Subject pathways within the Natural Sciences degree (2025/26)

Biology has vital applications in current key global challenges. An ever-growing world population jeopardises the environment whilst pressures on resources threaten endangered species and agricultural production. With your degree, you will be at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions.

Be part of the revolution in genomics, gene modification and biotechnology currently transforming the world. Equipped with the skills and knowledge of the fundamental biological processes, understand and drive forward science-based solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues.

If you decide to take the Biology subject pathway as part of your Natural Sciences degree, you'll take a series of optional and compulsory modules within this pathway. 

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options and some of these options may not be available, depending on other modules you have selected already.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

The Diversity of Life – 10 credits

Gain an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, from bacteria to mammals. The module focuses on the evolutionary processes that have generated the world’s biodiversity, and you’ll learn about the key features that define key taxa and the role of those taxa in ecological processes.

Introduction to Genetics – 10 credits

Develop essential foundational knowledge in genetics, exploring the different meanings of ‘genetics’ and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms.

Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field – 10 credits

Learn core skills and techniques for biology and whole organism studies in the laboratory and field. Practicals will address processes at the whole organism and population level within the broader remit of biology and whole organism studies in the laboratory and in the field.

Year 2

Optional modules

Skills in Experimental Design and Analysis – 20 credits

Module description coming soon.

How Plants Live – 20 credits

Explore the importance of plants in their environments, covering basic physiology and metabolism and revealing key concepts of plant growth and development that enable plants to adapt within the environment.

Animal Physiology – 20 credits

Focus on the normal functioning of a living organism and the study of the various systems used to regulate the internal environment. This module will introduce you to some of the core topics in animal physiology such as endocrinology, reproduction, growth and development, digestive physiology, muscle, and environmental physiology.

Population, Community and Conservation Ecology – 20 credits

Cover the factors that control the distribution and abundance of different populations and introduces the application of these principles to population management. You will understand the interactions between species and their environment and the properties of ecological communities and the application of these principles to key challenges in ecology.

Evolution, Adaptation and Animal Behaviour – 20 credits

The module will encourage you to appreciate that evolution unifies Biology and that it explains the facinating diversity of life on Earth. You will examine evolutionary processes to develop an understanding of adaptation to environments, across evolutionary time and in our rapidly changing modern world. The module takes animal behaviour, taught in a behavioural ecology framework, as a specific field in which evolution and adaptation can be explored.

Urban Ecology Field Course – 20 credits

In this field course, you’ll build on core conceptual material in ecology and conservation. You’ll learn about the value of biodiversity in an urban context, with a focus on the biodiversity and sustainability on campus and the University’s reduced carbon emissions commitments. Working in small groups, you will collect biodiversity data across a range of urban sites and produce a biodiversity action plan to support and improve biodiversity on the campus.

Human Populations – 10 credits

You’ll be provided with an evolutionary perspective on human origins. You’ll understand the genetic structure of human populations is explained, considering 'normal' variation, geographical variation and changes in human populations including growth migration, language and impact on the environment. 

Parasitology – 10 credits

Discover the principles of parasitology with an emphasis on those that cause diseases of medical and veterinary importance. The main content will be delivered through the use of specific examples including single-celled microparasites, such as Malaria, Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Giardia, and macroparasites, such as Schistosoma, Ascaris, Geohelminths, and the Filarial Nematodes.

Human Genetics – 10 credits

You’ll be introduced to the human genome, chromosomes and heredity with an emphasis on genetic disease and cancer. You will also learn about the impact of human genomics in the context of health and genetic counselling.

Introduction to Bioinformatics – 10 credits

Study the basics of bioinformatics and the application of bioinformatics to many biological questions. The module shows how genomic data is stored and accessed to learn about any characterised gene or protein and how it links to resources on research. The approaches to modern phylogenetics are introduced and how bioinformatics is applied to drug discovery.

Sustainable Food Production – 10 credits

Explore both crop and animal production systems. You’ll review the evolution of farming biodiversity and the challenges we face in maximising production whilst safeguarding the environment.

Year 3

Optional modules

Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security – 20 credits

Learn how crop plants are being improved to help address global threats associated with an increased requirement for food production under increased environmental pressures, providing sustainable solutions to global problems.

Advanced Topics in Ecology – 20 credits

Cover recent developments in ecological research. The module will consist of subunits, each taught by a researcher intimately involved with the research developments being discussed. As such, it will provide you not only with a detailed understanding of key recent developments in ecology but also, with insights into the process of scientific research.

Advanced Topics in Animal Behaviour – 20 credits

You’ll study how the behaviour of animals is adapted to their natural environment. The course will focus on animal behaviour from sex to death, covering topics such as: sexual selection, sperm competition, parental care and cannibalism. You will explore how parasites from malaria to cuckoos can manipulate the behaviour of their hosts. You will also consider how understanding animal behaviour impacts animal health and welfare.

Advanced Topics in Human Genetics – 20 credits

Gain a comprehensive insight into human genetics with an emphasis on disease. Specific topics discussed include telomere biology, epigenetics, DNA damage/repair, DNA recombination and genome integrity/stability.

Applied Genetics – 20 credits

Learn how the application of genetics can be used in therapeutic and crop development, including the techniques of genetic transformation. You will develop practical skills in genetic transformation supported by an in-depth understanding of the process and its applications and how genetic selection can be used to advance crop development.

Advanced Topics in Conservation Science – 20 credits

Explore contemporary and globally important topics in conservation, including biodiversity loss, urban biodiversity, the illegal wildlife trade, and climate change. You will also investigate current theories in conservation science, along with the mechanisms underlying global patterns in the distribution of animals and plants, with a particular focus on the responses of species to climate change.

Advanced Topics in Evolution – 20 credits

Participate in group studies of advanced, research-led topics in evolution. Topics may include emerging infectious diseases, variation and speciation, and symbiosis providing a range of approaches to evolution, from molecular to ecological. 

Plant Development – 20 credits

You’ll cover the experimental approaches to understand modern plant science including the combination of molecular techniques with classical genetics to produce advances that would have been impossible without these approaches. The module will provide you with a balance of theoretical and practical content, providing training in the scientific method, where knowledge drives experimental design, which produces new knowledge.

Advanced Topics in Animal Science – 20 credits

Population growth and growth in global affluence are anticipated to continue to drive the increasing demand for animal protein. Production of animals to meet this demand is not only a significant contributor to environmental problems but is itself likely to be impacted by these problems. Addressing these challenges requires new technologies and innovations if production is to be sustainable. 

South Africa Field Course – 20 credits

This module offers you the opportunity to gain ecological experience in a diverse semi-arid area of Southern Africa. Large game is currently being re-introduced to this area, the result of which has been the creation of multiple adjacent sites each containing varying proportions of original African fauna. The intense two week programme (in September before entry into year 3) comprises a short project, lectures by staff and local experts covering geology, vegetation, birds, game management and demonstrations of techniques such as bird ringing and field trips to Addo Elephant Park, Mountain Zebra Park and the coast. Additional costs are required to cover flights and accommodation.

Animal Societies – 10 credits

Module description coming soon.

Evolution and Population Genetics – 10 credits

You'll cover the nature of biological species and the roles of natural selection and drift in evolution and the attempts made and the problems encountered in interpreting genetic data to infer the history of populations (including human beings). You will understand the logic and modes of thinking required to solve phylogenetic problems and interpret experimental data and you will develop skills in the interpretation of population genetics and evolution.

Animal Development – 10 credits

How does a single cell (a fertilised egg) give rise to the diversity of complex tissues, forms and functions seen in adult animals? In this module you will explore this question by examining critical developmental processes (including regeneration in adults) in diverse animals.

Year 4 (MNatSci, BSc)

Optional modules

Community Ecology – 15 credits

Cover the factors that control the distribution and abundance of different populations and introduces the application of these principles to population management. You will understand the interactions between species and their environment and the properties of ecological communities and the application of these principles to key challenges in ecology. 

Advanced Statistics – 15 credits

Take part in practical training and exercises in the use and interpretation of modern statistical methods including General Linear Models, Generalised Linear Models, General Linear Mixed Models and Multivariate Analysis, and their application to biological problems using the statistical package R.

Introduction to GIS Skills for Ecologists – 15 credits

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a state of the art tool in landscape ecology and conservation. This module will provide you with an introduction to GIS through a series of lectures and practicals to provide you with the skills and tools that will enable you to answer simple ecological questions through basic modelling and additionally gain the confidence to tackle more complex problems.

Population Dynamics – 15 credits

You’ll develop an understanding of the theory that describes the changes in population size in animals and plants, and you’ll be trained in techniques for the estimation of population sizes and the description of factors influencing population sizes. You will be able to contribute to the planning and execution of studies on the population status of target species and you’ll be able to make informed contributions to population management discussions.

African Field Ecology – 15 credits

Module description coming soon.

Topics in Plant Science – 15 credits

Module description coming soon.

Infectious and Non-infectious Disease – 15 credits

Module description coming soon.

Global Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture – 15 credits

Learn about past, current and future challenges for current and future food production. This will include understanding the major drivers for change in food and agricultural systems, UK and global food security, and strategies for increased sustainability, resilience and climate adaptation agriculture.

Crop Production in a Changing Environment – 15 credits

Module description coming soon.

Sustainable Diets and Protein Production – 15 credits

Investigate the challenges of providing people with a sustainable and nutritionally complete diet, with a particular emphasis on different sources of protein. You’ll consider the challenges of providing a diet that is sustainable, whilst taking into consideration the nutritive content, economics and consumer acceptance of food ingredients in a changing world.

Conservation Decision Science – 15 credits

You’ll be introduced to conservation decision science in an interdisciplinary context that integrates mathematical approaches, ecology, and socio-economic considerations. It will develop skills in objective-driven decision-making for environmental management problems, in social decision-making in group-based negotiation, in mathematical approaches to decision-making, and in spatial conservation planning. 

Equitable Sustainability – 15 credits

Learn about how the practice and outputs of conservation can be used to enhance not only the success of biodiversity conservation but also ensure that any benefits are equally distributed across stakeholders. The approach will incorporate aspects of practical governance to provide you with an understanding of the mechanics and logistics of equitable conservation activities as well as technical skills. You will also have the opportunity to explore the pedagogy that underpins their conservation training in a critical light, developing their understanding and practice of anti-racism and decolonisation.

Crop Science and Plant Biotechnology – 15 credits

Module description coming soon.

Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-Food Systems – 15 credits

The module will ensure that you can make a difference to UK farming in real world contexts, applying your knowledge of sustainable food production within the policy and economic frameworks of UK agriculture. You will develop a working knowledge of the environmental, economic and policy considerations of farming sustainably in the UK.

Agri-Environmental Monitoring, Economics and Policy – 15 credits

Study the goals of circular agriculture, including minimization of raw materials and inputs, closing nutrient loops, waste valorisation and minimizing environmental impacts. This module will also cover the potential integration of agriculture into the broader industrial and energy sectors, with a focus on the costs and benefits.