Biological Sciences BSc
  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences

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

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with Research Abroad

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

  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry/Research

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

Develop your skills in laboratory, computational and field work

Learn how to analyse biological experiments

Enhance your research expertise on an optional year abroad or a year in industry

How would you like to study?

Study option:

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    3 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    C100

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    9 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to C100

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    9 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements
  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    Apply to C100

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £41,650 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    9 : 1 (2022)

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 three-year course, where you'll build the key scientific skills required for ongoing research or a career in the life sciences.

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.

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

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which incorporates a research year abroad.

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. This will help you build the key scientific skills required for ongoing research or a career in the life sciences.

Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of certain organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

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 in the field as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year is spent with an approved university abroad, and is designed to help you develop linguistic skills as you experience a different cultural environment.

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

Develop your appreciation of biology on this four-year course, which incorporates a year in industry or research.

You'll examine the behaviour of living systems from the level of cells up to whole organisms and ecosystems. This will help you build the key scientific skills required for ongoing research or a career in the life sciences.

Through this work, you'll gain a detailed knowledge of the relationships, evolution, and key features of certain organisms as you explore the diversity of life on earth.

Your studies will be complemented by a dedicated Life Science Skills programme. You'll receive 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 in the field as you learn how to solve complex real-world problems.

Your third year will see you integrate your academic work with practical experience and employment in industry or research institutes.

Placements can be in areas as wide-ranging as the pharmaceutical industry, marine biology, or agriculture, and can take place either in the UK or overseas.

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

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

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
  • I-Explore

 

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


I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.

All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.

You'll study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

You'll also select a research project option from Group D.

 



 

Optional modules

Group A

  • Mechanisms of Gene Expression
  • Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing
  • Metabolic & Network Engineering
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Biodiversity Genomics
  • Current Topics in Development Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Infection & Immunity
  • African Biology Field Course

 

Group B

  • Bacterial Molecular Machines
  • Integrative Systems Biology
  • Evolutionary Applications
  • Advanced Topics in Parasitology & Vector Biology
  • Symbiosis, Plant Immunity and Disease
  • Disease Ecology and Epidemiology
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology

 

Group C

  • Molecular Basis of Bacterial Infection
  • Bioinformatics
  • Synthetic Biology
  • Systems Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain in Health & Disease
  • The Microbiome
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Plant Biotechnology & Development
  • 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

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
  • I-Explore

 

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


I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.

All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.

The third year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, or Switzerland.

 



 

We currently have exchange agreements with:

  • University of Vienna, Austria
  • University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, France
  • SupAgro, France
  • University of Paris, France
  • University of Paris Saclay, France
  • University of Strasbourg, France
  • University of Toulouse 3, France
  • University of Heidelberg, Germany
  • University of Padova, Italy
  • University of Leiden, Netherlands
  • Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain
  • University of Valencia, Spain
  • Karolinska Institute, Sweden
  • ETH Zurich, Switzerland

This is an integrated year abroad so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.

You'll study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

You'll also select a research project option from Group D.

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

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
  • I-Explore

 

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


I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.

All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.

You will spend this year either working in industry or completing research.

 



 

This will be an integrated, 12-month placement in industry or a research organisation.

This can be in a variety of areas, such as medical research, conservation biology, marine biology or the pharmaceutical industry.

Students from the Department have previously completed placements with:

  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Oxford University
  • Novartis
  • Institute of Cancer Research
  • Natural History Museum

The employer can often be in a location of your choice – including outside the UK – as long as you are successful in obtaining a position there and the placement is approved by the Department.

You'll study three optional modules, one from each of Groups A, B and C.

You'll also select a research project option from Group D.

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 3

  • 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

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Year abroad

£1,385 for that year

Year in industry

2024 entry

£1,850 for that year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£41,650 per year

Year abroad

15% of the fee for that year

Year in industry

20% of the fee for that year

Your future 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

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