Our biology degree explores the fascinating processes of life, from the chemical reactions inside cells to drug discovery for diseases, through to environmental impact and global climate change.
Delivered by the School of Science and the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), our cutting-edge degree allows you to study a broad range of subjects or choose modules to suit your interests. We offer topics as diverse as cancer therapeutics, applied plant ecology and neuroscience.
You will learn the skills to address some of the greatest problems facing humanity, from producing enough food to feed a growing world to treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. You will have plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork, including an international placement.
The extensive careers options for biology graduates include research roles in academic, governmental and commercial laboratories, positions in food and farming start-ups, and roles in education. You could prepare for careers in medical research investigating cures or inspire the next generation of scientists by becoming 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:
Overall123You 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
First year courses may be shared across a number of Science programmes, 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. 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.
Overall123You 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.
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