MBiol
Biosciences MBiol (Hons)
Satisfy your curiosity about biology with an integrated Master’s in Biosciences that will enhance your understanding of the world around you and prepare you for employment in the science sector and beyond.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MBiol
UCAS Code
C107
Course length
4 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
Overview
With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The MBiol course offers flexibility so that you can follow specialised routes within biological sciences by offering module combinations to address your specific areas of interest. The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunity to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. Themed ‘routes’ include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
MBiol
UCAS Code
C107
Course length
4 years full-time
Typical offer
AAA
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): £ per year
- Overseas (Full-time): £ per year
What you'll study
In Year 1 you will study the fundamental aspects of biology and the basics of scientific research. Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning. Year 3 places a strong emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the Department. Two core modules, a field course or laboratory-based workshop and a literature review, are combined with optional modules linked to your interests and career aspirations. The final year, prepares you for research at postgraduate level and includes an extended project in a biology related area. Running through most of the academic year, it allows you to gain hands-on experience working alongside academic staff doing world-leading research.
Core modules
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Fundamentals of Bioscience Research
develops the basic toolkit of skills required for research, including communication, presentation, handling source materials, analysis, problem-solving and reporting. The module also covers chemistry and maths designed to support learning in the other modules.
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Genetics
introduces the development of genetics and the processes linking genotype to phenotype in living organisms. It provides an overview of modern technologies for genetic analysis and manipulation.
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Introduction to Physiology
covers mammalian physiology as a model for processes in other organisms, describing a range of tissues and processes and connecting them at a molecular and cellular level.
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Molecules and Cells
gives an overview of cells and their molecular components. It explores the structure and functions of proteins and biological membranes; cellular metabolism and energy-generating processes; and communication and signalling between cells.
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Organisms and Environment
provides an introduction to the diversity of life, from adaptation of organisms to a range of environments to diversification via the concept of evolution. It introduces the concepts of ecology and the role of behaviour in determining interactions between species and individuals, along with a survey of ecosystems and their responses for changing global conditions.
Core modules
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Research Skills for Biosciences
in which skills required for research-led learning at Year 3 are covered.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: EcologyBehaviourEvolutionPlant and Algal PhysiologyCell SignallingDevelopmentCell BiologyMolecular BiologyBiomoleculesIntegrated Physiological SystemsMicrobiologyImmune SystemsMetabolism
Core modules
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Literature review
involves the study of current research literature in a topic area selected by you, under personal supervision.
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Workshop
(laboratory-based) or field course (field-based) in various locations in UK, Europe and Africa), involving research experience.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Advanced Topics in Ecology and BehaviourConservation BiologyEcology in the AnthropoceneAdvanced Topics in DevelopmentStress and Responses to the EnvironmentCrops for the FutureBiochemistry and BiotechnologyStem Cells and Tissue Engineering Ageing Advanced Cell BiologyBiology of DiseaseGenomics
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Research module
comprises an enterprise task, an education project or a study of contemporary issues in the Biosciences.
Core modules
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Project
examines the principles and research practice in the biosciences, and includes an additional field course or practical laboratory workshop and a research project, which will prepare you for research at postgraduate level. Staff in the Department of Biosciences will offer suitable projects over a wide range of topics in modern biological and biomedical sciences. The projects will address the requirements of potential employers, as well as providing an opportunity for you to carry out work at the cutting-edge of biosciences research. The research project will be written up as a Master’s dissertation.
Learning
Lectures represent the largest proportion of teaching hours allowing the effective delivery of knowledge and forming the factual basis of this science subject. You will also benefit from practical classes which provide hands-on experience of experimental techniques. Year 1 provides teaching across the full spectrum of biological science sub-disciplines alongside practical experience and workshops on data handling techniques to help you develop a range of adaptable skills. The degree develops with workshops, research-based projects and literature reviews taking the place of practical classes and an emphasis on independent learning, providing an opportunity for further developing your interests and research skills as you start to prepare for postgraduate life and employment.Assessment
Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations as well as coursework including essays, laboratory reports, case studies, oral presentations and posters. Literature reviews (dissertation), project reports and laboratory workshop/fieldwork reports are an important part of this degree. The final-year research project is assessed through a full Master’s-level thesis.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
£ per year
International / EU Students
£ per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - £ per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - £ per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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The discipline of Biosciences is wide ranging, with many different branches of study. Spanning topics from botany to food science, immunology to zoology, it has the potential to transform societies, economies and tackle global challenges. In a changing world, bioscience has never been more important. We are a community that shares a passion for education and development. Our work addresses many of the important challenges facing humankind, including climate change and biodiversity conservation, developing new technologies for healthcare, and feeding an increasing human population. Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow. You can choose to follow a three-year BSc route, add a work placement year or a year abroad, or take a four-year MBiol route with a research focus. Students have the option to undertake a residential field course as part of the degree, with recent locations ranging from South Africa to Scotland and the neo-tropics where students learn how to use tools that can measure the carbon flux induced by climate change. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
We are located at Upper Mountjoy on the main University campus, just a short walk from the historic centre of Durham, with other academic departments and university services nearby, including the Bill Bryson library and the Teaching and Learning Centre.
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State-of-the-art technology
We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling.
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Collaboration
Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences
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Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
82%
88%
£31,050
HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
A degree in bioscience from Durham will give you an excellent start to your working life. Not only will you receive an outstanding education in bioscience, you will also gain valuable transferrable skills to prepare you for future challenges.
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