Life Sciences BSc

Life sciences are at the forefront of modern science. With this degree you’ll have a mix of skills, in areas chosen by you, across a range of science streams. Recent employment research from several Research Councils has highlighted the need for graduates to have interdisciplinary skills and the ability to use the latest analytical and computational techniques. At Brunel, we’ve responded to this research, and our programme is designed to get you job ready. An example of this is the computational data analysis option which gives you the skills increasingly required by employers.

You’ll choose from a wide range of science subjects including biological, environmental, psychological and sport sciences. You’ll learn computational and statistical data analysis and quantitative research giving you the skill sets to work with big data sets – a fundamental part of modern science. You can even opt for modules such as languages and creative writing. You’ll graduate with a unique set of skills so that you’ll be ready to enter the world of work with a competitive edge.

In year one you’ll learn a foundation of life sciences including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, biological psychology and environmental sciences. You’ll learn practical and analytical skills.

In year two, you’ll choose your specialist subjects and learn these alongside a module of bioinformatics. You can choose two streams to study from the allowed combinations. You’re also able to broaden your knowledge by selecting non-science subjects.

In your final year you’ll choose your preferred subject to study as your major and the other as your minor from the allowed combinations, with the option to choose a non-science module. You'll study all the modules from your major stream and choose half of the modules to study from your minor stream. Within your chosen major subject area, you'll develop a research project where you’ll learn to critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and communicate science in an interdisciplinary manner across the life sciences. 

Optional modules are indicative and available subject to numbers.

This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with placement, starting in September.

You’ll graduate with a unique set of skills in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, experimental techniques, information technology, team working and time management all of which are highly valued in the job market. There will be a strong emphasis placed on your career throughout your course and you’ll learn about how your option choices will put you ahead when you’re pursuing a career.

Just some of the careers you may be interested in include working in life science industries, clinical genetics laboratories, clinical trials and the regulatory sector, in sales and marketing related to healthcare and diagnostic products, in diagnostic pathology and clinical laboratories, human performance laboratories, forensic laboratories, government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes, in research and development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries, and research laboratories in universities.

Further opportunities will exist in areas such as environmental regulation and monitoring, conservation, animal welfare. Alternatively, our graduates would also be well equipped to pursue many career options outside of science in business, finance and information technology, for example, in scientific journalism, in business administration as a management consultant or in finance and banking. Careers in the Public Sector would also be open to such graduates, such as in science teaching or in the civil service. Students who have specialised in a defined, interdisciplinary, scientific field may proceed to study at postgraduate level (master’s and PhD).  

• GCE A-level BBB, including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology, or Physics.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDD in Applied Science or Biomedical Science.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD (all subjects accepted) with an A-level at grade B in either: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology or Physics.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with 2 A-levels at grade B, to include either: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology or Physics.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
• Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the  Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health and Human Science, Life Sciences or Health Professions with 45 credits at Level 3. All Biology and Chemistry units must be Distinctions at level 3.

Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language, Maths and one science subject.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Life Sciences BSc.

• IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
• Pearson: 51 (51 in all sub scores)
• BrunELT: 60% (min 55% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 79 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)  

You’ll benefit from the expertise of our academics across the different subject areas. They are actively involved in a range of world-leading research. In biomedicine for example, our academics have been involved in making major advances and breakthroughs in human diseases and syndromes, in psychology they are involved in research activities that benefit society at large including projects within the NHS and charities and in sport, health and exercise sciences they have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work.

This means that our teaching is up-to-date and you’ll learn from scientists and experts who are current in their field. Whatever area of science you choose to study, you can be assured of learning from experts and specialists in that area.

Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.

You’ll be assessed using a range of methods, including coursework assignments, poster presentations, oral presentations and examinations.