Enter OTP
This is a four-year full-time programme that begins with a Foundation Year, aimed at students who show strong potential but don’t yet meet the standard entry requirements for the Biological Sciences BSc. You’ll spend the initial year building essential academic skills and subject knowledge (in biology, chemistry, data, and mathematics), then progress to Level 1 of the Biological Sciences degree where you explore modules across genetics, ecology, cell biology, and more.
Curriculum structure
Foundation Year (Year 0)
In the Foundation Year, you’ll study six core modules that give you the tools you need to succeed in a science degree: Concepts, Methods and Theories in Biological Science, Concepts, Methods and Theories in Organic Chemistry, Concepts, Methods and Theories in Data Science, Scholarship in Higher Education (Core), Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics, and Mathematics 2. These modules are designed to help you develop academic literacy, independent learning, quantitative skills, and a strong base in relevant scientific ideas. You’ll also learn how to manage assignments, research, data interpretation, and build your capacity for university-level thinking.
Years 1-3 (Level 1 to Level 3 Biological Sciences)
After successfully completing the Foundation Year, you enter the standard Biological Sciences route (BSc C103). In Year 1, you’ll tackle core themes like cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, ecology and introductory physiology. As you move into Year 2 and Year 3, you have options to specialise through modules in microbiology, molecular biology, plant biology, immunology, etc., and work on research skills, data analysis, lab/field work, and possibly a placement year if you choose.
Focus areas
“Foundational biology, organic chemistry, data science, mathematical skills, genetics, cell biology, ecology & evolution, independent learning & scholarly methods”
Learning outcomes
“Develop capacity for scientific thinking and academic maturity, gain subject knowledge in core biological sciences plus supporting sciences (chemistry, math, data), build critical thinking, quantitative & research skills, become an effective independent learner and communicator of scientific concepts”
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Although I didn’t find a statement of specific professional accreditation for this foundation route, the Biological Sciences department is part of Durham’s strong biosciences teaching & research structure, REF-rated, and designed to align with what employers and postgraduate programs expect: lab work, data/statistics, biology theory & practice, etc.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Durham University is ranked top 5 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025.
QS World University Rankings 2026 place Durham in the world top 100 overall, with strong scores for employability.
Graduate salary data: for Biology (non-specific) at Durham median salary ~ £29,000 approximately 15 months after graduation.
From the Foundation Year onwards, you won’t just attend lectures — you’ll gradually build your lab, field, data, and research skills using Durham’s advanced facilities. You’ll learn core scientific methods, then move into applying them: designing experiments, working with real biological samples, using computational tools, and presenting research. The Department of Biosciences ensures students get to use specialist equipment and spaces as part of their coursework, research modules, and independent / group projects.
Here are specific facilities, tools, and opportunities you’ll get, directly relevant to this programme:
The Microscopy & Bioimaging Facility: wide-field, advanced light microscopy (LSCM, confocal, TIRF), plus electron microscopy (SEM / TEM), as well as histology labs. Final-year and some undergraduates (depending on project) can access these.
Genomics & DNA sequencing facilities: Illumina MiSeq, HiSeq platforms, fragment analysis, and a dedicated bioinformatician to support data generation and analysis.
Cell Technology Suite: includes tools like flow cytometry, microinjection, in situ hybridization, live-cell imaging, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and laser capture microdissection. These are used for both teaching labs and research projects.
Plant Growth & Mammalian Cell Culture Facilities: controlled environments for growing plants, growth chambers, plus containment level 2 labs for cell culture. Useful for modules and final year/ independent project work.
Mass Spectrometry / Bioanalytics Facility: tools, instrumentation, and staff support for metabolite/lipid analysis, proteomics, metallomics etc., useful for higher level experimental work.
Histology Facility: includes tissue processing, embedding, microtome, cryostat, etc., enabling you to prepare, section and analyze tissue samples (important for modules involving anatomy, development, etc.).
Module-based project & public engagement work: for example Public Engagement in Biosciences allows students to carry out independent research and presentation/public dissemination of work.
Graduates from this programme often go on to roles such as industrial researcher, ecological consultant, healthcare scientist, or science communicator / policy advisor. Because you’ll build foundational skills in Year 0, then level up through lab, field, data, and research work, you’ll graduate with both strong subject knowledge and employable transferable skills.
Here’s how Durham supports this and what outcomes look like:
University services for employment: The Department of Biosciences Employability page confirms that Durham provides support including career counselling, guidance on placements and internships, CV / interview prep, and connects you to options in the NHS, biotech, education, environment, etc.
Employment stats & salary figures: For Biology-non-specific graduates at Durham, the median salary ~ £29,000 around 15 months after graduation.
University–industry partnerships: The Biophysical Sciences Institute has active industrial engagement: workshops, problem-based collaborations, and one-to-one meetings with industry partners.
Long-term accreditation value: Durham’s Biosciences degrees are part of a department with strong research rating (REF 2021) and recognised standards which enhances trust with employers and postgraduate programs. (While the foundation route is a stepping stone, the full Biological Sciences degree carries this value.)
Graduation outcomes: Graduates go into higher education (Master’s / PhD), roles in the NHS / clinical science, school teaching, environmental & conservation bodies, media / science journalism, government / civil service, patent law, etc.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation, you can continue your academic journey by:
Progressing into Master’s degrees in specialisms like molecular biology, ecology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, environmental sciences.
Applying for PhD research in your chosen area (e.g. ecology, immunology, molecular/genetic biology) either at Durham or elsewhere, using the research skills gained during your degree.
A level offer – AAA including Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject.IB : 37 points with 666 in higher level subjects including Biology or Chemistry plus another higher level science subject.English language: IELTS 6.5, with no component under 6.0.for India : Standard XII with an average score of 85% (best of 4 academic subjects, excluding Physical Education) with any prerequisite subjects at 85% or higher.Acceptance of relevant science subject at Higher Level or A-Level for eligibility (Biology, Chemistry etc.).for India : Standard XII from CBSE or CISCE Boards and some State Boards only are accepted for entry. State Boards considered on a case by case basis.for USA : Three AP test scores of: 5,5,5 OR Four AP test scores of: 5,5,4,4for USA : SAT : 1350 (min 700 RW, 650 M) ACT: 30 , Honours Course: Afor USA : Achieve overall GPA of 3.7 with three honours classes at: A, A, ABusiness and public service associate professionalsElementary occupationsWelfare and housing associate professionalsMedia professionalsAdministrative occupationsCaring personal servicesProtective service occupationsTeaching professionalsFinance professionalsNatural and social science professionals
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