COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Biological Sciences programme at the University of Reading offers a flexible and broad scientific education designed to help students explore life at multiple levels, from molecules to ecosystems, while also allowing them to specialise in areas that match their interests. In the first stage of the degree, students study core compulsory modules such as Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life, which explains how cells are structured and how their differences drive biodiversity; Fundamentals of Microbiology, which covers bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, their roles in ecosystems, disease, and antimicrobial resistance; Anatomy and Physiology, which introduces the structure and function of major human body systems; Fundamentals of Evolution, which explains genetic change, natural selection, and the importance of evolutionary theory in biology; and History of Life on Earth, which explores major events such as mass extinctions, climate change, and the evolution of life from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Alongside these, students may choose optional modules such as Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Fundamentals of Ecology to deepen understanding of molecular processes and ecological systems. In the second year, students move into more advanced and applied topics with compulsory modules like Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Research and Professional Skills, which develop scientific reasoning, critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills. Optional modules at this stage are highly diverse and allow students to tailor their degree toward ecology, zoology, biomedical science, or conservation, including subjects such as marine biology, animal behaviour, medical genetics, infectious diseases, palaeobiology, bioinformatics, conservation science, vertebrate biology, and field-based ecology courses in the UK and abroad. In the final year, students complete a Research Project and study Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics, alongside optional advanced modules such as neuroscience, cancer and cell communication, cardiovascular biology, pathogens, applied microbiology, integrated biochemistry, epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, and field-based research courses in Canada or marine environments. Across all years, the programme integrates theoretical biology with laboratory training, fieldwork, and real-world applications, preparing students for careers in research, environmental science, healthcare, biotechnology, conservation, and scientific innovation.