BSc Biological Sciences (with a Year Abroad)

This programme offers you the opportunity to undertake our BSc Biological Sciences programme with an additional year of study abroad at a university in Australasia, North America or Europe. These degrees are four years in duration and share the same course profile as the three-year programme, except you will spend your third year abroad before returning to UEA for your final year of study.

During the first year you will take a variety of subjects without committing yourself to a particular specialisation. These first year units cover biological sciences, including evolution, ecology, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and the physical sciences. In addition you will learn essential scientific methods and techniques, including applied maths and statistics.

During the second and final years of study you can steer your degree programme towards your areas of interest or chosen specialism. You will also have the opportunity to complete a substantial independent final year research project. There are currently more than 25 advanced optional modules including: Genomes; Genes and Genomics; Behavioural Ecology; Cancer Biology; Evolutionary Biology and Conservation Genetics.

A Year Abroad

During the third year of your course you will spend a year studying abroad at one of our exchange partners:

Australasia – Current partners include: Murdoch University, Perth; Macquarie University, Sydney; and University of Auckland, New Zealand.

North America – We currently have exchange agreements with US universities in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Missouri and Oregon. We also have exchange partners in Canada which currently include universities in British Columbia and Ontario.

Europe – Students on the European exchange programme will take appropriate language modules during the second year, in preparation for the year spent in France, Italy, Germany, Spain or Sweden. Learning a second language and the experience of living and studying in Europe have proved a valuable asset to our graduates.

Course Organiser:Dr. Mette Mogensen

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Entry Requirements A Level: AAB to include Biology International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 3 HL Subjects at Grade 6 including Biology Scottish Highers: AAABB to include Biology and one other Science Scottish Advanced Highers: AAB to include Biology. Other Sciences at Advanced Higher level would confer an advantage Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAABB at higher level including Biology and at least two other Science subjects Access Course: See Below HND: Please contact university for further information European Baccalaureate: 80% overall, including 8.0 in Biology Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. Gap Year We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further. Special Entry Requirements

A2-level Biology is required for this course. In addition to this, applicants are asked to have two other A2-level subjects. General Studies and Critical Thinking ‘A’ Level are not accepted.

Students are also required to have a GCSE or acceptable equivalent at grade B or above in the language of instruction for the year abroad.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Biology.

Intakes The School's annual intake is in September of each year. Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Biological Sciences offer 11 different full-time undergraduate degree programmes (plus three part-time degrees) in a range of subjects. Approximately 150 new undergraduates join us each year to study Biological Sciences (including a range of specialised programmes), Biomedicine, Biochemistry and Ecology.

Our students also have the opportunity of studying abroad for a year in either Europe, North America or Australasia, or spending a year in industry. Indeed we are one of a very few departments in the UK able to offer such a comprehensive spectrum of biology-related degree programmes.

Two of the distinguishing features of the degree courses we offer are excellence and choice. You are able to choose from a large number of degree programmes composed of a wide range of teaching modules. Lectures and seminars introduce the latest ideas and understanding of biology, and you will gain a thorough training in modern experimental methodology through hands-on practical or fieldwork sessions.

Why Study Biology?

The biological sciences comprise a broad range of inter-linked disciplines which encompass the study of life from the molecular level, through cells, tissues and organisms, to populations and ecosystems.

As well as being intellectually interesting, advances in the Biological Sciences have direct relevance to our everyday lives. Examples of this are to be found in new medical treatments, increased agricultural output, the protection of endangered species and the development of new food products. These breakthroughs have improved the quality of life for millions of people over the past few decades, and led to a greater understanding of our impact on the environment and the need for better resource management and conservation.

Some examples of recent advances include:

• The development of new vaccines
• The development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tests for infectious diseases
• The production of recombinant hormones in bacteria, e.g. insulin for the treatment of diabetes
• The development of new techniques for the forensic detection of crimeThe development of disease and drought resistant strains of crop plants
• The designation of thousands of wildlife reserves and national parks worldwide to protect and conserve endangered species and areas of special ecological interest
• The development of biological control techniques to combat weeds and pests thereby reducing the use of herbicides and insecticides
• The development of bioremediation – using naturally occurring plants or microbes to clean up pollution, e.g. oil spills

Continuing research into the biological sciences is essential if we are to overcome problems such as cancer, HIV and tuberculosis, find ways to treat or cure genetic diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis, unlock the secrets encoded in the Human Genome Sequence, protect endangered species, conserve ‘at risk’ habitats, and combat threats such as bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases. Biological Scientists are at the forefront of biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and ecological research, so if you are looking for an exciting, flexible field of study with excellent career prospects, both within science and in the wider employment market, then look no further than the biological sciences.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Year Abroad Fees

For Home/EU students opting for a Year Abroad the tuition fee is currently £1,350. The Year Abroad tuition fee will be subject to an annual increase. International Students are required to pay 25% of their annual tuition fee to UEA during their year Abroad and will be calculated based on the current tuition fee for that year.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

International Students

The School of Biological Sciences has 2 £1,000 year one scholarships available for 2013 entry. The Scholarship deadline is 15th January 2013. Please contact the Admissions office at bio.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international