MBiolSci (Hons) Biological Sciences Bachelor's degree at the University of Sheffield

This core module is designed to give you the essential practical skills you'll need for a successful career in scientific research. Throughout this module, you'll build a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, data handling, and scientific methodology. In Semester 1 you'll learn fundamental lab skills, such as pipetting, microscopy, and performing basic mathematical calculations. You'll also learn to use analytical software to collect and process data. In Semester 2 you'll work with your co

This module is built around a team-based project focussing on identifying and communicating a real-world bioscience problem. Your team will pick one issue from UN's Sustainable Development Goals to focus on. You'll research this issue using articles, reports, and data to better understand it, before creating a digital project showing why the issue matters and needs action. Depending on your interests, you could choose to focus on environmental issues, health disparities, or agricultural chal

This core module explores the vast spectrum of life that underpins modern biology. We'll introduce you to the approaches used to study genetics, evolution, and diversity, including classical population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetic trees, and the fossil record, covering single-celled extremophiles to multicellular animals and plants. You'll examine the evidence for major transitions in Earth history, such as the colonisation of land and extinction events that have shaped life over geol

This core module will introduce you to the essential components that constitute all living organisms. To understand the complexity of any biological system, we must understand it across scales from molecules through to cells, tissues, organisms, populations and ecosystems. This module explores the key principles of molecular cell biology that form the foundation of life. You'll learn about the structure and function of cellular components, how genetic information is stored and transmitted, and h

Humanity is facing inter-related crises of biodiversity decline and climate change. This module will give you an understanding of the anthropogenic and natural factors that determine the distribution of biodiversity, species' interactions and population sizes, and key biological-geochemical cycles that regulate environmental conditions on our planet. You'll explore links between biodiversity decline, climate change and ecosystem function, before discussing the consequences for nature's ability t

This module will introduce you to the scientific study of whole organisms. You'll explore the physiology, reproduction, and development of animals and plants. You'll learn how both genetic and environmental factors determine animal behaviour, and how those same factors contribute to form, function and diversity across life. You'll also investigate how animals and plants acquire and process energy, nutrients, and water, before examining asexual and sexual reproduction in a range of contexts.

During this module, you'll explore the rapidly expanding field of neuroscience, gaining insights into the experimental methods and techniques that are used here. You'll learn about the fundamental physiological principles that enable the nervous system to function, before exploring the anatomy and physiology of the sensory and motor systems. Alongside understanding the mechanisms of sensation and movement, you'll begin to explore the brain's role in behaviour, cognition, and memory. By the end o

This module will teach you how a cell works at the molecular level, giving you a solid foundation of knowledge to build on throughout your course. Your lectures will describe molecular structures, interactions within and between molecules, factors affecting reaction rates, and the specific measurements needed to understand these processes. You'll also learn about the fundamental signalling mechanisms that enable cells to sense their environment, trigger appropriate responses, and regulate metabo

This module will give you an understanding of the fundamental physiological processes that enable the human body to function.