Program Overview
Lancaster University's Biology MSci Hons program is a four-year, highly regarded program that provides students with a strong foundation in biology, with a focus on genetics, cell biology, ecology, and conservation biology. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and fieldwork, students will develop a strong understanding of the scientific principles underlying life and the complexities of the natural world. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership, which are highly valued by employers in a wide range of industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Program name: Biology MSci Hons
Overview:
The Biology MSci Hons program at Lancaster University is a four-year, highly regarded program that allows students to gain a strong foundation in the fundamental features of biology, with a focus on genetics, cell biology, ecology, and conservation biology. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to tackle the significant challenges facing our planet, whether relating to research, policy, or environmental awareness. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and fieldwork, students will develop a strong understanding of the scientific principles underlying life and the complexities of the natural world. They will participate in hands-on experiences, such as exploring the ecosystems of the Lake District, surveying plant and bird species in the Yorkshire Dales, or analyzing marine life in the Doñana National Park in Spain. These immersive experiences will provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world context and gain valuable research and field-based skills. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership. These skills are highly valued by employers in a wide range of industries and will help graduates to succeed in their future careers.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key principles and concepts of biology.
- Apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems and answer questions related to biological systems.
- Conduct independent research and critically analyze scientific data.
- Effectively communicate their research findings to a variety of audiences.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Be prepared for further study in a relevant field or for a career in biology or a related field.
Outline
Program content:
The Biology MSci Hons program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Genetics and Cell Biology: This module explores the structure and function of cells, the molecular basis of inheritance, and the regulation of gene expression.
- Ecology and Conservation Biology: This module examines the relationship between organisms and their environment, with a focus on the factors that influence species diversity, community structure, and ecosystem function.
- Evolutionary Biology: This module investigates the processes that lead to the diversity of life on Earth, including natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation.
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis: This module equips students with the skills necessary to design and conduct scientific experiments, analyze data, and interpret results.
- Biochemistry: This module examines the chemical basis of life, with a focus on the structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
- Plant Biology: This module investigates the structure, function, and evolution of plants, with a focus on photosynthesis, plant growth and development, and plant responses to environmental stress.
- Animal Biology: This module examines the diversity of animal life, with a focus on the structure, function, and evolution of different animal groups.
Program Structure:
The Biology MSci Hons program is a four-year, full-time program. In the first year, students will take a core set of modules that will provide them with a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of biology. In the second and third years, students will have the opportunity to specialize in their chosen area of interest by selecting modules from a wide range of options. In the fourth year, students will complete a research project, which will allow them to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific topic of interest.
Course schedule:
The course schedule for the Biology MSci Hons program is as follows:
- Year 1:
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Cell Structure and Function
- Evolutionary Biology
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
- Genetics
- Global Change Biology
- Impact of Microbes
- Molecules of Life
- Skills in the Life Sciences
- Zoology
- Year 2:
- Anatomy and Tissue Structure
- Aquatic Ecology
- Biomedicine and Society
- Biotechnology
- Developmental Biology
- Eden Project Field Course
- Hormones and Development
- Human Physiology
- Infection and Immunity
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Marine and Estuarine Biology
- Protein Biochemistry
- Spanish-Donana Field Course
- Year 3:
- Employability Skills
- Biochemical Techniques
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Cell Biology Techniques
- Environmental Physiology
- Evolution
- Experimental Design and Analysis
- Field Biology
- Genetics
- Medical Microbiology
- Microbiological Techniques
- Populations to Ecosystems
- Practical Physiology
- Principles of Biodiversity Conservation
- Research Design and Delivery
- Vertebrate Biology
- Year 4:
- Biosciences Research Project
- Innovation in the Biosciences
Individual modules:
A detailed description of each module can be found on the Lancaster University website.
Assessment
Assessment methods:
The Biology MSci Hons program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Examinations
- Coursework assignments
- Practical assessments
- Presentations
- Research projects
Assessment criteria:
The assessment criteria for the Biology MSci Hons program vary depending on the assessment method used. However, all assessments are designed to assess students' understanding of the subject matter, their ability to apply their knowledge and skills to new situations, and their ability to communicate their ideas effectively.
Teaching
Teaching methods:
The Biology MSci Hons program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Laboratory classes
- Fieldwork
- One-to-one supervision
Faculty:
The Biology MSci Hons program is taught by a team of experienced and enthusiastic academics who are experts in their field. The faculty is committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and supporting them in their academic and professional development.
Unique approaches:
The Biology MSci Hons program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Small class sizes: This allows for a more personalized learning experience and greater interaction between students and staff.
- Research-led teaching: The program is informed by the latest research findings, ensuring that students are exposed to the cutting-edge of the field.
- A strong focus on practical skills: The program provides students with a variety of opportunities to develop their practical skills, such as through laboratory work, fieldwork, and research projects.
- A focus on employability: The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and leadership. These skills are highly valued by employers in a wide range of industries and will help graduates to succeed in their future careers.
Careers
Career paths:
The Biology MSci Hons program prepares students for a wide range of careers in the biological sciences, including:
- Research scientist
- Academic researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Policy advisor
- Science communicator
- Teacher
- Biotechnologist
- Microbiologist
- Molecular Geneticist
- Forensic Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Scientist
- Food Technologist
Career opportunities:
The Biology MSci Hons program opens up a wide range of career opportunities in a variety of sectors, including:
- Academia
- Government
- Industry
- Non-profit organizations
Career outcomes:
Graduates of the Biology MSci Hons program have a strong record of employment and further study. In recent years, graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:
- Research scientist at the University of Oxford
- Environmental consultant at AECOM
- Policy advisor at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Science communicator at the BBC
- Teacher at a secondary school
- Biotechnologist at GlaxoSmithKline
- Microbiologist at the National Health Service
- Molecular Geneticist at a pharmaceutical company
- Forensic Scientist at the Home Office
- Pharmaceutical Scientist at Pfizer
