Biological Sciences with a Language for Science BSc
  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with Language for Science

Understand the behaviour of living systems as you advance your language skills.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with French for Science

Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with German for Science

Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with Spanish for Science

Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems.

Develop your understanding of biology and develop your language skills in a science context

Understand the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems

Build your research skills on an extended project with an approved partner university abroad

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2025 View 2024 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    C1R1

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    C1R2

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2025

  • UCAS course code

    C1R4

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • Not set Home

    • Not set Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    8 : 1 (2023)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Study option:

Course overview

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France, Germany or Spain. 

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of your chosen country. 

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.

Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.

With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year will be spent at a university in your chosen country, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.

Subject to university approval.

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in France.

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of French-speaking countries.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.

Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.

With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year will be spent at a French-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.

Subject to university approval.

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Germany. 

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of German-speaking countries.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells. 

Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments. 

With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you’ll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year will be spent at a German-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.

Subject to university approval.

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which includes a year spent with an approved university in Spain.

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of various organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

The language element of this course will see you explore the theory and practice of translation. This includes opportunities to analyse the history, politics, science and technology of Spanish-speaking countries.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. This provides training in quantitative skills, programming, statistics, and scientific writing and presentation.

The second year offers you the chance to specialise across a series of optional modules, in areas including ecology, molecular biology and stem cells.

Laboratory, computational and field work will help you acquire the skills to design, carry out and analyse data from biological experiments.

With access to the thriving research environment at Imperial, you'll be taught by world leaders as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year will be spent at a Spanish-speaking university, where you will attend lectures and conduct a research project as you experience a different cultural environment.

Your final year sees your studies culminate with an extensive research project. This work will enable you to progress your personal and professional identity as a life scientist.

Subject to university approval.

Study option:

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry and Microbiology 
  • Evolution and Diversity
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • French, German or Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You’ll study all core modules.

You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

 


 

Core modules

  • Applied Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • French, German or Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

Group A 

  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Essentials of Ecology

 

Group B

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Behavioural Ecology

 

Group C

  • Vertebrate Form and Evolution
  • Ecological Field Skills
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying at a leading university in your chosen country.

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

 

Core module

  • French, German or Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Global Change Biology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
  • Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry and Microbiology 
  • Evolution and Diversity
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You’ll study all core modules.

You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

 


 

Core modules

  • Applied Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • French Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

Group A 

  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Essentials of Ecology

 

Group B

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Behavioural Ecology

 

Group C

  • Vertebrate Form and Evolution
  • Ecological Field Skills
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying at a leading university in Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse.

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

 

Core module

  • French Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications

 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Global Change Biology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
  • Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry and Microbiology 
  • Evolution and Diversity
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You’ll study all core modules.

You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

 


 

Core modules

  • Applied Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • German Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

Group A 

  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Essentials of Ecology

 

Group B

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Behavioural Ecology

 

Group C

  • Vertebrate Form and Evolution
  • Ecological Field Skills
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying in Heidelberg, Germany.

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

 

Core module

  • German Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Global Change Biology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
  • Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

You’ll study all core modules.

 

Core modules

  • Biological Chemistry and Microbiology 
  • Evolution and Diversity
  • Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

You’ll study all core modules.

You’ll also choose three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

 


 

Core modules

  • Applied Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming 
  • Tutored Dissertation
  • Spanish Level 4 (Language for Science) History and Politics

 

Optional modules

Group A 

  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Essentials of Ecology

 

Group B

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Behavioural Ecology

 

Group C

  • Vertebrate Form and Evolution
  • Ecological Field Skills
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Computational ‘Omics

You spend this year studying at a leading university in either Madrid or Valencia.

 

Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.

There may be limitations placed upon your ability to live and study abroad. If applicable you will need to successfully apply for the relevant visa. This applies to all students, including Home students, in light of the vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

You’ll take one language module.

You'll also study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C, and select a research project option from Group D.

 

Core module

  • Spanish Scientific and Technical Translation with the use of Translation Technology

Optional modules

Group A

  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • African Biology Field Course
  • Evolutionary Applications 

Group B

  • Advanced Bacterial & Eukaryotic Cell Biology
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity 
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology 

 

Group C

  • The Microbiome
  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Global Change Biology

 

Group D

  • Practical Research Project (Lab, Computational, Field) or
  • Science Communication plus Literature Research Project (Research Proposal)

Study option:

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • Independent study

Years 1 and 2

  • 30% Lectures, laboratory work and seminars
  • 70% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • A group of people interacting
    Group project
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Examination
  • Coursework

Year 1

  • 60% Examination
  • 40% Coursework

Year 2

  • 48% Examination
  • 52% Coursework

Year 4

  • 56% Examination
  • 44% Coursework

Assessment methods

  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Essays
  • Individual research
  • Laboratory write-ups
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations

Study option:

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

Study option:

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

When applications open, you will be able to start your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Applications open on 14 May 2024

Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Home fee for 2024–25 was £9,250 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year abroad, the fee was £1,385 for that year

Overseas fee

2025 entry

Not set
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2024–25 was £41,650 per year

Year abroad

2025 entry

Not set
For the 2024–25 year abroad, the fee was 15% of the fee for that year

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Acorns and oak leaves

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for a life sciences career.

Test tubes

You’ll be highly sought after for roles in the pharmaceuticals industry, biotechnology, biomedical science, food technology and agrisciences.

Hand holding a branch of three leaves

Pest, disease and environmental management is another potential career path open to you.

Microscope

Previous graduates have also advanced to roles with laboratories involved in medical research and public health, as well as the education sector and the media.

Course data

Compare this course – Biological Sciences with French for Science BSc

Compare this course – Biological Sciences with German for Science BSc

Compare this course – Biological Sciences with Spanish for Science BSc

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications