BSc (Hons) Biology

Summary 2014/15

limitations of biological knowledge and techniques.

Our degree also combines technical, analytical and
communication skills in a way that makes our
graduates extremely employable.

Biology at Edge Hill University ranked 100% for

student satisfaction and top in the North West for
academic support, learning resources, teaching
and personal development in the National
Student Survey 2013;

Location:

Edge Hill University

Discover Biologys contribution to modern

society from cloning and gene therapy to
pollution control and biodiversity conservation;

UCAS:

C100

Benefit from dedicated practical laboratories and

an optional work placement;

Course Type:

Undergraduate
Degree

Attendance & Study

Mode:

3
Full Time
years

Start Date:

September 2014

Carry out detailed fieldwork in the rich diversity of

local habitats.
Biologists are central to many exciting advances in
the modern world with Biology at the core of areas
such as disease treatment, cloning, feeding a growing
population, assessing health risks from foods or the
impacts of mankind on our environment.
Your study will encompass the full range of life that
fascinates biologists, from molecules through to
ecosystems and beyond. You will develop knowledge
of the classic areas of the subject and the many
recent developments. In addition, you will gain an
appreciation of the issues biological advances
present to society and understand the scope and

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2014 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

300 UCAS Tariff points, normally to include Biology or
a related subject, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade
C or above (or equivalent). To find out how you can
achieve this Tariff score, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/
offers.

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Details

is employed which may include practical portfolios,

specimen collections, project reports, field
notebooks, websites, and individual and group oral
presentations. Examinations include seen papers and
'open book' approaches.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The degree encompasses the full breadth of the
subject, spanning all levels of biological organisation
from the molecular, cellular and organismal through
to the ecology of populations, communities and
global perspectives.

WHAT ARE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

The knowledge, skills and personal attributes you will
gain will enable you to compete successfully for
biological and wider graduate employment or to
engage with lifelong learning, research and enquiry.

You will study a range of aspects of modern Biology

and have the option of following a number of distinct
interlocking strands within the subject including
evolution and genetics, the nature of disease,
biodiversity conservation, and marine and freshwater
biology.

Career paths include areas such as laboratory and

field-based
scientific
enquiry,
ecologist,
environmental consultancy, management and
protection, countryside ranger, postgraduate study
or teacher training.

Alongside other Year 3 modules, your dissertation will

help you develop and apply a range of research and
transferable skills in the planning, execution and
reporting of an individual research project.

FURTHER STUDY AT EDGE HILL

UNIVERSITY
MRes Biology

HOW WILL I STUDY?

The programme has a strong practical base. Learning
involves lectures, practicals, tutorials and fieldwork.
The local area has a wide range of terrestrial and
aquatic habitats for fieldwork, and several modules
involve a residential field course in various parts of the
country or abroad.

RELATED PROGRAMMES
BSc (Hons) Ecology

PLACEMENT
Our optional second year placement module will
provide a professional setting in which you can apply
the knowledge and skills you have acquired from the
course. The module is often utilised by students to
gain experience in a branch of biology in which they
are considering a career.

A GREAT STUDY ENVIRONMENT

Our Biosciences building incorporates impressive,
modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly
relevant practical experience for Biology students in
some of the best equipped facilities in the country.
The biosciences resources include confocal and
electron microscopes alongside DNA extraction and
analysis equipment.

MSc Conservation Management

BSc (Hons) Genetics

BSc (Hons) Human Biology

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?

Our experienced and knowledgeable staff take pride
in the quality of their teaching. Their research activity
means they keep up-to-date with current
developments in their areas of interest and pass this
knowledge onto their students. The department is
friendly and approachable and of a size that enables
us to know our students personally and be able to
respond to their needs.

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped

grounds, the Edge Hill University campus is a unique
and inspirational place to study. Industry standard
resources and cutting edge technology combine to
make an interactive and highly advanced teaching
and learning environment.
Everything you could want is on one site with 60 acres
of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,900 rooms
in halls of residence, and fantastic modern spaces
in which you can study and socialise. There is also
a University library, providing you with access to
thousands of books, journals, online resources and
extensive PC and media provision.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework
and examinations tailored to suit the subject area of
each module. An extremely wide range of coursework

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You will get all the support you need to succeed,

reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked:

scholarships aren't linked to academic success and

celebrate determination, talent and achievement
beyond your coursework, for instance in creativity,
enterprise, ICT, performance, sport or volunteering.

Top ten for employability (HESA 2014.

Employment indicator for comparable English
public universities);

Additional scholarships are available to eligible UK

and EU students which you may qualify to receive.
These scholarships reward outstanding grades and
support students from lower income families with the
cost of higher education.

Top in the North West for student satisfaction in

the National Student Survey 2014 and Sunday
Times University Guide 2014.
HOW DO I APPLY?
To apply for this degree through Clearing, please
contact our Clearing Helpline by calling 0800 028 66
77 (free from UK landlines) or 0333 202 2201
(included in bundled minutes on UK networks).
Alternatively,
you
can
email
us
at
clearing@edgehill.ac.uk.

To find out more about scholarships, to assess your

eligibility, and to meet some of our dedicated
scholarship winners, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/
scholarships.
NOT GOT THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
We welcome applications from those who wish to
return to education and encourage you to present
your previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to
support your application.

FEES AND FINANCE

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for full-time study on this undergraduate
degree are 9,000 per annum for UK and EU students
and 11,150 per annum for international students
enrolling on the programme in academic year 2015/
16.

If you have the ability to study for a degree but lack the
necessary qualifications or confidence, our Fastrack:
Access to Higher Education course could be for you.
This free, seven-week programme provides a great
opportunity to gain the study skills and subject
knowledge to guarantee the offer of a place on an
Edge Hill University degree (subject to meeting any
additional requirements stipulated in your Fastrack
offer
letter).
For
more
information,
visit
www.edgehill.ac.uk/fastrack.

Financial Support
Subject to eligibility, UK and EU students can apply
for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover
the full cost of tuition fees. UK students may also be
eligible to apply for additional funding to help with
living costs.

If you do not have GCSE Mathematics at grade C or

above, you can sit an Edge Hill equivalency test.

For comprehensive information about the financial

support available to eligible UK and EU students
joining this programme in academic year 2015/16,
together with details of how to apply for funding,
please view our Money Matters 2015/16 guide at
www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfinance2015.

For personalised advice based on your

circumstances, please contact us or come to an
event.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus
or be kept updated about forthcoming events,
contact the Course Information, Advice and
Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or
calling 01695 657000.

Financial support information for international

students can be found at www.edgehill.ac.uk/
international/fees.

Scholarships

If you want to attend one of our open events held

throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/
opendays to book your place.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships

with a competitive application process for
prospective full-time undergraduate students. These

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You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many

national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Tel: 01695 657234

STILL WANT MORE?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the
programme leader about this course, please contact:

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/

international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for
further information.

Email: powelli@edgehill.ac.uk

Dr Ian Powell, Department of Biology, Faculty of

Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St
Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP

Modules

studies to build a picture of how a natural community

works.

YEAR 1
SCI1106 Variation, Evolution and Heredity (20 credits)
examines the molecular processes that cause genetic
information held in DNA to be expressed in the form
of proteins and how this in turn leads to variation in
the phenotype. The module also studies how genetic
information is passed on to the next generation. This
is a fundamental feature of life and central to any
understanding of biology. Moreover, molecular
genetics concepts are central to a grasp of recent
biomedical developments.

SCI1110 Biodiversity (20 credits) provides an overview

of the key evolutionary processes that have led to the
evolution of life and the major forms of biodiversity
and examines the ways in which biologists classify
the variety of life.
SCI1111 Human Body Systems (20 credits) focuses on
developing your knowledge of the structure and
function of the various components of the human
body such as the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. In turn this develops your
understanding of the inter-relationship between the
systems of the body in the context of human health
and disease.

SCI1107 Biology in Practice (20 credits) looks at the

nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological
knowledge develops, the contribution biology makes
to society and the influence society has on both the
speed and direction of research in the biological
sciences. Part of this module will be delivered through
overseas fieldwork.

YEAR 2
SCI2308 Research Methods in Biology (20 credits)
introduces you to essential biological research
methods and data analysis. You will examine
experimental design and analysis with varied types of
data and subsequently design a study of your own.

SCI1108 Cellular Form and Function (20 credits) provides

an introduction to cellular physiology and
biochemistry. Through a range of practical activities
you will examine the molecular components that
determine the structure, biochemical nature and
physiology of different cells and will develop essential
skills and confidence in scientific laboratory
techniques. The module is designed to help you
understand biological phenomena at a variety of
levels, from molecular through to whole organism.

You need to choose five further Year 2 modules from

the following options:

SCI2312 Field Botany (20 credits) immerses you in a

course of plant identification and surveying through
field and laboratory work. Such skills are in increasing
demand in both the government and private sectors.
The module includes visits to some of the best
habitats in the North West of England.

SCI1109 Ecology (20 credits) introduces some basic

concepts in ecology through practical work in the
field. It covers the basic skills required for ecological
fieldwork, including plant and animal identification,
survey techniques and data handling, and uses field

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SCI2314 Environmental Physiology (20 credits) develops

your understanding of the physiological mechanisms
in animals and plants which are affected by

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environmental stress. Practical laboratory studies will

help you to understand how the environment impacts
on organisms and appreciate how environmental
factors limit what organisms can do.

digestive system will be investigated. You will gain an

appreciation of the effects of nutrient deficiency and
excess on the human body, as well as disease and
disorders of the digestive process.

SCI2316 Human Population Ecology (20 credits) explores

some of the significant questions of the future that
are posed by our population reaching seven billion,
introducing the concepts of sustainability and
environmental protection. The module investigates
the historical patterns of human population growth
and takes an ecological perspective on our resource
needs and the impact on the environment.

SCI2325 Biogeography (20 credits) examines spatial

and temporal patterns of living organisms over the
Earth's surface and highlights fundamental
processes and factors which determine these
patterns such as climate, evolutionary history,
continental drift, area, isolation, succession and
disturbance. You will explore themes such as
biodiversity and the history and development of
ecological communities through time. The module
will also furnish you with an understanding of human
impacts such as the effects of habitat fragmentation
and invasive alien species.

SCI2317 Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits) explores the

diversity of invertebrates in terrestrial habitats,
examining their life cycle and basic physiology
alongside their importance to the functioning of a
range of ecosystems. Through field and laboratory
work you will gain a sound knowledge of taxonomy
and the use of a wide range of sampling techniques.

SCI2326 Biology of Disease (20 credits) examines the

classic causes of disease and considers how
diseases influence normal physiology. You will
investigate diseases caused by external factors, such
as invading organisms, or those caused by internal
dysfunctions, such as specific gene abnormalities,
autoimmune diseases or environmental factors.

SCI2318 Pharmacology (20 credits) examines the nature

of drugs and their influence upon the body at various
levels. The module considers how biochemical
processes and systems are modified by chemical
means.

SCI2327 Marine Biology (20 credits) investigates marine

communities on shores and in deeper waters (using
a research vessel) during a residential field course. In
addition to enhancing your field skills, you will have
the opportunity to examine and identify animal and
plant species found only in marine environments and
to understand their patterns of distribution.

SCI2319 Laboratory Masterclass (20 credits) provides

extensive experience and underpinning theory in
such fundamental tools as an electron microscope,
a confocal microscope and DNA technologies to
provide a thorough insight into the use and
application of such equipment.

SCI2328 Biological Placement (20 credits) provides you

with a professional setting in which you can apply the
knowledge and skills acquired in your other modules.
The placement is five weeks in duration and provides
an ideal opportunity to gain experience in a branch of
biology in which you are considering a future career.

SCI2320 Molecular Genetics (20 credits) considers

recent developments such as epigenetics and gene
regulation. The module also covers clinical
applications such as cytogenetics and gene therapy.
SCI2321 Nerves, Brains and Behaviour (20 credits)
considers how the nervous system develops,
operates normally, and fails in the case of
neurological or psychiatric diseases. The module is
comparative in nature and will highlight successful
neural systems and behaviours used by a diverse
array of animals, including humans.

YEAR 3
SCI3308 Dissertation (40 credits) is widely regarded as
the
pinnacle
of
undergraduate
academic
achievement as it enables you to draw heavily on your
subject knowledge and understanding while at the
same time putting your skills into practice. You will
develop an initial idea of your own into a suitable
project, undertake the practical work, summarise and
analyse the data appropriately and then place your
findings in the wider context of the subject.

SCI2324 Nutrition (20 credits) will develop your

understanding of the properties of food constituents.
The acquisition of food and the anatomy of the

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SCI3315 Blood Science (20 credits) fuses aspects of

haematology, biochemistry and immunology into a
coherent whole. This multidisciplinary approach
explains recent developments in the field with a
particular focus on clinical implications.

You need to choose four further Year 3 modules from

the following options:

SCI3309 Biodiversity and Conservation (20 credits) is a

field-based module providing you with an opportunity
for a detailed study of habitats and conservation
issues at protected sites. A diverse range of
management issues across a range of organisms will
be explored through fieldwork in varied habitats. This
will be placed in the context of ecological theory,
conservation legislation and wider pressures on the
landscape.

SCI3316 Pathology (20 credits) addresses various

aspects of disease with a particular focus on the
development of abnormal conditions, including the
diagnostic cellular, physiological and morphological
changes that result from disease processes.
SCI3317 Medical Microbiology (20 credits) provides an
overview of medical microbiology including
bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology.
The relationship between microbes and humans both
in health and disease will be investigated.

SCI3310 Tropical Ecology (20 credits) examines the

unique nature of tropical habitats, including forests,
savannas and coral reefs, and explores why tropical
habitats are so species rich. Threats to these
ecosystems, such as deforestation and exploitation,
are examined, with an emphasis placed on the
importance of incorporating local cultures into
addressing conservation problems.

SCI3318 Invertebrate Ecology (20 credits) explores the

diversity of invertebrates in terrestrial habitats,
examining their life cycles and basic physiology, but
also their importance to the functioning of a range of
ecosystems. Through field and laboratory work, you
will gain a sound knowledge of taxonomy, and the use
of a wide range of sampling techniques.

SCI3311 Ecological Genetics (20 credits) allies fieldwork

to molecular genetic methods to understand the
factors influencing genetic variation in populations.
This includes speciation, gene flow, reduced
population size and the impact of historical events
such as glaciation.

SCI3319 Field Botany (20 credits) is a field-based

module, providing you with an opportunity for
detailed study of a particular group of organisms. The
module introduces the full range of plant diversity
across a wide range of habitats alongside supporting
laboratory work using keys and microscopes. The
module also incorporates coverage of the National
Vegetation Classification (NVC), the standard method
for classifying British vegetation.

SCI3312 Environmental Change (20 credits) provides an

overview of the biological and chemical impacts of
pollutants released into the environment. The module
will concentrate on techniques used to measure
biological effects both in the past and present to
reveal trends in the impact of extensive pollution,
such as acidification, eutrophication and climate
change on natural habitats.

SCI3321 Pharmacology (20 credits) details the

development, application and action of drugs on the
human system through a combination of practical
and theoretical work.

SCI3314 Current Issues in Biology (20 credits) considers

the role of biologists in recent and current projects
that often involve controversy between science and
society, such as the applications of the Human
Genome Project, badger culling, genetically modified
organisms and stem cell research. Such work shows
that biologists do not work in isolation from society
and that complex moral and ethical issues are
involved. This module explores how topics like these
involve complex issues which do not have a simple
right or wrong answer. Solutions need to be
underpinned by sound, scientific thinking, but must
also be aware of the social dimension.

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SCI3322 Laboratory Masterclass (20 credits) exposes

you to the skills required for working in a research
laboratory which includes developing working
knowledge of the safe use of laboratory equipment.
The module also encompasses health and safety,
including legal requirements, and good laboratory
practice. It will develop your ability to identify
research questions in a field of biology in which you
have developed an interest and make a preliminary
assessment of that research question.

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SCI3324 Epidemiology (20 credits) is the study of factors

affecting the health and illness of populations. You
will investigate how disease patterns are monitored
both nationally and globally, how changes in disease
patterns are studied and how public health strategies
are formulated. This is an important contemporary
field of biology.

excess on the human body, as well as disease and

disorders of the digestive process.

SCI3017 Nerves, Brains and Behaviour (20 credits)

considers how the nervous system develops,
operates normally, and fails in the case of
neurological or psychiatric diseases. The module is
comparative in nature and will highlight successful
neural systems and behaviours used by a diverse
array of animals, including humans.

SCI3016 Nutrition (20 credits) will develop your

understanding of the properties of food constituents.
The acquisition of food and the anatomy of the
digestive system will be investigated. You will gain an
appreciation of the effects of nutrient deficiency and

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Please note, optional module selection is subject to

module availability and timetabling. Some restrictions
on optional module choice may apply.

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