Biology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

University of Derby

Course description

Put your future as a professional biologist on a firm footing. Starting your studies with a foundation year is ideal if you are thinking about a change of career or exploring your interest in science.

• Choose the foundation year route to build the skills, confidence and knowledge you need for success: you can gain your full honours degree in four years
• Facilities include an Aquatic Research Facility, glasshouse, insectary, and specialist laboratories - take a virtual tour
• Immerse yourself in a subject which is constantly evolving to address important 21st-century challenges
• Gain a thorough grounding in traditional aspects of biology while discovering the latest research-led innovations
• Enhance your practical experience through exciting work placement and internship opportunities
• Get to grips with latest instrumentation and technology in our first-rate laboratories. Your studies won’t be confined to the laboratory as fieldwork is an essential part of the course. Our students have travelled to locations such as Twycross Zoo, Kew Gardens, Mallorca and the Maldives - the cost of mandatory trips is included in your course fee
• Draw on our extensive network of contacts and strong employer partnerships to broaden your professional outlook
• Many of our teaching team are active researchers whose work is shaping debates in areas such as coral reef diseases, animal ecology, cell biology and insect reproduction, so your learning will be informed by the very latest research and developments in biology.

Careers

We’re proud of the achievements of our Biology graduates. Many have gone on to work as research scientists, laboratory and pharmacy technicians, healthcare assistants, medical laboratory assistants, wildlife conservation officers and scientific sales professionals. They regularly return to the University to deliver masterclasses and give inspiring talks to current students about life after graduation.

Our graduates have gone on to successful roles in areas such as:

• Molecular consultant
• Crop development scientist
• Patent advisor
• Biologics production technician
• Quality laboratory manager
• Aquaculture entrepreneur
• Synthetic biology biotechnologist
• Clinical trials co-ordinator
• Research scientist
• Pharmacy technician