Biological Sciences

• BSc Biology (C100)
• BSc Zoology (C300)

Joint honours

• BSc Geology and Biology (FC61)
• MSci Palaeontology and Evolution (CF16)

Biological Sciences at Bristol is distinct because we cover all aspects of biological life - from genes and cells to populations and ecosystems. We believe that successful biologists of the future need this broad-based training to tackle the scientific challenges of the next generation. We aim to equip you to bring rigorous and logical approaches to biological questions and issues. To that end, the first part of your degree provides you with the key fundamentals of advanced biology. You will be taught in lectures, practical classes, tutorials and other smaller-group sessions, as well as in the field; your own independent study is essential too. Your final year gives you considerable choice in which aspects of biology you wish to pursue as well as the opportunity to undertake your own research.

Our Biological Sciences courses are ideally suited for you if you want a flexible course structure allowing you to choose a broad based biological education or focus on particular areas of interest (ranging from ecosystems and the whole organism to the cellular and molecular level). Our courses will be a good choice if you are keen to experience field work, are a motivated independent learner and have good numeracy skills.

We provide an excellent teaching framework to support your learning that includes lectures, practicals, field work and small group tutorials, all delivered by active researchers. Each first year Biological Sciences unit is assessed by a combination of practical work, essays, multiple-choice / short-answer tests and a written examination. In the second year most units are assessed by a combination of coursework (which may comprise write-ups of practical or project work, open-book tests, short-answer tests, critical and tutorial essays and oral presentations) and a written examination. You will also attend a week-long field or laboratory course. Year two contributes 25 per cent of the overall degree mark. In the third year assessment will include written reports and an extended essay. The lecture units will be assessed by unseen written examinations. Year three contributes 75 per cent of the overall degree mark.