BSc Biology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered how life really works — from the DNA inside a cell to the way ecosystems function — Bath’s BSc Biology gives you the chance to explore it all. The course is perfect if you’re curious, love science, and want the flexibility to follow your interests in areas like genetics, conservation, microbiology or evolution.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year is about building strong foundations. You’ll cover core topics such as Biodiversity, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Principles of Ecology and Evolution. Alongside these, practical skills units train you in lab techniques, scientific writing and data handling — everything you’ll need to feel confident as a biologist.

Year 2
In your second year, the course opens up and you begin to shape it around your interests. Core subjects like evolution and genomics keep you on track, but you’ll also choose from exciting options such as Cancer Biology, Plant Sciences, Infection and Immunity, or even take a Residential Field Course. This mix of lab work and fieldwork helps you decide where you’d like to specialise.

Year 3
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll take on an independent research project — working closely with academics on cutting-edge science — and choose specialist options in areas that inspire you most, whether that’s infectious diseases, conservation, developmental biology or science communication. It’s a real chance to put your skills into practice and prepare for what comes next.

Focus areas :

Evolution; ecology & biodiversity; molecular and cell biology; genetics & genomics; microbiology; applied biosciences (fieldwork & research project)

Learning outcomes :

By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to design and carry out your own biological research, analyse complex data (including bioinformatics), and communicate your findings with clarity and confidence. You’ll also have the flexibility to specialise and the transferable skills that employers and postgraduate programs are looking for.

Professional alignment :

The degree is built with employability in mind. From professional-style lab training and fieldwork to an independent research project, you’ll graduate with practical experience that mirrors what employers expect in the life sciences. There are also opportunities for placements, which give you valuable industry exposure.

Reputation :

Bath is consistently recognised for its graduate success. The university ranks 9th in the UK for graduate prospects in Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2023), and an impressive 89% of graduates are in highly skilled jobs just 15 months after finishing their degree (Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Studying Biology at Bath means you won’t just sit in lectures learning theory — you’ll actually do biology from your very first year. Whether it’s working in the lab, heading out into the field, or using specialist equipment, you’ll constantly be building practical skills that prepare you for a career in science. You’ll also work closely with staff and other students, which makes the experience feel a lot like being part of a real research team.

Here’s a taste of what that looks like:

Field trips early on – in your first year you’ll head to places like Bristol Zoo and Slimbridge Wetland Centre, running field surveys and biodiversity studies while learning techniques like PCR and electrophoresis back in the lab.
Specialist teaching labs – purpose-built spaces where you’ll spend a lot of time, supported by expert staff. Facilities include glasshouses, GM-controlled plant and insect rooms, sterilisation and decontamination rooms, and high-end equipment for handling samples and reagents.
The Milner Genomics Centre – Bath’s hub for DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. If you’re excited by genomics and evolution, this is where you’ll really get to explore it.
Material and Chemical Characterisation Facility (MC²) – this is where you’ll find cutting-edge tools like mass spectrometers, NMR machines, electron microscopes and X-ray diffraction equipment. In short, everything you need to analyse biology down to its tiniest details.
Core research facilities – services like flow cytometry, molecular spectroscopy and protein expression help you gain exposure to the same techniques professional scientists use.
Group projects – many modules are built around team research projects. You’ll work together to plan, carry out and present real experiments, giving you experience that feels very close to professional lab or fieldwork.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Biology degree from Bath opens doors to a wide mix of careers. Many graduates go on to roles such as Microbiologist, Ecologist, Clinical Data Manager, or even move into areas like science writing and consultancy. Within 15 months of finishing the course, about 95% of Bath Biology students are working or studying further, with average starting salaries around £26,500.

Here’s how Bath helps you get there:

Careers support that works for you – from day one, you’ll have access to Bath’s Careers Service. They run tailored workshops, one-to-one coaching, CV and application reviews, and connect you with employers through careers fairs and events.
Strong graduate outcomes – most Biology graduates move into skilled jobs or further study quickly. Alumni have taken on roles like Agronomist, Assistant Ecologist, Clinical Data Manager, Microbiologist, and Medical Writer.
Industry and research links – Bath partners with employers and research bodies through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and doctoral training centres, giving students and graduates opportunities to apply their skills in real projects.
Respected degree – Bath is consistently ranked highly for graduate prospects, and employers value the practical research experience you’ll gain on the course.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, many Bath Biology graduates continue on to Master’s degrees or PhDs in specialist fields like cancer biology, neuroscience or plant sciences. Some choose a PGCE to go into teaching, while others use Biology as a route into graduate-entry medicine or dentistry.