Biological Sciences degrees

Each year is made up of 120 credits in total. Modules (with the exception of research projects) are either 15 credits (run over one term) or 30 credits (usually run over two terms). Year one consists of six 15 credit compulsory modules and four 15 credit optional modules. This is the same for both BSc and MSci students. The compulsory modules offered will not only provide an excellent grounding across the sciences but will also allow you to find the areas about which you are passionate. Once you have completed year one, you will have gained sufficient experience in the programme to decide whether you will stay in the broad BSc/MSci Biological Sciences or if you would like to pursue one of the six more specialised degree options listed below.

In year two students transfer into one of seven degree options. Compulsory modules and the optional modules available will vary based on which stream students choose. Compulsory modules make up 75 to 90 credits of the second year. There is a large pool of optional modules run by both our department, other research departments in the Division of Biosciences and departments outside of the Biosciences such as Language modules.

In year three, students on the BSc programme will choose one of three project module options. Two of these projects are individual research projects and the third is a group-based research project. All research projects are under the supervision of an academic staff member. Depending on the project module chosen, students will select between 75 and 90 credits from a wide range of optional modules from across UCL. 

A choice of seven degrees

Whilst all students enter this programme enrolled in the BSc Biological Sciences, at the end of year one students are able to choose one of six more specialised degree areas or to continue in the general BSc/MSci Biological Sciences. 

The options are:

1. Biodiversity and Conservation

If you're passionate about environmental change this is the programme for you. This stream looks at the impact of humans on the planet’s biodiversity, the effect of pollution; and the overriding problems connected to climate change. It focuses on how organisms respond to a changing environment and how we can conserve the dwindling global biodiversity. Additional topics covered include plant and animal ecology, behaviour and evolution.

Please note: for students enrolling from September 2024 onwards, this route will be renamed to Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation

2. Biological Sciences: Cell Biology

The Cell Biology degree is designed for those students who wish to take a cellular and molecular approach to the study of biology. If you are planning to pursue a career in research or if you were struggling to choose between biochemistry and biological sciences this is the programme for you. If you feel that ultimately you might wish to aim for postgraduate entry into medicine, then this would provide a perfect background for you.

3. Biological Sciences: Computational Biology

UCL was the first university in the United Kingdom to offer an undergraduate degree in computational biology. Researchers in the biological sciences are increasingly having to handle larger data sets and run ever complex models. As such, computational methods are now core to developing our understanding of all biological systems.

NB: Only students on the MSci programme are able to pursue the Computational Biology degree.

4. Genetics

The Genetics degree will allow you to focus on range of areas in which genetics intersects with other aspects of biology and medicine. The core programme covers molecular genetics, genomics, model organisms, evolutionary genetics and human genetics. In addition, you will be able to choose from a range of options in the biological sciences, medicine, anthropology and social issues in the life sciences. A degree in Genetics will provide excellent preparation for postgraduate study in almost any area of life sciences and beyond.

Please note: for students enrolling from September 2024 onwards, this route will be renamed to Biological Sciences: Genetics

5. Human Genetics

The Human Genetics degree is suited for students with interests in the applications of genetics to human health and medicine. A degree in Human Genetics will provide excellent preparation for postgraduate study in almost any area of life sciences, but will be of particular value to students who are considering postgraduate entry into medicine or a PhD in any aspect of the vast field of human genetics, including medical research. While the second year compulsory modules are identical in Genetics and Human Genetics, the options available, particularly those in the Highly Recommended category, reflect a focus towards the more medically relevant aspects of modern genetics.

Please note: for students enrolling from September 2024 onwards, this route will be renamed to Biological Sciences: Human Genetics

6. Zoology

Zoology is the study of the behaviour, ecology, physiology and classification of all animals. This degree will appeal to students interested in the form and function of major groups of animals, evolutionary genetics, ecology, comparative cell biology and developmental studies. Practical teaching will involve the Grant Museum’s historical anatomical collections, London Zoo, and UCL's molecular laboratories. Those wishing to gain field experience have the opportunity to go to Spain and/or the Lake District to gain hands on experimental and observation skills.

Please note: for students enrolling from September 2024 onwards, this route will be renamed to Biological Sciences: Zoology

7. Biological Sciences

This is the degree in which you initially enrol and the broadest option. It is a flexible programme, allowing you to take a broader range of modules compared to our other six degree programmes. However, even within this degree, there is the opportunity to specialise within specific fields should you so wish.  

The fourth year will be largely centred on a supervised research project, occupying 75% of your time. You will also take advanced Master's level modules, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

All students will undertake the compulsory project module BIOL0041 MSci Extended Research Project in Biological Sciences. 

You will also select 30 credits from a wide range of compulsory or optional modules in your chosen degree and from other approved disciplines within UCL.