Biology, MBiol Please login to Apply

Delivered by the School of Science and the Natural Resources Institute, this degree provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of biology, with diverse topics including cancer therapeutics, plant ecology and neuroscience. You will also carry out two research projects, developing the analytical and problem-solving skills sought by employers.

The course has an international focus, enabling you to learn from global experts and undertake field trips and work placements abroad. You will emerge with the skills to address some of mankind's most challenging problems, from how to feed a growing population in a changing climate to treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

The MBiol provides an extensive range of career opportunities. These include industrial and medical research in government or commercial laboratories, or consultancy work in areas such as biomedical science, biotechnology or agribusiness. You could also follow this course with a research degree, such as a PhD.

What you should know about this course

• Ranked #1 University in Kent for Graduate Prospects (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021)
• Students studying biology can expect to earn up to £30,000 on graduation (HESA, 2020)
• Specialise from year two onwards in a wide choice of modules - from cancer research to ecology and research an original project of your choice in the third year
• Travel abroad for a field trip, hear from speakers with international experience and benefit from expertise in global issues such as biofuels, food security and biodiversity
• This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Biochemistry 1 (15 credits)
• Fundamentals of Biology and Physiology (30 credits)
• Basic Chemistry for Life Science (15 credits)
• Practical and Academic Skills (30 credits)
• Ecology and Evolution (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits)
• Cell Biology and Immunity (15 credits)
• Plant Science (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Microbiology and the Environment (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills in Life Science (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
• Animal Science and Environmental Physiology (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Biogeography and Ecosystems (15 credits)
• Pharmacology (15 credits)

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Project (Life Sciences) (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 75 credits from this list of options.

• Pathophysiology of Disease (15 credits)
• Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (15 credits)
• Applied Plant Ecology (15 credits)
• Biotechnology for Crop Production (15 credits)
• Conservation and the Environment (15 credits)
• Introduction to Ecological Modelling and Programming (15 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (15 credits)
• Advanced and Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
• Animal Ecology (15 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
• Medical Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits)
• Insect Biology (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Science Internship Course (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)

Year 4

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• MBiol Project (60 credits)
• Research Methods for Postgraduates (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 45 credits from this list of options.

• Integrated Pest Management (30 credits)
• Agronomy and Crop Physiology (15 credits)
• Advanced Neuroscience (15 credits)
• Inflammation, Immune Disease and Allergy (15 credits)
• Virology and Anti-virus Therapy (15 credits)
• Current Issues in Bioscience (15 credits)
• Climate Change and Ecological Footprinting (15 credits)
• Food Security (15 credits)
• Special Topics in Ecology (15 credits)