Lancaster University

The Biological Sciences programme is divided into Part I (first year) and Part II (second and third years). Part I consists of 15 modules, or the equivalent. In order to proceed to Part II Biological Sciences, an average mark of at least 45% must be achieved in each of two approved sets of 5 modules (at least one of which must be Biology and the other a science subject) and an average of at least 40% in the third. A pass (40%) is required in both coursework and exam components for each group of 5 modules.Work carried out during Part II contributes directly to the final degree classification. Part II is divided into Part IIA (first two terms of the second year) and Part IIB (third term of second year and the whole of the third year). Out of 8 units of assessment, 2 are derived from Part IIA and 6 from Part IIB. The Biological Sciences (Year Abroad) programme offers selected students the opportunity to spend all, or part of, their second year at an approved university where they will take courses equivalent to those which would have been taken at Lancaster. Assessment from the exchange university counts towards the final degree classification.

Part I

20 modules are offered in first year each of which consists of 12 lectures plus associated practicals, field work, excursions or workshops, depending on the module. Each module is self-contained, although the modules fall broadly into four themes which need not be taken as a block. To qualify for Part II Biological Sciences, at least 10 of these modules must be taken. The remaining 5 modules may be chosen from within Biological Sciences or in an additional subject of the student's choice. The choice of first year modules influences which modules may be taken in Part II. Guidance on module choice is given prior to registration.

Part I Biology modules:

Part IIA (Michaelmas and Lent terms of year 2)

Part IIA modules last for a whole term and consist of 27 lectures plus associated practicals, field work, excursions and workshops, depending on the module. Students choose two modules in each term.  C102 students enrol for equivalent courses in North America or Australasia, under the guidance of tutors at Lancaster (see supplementary information).

Each module has a weighting of  0.5 unit, equivalent to 150 notional hours of study which will include timetabled hours and personal study time. Biological Sciences majors must take a combination of modules from both block A and block B. Biological Sciences with Biomedicine students take block A.

Part IIB

Summer Term (first half)

Summer Term (second half)

Students begin work on either a research project (1 unit) or a bioscience education dissertation module (1 unit). The research project may be laboratory-based, or provide the opportunity for students to analyse previously acquired data, for example from a genome database.  The bioscience education module gives students the opportunity to investigate the teaching of a current topic of bioscience research in secondary schools and to plan and deliver sessions of their own.

Michaelmas and Lent Terms

Students choose 2 modules per term from those on offer. Each module consists of 20 lectures, 10 workshops or practicals and a substantial component of guided, independent study.