BSc Biology
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Biology, a biology degree centred on the study of life across molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological levels. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students complete practical sessions and participate in field trips, including a first-year residential experience organised with the Field Studies Council. The first year establishes core knowledge through compulsory modules such as Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, How to Think Like a Scientist, Organisms and their Environment, and Origins of Biodiversity. The second year introduces further compulsory study in Plant Development and Function and Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science, alongside optional topics covering animal behaviour, bioinformatics, and ecology. The final year allows students to choose from diverse optional modules spanning biomedical technology, neuroscience, and ecology, alongside undertaking independent investigation through project options such as the Laboratory Research Project, Field Research Project, or External Research Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: ABB including Biology and one further science subject. IB: Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Biology and one further science subject
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BSc Biology (C100) at the University of Southampton for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 98%
- Learning resources: 97%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 24%
- South East: 50%
- South West: 10%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
- How to Think Like a Scientist
- Organisms and their Environment
- Origins of Biodiversity
- Plant Development and Function
- Quantitative Methods in Biological and Environmental Science
- Adaptive Physiology
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
- Behaviour and Ecology Field Course
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Conservation Ecology Field Course
- Engineering Replacement Body Parts
- Environmental Microbiology
- Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
- Flow of Genetic Information
- Freshwater Ecosystems
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
- Palaeobiology
- Population and Community Ecology
- Vertebrate Development
- Vertebrate Zoology
- Advanced Geographical Information Systems
- Applied Plant Biology
- Behavioural Ecology
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Biomedical Parasitology
- Biomedical Technology
- Bioscience Business
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Ecosystem Cycles and Microbial Communities
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- External Research Project
- Field Research Project
- Global Challenges in Biology
- Human and Social Adaptation to Climate and Weather Hazards
- Immunology
- In-Silico Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Microbiomes and Health
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- Musculoskeletal Physiology of Movement
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Science Communication
- Selective Toxicity
- Tropical Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,500 and £45,000. The £35,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology at University of Southampton do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology at University of Southampton?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology at University of Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Biology at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Biology at University of Southampton?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.