Biology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Sheffield Hallam University

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information.

Course summary

• Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.
• Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.
• Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.
• Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.
• Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.

Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this course, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

You’ll be taught by experts on this course – all our staff are active researchers. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring your taught material is at the forefront of science. You’ll also have opportunities to complete your own research, and you’ll work on real-world projects alongside industry professionals to develop your commercial awareness.

We’ll teach you to apply your knowledge to increasingly complex problems, encouraging you to think independently. You’ll develop a questioning, probing approach and apply creative solutions to difficult issues. We’ll make sure you are stretched and challenged through real-world case studies, presentations and peer and self-assessments.

You’ll learn through:

• In-person seminars, lectures and workshops
• Independent study, supported by tutorials and your academic adviser
• Practical laboratory experiences with industry-standard equipment
• Placements
• Research opportunities
• Field work
• Real-life projects
• Simulated environments
• Networking opportunities

Key themes

In your first year, you’ll study introductory cellular biochemistry, organs and tissues – as well as plant, microbial and animal evolution in an environmental context.

In your second year, we’ll cover evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and the human biological condition, plus cell, molecular and synthetic biology.

In your final year you explore plant, microbial and environmental biotechnology – with an emphasis on industrial applications for synthetic biology with associated regulatory affairs, ethical and societal aspects of biology. You’ll choose from a wide range of modules this year, and you’ll complete an independent research project.

Course support

Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:

• Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.

Work placements

You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.

Live projects

You’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects for real-world organisations such as Galileo Pharmaceuticals – a company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.