Why study this course?

Biology is the study of life. Taught in our state-of-the-art Science Centre, this Biological Science course will teach you that life processes result from a series of complex interactions at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level. You'll develop hands-on skills that employers look for, as well as a detailed understanding of everything from biological systems at molecular level to ecosystems.

More about this course

All life processes are the result of a series of complex interactions at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level. Through this course, you’ll investigate these systems in all their fascinating detail, and develop your academic and practical skills, enabling you to interpret and analyse biological data and evaluate your own work.

The Biological Science BSc (Hons) degree encompasses a broad scope of topics designed to interest the enquiring mind. During the first year you will acquire a solid foundation in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, human anatomy and data analysis. You’ll begin to understand how macromolecules drive cellular processes and you’ll be introduced to essential data handling and laboratory skills.

In the second year you’ll start to specialise, and will explore state-of-the-art research techniques such as gene cloning, amplification of DNA and microbiological techniques.

Your third year will include a year-long research project on the topic of your choosing. You can choose to specialise or to follow a more varied pathway.

Biological scientists play a key role in identifying diseases, monitoring treatment and conducting research into infectious diseases and other pathologies. You’ll graduate from this course ready to join the field, with a sound knowledge base and a high standard of cognitive, practical and transferable skills.

Assessment

Your skills are assessed by essays, group reports, poster presentations, seminar presentations, data analysis and interpretation exercises, and the production and maintenance of a personal profile and curriculum vitae.

Professional accreditation

On graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for Graduate or Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology, depending on your degree classification.

Fees and key information

Course type
Undergraduate
UCAS code C120
Entry requirements View
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Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Biology or Human Biology (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
  • English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

Accelerated study

If you have relevant qualifications or credit from a similar course it may be possible to enter this course at an advanced stage rather than beginning in the first year. Please note, advanced entry is only available for September start. See our information for students applying for advanced entry.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Monday afternoon

This module introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of human anatomy and physiology in health and disease. It is designed for life-science students with an interest in human biology, but particularly for those wishing to pursue advanced studies in the Biosciences or Forensic Science.
This module aims to provide students, through lectures, tutorials and practical classes, with a sound knowledge of human body structure using appropriate anatomical nomenclature and an in-depth understanding of the physiology of selected body systems. The module will also aim to introduce basic concepts in immunology and pathology.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Monday afternoon

This module introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of human anatomy and physiology in health and disease. It is designed for life-science students with an interest in human biology, but particularly for those wishing to pursue advanced studies in the Biosciences.
This module aims to provide students, through lectures, tutorials and practical classes, with a sound knowledge of human body structure using appropriate anatomical nomenclature and an in-depth understanding of the physiology of selected body systems. The module will also aim to introduce basic concepts in immunology and pathology.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday morning

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Monday morning

A core module which provides students with an understanding of basic cell structures and an awareness of different cell types and relates the structure and activities of cell components to their functions and to cellular activities as a whole.
The second half of the module is concerned with biochemistry focusing on the properties of key biochemical molecules and their role in biochemical function.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically it aims to expose students to some of the key questions of cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities. Provide students with practical experience in a range of laboratory-based biological techniques. Enhance students' ability to manage themselves and to develop organisational, critical and analytical skills which are applicable to the workplace.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Monday morning

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualification. This module aims to provide an overview of the organisation, expression, and replication of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes together with principles of Mendelian inheritance; examine the consequences of mutation on gene expression together with an introduction to techniques of gene analysis and manipulation. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday morning

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualification. The module provides an introduction to core aspects of chemistry - concepts of naming and drawing chemical formulae, organic bonding, differing types of isomerism, moles, reaction processes, states of matter, and interactions between particles are enumerated. Students will undertake regular tests based on the material taught.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday afternoon

This module focuses on the structure and classification of a selected range of microorganisms and their impact on human society. Laboratory classes develop the skills required to work safely and cooperatively in the laboratory.
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to:
study the classification, structure and function of bacteria, fungi, protoctista and viruses;
understand the diverse nature of microorganisms, their roles in the environment and their impact on human society as normal flora and as agents of disease;
the exploitation of microorganisms by humans in medicine and biotechnology.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

This module will develop students’ transferable skills to enable them to derive maximum benefit from their chosen courses of study, provide clear guidance on the University’s teaching, assessment and progression regulations to facilitate students’ smooth passage through their chosen courses of study.

The module will introduce students to the learning resources and support facilities available within the University to assist them with their personal and professional development. Specifically this module will also introduce students to safe contemporary (GLP) practice in the laboratory environment, practical bioscience techniques, simple chemical techniques and the discipline of accurate laboratory record keeping. The module also aims to develop basic lab practice: personal safety (as expedited by COSHH and Risk Assessments), awareness of others and where appropriate to consider ethical issues that can have an impact on the execution of a given experiment. The development of study skills will include writing laboratory records, scientific reports and essays. The analysis of data will also be a core component of the module.

The module aims to introduce students to the development, scope and organisation of their chosen discipline and its associated professional bodies and employment opportunities. The transferable skills that will be developed will also prepare students for employment.

Year 2 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday morning

This module provides an introduction to physiological, cellular and molecular fundamentals of human immunology. It includes consideration of innate and acquired immune defences, genetic variation and immune defence, and immune responses or involvement in a range of pathological conditions. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
The module integrates the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules and encourages independent learning through the access of information using appropriate laboratory, primary and secondary sources, and informatics resources. It develops competence in laboratory skills through practical work, and in scientific writing. It aims to develop students’ qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment including developing ability to solve problems and gather and interpret data to inform a focussed theme and writing reports. Moreover, students have an opportunity to develop self-management employability skills by engaging fully with the learning material and opportunities made available to them, and by continually reflecting on their progress through the module using the regular feedback opportunities available to them.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

This module focuses on understanding key principles of metabolism. These principles are illustrated through study of the major metabolic pathways. How metabolism interacts with the nutritional environment is discussed throughout the module.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles of metabolism encourage an appreciation of the diversity and interconnection of metabolic pathways, and to stimulate an understanding of the applicability of metabolism in a broad range of biological context. This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday morning

This module investigates the key metabolic pathways in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and investigates how these pathways, in different organisms, satisfy energy requirements for growth and reproduction using the nutrients in their surroundings. This module also examines the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which regulate microbial growth and development.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the QAA’s the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. It provides students with the opportunity to study the nutritional requirements for microbial growth and the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which regulate microbial growth and development. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Students will be encouraged to engage meaningfully through the curriculum, to enable them to reflect on, plan and review their own personal and academic skills. This will enable students to develop well supported claims to their achievements and be able to articulate these to others. The University will facilitate students in the recognition and recording of their achievements.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Friday morning

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of the principles of molecular biology in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, with emphasis on understanding mechanisms of gene expression, genome structure, variation and replication, and genetic inheritance and genetic causes of disease. The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.


The module integrates the knowledge and skills acquired from other modules and encourages independent learning through the access of information using appropriate laboratory, primary and secondary sources, and informatics resources. It develops competence in laboratory skills through practical work, and in scientific writing. It aims to develop students’ qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment including developing ability to solve problems and gather and interpret data to inform a focussed theme and writing reports. Moreover students have an opportunity to develop self-management employability skills by engaging fully with the learning material and opportunities made available to them, and by continually reflecting on their progress through the module using the regular feedback opportunities available to them.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Friday afternoon

The module addresses the major parasites of medical importance. It emphasises those aspects of parasite life-cycles that contribute to disease and pathology, the anti-parasite immune responses they engender, how parasites evade these responses, and alternative control measures.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
The aims of this module are to review a range of medically important parasites, investigating the variety of parasite life-cycles as these contribute to disease and pathology. The module aims to advance students’ abilities in parasite recognition and diagnosis and develop students’ understanding of immunological control, evasion of that control, the development of anti-parasite vaccines and alternative methods of control.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Tuesday morning

This module explores the classification, structure and function of tissues within the Human body, and provides in-depth coverage of the fundamentals of the science of pathology, exploring the underlying genetic, molecular and cellular perturbations that lead to pathological tissue states incurred by inflammation, infection, trauma and neoplasia. Students will also gain practical experience of modern laboratory techniques used to investigate and diagnose tissue samples within a biomedical setting.This module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the structure and functional of different cell and tissue types, and the genetic, molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathogenesis of selected human diseases.The module aims to review the basic the basic techniques of gene analysis and tissue identification.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Tuesday morning

This module explores the classification, structure and function of tissues within the Human body, and provides in-depth coverage of the fundamentals of the science of pathology, exploring the underlying genetic, molecular and cellular perturbations that lead to pathological tissue states incurred by inflammation, infection, trauma and neoplasia. Students will also gain practical experience of modern laboratory techniques used to investigate and diagnose tissue samples within a biomedical setting. This module aims to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the structure and functional of different cell and tissue types, and the genetic, molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathogenesis of selected human diseases.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Friday afternoon

Vitamins and minerals are essential for life. While they do not yield energy directly, they are essential to many metabolic pathways and support human life and health. This module explores the functions of vitamins and minerals in human beings, identifying the roles of micronutrients in metabolic pathways and the importance of nutrition in maintaining the human body in a healthy state. This module covers the biochemical aspects of a range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements and includes dietary sources, chemistry, metabolic functions, storage, turnover and consequences of imbalanced micronutrient intakes.


The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. Specifically, it aims to develop a critical understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of micronutrients. To demonstrate the metabolic consequences of insufficient and excessive nutrient intakes in human nutrition. This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility and decision making.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester
  • spring semester

Description: This module focuses on extending students' learning experience by providing them with an opportunity to tackle real-life problems, appropriate to their academic level, by undertaking a short period of professional activity in the workplace. The placement needs to be approved prior to being undertaken, by the work placement coordinator. It is expected that the student should work for 140 hours, for which they will be required to provide evidence (completed in the summer or part-time over the Autumn or Spring semester). The suitability of the opportunities will be assessed on an individual basis. Where required, students will be supported in finding suitable opportunities and with all aspects of their job search and applications. However, it is the students’ responsibility to obtain suitable employment, and roles cannot be guaranteed. DBS checks and or Hep B vaccination may be required for some placements (NHS or School-based).
This module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to: Increase their personal and professional development and gain experience of the culture and structure of a working environment; evaluate, and critically reflect on, the workplace as well as the student's role and contribution to it; and to apply previously-learnt academic knowledge to the task in hand. Explore employment options and consider future career plans. It will also ensure that suitable health and safety requirements are in place and the work activity will be approved by the module team in advance.

Year 3 modules include:

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Thursday afternoon

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of disease. Students will learn how these pathological processes can be modulated in the treatment of disease and poisonings.
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to understand the principles and practices of biochemical pathology . This will be by expanding a student's knowledge and understanding of human biotransformations (metabolism) particularly as they influence the nature of disease(pathology) and toxic states (toxicology). Students will engage with problems in and pathology and study a range of topics including metabolic pathology. They will be given the opportunity to study the aetiology and treatment of disease.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Monday morning

The module covers the advanced aspects of the role of Clinical Biochemistry, as practiced in a pathology department. More in-depth focus on disease screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in clinical biochemistry, the principles and application of common methods used in the clinical setting and point of care testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and the investigation of substances of abuse. Quality control and quality assurance, sample quality and regulatory issues within clinical biochemistry.
Students’ clinical biochemistry skills will be developed in the laboratory in practical sessions. Theoretical and practical problems will be employed to assist students in the development of their analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Case studies will be examined to give students practice in diagnosis.

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday morning

This module aims to integrate the biochemical and physiological aspects of energy balance and how energy homeostasis may be regulated with reference to clinical metabolic disorders and obesity. This module will also provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature

This module currently runs:
  • spring semester - Wednesday afternoon

This module fosters an understanding of the principles of infection control in the management of infectious disease. It uses paradigms of sources and transmission routes of infection to apply theory to practice. This module uses the identification methods to underpin principles of investigating infection control
The aim of this module is to enhance the understanding of infection and routes of infection. The module will help students appreciate the concepts of pathogens, contaminants, the host and their inter-relatedness in the chain of infection. Raising students awareness of methods used to control and prevent infections will be explored.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

This module currently runs:
  • all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon

This module will enable students to demonstrate the skills necessary to carry out a scientific programme requiring significant research. It will allow students to demonstrate the final development of their subject knowledge, skills and understanding through extended research based on laboratory, literature/meta-analysis of databases or bioinformatics research. This research will lead to the presentation of a detailed written report.
The research project and laboratory skills sessions will enable students to carry out at least 24 hrs on directed competency skills-based activities and an equal amount of time on independent work-related learning activities on various themes approved in conjuction with the School Employer Liasion Board. In addition students will spend 230 hours on project-related activities

This module aims to encourage the student to reflect and build upon their subject knowledge and expertise by means of a specific investigation requiring significant research; develop the skills necessary to plan, carry out, analyse and report upon the results of an experimental or analytical programme on a scientific topic; allow the student to demonstrate that s/he has achieved a high level of personal development through working independently with the minimum necessary supervision; allow the student to demonstrate their understanding and application of safe and considerate working practices, particularly within the laboratory.
In addition the module will also encourage students to develop professional work-related learning skills through the competencies skills sessions which have been developed to map to and are responsive to employers requirements.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Thursday afternoon

This module will enable students to extend their understanding of disease and toxicity. They will study the influences of endogenous and foreign compound metabolism on pathology. Students will learn how these pathological processes can be modulated in the treatment of disease and poisonings.


The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to understand the principles and practices of biochemical pathology . This will be by expanding a student's knowledge and understanding of human biotransformations (metabolism) particularly as they influence the nature of disease(pathology) and toxic states (toxicology). Students will engage with problems in toxicology and pathology and study a range of topics including forensic, regulatory and environmental toxicology and metabolic pathology. They will be provided with an understanding of the key role of foreign compound (xenobiotic) metabolism in biochemical toxicology and given the opportunity to study the aetiology and treatment of disease and poisonings.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Wednesday morning

The module uses online public databases and software to extract, analyse and interpret nucleic acid and protein sequences and to model the structures of RNA and protein sequences. Genomics, in particular, with an emphasis on pharmacogenomics and phylogeny are covered.


The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. The module aims to provide familiarity with the primary and secondary databases used to analyse DNA, RNA and protein sequence, expression and structure, within and across genomes. Students will be given the opportunity to develop informatics skills for extracting, analysing and presenting data to extract biological knowledge. The principles of macromolecular, and in particular protein structure will be applied to the building of molecular models using modelling and graphics software. Applications of modelling will emphasise the importance of protein-protein interactions and protein-drug interactions. This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

This module currently runs:
  • autumn semester - Monday afternoon

This module characterises the aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical investigation and treatment of selected systems diseases that make a significant contribution to morbidity and mortality within healthcare. Aspects covered begin with an overview of pathology, followed by a systems approach to disease, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune disorders, obesity, diabetes, inborn errors of metabolism, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. More specifically the module aims to provide an opportunity for in-depth study of selected body systems with reference to the pathogenesis of disease, its diagnosis and therapeutic options. The module will also highlight the pivotal role of pathology in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of disease. In addition students will be shown how body structure and function continues to change throughout the lifespan with reference to the increasing incidence and pathophysiology of selected “age-related” systems diseases. Students’ ability to research and evaluate biomedical issues and present their findings in a cogent manner will be developed.
This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision making in complex and unpredictable contexts; and, the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

What our students say

“Years spent at university are not only about gaining knowledge, but also about developing yourself as an individual. That's why London Met is a great university to go to – it's so multicultural that you get immersed in different cultures right away, which makes you more aware and tolerant, and encourages you to see situations from other perspectives. The environment at London Met is very supportive when it comes to extracurricular activities; you're encouraged to take up volunteering or take part in the Science Society's activities."

Where this course can take you

Biosciences graduates have gone on to exciting careers as researchers, science technicians and medical laboratory assistants at companies such as Health Services Laboratory, Imperial College Healthcare and the Scientists Laboratory.

This course provides an entry point into graduate studies at MSc or PhD level, either studying at London Met or at other educational establishments or research institutes.

University research

The School’s research follows four main strands: biomedical sciences and applied biology, dietetics and nutrition, pharmaceutical science, and sports science and therapy.

Many of the course staff are members of the molecular systems research group, which falls under biomedical sciences. The members of this group collectively have expertise in a wide range of disciplines, such as molecular biology and genetics, chemistry, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. Their research includes such topics as complex disease, metals in health and nanotoxicology.

Additional costs

Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.

Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.

Discover Uni – key statistics about this course

Discover Uni is an official source of information about university and college courses across the UK. The widget below draws data from the corresponding course on the Discover Uni website, which is compiled from national surveys and data collected from universities and colleges. If a course is taught both full-time and part-time, information for each mode of study will be displayed here.

How to apply

If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.

If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.



When to apply

The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68.

If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.

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