Undergraduate entry

The biosciences are a rapidly developing field, where the rate of discovery is increasing year on year. The course structure of biosciences degrees at our University reflects this, and are designed to maximise student choice and allowing flexibility of degree options.  We offer three degree programmes; Biological Science (BSc), Biomedical Science (BSc) and a four year programme leading to a Masters Degree in  Biosciences (MBiol).

Both BSc degree programmes have a common platform for the first year so that all new students gain a broad perspective of the Biosciences. In the second year Biological Scientists have a choice of 6 modules from the 12 available. Biomedical Science, focused as it is on the science of human disease,  is more rigid in its structure  in second year for reasons of accreditation with the national Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) but in the third year both programmes again have considerable choice.  Level 3 of both course places the strongest emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the School.  Both BSc programmes offer an option to take a placement year between level 2 and final year.

Students taking the Masters in Biosciences can follow either a Biological or Biomedical route which is identical to the first two years of the BSc degrees and similar to the third year, but in the fourth year they take specialized research modules and an extended research project.

Whatever your interest in the areas of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, ecology and environmental studies, essentially from molecules to how organisms interact with their environment you will be able to choose a degree route within Biological Sciences at Durham University that satisfies your interests.  On the other hand, if you are interested in human biology and more medical topics, the option of a more structured degree in Biomedical Science will suit your needs. Some of the module options include field courses currently held in South Africa, Sweden and Scotland. Final year includes either a research project in association with a member of the academic staff or a module in Biology Enterprise where students work in groups to develop rational business plans for scientific products. 

On the Interactive Degree Route planner we have suggested a number of routes within the Biological Sciences module choices which map to different interests based on suggestions by our academic staff. However, within the constraints of timetabling and academic prerequisite requirements between levels, we aim to offer as free a choice as possible.