BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation

This BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests.

Our BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

The majority of modules in BSc Biological Sciences are optional, giving you the opportunity to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology.

You will be taught by experts in their fields and have access to a range of research facilities. 98% of students in the School of Biological Sciences said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).

Within environmental biology options you will develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. The 澳门六合彩开奖记录’s award-winning campus is home to more than 1,000 different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It also features the Cole Museum of Zoology and a herbarium, which house vast collections and offer volunteering opportunities. Additionally, you will have the chance to apply your scientific knowledge to a range of other habitats through our optional field courses. These normally last around two weeks and take place in locations such as Devon, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Spain and Colombia.

Within biomedical subjects you will develop an understanding of human physiology and the basis of disease. The course has a strong practical element, and you will gain valuable experience of laboratory work and learn key molecular genetic and cell biology techniques. During your final year you will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working on an original research project using cutting edge facilities and equipment. Previous topics include gene therapy of muscular dystrophy, emerging viral infections, the regulation of the stress response, stem cell biology, the spread of cancer and the control of blood clotting.

Our £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring over 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.

Placement

You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the Nuffield Foundation. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.

You can can also choose to take a work placement module.

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

Alternatively, you can opt to take the four-year version of this course (plus the additional foundational year), incorporating a year in industry.

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.

Overview

This BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests.

Our BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation is a four-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the three-year course.

Placement

You can can also choose to take a work placement module.

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

Alternatively, you can opt to take the four-year version of this course (plus the additional foundational year), incorporating a year in industry.

For more information, please visit the School of Biological Sciences website.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB – for applicants without Biology and a second science
CCC – for applicants with Biology and a second science

Acceptable science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

International Baccalaureate

30 – for applicants without higher level Biology and a second science
24 – for applicants with Biology and a second science, both at higher level

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM

GCSE

Grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying sciences at A level

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Foundation Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Chemistry

Discover the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen.

Mathematics Foundation

Gain the basic mathematical knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to degrees related to Chemical and Biological Sciences.

Foundation in Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Compulsory modules

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet.

Fundamentals of Microbiology

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention

Anatomy and Physiology

Learn about the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body and the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Fundamentals of Evolution

Learn about the mechanisms of evolution, the diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution, and discover how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology.

History of Life on Earth

Gain an understanding of the development of life on our planet. You’ll cover the major events and processes that shaped life on Earth, including climate change and mass extinctions, evolution of plants on land and when vertebrates stepped out of the water.

Optional modules

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.

Fundamentals of Ecology

Learn about ecological concepts and how they can be applied in the field and in the laboratory. Discover how ecological questions can be used to understand and address conservation problems.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function, and explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated.

Research and Professional Skills

Through a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor-led sessions and group activities, you’ll develop and refine your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches.

Optional modules

Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics

Build on what you’ve learned in previous modules and explore in depth the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You’ll explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression.

Haematology and Immunology

Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You’ll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced.

Comparative Vertebrate Biology

Explore vertebrate life through a range of theoretical and practical activities and learn about the functional anatomy, physiology, and phylogenetic diversity of vertebrates. You’ll gain advanced hands-on practical knowledge using our Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection, and receive training in dissection skills.

UK Biodiversity Field Course

Enhance your appreciation for British wildlife and gain experience in survey techniques that are vital for careers in ecology, zoology and wildlife conservation. You’ll learn to survey, identify and study birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants in a range of habitats from coastal vegetation to ancient woodland.

Advanced Ecology

Deepen your understanding of the patterns and processes in ecological systems. You’ll learn about the form and function of communities, ecosystems, and biomes, covering topics such as biochemical cycles and the role of microbes in ecological processes, food webs, ecosystem services, and macroecological and biogeographical rules.

Marine Biology and Conservation

Discover the range of marine habitats, environments and associated biodiversity present within the biosphere, and the major physical and chemical mechanisms underpinning oceanicprocesses. You’ll learn key aspects of the biology, ecology and environmental physiology of marine organisms across several domains and major phyla of life.

Molecular Microbiology

Learn about microbial genetics and evolution, including the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. You’ll also learn how bacteria protect the integrity of their genomes against DNA damage, discover they sense and respond to environmental stress, and how they regulate their cell cycle and control the replication of their genomes.

Infectious Diseases

Explore the infectious diseases afflicting the various systems of the human body, and the pathogens that cause them. You’ll gain a deep understanding of their transmission, dissemination, pathogenesis, detection, and the development of therapies and prevention methods.

Medical Genetics

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders.

Invertebrate Zoology

Discover the significance of invertebrate life and how they impact our society's economic, social, and scientific accomplishments. You'll learn how to identify them, about their life cycle and ecology, and about their special adaptations to carry out physiological activities.

Palaeobiology

Learn about the principles of palaeontology and palaeoecology, and attend lectures covering diverse related topics. You’ll participate to field trips to nearby palaeobiological sites and develop critical skills, such as mapping, excavation, fossil preparation and extraction, fossil identification, specimen curation, and modern analytical techniques.

Animal Behaviour

Learn the scientific method used to study animal behaviour and its underlying principle theories. You’ll discover how facts about behaviour are established and how experiments are designed and results analysed and interpreted

Integrated Anatomy and Physiology

Learn about the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body and the physiological processes taking part within and between them.

Conservation Science in Practice

Explore the conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation and learn how data-driven conclusions can generate conservation solutions. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of the realities faced by conservation practitioners in complex modern settings.

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Learn the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology, including the basics of algorithms, machine learning, and agent-based systems. You'll gain the necessary programming and computational skills required for a successful career in modern biology.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.

Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

Learn about the evolution, ecology, biochemistry, mechanisms, and toxicology principles of venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fungi. You’ll explore how venoms and poisons are used for medicinal purposes, and develop a greater understanding of the principles of pharmacology.

Optional modules

Evolution in Health and Disease

Discover how some of the most important medical problems of our time have been shaped by our evolutionary history. You’ll study relevant evolutionary processes across the animal kingdom and the Tree of Life, and you’ll explore the implications of evolutionary biology to human health and disease.

Pathogens

Discover how bacteria and viruses can cause diseases by interacting with host organisms, and study real-life examples of how different factors affect pathogenesis, impacting on human health, agriculture, and protein disorders. You’ll also cover opportunistic pathogens and the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases with epidemic potential.

Protein Structure and Function

Discover the basics of protein structure and its impact on life science research.

Cancer and Cell Communication

Explore the connection between cellular signalling and cancer development and learn how lab and computer modelling studies have enhanced our grasp of receptors and signal transduction's role in cell function.

Microbiology Field Course

Learn field-based sampling techniques and about the changing microbial biodiversity in the Arctic.

Palaeoecology Research Field Course

Spend two weeks undertaking an intensive research-focused field course in Canada's Badlands. Guided by top dinosaur palaeontology experts, you’ll participate to surveys, prospecting, identification, bonebed mapping, and fossil excavation, gaining both practical and academical skills.

Marine Biology Field Course

Enhance your biodiversity survey skills and practical marine conservation knowledge through snorkelling or SCUBA diving. You'll learn ecological assessment methods and gain advanced insights into various marine habitats.

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Delve into zoonotic diseases, their hosts, symptoms, and effects on human health and the economy, and learn about disease control, co-evolution, and the use of epidemiological modelling for effective management.

Forensics

Learn the core principles of biology applied to criminology, and see how modern science helps solve complex crimes. You’ll cover topics such as forensic pathology, anthropology, entomology, and acarology.

Applied Microbiology

Develop your understanding of the medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications of microbes and microbial biotechnology, and how advances in this field can help tackle global challenges.

Integrated Biochemistry

Discover the diverse uses of biochemistry in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. and explore its role in diagnosing diseases, microbiology, and microbial processes.

Neuroscience

Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You’ll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.

Cardiovascular Biology

Learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes, and how drugs, can be used to treat them. You’ll also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to lifestyle and diet.

Ecology of Urban Areas

Learn about the global concept of urban areas and how these change over time in different parts of the world. You’ll examine issues relating to the impacts of the urban environment on human health and how both nature-based and technological-based approaches could be used to create significant benefits for individuals and society.

Innovation and Product Development

Explore case studies of real product innovations and concepts and learn about the innovation process from science to product development, focusing on medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: 拢29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

During the course, emphasis is placed on developing transferable skills such as computer literacy, information retrieval, data handling and communication skills.

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) following an independent and rigorous assessment.

Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and establish a profile of key skills that bioscience employers can recognise in accredited graduates, including technical and transferable skills. 100% of our BSc Biological Sciences students said teaching staff are good at explaining things(National Student Survey 2024 responders).

Royal Society of Biology Accredited Degree logo

You could find employment in a wide range of roles across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, commercial manufacturing, environmental management and publishing. You may also decide to take up a research career or move into further study. Past BSc Biological Sciences graduates at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as GSK, IQVIA, NHS, Sanofi and WSP (based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes BSc Biological Sciences responders).

Overall, 91.4% of graduates from the School of Biological Sciences are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all School of Biological Sciences responders).

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