Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award
Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.
Why choose this course?
Biological sciences form the basis of many new areas of science and technology. They are the foundation of our understanding of a diverse range of subjects – from evolution, genetics and diversity to medicine, drug and human development.
On this course, you can choose to study medical biology or genetics and molecular biology.
Practical work includes a laboratory and/or field-based project, a data project or a systematic review. Project work might be based in a laboratory or organisation outside the University. You'll gain the knowledge, techniques and skills you need to boost your employability, ready for when you graduate.
We have updated our modules to enhance student-centred teaching and align course content with industry needs, helping you become a future-proof graduate.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years full time | C111 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time with professional placement | C100 | 2025 |
| 4 years full time including foundation year | C118 | 2025 |
Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.
| Main Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Once you graduate, you'll receive one year's free membership, helping you to network and keep you up to date with developments in life sciences.
- You can choose to take a four-year professional placement degree, with a year's overseas study or an industrial placement to give you a career head start.
- 100% of students thought staff were good at explaining things (NSS 2023).
What you will study
Year 1
Year 2
Professional placement year
Year 3
Year 1 is common to both streams of this biological sciences degree – medical biology and molecular biology – as well as a number of other degrees. It has been designed to give you a thorough understanding of the core subjects within life sciences and provides a measure of flexibility between courses.
Core modules
Human Physiology and Anatomy
30 credits
This module provides you with a dynamic exploration of how human physiology and anatomy work together to underpin health, movement, and physical performance. You will investigate how key physiological systems like the cardiovascular, muscular, and nervous systems work together, while exploring the principles of biomechanics to understand how the body moves and adapts to homeostatic challenges.
Through hands-on labs and workshops, you will develop practical skills in data collection, experimental design, and analysis, learning how to measure and evaluate human performance. By the end of this module, you will have a solid grasp of how human physiology and anatomy are studied and how they relate to broader issues like sustainability and human health.
Genes to Tissues
30 credits
This module introduces basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics, germ layers, and tissue types in the human body, as well as various microorganisms.
You will experience practical sessions in a state-of-the-art laboratory, on microscopy, histology, cytogenetics and microbiology, enabling you to develop practical skills in the correct use of microscopes, examining and studying chromosomes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microbes and tissues, interpreting, and recording biological data, and build upon your knowledge gained from lectures.
This module provides a foundation for advanced modules in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology.
Introduction to Biochemistry
30 credits
This module provides an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. In this module, we will explore the role and structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and delve into defining their properties and functions. The module will also introduce the vital role of energy transformations in living organisms.
Core material is delivered through lectures, online resources and activities, and problem-solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.
On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells. This module will help you develop the skills necessary for enhancing your learning through effective note-taking and critical thinking, which will continue to help you throughout your degree.
Scientific and Laboratory Skills
30 credits
This module provides a firm foundation in the general scientific and laboratory skills students require to successfully complete their programmes of study.
A significant component of the module consists of the development and demonstration of core technical/practical skills through familiarity with the laboratory environment through hands-on learning.
This module will also introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with the Navigate programme introducing the key graduate attributes required in developing your professional development portfolio in the biosciences. The Future Skills concepts and activities will support you in developing and evidencing your practice, scientific analytical/problem-solving, teamworking, digital competency, practical and numeracy skills.
You will be supported by themed tutor meetings and peer support tutee teams enabling you to work on tasks to develop your graduate attributes.
In Year 2, you will have core modules and specialist modules within your chosen specialism (Medical Biology or Molecular Biology). You will develop your knowledge, techniques and practical skills, as well as additional transferrable and employability-related Future Skills.
Core modules
Evolutionary Biology, Research Methods and Skills
30 credits
This module is divided into two distinct parts. The first part explores biodiversity on our planet and investigates the genetic processes that create this variation. Through real-world examples and computer-based workshops, students will examine both historical and ongoing evolution.
The second part broadens the scope to encompass the wider aspects of the biological sciences and beyond. It focuses on developing your Future Skills by engaging you with Explore, enhancing your research, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, and preparing you for their final year capstone project. You will be supported by tutor meetings, which help you work on tasks to develop, articulate, and reflect on your progress and graduate attributes. The Future Skills learning outcomes are integrated into this module.
Proteins and Metabolism
30 credits
This module provides you with knowledge of the structure and methods of analysis of proteins, with particular emphasis on enzymes. This is followed by the study of the major catabolic and anabolic pathways and investigates how organisms obtain and use energy. These processes, and their regulation in health and disease, are considered at the molecular level, which involves many proteins including enzymes.
You will investigate how organisms obtain and utilise energy from metabolic pathways. You will gain a detailed understanding of the structure of proteins, including enzymes, and have a comprehensive knowledge of practical and graphical methods involved in the investigation of enzyme activity.
You will also develop key practical skills involved in protein biochemistry and metabolism.
Medical Biology route
Infection and Immunity
30 credits
This module delves into the fascinating world of microorganisms, that play a big role in health and disease. We'll explore how our immune system responds to these microscopic agents. Through interactive lectures and workshops, we'll examine various microbiological processes. You will learn about controlling these organisms in laboratory settings and within patients. You will also become familiar with the immune system's different cells and organs, understanding how they work together to protect the body from infections upon first exposure and during subsequent encounters. Lastly, we'll introduce some of the molecular processes and signalling events crucial for communication between human immune cells.
Pathobiology
30 credits
This module discusses the fascinating world of cellular mechanisms of disease and explore how cellular pathology integrates with clinical pathology and other disciplines. Particular emphasis is given to hand-on laboratory techniques to understand cellular injury and its role in routine diagnosis. By the end of the module, you will understand the effects of cell injury, inflammation, cancer, infertility, and genetic diseases on cells. You will learn how cellular pathology and diagnostic techniques contribute to disease identification and the development of research-informed treatments, preparing you for bright and impactful careers in science.
Molecular Biology route
Medical Genetics
30 credits
You will be introduced to the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases. This module covers basic concepts of inheritance patterns, population genetics and genetic disorders including single-gene disorders, chromosomal imbalances, epigenetics, and complex disorders. You will learn about molecular genetics techniques, genetic testing and counselling, pharmacogenomics, and personalised medicine.
The module covers basic bioinformatic tools and computational techniques used in analysing large volumes of biological data that help in the identification of genetic variations and their influence on disease processes. You will also be introduced to cutting-edge advancements in the field including gene therapy and editing, single-cell sequencing, and omics technologies. You will gain insight into how these technologies are shaping the future of medical genetics research and clinical practice.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
30 credits
This module builds on topics covered in your first year and explores advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides a molecular insight into the structure and function of cells and takes an integrated approach to understand how cells respond to changes in their environment – from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.
You will discover various mechanisms of intracellular signalling in different organisms. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the processes involved in the regulation of gene expression. You will also learn about practical methods relevant to cell and molecular biology, for example fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR.
All students are encouraged to identify opportunities for work experience during the course, which may be through an optional professional placement year, taken between Years 2 and 3.
In Year 3, you will examine more advanced and applied aspects within your subject area. You will also undertake an independent project - this provides an opportunity to research a topic of your choice within your specialism as either a laboratory-based project or a library-based dissertation.
Core modules
Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science
30 credits
You will gain insights into the scientific basis of recent technological advances in biomolecular science through selected examples of contemporary scientific research and their impact on society. This module will build on your previous knowledge and skills to demonstrate the successful translation of research to public benefit.
Employability and enterprise are embedded to develop your scientific and professional skills, particularly those of developing inclusive behaviours, communication, reflection, teamworking and problem-solving. The Future Skills Apply learning outcomes are delivered in this module.
Project (Bioscience)
30 credits
The project module forms a very important part of the degree programme and probably constitutes the largest piece of independent work that you are likely to undertake during undergraduate studies. There are several types of projects that may be offered to you: a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, analysis, and original presentation of reported research data.
Your project will include a review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.
Medical Biology route
Clinical Biochemistry and Blood Sciences
30 credits
In this module, we explore how laboratory investigations contribute to diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases such as renal disease, diabetes, anaemia, and haematological malignancies. Additionally, we delve into the role of transfusion laboratories in treating specific disorders.
You will learn about the processes involved in the investigation of blood groups and the techniques used in blood transfusion. You will discover the diagnostically useful changes which occur in normal body chemistry in selected examples of disease/trauma.
Throughout the course, real-life case studies illustrate best practices in clinical chemistry and haematology. Expert practitioners also deliver keynote lectures, enriching your learning experience. Plus, we emphasise equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills sought after by employers.
Pharmacotherapy of Infection and Cancer
30 credits
This module provides you with an opportunity to learn about drug therapies used in the treatment of both infectious diseases and cancer. Treatments for infectious diseases will cover drugs that have actions on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, while the cancer therapies will include a range of different neoplastic diseases, including drug treatments for both solid and blood cancers. Your lectures will focus on the mode of action, side effects and mechanisms of resistance of antimicrobials and anti-cancer drugs, as well as the development of new drugs.
Molecular Biology route
Bioinformatics: Decoding Life's Data
30 credits
Enormous amounts of data are generated in Life Sciences research every day with a wide range of applications such as providing insight into genetic diseases, modelling how a drug interacts with its target protein, exploring the diversity of microbes in our digestive systems, establishing changes of gene expression in cancer/disease, and tracking the spread of cancerous cells. Bioinformatics forms an interface between biological sciences and information technology. In this module, you will develop the skills necessary to write your own computer programs (using R and/or Python) and use online tools to analyse and interpret real-world biological datasets. Alongside this, you will explore genomic variability, molecular evolution and phylogenetics in the context of bioinformatics. The module introduces an area of increasing importance in many areas of bioscience research, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.
Core factual material is provided predominantly via computing workshops, supported by demonstrations of online bioinformatic resources, guided reading, and lectures. Additional resources will be placed on Canvas. You will undertake an individual bioinformatics mini-project investigating an authentic research question that integrates the learning across the module.
Drugs, Brain and Behaviour
30 credits
This research-driven module will provide a thorough background in the fields of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology and introduce a range of current topics in neuroscience, selected from such areas as cellular and molecular neurobiology, sensory and motor systems, cognitive neuroscience and degenerative neuropathologies. You will experience current research techniques and learn to critically evaluate and discuss different ways of studying the brain.
Foundation year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.
Who teaches this course?
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories;
- an exercise physiology and biomechanics lab;
- modern applied biology and chemistry laboratories
- specialist equipment, such as electron microscopes and spectrometers;
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance; and
- a newly refurbished state-of-the-art nutrition kitchen.
The Library offers:
- subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
- online database subscriptions; and
- a growing selection of resource material.
Accreditation
This course has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for 2019 entry. Kingston University graduates from this programme will receive one year's free membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
The Royal Society of Biology is the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom. The Society represents more than 16,000 biologists from all areas of the life sciences, as well as more than 100 organisations which make up the diverse landscape of biology in the UK and overseas. The Royal Society of Biology offers members unique opportunities to engage with the life sciences and share their passion for biology.
Whichever area of biology you wish to gain a career in, membership will help you:
- stay up to date with what is happening across the life sciences;
- gain additional recognition for your skills and experience;
- develop your professional network; and
- demonstrate your support for the future of biology.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
After you graduate
This degree can lead to careers in the pharmaceutical, medical, food, biotech and veterinary industries, as well as teaching and research.
What our students say
What our graduates say
Work placement year
How you can work in industry during your course
Placements:
- provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
- improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
- enhance your CV
- lead to a graduate job
- enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
- help you to select your final-year project.
"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.
"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.
There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.
Examples of placements
Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:
| Construction-based placement employers | Construction-based placement roles |
|---|---|
| RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor |
Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer |
| Science-based placement employers | Science-based placement roles |
| Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals |
Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach |
| Engineering-based placement employers | Engineering-based placement roles |
| Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair |
Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant |
| Computing and IS-based placement employers | Computing and IS-based placement roles |
| Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel |
Database coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer |
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
