
- UCAS course code
- C400
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA-ABB (including specific subjects)
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
AAB-ABC (including specific subjects).
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
36-33 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 5, 5 at higher level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.
- Number of places/applicants
- 650/4500 (Overall data for biological and biomedical sciences undergraduate courses at Manchester)
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- C400
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Learn about a subject of importance to all branches of biology, from basic principles of evolutionary biology to the power of genetic engineering.
- Be introduced to a wide range of biological sciences topics in Year 1, before choosing more specialist course units in later years.
- Improve your employability by taking this course with an integrated master's, industrial/professional experience, entrepreneurship or a modern language.
Open days
Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
We also operate campus tours where a student ambassador will tell you all about life at the University. You may also meet with admissions staff, subject to staff availability. These tours run on most days and are open to anybody thinking of applying for any of our courses in the biological and biomedical sciences.
To book, please contact the Admissions Office on tel +44 (0)161 275 5032 or email ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Additional expenses
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 275 5032
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 5456
- ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/biology
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
We require grades AAA-ABB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths (the Hard Sciences). You must have a minimum of grades AB in at least two Hard Sciences and pass the practical assessments in these subjects.
If your grades are AAB or higher, we will accept a grade A in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE in place of one of the Hard Sciences. Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels, eg Further Maths is not considered alongside Maths and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the offer.
Your offer will be based on the above criteria as well as your predicted grades and past performance.
AS-level
Unit grade information
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB-BBB including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry orTwo Advanced Highers with grades AA-BB in two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-BB
Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Welsh Baccalaureate
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
European Baccalaureate
We normally require: an award at 75%-80% or above overall, with a minimum of 7.5-8 in three written subjects including two science subjects.
In addition, all applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. We accept a score of 7.0 or 70% at Year 7 in English Language in the EB or a separate English Language qualification such as IELTS 6.5 in each component.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester International Foundation Programme in partnership with The University of Manchester are required to achieve a minimum of AAB with grades AA in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B in every component.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Year are required to achieve a minimum of AAB or 75% overall with grades AA or 75% in two sciences (preferably Biology and Chemistry), grade B or 65% in a 3rd subject (excluding EAP) and an EAP score of B or 65% in every component.
All applicants resident or studying in the UK are required to attend an interview.
Applicants studying other foundation programmes should contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade B in any other subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
Legacy BTEC qualifications The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not accept the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC) for entry to this course.
Legacy CTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two science A-levels (minimum AB required).
We do not consider the CETC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The level 3 units must be made up of 15 credits in Biology with a Distinction grade, 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade and a further 15 credits with Distinction.
We will also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Maths.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, M1, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths (the Hard Sciences). You must have a D3 in one of the science subjects. We will accept D3 in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE in place of one of the Hard Sciences.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4 or C;
- IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 6.5 in any component);
- an acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the B2 level.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry.
Applicants who have left education for more than three years would normally be recommended to take an Access course or exceptionally considered for the Foundation Year .
Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
You should not usually apply for more than one of the biological and biomedical sciences courses offered by The University of Manchester. Please contact us for advice if you are planning to do so.
How your application is considered
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
Our BSc Genetics course will enable you to study a discipline of fundamental importance to all branches of modern biology, from evolutionary biology to medicine, extending into practical areas such as biotechnology and agriculture.
You will discover the principles of heredity and evolution and learn how we can map genes, and understand their function. You will also consider how the development of multi-cellular organisms can progress from a single cell through regulated courses of gene expression, and learn the detailed mechanisms by which genes can be switched on and off.
In addition, you will understand how model organisms, such as the fruit fly and the mouse, are of enormous biomedical importance, and learn how our genetic make-up can predispose us to different diseases.
Your first year consists of compulsory units including biochemistry and cell biology, providing a basis for specialisation in your second and third years.
Special features
A range of study options
You can extend your degree by a year to undertake an integrated master's , gain industrial/professional experience or learn a modern language .
It is possible to broaden your degree by taking units from the University College , Business and Management for all Programmes or the University Language Centre in exchange for a few units from your degree.
Foundation year available
You can prepare for the full degree course if you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry by undertaking our foundation course first.
Flexibility to transfer between courses
You can transfer between most of our biological sciences degree courses at the end of your first year or, in some cases, later.
Teaching and learning
You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit.
These range from lectures and tutorials to practicals and research projects, including the final year project .
Find out more about how you will learn and see a typical Year 1 timetable on our teaching and learning page.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment methods vary widely to suit the nature of the course unit and each level of study.
- Lecture units are usually assessed by written exam (multiple choice or essay-based), which are held at the end of an academic semester in either January or May/June.
- Field courses are usually assessed via oral and written presentations, group work and/or projects.
- Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment and/or written exam.
- The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Year 1
Lecture units are usually assessed by e-learning activities during the unit and multiple choice exams at the end of the semester. Year 1 contributes 10% to your overall degree mark.
Year 2
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam.Year 2 contributes 30% to your overall degree mark.
Final year
Lecture units are usually assessed by essay-based exam. Students also take two 'honours' papers: degree programme-specific examinations comprising essays and data-handling problems.
A significant part of the year (accounting for one-quarter of the overall degree mark) is the project, which is assessed by literature review and a written report.
The final year contributes 60% to your overall degree mark.
Course unit details
This course is modular. You will study compulsory course units and choose some optional units.
Most units are assigned 10 credits and you will take 120 credits each year.
Course content for year 1
You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:
- biochemistry
- genetics
- biodiversity
- molecular biology
Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 1 | BIOL10000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Biochemistry | BIOL10212 | 10 | Mandatory |
Molecular Biology | BIOL10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
From Molecules to Cells | BIOL10232 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Laboratory Science | BIOL10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Experimental Biology - Molecular & Cellular Biology | BIOL10412 | 10 | Mandatory |
Biodiversity | BIOL10511 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genes, Evolution and Development | BIOL10521 | 10 | Mandatory |
Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit) | BIOL10741 | 0 | Mandatory |
A History of Biology in 20 Objects | BIOL10381 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a dissertation.
In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 2 | BIOL20000 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genetics RSM | BIOL20332 | 10 | Mandatory |
Molecular and Cellular Biology EDM | BIOL21041 | 10 | Mandatory |
Dissertation | BIOL21090 | 10 | Mandatory |
Genome Maintenance & Regulation | BIOL21101 | 10 | Mandatory |
`Omic Technologies & Resources | BIOL21152 | 10 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Evolutionary Biology | BIOL21232 | 10 | Mandatory |
Organismal Genetics | BIOL21371 | 10 | Mandatory |
The Biology of Being Human | BIOL20982 | 10 | Optional |
Proteins | BIOL21111 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Final year topics reflect the current hotspots of bioscience endeavour and the research interests of our staff, and are constantly being updated.
You will undertake an independent in-depth research project that may involve supervised practical work in a laboratory, or you may choose to work on e-learning, educational, data analysis, bioinformatics or enterprise topics.
Please note the course units listed below are just a small selection and do not represent the number and breadth of course units available on this course.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Academic Tutorials Year 3 | BIOL30000 | 0 | Mandatory |
Projects | BIOL30030 | 30 | Mandatory |
Project Literature Review | BIOL30101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Evolution of Genes, Genomes & Systems (E) | BIOL31391 | 10 | Mandatory |
Post-Genome Biology (L) | BIOL31301 | 10 | Optional |
Current Topics in Microbiology (E) | BIOL31351 | 10 | Optional |
Gene Regulation & Disease (E) | BIOL31381 | 10 | Optional |
Human Genetics & Evolution (E) | BIOL31402 | 10 | Optional |
Comparative Developmental Biol (L) | BIOL31451 | 10 | Optional |
Conservation Biology (E) | BIOL31482 | 10 | Optional |
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Scholarships and bursaries
What our students say
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .
Facilities
Learning facilities
Our modern teaching labs are equipped for a range of biological and biomedical techniques. The following are just a few of the techniques you could undertake during your degree:
- polymerase chain reaction (PCR);
- DNA sequencing;
- gel electrophoresis;
- spectrophotometry;
- dissection and histology;
- electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG);
- immunofluorescence microscopy.
Our computing facilities include access to over 200 PCs in dedicated clusters and e-learning tools including online lecture notes, discussion boards, lecture podcasts and quizzes.
You will also have access to the University's other facilities for undergraduate students .
Research facilities
As a final year student, you have the opportunity to undertake a project in the labs of our world-class bioscience researchers.To support our research, we have extensive research facilities equipped with high-quality technology.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Our graduates go into a range of careers.
Many of our graduates secure jobs as researchers working in universities, pharmaceutical and bioscience companies and institutes.
Some of our graduates progress into laboratory-based careers in clinical or technical roles that do not involve research.
The transferable skills you will develop will also leave you well-equipped for a wide range of careers outside the lab.
Some graduates go into further study. Read about how PhD student Michael Harris used his Genetics degree to go down this route.
Find out more about how we help our students prepare for the workplace and the careers our graduates go into within and outside the lab.