Our extended degree in biology is a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to understanding the processes of life. It includes a foundation year and requires lower entry points.
Biology is the study of every aspect of life, from drug discovery and vaccinations for diseases to environmental factors and climate change. Our cutting-edge biology degree offers topics as diverse as cancer therapeutics, applied plant ecology and neuroscience. You begin this extended degree with a foundation year before moving to our three-year course.
You will develop the skills to address some of our greatest problems, from sustainable food production using plant-based products to how we treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. You'll have the chance to put your learning into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork, plus an international placement.
Our degree provides the scientific training and transferable skills you need to become a professional scientist. Your potential career options as a biology graduate include research roles in laboratories to positions in food and farming start-ups and roles in education. You could explore careers investigating cures in medical research or inspiring the next generation of scientists by training to become a biology teacher.
How you will learn
The following data is based on the compulsory modules for this programme.*
* Compiled from modules taught on 2023-2024 courses.
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
Overall0123You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops 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. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
A typical student intake across our biology courses is 20 per year. Lectures are normally attended by 20, and seminars/tutorials by 20.
First year modules may be shared across a number of science courses, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject-specific modules tend to be smaller. A typical biology intake has 20 students in a dedicated biology module.
Similarly, in the second and third year, some core modules taken by all students are larger, while optional courses are smaller (20-40 students per group), enabling close interaction with lecturers.
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. Some of your time will be in the classroom or laboratory and some will be independent learning.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a combination of assessment methods depending on the modules chosen.
Overall0123You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, 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.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.