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Biological Sciences MBio (C1A1)

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Discover more about our Biological Sciences MBio at Warwick

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5fkxT-thSs

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C1A1

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Master of Bioscience (MBio)

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4 years full-time

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26 September 2022

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School of Life Sciences

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University of Warwick

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This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

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Biological Sciences is the study of biology in its broadest sense – from the smallest molecules to large populations. Of the four degree courses taught by the School of Life Sciences, this is our widest ranging and most flexible degree in terms of module choice. You will study the molecules and cells that are the basis of life, through to biology of organisms (animals, plants, bacteria and viruses) and populations (evolution, epidemiology of disease, ecosystems).

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).

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Our Biological Sciences course spans the entire scale of biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. Our exceptionally wide range of options allow you to choose modules that are best suited to your interests and career ambitions.

You will be exposed to cutting-edge research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology, while covering applications of science to major global challenges such as environmental management, food security and human health.

Our four-year MBio gives you the opportunity to undertake an extended final-year research project in-house.

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A core syllabus is offered in the first year for all degree courses providing the essential foundations in biology, biochemistry, genetics and chemistry. The same content in the first year means that it is often possible to transfer between the different degrees at the end of the first year. Core and optional modules in the second and third years allow students to tailor their degree.

All modules are core in the first year with optional modules in year two and three with the fourth year comprising of an Extended Research Project and Research Skills (training in advanced laboratory techniques, data handling and statistical analyses, critical analysis of the literature and designing research proposals).

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You will learn through a combination of:

• Tutorials
• Lectures
• Laboratory work
• Independent and group research

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In your first year, lecture sizes are typically 320 students. The modules you take in years two and three will vary in class size.

The maximum number is typically 100 and the minimum 10 students.

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12 to 16 hours per week over 25 weeks.

In your first year you should expect around:

• 10 lectures a week
• A full day in the laboratory
• Taught tutorial with your personal tutor and several of your peers

Independent learning, reading and preparing for lectures and preparing assessments will occupy the rest of your study time.

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Approximately 35% of marks will be assessed by course work throughout the degree.

The final degree classification is determined by Year One (6%), Year Two (18%), Year Three (36%) and your final year (40%).

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A level typical offer

AAA to include Biology, or AAB to include Biology and one of the following: Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Applied Science, Environmental Science, Statistics, Geology or Geography.

A level additional information

You must also achieve a pass in the science practical assessment (if applicable).

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is ABB including Biology and one other Science or AAB including Biology. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

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IB typical offer

38 to include 5 in Higher Level Biology, or 36 to include 5 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in Higher Level Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Geography.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 34 including 5 at Higher Level in Biology and a second science. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

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We welcome applications from students taking BTECs as long as essential subject requirements are met.

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Year One

Molecules, Cells and Organisms

You'll study this module as the essential foundation for most other modules taught in the School of Life Sciences. You'll gain the basic knowledge you need of molecular and cellular aspects of biology, and also become familiar with whole-organism and developmental biology, in the context of evolution.

Animal and Plant Biology

Drawing on zoology and botany, on this module you'll broaden your biological knowledge to support your learning on second-year modules. By analysing and studying our current understanding of animal and plant evolution, diversity and physiological activities, you'll be able to integrate your organismal and molecular knowledge in a broad, evolutionary context. You'll also have opportunities to practise your skills in presentation and communication.

Agents of Infectious Disease

You will start by gaining a thorough foundation in microbiology and virology, using infectious diseases as a common link to promote your understanding. Through your study of epidemiology, you will learn to appreciate the way that diseases spread and the methods used to investigate this spread. On completion, you can expect to understand the role of various structures associated with the bacterial cell in causing a range of diseases, and appreciate the structure of viruses and how this relates to their capacity to cause disease and the host response to viral challenge. This will equip you with the necessary theoretical foundations to underpin your future studies.

Physiology and Metabolism

On this module, you will learn how parts of the body function and work together in the whole organism. You will study the physiology of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and special senses. Your study of metabolism will help you to understand the generation of energy within the body, anabolism, the role of enzymes, and specific functions such as glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, pentose phosphate pathway and photosynthesis. You will then combine your learning to gain a thorough understanding of the way the body adapts to environmental conditions such as altitude, depth, cold and heat.

Environmental Biology

On this module, you will gain foundational knowledge in the study of the natural and managed environment and start to understand the pressures on the planet that result from anthropogenic activities. You will also look in more depth at how society responds to the challenges posed by environmental change.

Quantitative Skills for Biology

All biological scientists need to understand and analyse quantitative data. So, this module will see you learning to use statistical methods for analysing and summarising experimental data (for example, from your lab classes), and learning the basic principles for modelling biological populations.

Tutorials and Laboratories

Chemistry for Biologists - compulsory for entrants without A2 level Chemistry Tutorials and Laboratories

Year Two

Molecular Cell Biology

On this module, you will gain a sound knowledge of the organisation, complexity and essential processes that occur in the genomes and information-processing mechanisms in all three domains of life. You will study the molecular biology that underlies fundamental cellular processes, including the cytoskeleton in cellular structure, function and motility, the mechanisms that control cell proliferation and genome stability, protein processing in secretory pathway organelles, and programmed cell death in eukaryotic cells.

Plant Molecular Development

You will discover the complexity of the eukaryotic cell and its subcellular compartments. You will gain an overview of cell division and its underlying control process, the cell cycle, and how this responds to growth signals and death signals, resulting in cell proliferation and programmed cell death respectively.

Genetics and Genomics

This module introduces concepts and techniques in genetics and genomics that are used to understand and manipulate complex traits. It includes hands-on workshops.

Ecology Principles and Processes

This module is designed to give an overview of ecological principles and processes to aid an understanding of the natural world, and to provide a foundation for later studies for students with a special interest in environmental studies.

Biological Oceanography

You will be introduced to the major marine habitats, the ecologically significant groups of organisms, and the biological processes in the oceans that play a crucial role in regulating the global fluxes of major elements. You will examine how anthropogenic influences are influencing the marine environment and, thereby, the climate.

Evolution

An introduction to modern evolutionary theory, population and evolutionary genetics in order to understand the fundamental processes and the genetic make-up of populations.

Year Three

Tutorials and Research Project

Year Four

Research Skills Training

Extended Research Project

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• Extreme Environment Biology
• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Oncology
• Biological Clocks
• Integrative Neuroscience
• Interdisciplinary and Business modules
• One World Health and Neglected Tropical Diseases
• Introduction to Secondary Teaching in Biology