University of Lincoln

BSc (Hons) Biology

Our webinars, subject masterclasses, question and answer sessions, and student panel talks are a great way to discover what it is like to live and study at the University of Lincoln.

How You Study

Throughout this course, students are able to study the many facets of biology, develop an understanding of research methods, and apply their learning in the laboratory and in the field.

The first year of this degree introduces students to the different elements of biology, including evolution, ecology, metabolism, microbial biochemistry, and genetics. In the second year, students can study a range of topics including molecular biology, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, clinical biochemistry and diagnostics, immunology, human ageing and disease, and conservation biology, alongside training in data handling and analysis.

In the third year, students can select from specialist areas including veterinary parasitology, applied biochemistry, cancer epidemiology and pathology, 21st-century medicine, blood sciences, plant-animal interactions, soil biology, global change biology, animal cognition and welfare, palaeobiology and behavioural ecology, in addition to undertaking an individual research project to develop independent investigation skills.

Teaching at Lincoln places a strong emphasis on students engaging actively with their studies from the outset. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as researchers and producers who can make a contribution to their field of study. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and practical classes, which cover the core subject matter and technical skills, supported by tutorials and seminars which allow students to develop, analyse, and present their own findings. Practical classes in the laboratory and field allow students to practise project management and data gathering, handling, and interpretation skills.

Students in this programme learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. There is also an opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.

First Year

• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Animals (Core)
• Ecology (Core)
• Introduction to Life Sciences (Core)
• Microbial Biochemistry (Core)
• Plant Structure and Function (Core)
• Research Methods for the Life Sciences (Core)

Second Year

• Conservation Biology (Core)
• Data Skills for the Life Sciences (Core)
• Evolution (Core)
• Molecular Biology (Core)
• Animal Behaviour (Option)†
• Animal Health and Disease (Option)†
• Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics (Option)†
• Human Ageing and Disease (Option)†
• Immunology (Option)†
• Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology (Option)†
• Reproduction and Development (Option)†
• SLS Study Abroad (Option)†
• UK Field Course (Option)†

Third Year

• Life Sciences Research Project (Core)
• Plant and Animal Interactions (Core)
• 21st Century Medicine (Option)†
• Animal Cognition and Welfare (Option)†
• Applied Biochemistry (Option)†
• Behavioural Ecology (Option)†
• Blood Sciences (Option)†
• Cancer Epidemiology and Pathology (Option)†
• Global Change Biology (Option)†
• Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (Option)†
• One Health (Option)†
• Overseas Field Course (Option)†
• Palaeobiology (Option)†
• Soil Biology (Option)†
• Veterinary Parasitology (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

How You Are Assessed

The way students are assessed in this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that may be used include coursework such as laboratory exercises or reports, case studies, problem-solving exercises, essays, poster or oral group presentations, short answer and structured questions, and project reports. This is in addition to written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

How You Study

Throughout this course, students are able to study the many facets of biology, develop an understanding of research methods, and apply their learning in the laboratory and in the field.

The first year of this degree introduces students to the different elements of biology, including evolution, ecology, metabolism, microbial biochemistry, and genetics. In the second year, students can study a range of topics including molecular biology, animal health and disease, animal behaviour, clinical biochemistry and diagnostics, immunology, human ageing and disease, and conservation biology, alongside training in data handling and analysis.

In the third year, students can select from specialist areas including veterinary parasitology, applied biochemistry, cancer epidemiology and pathology, 21st century medicine, blood sciences, plant-animal interactions, soil biology, global change biology, animal cognition and welfare, palaeobiology and behavioural ecology, in addition to undertaking an individual research project to develop independent investigation skills.

Teaching at Lincoln places a strong emphasis on students engaging actively with their studies from the outset. Students are encouraged to think of themselves as researchers and producers who can make a contribution to their field of study. Teaching and learning methods include lectures and practical classes, which cover the core subject matter and technical skills, supported by tutorials and seminars which allow students to develop, analyse, and present their own findings. Practical classes in the laboratory and field allow students to practise project management and data gathering, handling, and interpretation skills.

Students on this programe learn from academic staff who are often engaged in world-leading or internationally excellent research or professional practice. Contact time can be in workshops, practical sessions, seminars or lectures and may vary from module to module and from academic year to year. Tutorial sessions and project supervision can take the form of one-to-one engagement or small group sessions. There is also opportunity to take part in external visits and fieldwork.

This course is designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to enter a range of scientific and non-science-based roles in agriculture, biotechnology, animal sciences, and environmental protection. A wide range of career paths are available to biology graduates including research and development, technical roles, science communication and publishing, and scientific sales and marketing. Some students choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.