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Undergraduate prospectus

Biology, MBiol

Our MBiol Biology degree combines Bachelor’s-level modules with study leading to a Master’s degree.
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This highly practical course will give you a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of biology from the molecular to the global level. You will carry out two research projects, developing the analytical and problem-solving skills prospective employers are looking for.

The course has an international focus, enabling you to learn from global experts and undertake field trips and work placements abroad. Employment opportunities include industrial and medical research or work as a consultant in areas such as biomedical science, biotechnology or agribusiness. You could also follow this course with a PhD.

Course/institution codes

C100 M MBiol/IMB

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Department

Life & Sports Science; Natural Resources Institute

Duration

4 years full-time

Start month

September

UK/international fees

2019/2020 fees

View fees

2020/2021 fees

TBA

2020/2021 fees

What you should know about this course

  • You can specialise from year two onwards with a wide choice of modules - from cancer research to ecology
  • Experience research by undertaking two original projects of your choice, working with professors in the relevant fields
  • Travel to Spain for a field trip, hear from speakers with international experience and benefit from expertise in global issues such as biofuels, food security and biodiversity.

The MBiol course gave me the opportunity to experience quite different disciplines within Biology early on, and then allowed me to pick from the course options spanning these many disciplines. The teaching methods have been both refreshing and captivating.

- Harrison Lambert, MBiol student

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What you will study

See course information for 2020.

See module information for this course.

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Course information is currently unavailable for this programme. Please contact course-info@gre.ac.uk for more information.

Dr Abigail Rickard

Associate Professor; Head of Biology

About the course team

You are taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, demonstrators, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful. Our teaching is research informed and over 65% of our teaching team holds a formal teaching qualification (a number that is growing annually).

Come and visit us

You can find out a lot about a university online, but to really get a feel for what it's like to live and study here you should come and visit. Come take a look at our historic campuses in London and Kent.

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Got a question?

To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

If you are

Typical Offer: 120 Points

Qualifications: three A-levels/Extended Diploma/combination of A-level and Diploma/A-levels and Extended Certificate

Subjects:

  • A-level: 40 Points from Biology
  • BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science
  • A-level and BTEC National: Diploma/Extended Certificate in Applied Science and 40 Points from Biology
  • Plus GCSEs in English language and mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the A*-G system), and one GCSE science subject at Grade C or above under the A*-G system. We also accept equivalent qualifications at Level 2, such as Functional Skills in Mathematics and English.

We will also consider:

  • AS-levels along with A2-levels
  • Alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technicals, AQA Tech-level, the International Baccalaureate and Access to Science
  • Appropriate qualifications such as an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree, with which you may be able to enter this degree in Year 2 or later.

For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.

You can also read our admissions policy.

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Alternatively, please contact us:

Further information about entry

We welcome applications from mature students.

Available to overseas students?

Yes

Can I use prior learning?

Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.

How you will learn

Teaching

In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • 1-to-1 tutorials

Further details to be confirmed.

Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Contact hours may fall between 9am and 9pm, depending on your elective courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

First year courses may be shared across a number of Science courses, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject specific courses tend to be smaller, for example a typical Biology intake would have 20 students in a dedicated biology course. Similarly, in the second and third year, some core courses taken by all students will be equally large, while optional courses will be smaller, between 20- 40 students per group, enabling close interaction with lecturers. 

Typical student intake per year across our biology courses is 20. Lectures are normally attended by 20, seminars/tutorials by 20.

Independent learning

At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Overall workload

If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.

Assessment

On this course, students are assessed by:

  • Examinations
  • Coursework

Further details to be confirmed.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include ‘practice’ assessments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.

Dates and timetables

The academic year runs from September to June.

Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.

Fees and funding

Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

2019/2020 fees

Full-time (per year) Part-time (per 30 credits)
View fees

2020/2021 fees

TBA

* For full fees information please visit our fees information pages.

Fees information International fees

Accommodation costs

Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.

Accommodation pages

Funding your study

There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.

Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.

Financial support

Other costs

Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.

Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.

Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.

Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing. 

  • Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
  • IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
  • We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement for between 6 weeks to a maximum of 3 months which can be related to a credit rated course at level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The Faculty expectation is that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements are required to pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Employment opportunities are available in industrial and medical research. You could also create health or environmental policy, or work as a consultant, normally for companies and non-governmental organisations. You may also pursue careers in teaching and writing for scientific journals. 

After this course, you could also apply for medical school and qualify as a doctor in four years, or become a physician's associate and qualify in two years. You can also progress straight to PhD level following this course.

Are internships available?

Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access course internships.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. We have an Employer Partnerships Manager developing relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities. Other members of the team focus on helping students to develop their knowledge of job markets, production of effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understanding HR selection processes, preparing final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements. Visit our Employability & Careers Service pages.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.

We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.

Support from the department

Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role it is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries. The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) course encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.

Accommodation information

Accommodation pages

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