Enter OTP
This Biology BSc invites you to explore life from its molecular roots to its ecosystems in action, combining laboratory depth with ecological breadth. You’ll learn through fieldwork, research-driven classes, and optional modules tailored to your passion—whether that’s microbiology, neuroscience, or environmental science.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
In your first year, you'll explore fascinating cornerstones of biology in modules like Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, How to Think Like a Scientist, Organisms and their Environment, and Origins of Biodiversity. Through hands-on laboratory practicals and field trips, you’ll build essential skills in hypothesis formation, experimental design, and understanding organismal diversity.
Year 2
Your second year deepens your understanding through core modules such as Evolution, Plant Development and Function, and Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science. You can also choose from enriching options like Animal Behaviour, Bioinformatics, Environmental Microbiology, Population and Community Ecology, and field courses like the New Forest or outdoor studies in Spain—allowing you to align your studies with your interests.
Year 3 (Final Year)
In the final year, you’ll design and execute an independent research project—whether lab-based, fieldwork, in silico, or focused on bioscience business or science communication. Meanwhile, optional modules such as Biofilms and Microbial Communities, Bioscience Business, Evolution and Genetics, Cancer Chromosome Biology, and Environmental Law and Management let you shape your degree to match your future goals.
Focus areas: molecular biology, ecology, evolution, bioinformatics, organismal biology
Learning outcomes: practical lab competence, field research skills, quantitative methods, independent project execution
Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology—highlighting the course’s quality and real-world relevance.
Reputation (employability rankings): With 95% of bioscience graduates employed or in further study within 15 months, and access to industrial placements and strong student satisfaction, Southampton offers a highly competitive edge.
At Southampton, learning biology isn’t just about lectures—it's hands-on, immersive, and deeply rooted in research. From fieldwork across diverse ecosystems to lab-based discovery and optional industry placement opportunities, you’ll gain both practical skills and real-world insight—all supported by world-class facilities and expert mentors.
Here’s how this experience unfolds:
Fieldwork in real-world environments: You’ll visit locations like the New Forest, Exmoor, Spain, and even Belize, exploring organisms and ecosystems directly through guided field trips and surveys.
State-of-the-art research centres: South ampton hosts the UK’s first Cancer Immunology Research Centre and is a lead university of the Biofilms Institute—initiatives that enrich your learning with cutting-edge, research-led content.
Independent research opportunities: You’ll work alongside active research staff on your own independent project, allowing you to design and investigate a topic that excites you.
Flexible study experiences: Fancy a global perspective? Take a semester abroad in Europe or Australasia—or even a full year in industry—to gain broader context and transferable skills.
Ethical practical work in labs: From day one, you’ll gain laboratory experience—especially with biological samples and organisms—through carefully managed, ethically minded practical sessions.
Tailored learning pathways: Choose from a rich selection of optional modules that align with your interests—whether that’s neuroscience, microbiology, or ecology—building a degree that’s your own.
Graduates from the BSc Biology programme at Southampton often step into roles such as Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Science Communicator, or Research Assistant—skills-rich training and flexible pathways ensure you're ready for diverse careers:
University Services Supporting Your Career
The Careers & Employability Service, along with the faculty, supports you with industry placement guidance, career fairs, alumni networking and one-to-one advice. Southampton’s Successful Futures model helps you map and reflect on your employability skills from day one. Whether it's interview prep, CV support, or workplace skills coaching, help is available through your studies and into your early professional years.
Employment Statistics & Graduate Outcomes
Recent Graduate Outcomes data shows that 95% of biological sciences graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
University–Industry Placements
Take advantage of the optional year in employment, where students have worked at major organisations like AstraZeneca, GSK, Pfizer, Public Health England, Cancer Research UK, and Kew Gardens—delivering outstanding CV-boosting experience.
Long-Term Accreditation Value & Graduate Outcomes
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, underlining its quality and relevance to employers and postgraduate pathways.
Further Academic Progression:
Many go on to advanced study, such as Master’s degrees, PhDs, graduate-entry into medicine or teaching, or specialised career training. Southampton’s strong research culture, high student satisfaction, and outstanding support infrastructure provide a strong platform for academic and professional advancement.
Standard 12 / CBSE, CISCE, State Boards: Minimum of 75% overall, specifically for boards such as CBSE, CISCE, and Metro State Boards (e.g., Delhi, Maharashtra, etc.).for India : A-Levels: AAB, including Biology and one other science subjectIB : The requirement is 32 points overall, with 16 points at Higher Level, including at least 5 points at Higher Level Biology and one further Higher Level science subject.IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0for USA : 3 AP tests at scores of 544 2 AP tests at scores of 544, plus either an ACT score of 27 to 29 or an SAT score of 1300 to 1350 a GPA of 3.0 in college-level classesD in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AB in A Level Biology and one further science subjectmarine biologistmicrobiologistpharmacologistresearch scientistconservation officeragriculture specialistbiotechnology researcherenvironmental consultantscience journalistand teacher
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University of Southampton
