Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| DipHE | Biosciences |
| CertHE | Biosciences |
| Ord | Biosciences |
Professional recognition
Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UCD10006 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UCD10026 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Biosciences
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences - School of Biosciences
Programme Leader
PIRIE Tara (Biosciences)
Date of production/revision of spec
20/12/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- To further the students' knowledge of the fundamental principles of biological sciences and to develop a deeper knowledge of the study of all living organisms and how they are inter-connected, from micro-organism to human, animals, and ecosystems.
- To provide a high-quality education in the various aspects of biological sciences for students with diverse career aspirations (including laboratory scientist, researcher, scientific writer/editor, teachers).
- To provide opportunities for students to think creatively, both individually and within groups, in order to propose innovative solutions to a range of problems of a biological (animal) nature.
- To provide the appropriate environment to encourage the development of the students' interest in biological sciences, and to help them acquire appropriate intellectual, scientific, technical and key transferable skills to promote self-directed and life-long learning.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| An understanding of laboratory and field-based investigation and its application to a variety of aspects of Biological Sciences | K | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Understand laboratory-based investigations in biological sciences applicable to studying human health and disease | K | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Acquire a good breadth of knowledge in the field of biological sciences in general and a good depth of knowledge in the specialist fields as defined in these specifications and the subject bench marking statements. | K | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Understand the basic principles of evolution, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, experimental biology, immunology, microbiology and infectious diseases. | K | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Evaluate research findings and scientific literature and demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate appropriate sources of material and to critically assess it. | C | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Demonstrate an understanding of research design and planning and the limits of scientific findings. | C | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn basic laboratory skills relevant to several fields of biological sciences, including molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, sustainability and animal sciences. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop advanced practical skills relevant to biological sciences. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Interpret qualitative and qualitative data. | P | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop resourcefulness and resilience to be able to respond positively and effectively to opportunities, challenges, difficulties and setbacks | P | Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Learn and work independently and take responsibility for planning and organisation of work. | P | DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and visual means. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Work effectively in small groups and teams towards a common goal/outcome. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop competencies to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds in ways that respect the interests of cultural groups and individual rights. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Apply basic statistical and numerical skills to biological data. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) | |
| Develop digital capabilities and computer literacy skills using online and electronic resources, word processors, spreadsheets, visual presentation tools and statistical packages. | T | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BSc (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Semester 1:
Students must choose 1 optional module
Semester 2:
Students must select 3 optional modules from BMS2044, BMS2045, BMS2046 and BMS2047
Students can only select one of the below optional
BMS2043 or BMS2070
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose 3 optional module in semester 1 and 3 optional modules in semester 2
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
N/A
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Semester 1:
Students must choose 1 optional module
Semester 2:
Students must select 3 optional modules from BMS2044, BMS2045, BMS2046 and BMS2047
Students can only select one of the below optional
BMS2043 or BMS2070
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Students must choose 3 optional module in semester 1 and 3 optional modules in semester 2
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSP007 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
N/A
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | Y | Yes |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | Y | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Global + cultural capabilities: Lectures delivered by a broad range of speakers with diverse backgrounds: UK or international, veterinarians, animal scientists, researchers, and food inspectors Lectures covering a wide range of veterinary biosciences¿ topics from various disciplines with impact across the One-Health sector International mobility opportunities during Professional Training Year that challenge and enrich the lives of students and contribute to intercultural understanding Internationally broad and balanced EU and non-EU student population at all levels. Students will develop competencies to engage effectively with people from different backgrounds in ways that respect the interests of cultural groups and individual rights. They will develop appreciation of a diversity of cultural experience and ways of relating to others without stereotyping.
Sustainability: Lectures in line with the One-Health approach towards the development of sustainable methods and practices in the agri-food sector, as well as I external speaker to speak about sustainability in the context of the discipline and specific modules. Students will also be able to apply knowledge and skills to real world sustainability problems. Understanding of the role of animal production in food production and sustainability. Identify case studies of real-life scenarios or simulations related to sustainability issues
Digital capabilities: Students will have the opportunity to produce video/ audio presentations or poster / diagram both at individual or team level; This will provide with opportunities to learn how to use digital tools to effectively communicate and synthesise ideas and solutions to different problems/ situations using digital means. Use of various software tools for online interaction and review of content. High content of digital external resources to support lectures. Students are also encouraged to use digital tools for study productivity: i.e. the use of appropriate technologies to facilitate learning (e.g., note-taking using OneNote for capturing notes and reflections, storing documents, reference management tools.), project and time management applications (e.g., Gant chart, Excel Spreadsheet, to do lists), for individual or team working.
Employability: Visits and workshops on potential veterinary-related Professional Training Year employers Discussion with former Professional Training Year students about their professional experiences and employability options Modules are designed to meet employers¿ expectations towards self-learning ability, critical analysis, problem-solving skills, and resilience Lectures by professionals working at Food Standards Agency (FSA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA_ providing information to students about potential job opportunities
Resourcefulness + resilience: Literature search using online databases and resources, e.g. textbooks, peer-reviewed journal papers Flipped classroom seminars that allow students to measure their progress and understanding in preparation for exams A well-organised personal tutoring system that supports students academically and pastorally A Vet and Biosciences Society with a strong social network
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.