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    Covid-19 information and FAQs for applicants, students and staff >

    Biology and Environmental Science - BSc (Hons)

    Year of entry
    2022
    Course type
    Combined Honours
    Duration of study
    3 years / 4 years with international or placement year
    Location
    Keele University campus
    Subject area / School
    School of Life Sciences
    School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
    UCAS code
    FC7C
    • Entry requirements

      • Keele Undergraduate Enquiries Form

      Please submit your question in the form below and a member our enquiries team will be in touch with you shortly.











      Upon submitting this form, your enquiry will be forwarded on to our enquiries team who will contact you  to answer your question and provide further details about the course that you are interested in.

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      We will keep your data for the year that you first enquire with us plus 6 subsequent years. This is to ensure that you are legally protected should you have any issues with the use of your data.

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      By selecting no to the preferences above you will have unsubscribed, however, this does not mean that your data has been deleted. If you would like to invoke your right to be forgotten please refer to the section below.

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    Course overview

    This combined honours course combines studies in the disciplines of Biology and Environmental Science to help you explore the theory and practical, laboratory and field-based skills needed to analyse and tackle a wide range of environmental problems.

      Keele Undergraduate Enquiries Form

      Please submit your question in the form below and a member our enquiries team will be in touch with you shortly.











      Upon submitting this form, your enquiry will be forwarded on to our enquiries team who will contact you  to answer your question and provide further details about the course that you are interested in.

      Your Preferences




      What we’re going to do with your data and why?

      We will securely store your data and send you essential information (examples include updates on an application or booking confirmations for events such as Open Days).

      We would also like to send you useful information about studying at University (particularly Keele) and/or the courses that you have shown an interest in. To do this we need your consent and information on which communication channels you would like to hear from us on (please see opt-in boxes above).

      We will never sell your data to a third party. We only ever share data with companies involved in helping us communicate with you or helping us to manage your data (examples include; Online forms, Printers, Postal services, other University partners etc).

      How long are we keeping it?

      We will keep your data for the year that you first enquire with us plus 6 subsequent years. This is to ensure that you are legally protected should you have any issues with the use of your data.

      Unsubscribe

      By selecting no to the preferences above you will have unsubscribed, however, this does not mean that your data has been deleted. If you would like to invoke your right to be forgotten please refer to the section below.

      What to do if I change my mind?

      To change your preferences after you have closed this form, simply reopen the link to this page. For further information about how your data is held, including your right to be forgotten, please contact dpa@keele.ac.uk

    Top 10

    for Student Experience Times Good University Guide, 2020

    Global Top 600

    for Life Sciences Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2021

    Winner

    Global Sustainability Institution of the Year Green Gown Awards, 2020

    Student testimonials

    Course content

    On this course, you will explore how humans relate to the natural environment, and how to address some of the biggest threats to the world’s environmental and ecological systems. You may also cover a range of biological concepts which could include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, exploring related philosophical and ethical issues.

    You will develop your practical skill set through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our labs, developing practical and field work skills in different environments, as well as experience in utilising Geographic Information Systems. At the same time you will explore how biology and environmental science can help to improve the quality and sustainability of life.

    Topical environmental issues (such as conservation, habitat management, biodiversity loss and climate change) require a strong understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment, and how we impact on different ecosystems. You’ll explore aspects of science such as biodiversity, evolution and biological processes, but you will also consider debates around genetic crop modification, nutrient loss and food security.

    IES logo 150 px

    IEMA University Partner logo

    This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). Students enrolled on IES accredited programmes may apply for student membership of the institution. This programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Students on IEMA accredited programmes may apply for free student membership of the IEMA which provides a range of benefits.

    Biology can be studied as a Combined Honours programme in the following combinations:

    Environmental Science can also be studied as a Combined Honours degree in the following combinations:

    You may also be interested in:

    Variations to 2020/21 courses

    Entry requirements

    Keele is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. On that basis we operate a range of 'alternative offer' schemes with clear eligibility criteria.

    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 for United Kingdom and International students.

    A Level requirements

    • A Level requirement ABC/BBB
    • To include 1 science A level. Science subjects include: Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Food Science/Technology, Further Maths, Geography, Geology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Sports Science and Statistics. 

    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.

    GCSE requirements

    • Maths at C (or 4)
    • English C (or 4)

    BTEC

    • BTEC requirements DDM in a Science based subject.
    • BTEC Subsidary in Applied Science accepted.
    • You must also have taken sufficient Science credits, please contact us for advice.

    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.

    International Baccalaureate

    • 30 points to include Higher Level Science at 5 or above.

    Access to HE Diploma requirements

    • Obtain Access to HE Diploma with 122 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 30 L3 credits at Distinction. You must also have taken sufficient Science credits, please contact us for advice.

    Please note

    Science practical only required from applicants taking reformed A level Biology, Chemistry or Physics in England
    If applicant has not had opportunity to sit AS level in England, please contact the Admissions team

    PREPARATION PROGRAMMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course have the opportunity to study an International Foundation Year programme.

    These courses are designed to prepare international students to enter into Keele University undergraduate degrees.

    Foundation year

    You may choose to study this course via foundation year.

    If you’re returning to education following a break, wish to study a new subject or don’t have the grades or sufficient equivalent experience for direct entry to this course, a foundation year may be a good option for you.

    Following successful completion (including any additional progression requirements) of the foundation year you can progress on to this course.

    The foundation year offers September starts across all subjects, and January starts across all science, humanities, social sciences and business routes.

    The January intake excludes the Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree with Foundation Year and other health-related foundation Year degree

    For more details visit our foundation year webpages.

    Foundation year

    Foundation Year Overview

    If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into the BSc (Hons) Biology and Environmental Science course, our Foundation Year can provide an alternative route into your degree. 

    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 community from the outset, and you will have access to a range of support.

    Read on to find information about:

    • Foundation Year indicative modules for the September intake
    • Foundation Year entry requirements
    • How to apply
    • UCAS code for this course

    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.

    The Keele 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 Environmental Science degree. For example, the Foundations of Life Sciences module looks at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and go on to examine how cells obtain their energy and raw materials. It considers how organisms interact and analyses the effects of climate change on ecosystems. In addition, the Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment module will provide knowledge of the basic underlying principles and concepts associated with the origins, evolution and structure of the Earth as a system. 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 Modules

    FYO-00185 Practical and Academic Skills in Science 15 credits
    FYO-00211 Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists 15 credits
    FYO-00193 Foundations of Geography, Geology and the Environment 15 credits
    FYO-00197 Foundations of Life Sciences 15 credits

    Semester Two Modules

    FYO-00191 Advancing Life Sciences 30 credits
    FYO-00195 Advancing Geography, Geology and the Environment 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 for United Kingdom, European Union and International students.

    • Between 40-56 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
    • Relevant work experience

      AND

    • GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
    • IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

    AND

    • GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above 

    How to Apply 

    Students will need to apply for Biology with Foundation Year (UCAS code C103) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team. 

    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.

    Information for International Students

    International students who do not meet the entry requirements for this integrated Foundation Year course may be eligible to study an International Foundation Year stand alone preparation course.

    Please visit the International Foundation Year pages for information on how to apply, entry requirements and course details.

    To find additional course information to complement the information on this tab, please view our Foundation Year programme specifications.

    The offer you receive will be determined by your subject and application.

    Fees and funding

    Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

    We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

    For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

    Career prospects

    96% of Keele graduates were in a job or further study within six months of graduating (DLHE, 2017)

    Biology and environmental science are interrelated disciplines which are highly relevant to many of the issues facing society today. Graduates gain a blend of skills that they can take to future employment. You could choose a career in conservation, or in environmental management or consultancy. Alternatively you might decide to work as a research scientist or to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

    With a degree in Biology and Environmental Science you will be in a position for employment in environmental consultancy and regulation, water resource management, geospatial analysis, conservation, quality control in the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry or as a scientific writer, research scientist or teacher. If you take our work placement year, you’ll graduate with a significant level of work experience in biology, or the environmental sector, to take to potential employers.

    Previous employers:

    • Boots
    • Higher Education Providers
    • ESF Consultants
    • LGC
    • Bentley
    • NHS
    • United Utilities
    • Education First
    • Mott MacDonald Bentley
    • LGSS

    Regardless of which career you pursue after Keele, employers will want evidence of the range of skills and personal qualities you possess and which are required for the job. Your degree is clearly important in this respect but don’t forget the extra-curricular activities, positions of responsibility, jobs and voluntary work you may have been engaged in while studying at Keele. These activities allow you to demonstrate the skills and personal qualities required by employers and will be vital in your attempts to secure graduate employment.

    Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.

    Additional opportunities

    Foundation year Learn a language Placement year International year Study abroad Explore more

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