrated system of tissues, cells and molecules. 
• Key Skills II: focuses on personal and professional development, group work, scientific communication and preparation for the placement year.

 Year 3 - Optional placement year

See placement year section or find out more about the Aston placement year.

Final Year

• Human Physiology: provides a detailed study of the mechanisms and processes through which the body achieves and maintains homeostasis. 
• Immunology: explores the cellular and molecular basis of immunity and examines how these may be controlled. 
• Food Microbiology: provides a study of the relationship between food and health including the scientific, technical and manufacturing factors which influence food quality and safety. 
• Applied Molecular Biology: provides in-depth explanation of genetic engineering techniques and their applications. 
• Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease: provides an overview of microbiology and infectious diseases within the community and hospital setting and methods of diagnosing infection. 
• Cell Biology: investigates current models of how proteins regulate and execute the cellular process of differentiation, migration, protein trafficking, synapse formation and vesicle release. 
• Medical Biochemistry: provides a detailed study of the application of chemical and biochemical methods to the study of disease. 
• Toxicology: informs the student of the basis of the toxicity of xenobiotic compounds including drugs and environmental toxins. 
• Cell Biology of Cancer Metastasis: provides an insight into the organisation of the cell cytoskeleton and how modification of this structure leads to changes in migratory properties that occur when cells become malignant. 
• Bioethics: considers ethical issues related to social factors, healthcare and research in the biological arena. 
• Biological Basis of Human Disease: considers the basic biological principals underlying the development of diseases in man. 
• Cancer Biology: considers the causes of cancer, its detection, prevention and treatment from the perspective of a Human Biologist. 
• Stem Cell Biology: develops a basic understanding of what a stem cell is and of how stem cells are being developed as research tools and medicines.