Biology and Data Science - BSc (Hons)
Combine the fascinating and complex field of Biology with the exciting discipline of Data Science to gain new insight into health and disease. From discovering statistical patterns in large datasets, to using machine learning and AI, our Biology and Data Science BSc will equip you with the knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and computational skills to advance in a variety of careers.
Year of entry
- 2024
Course type
- Combined Honours
Location
Subject area / School
UCAS code
- GC41
Duration of study
- 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
Why study Biology and Data Science at Keele University?
Course overview
Studying a combined honours Biology and Data Science BSc will give you the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge and a wide range of skills in two fascinating subjects.
Most of society's global challenges are connected to biology - from assessing the effect of medication on the human body to exploring methods to prevent species extinction. Studying Biology covers a range of fundamentals, as well as topics including physiology and anatomy, ecology and plant biology, and viruses and parasites.
In data science you will explore the fundamental concepts underlying the analysis of complex data together with techniques for applying these using a contemporary programming language. You will look at data science and its relationship with business analytics, statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence and examine the processes techniques used to extract information from raw data. Building on the knowledge you have learnt in both subjects, you will progress to explore advanced topics in your second and third years. From AI, data visualisation and deep learning, to investigating the real life applications of biology in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disease - you will develop the advanced knowledge and skills to carry out your own independent studies.
Study abroad
In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity will enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.
Student support
You will benefit from the guidance of an assigned academic mentor and access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team.We offer a multi layered student support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters related to your course on a regular basis. In Data Science, experienced students and doctoral researchers usually run help-desk sessions to help with the use and configuration of software especially when exam and coursework deadlines get closer.
Societies
We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to your field is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the area and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends and share interests with fellow students.
Related Courses
Accreditation and professional recognition
This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology if you specialise in Biology. If you specialise in Data Science there is no accreditation available.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
BBB in three A Levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Health and Social Care
Information Technology
Sport
Sport and Exercise Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A Level.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Merit in Applied Science, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in any two A Levels.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Merit in any of the following T levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
555 in three Higher Levels including one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 30 points including one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Careers Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
122 UCAS points in a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits.
You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBCC in five Highers including one Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including one Higher or Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or CCC in three Advanced Highers including one Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.
You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in one subject from the Science or Applied Science Groups.
You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
73% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below
India - Standard XII
Average of 70% from four subjects including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 75% from four subjects including 75% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.2 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
12.5 in the French Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 12 in the International Option Baccalaureate including 12 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.
You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong - Diploma
444 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education.
You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.4 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Industrial Technology or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
80% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Maths, Physics, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT.
You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18 / 86% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, Maths, Physical Education or Physics.
You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 15.5 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education.
You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
65% / BBBCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics.
You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
444 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics.
You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
BBB in three Advanced Levels including B in Combined Maths, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology or Agricultural Science.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
BBB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science.
You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
BBB in three H2 Levels including B in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography.
You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
72% overall with 7 in Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics.
You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
English Language Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
SECTOR-LEADING IN SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies. In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards).
Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.
Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'
Fieldwork is embedded into core biology modules throughout your studies to help you acquire key skills in surveying organism distributions and the identification of specimens. Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to
real-world problems. It's also a great way to foster connections with academics and peers and apply your learning to real-world situations. From our lake system, grasslands and woodlands to local zoos and nature reserves, you will have the opportunity to study in an authentic environment whilst practicing in a sustainable manner.
Central Science Laboratories
Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.
Course Content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Biology and Data Science degree. For example, the Advancing Applied Maths and Computing - Logic, Codes and Cryptography module shows you how to apply mathematical logic and other mathematical techniques to decode manual and electronic cypher. Meanwhile, the Foundations of Life Sciences module looks at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and goes on to examine how cells obtain their energy for example, by photosynthesis, and raw materials, for example via the nitrogen cycle. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage.
Course Structure
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Semester One
| FYO-00275 | Foundations of Computational Theory and Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00197 | Foundations of Life Sciences | 15 credits |
| FYO-00211 | Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists | 15 credits |
| FYO-00185 | Practical and Academic Skills in Science | 15 credits |
Semester Two
| FYO-00225 | Advancing Programming | 15 credits |
| FYO-00227 | Advancing Computing: Client-Led Collaborative Design | 15 credits |
| FYO-00199 | Advancing Life Sciences | 30 credits |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.
- 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level)
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths
How to Apply
Students should apply through UCAS at www.ucas.com
Please apply for the Data Science with Foundation Year course (G422). Following the submission of your application you will be contacted by a member of our team to confirm your second subject.
Direct Entry Students
If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.