Overview
Choose your favourite science subjects and build your own degree.
We offer a wide range of science subjects, including biological, environmental, psychological and sport sciences, with recent additions from our new geography course.
You’ll learn bioinformatics and statistical data analysis as well as quantitative research, giving you the skills to work with big data sets.
You can even study languages and creative writing. You’ll graduate with a unique set of skills giving you a competitive edge in the workplace.
Watch this video to find out more about the course.
Course content
In year one you’ll learn a foundation of life sciences including biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, biological psychology and environmental sciences. You’ll learn practical and analytical skills.
In year two, you’ll choose your specialist subjects and learn these alongside a module of career planning and entrepreneurship. You can choose two streams to study from the allowed combinations. You’re also able to broaden your knowledge by selecting non-science subjects.
In your final year you’ll continue to study your two streams with the option to choose a non-science module. Within one chosen subject area you'll develop a research project where you’ll learn to critically analyse, evaluate, interpret and communicate science in an interdisciplinary manner across the life sciences.
Also in your last year you will attend research seminars from world leading specialists relating to your chosen streams.
Compulsory
- Medical Biochemistry
This module aims to introduce students to important classes of biomolecules and the ways in which these molecules are involved in biomedical pathways.
- GY100E - BioSphere
This module provides students with an understanding of Earth's ecological systems and their relationships.
- SP1606 - Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and PhysiologyThe aim of this module is to provide students with a foundational knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in relation to sport, health and exercise contexts. Specifically, students will develop understanding of the organisation of the human body from molecules, organelles and cells to organ systems. Students will also carry out laboratory-based measurements and evaluation of human physiological function.
- BB1720 - Biology of the CellIn this modules students will receive a broad introduction to the understanding of living organisms at the cellular level through the study of genetics, cell biology and microbiology.
- Experimental Design and Bioinformatics
To develop the competencies required in basic laboratory skills, experimental design and data analysis
- Critical scientific reading and communication
This module shows how the different areas of life sciences intersect using recent peer reviewed papers as an illustrative tool. Ethical issues surrounding genetics, medicine and science will be discussed. This assessment won "Most Innovative Form of Assessment" for the College at the 2019 Teaching Awards.
- PY1611 - Brain and Cognition
This module provides a grounding in cognitive and biological psychology.
Compulsory
- Elective Study
- BB2707 – Career planning and Entrepreneurship
This module aims to develop recognition and competencies needed to gain employment and awareness of entrepreneurial skills.
Optional
- GY200D - Climate Change
An understanding of the evidence for, and mechanisms behind, climate change. The module will allow students to explore data and analytical approaches to climate change and to unpick the precise mechanisms through which changes to the climate system are happening
- BB2713 - Developmental Genetics and Stem Cell BiologyThis module provides students with an understanding of embryogenesis and foetal development through the study of developmental mechanisms in model organisms and the role of stem cells in development.
- PY2602 - Developmental PsychologyThis module examines key questions in developmental psychology and evaluates methodological approaches to study human development. The module provides the core requirements for BPS accreditation with regard to developmental psychology.
- BB2709 - Genetics, Genomics and Human HealthThis module provides students with a deeper understanding of molecular and cellular aspects of microbial genetics, new tools of genetic engineering, present day genomic technologies and the post genomic era.
- BB2711 - Human Pathology and ImmunologyThis module provides students with an understanding of clinically important human disease with emphasis on underlying molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment including the innate and adaptive immune system and conditions associated with the dysregulation of the immune system.
- BB2716 - Medical MicrobiologyThis module aims to give an understanding of medically important pathogens and infectious diseases, including epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical symptoms, therapeutics, vaccination and public health importance.
- SP2606 - The Psychology of Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity: Theory and ApplicationThe aim of this module is to support the student to synthesise and critically evaluate contemporary sport and exercise psychology research – including that of Brunel academics. Broad topics covered include individual differences, exercise and cognitive function, decision-making and attention. An inclusive, blended learning approach is used to further the student’s learning, using online preparatory activities (e.g., webinars), guided discovery reading, lecture-seminars and team-based learning workshops – which comprise regular formative assessment, independent problem-solving and peer learning. The summative assessment gives the student an opportunity to showcase their own unique research project, in which they collect data as part of a team.
- GY200C - Sustainable Development and Political Ecology
Learn to understand environmental questions through a lens of political ecology. The module will provide opportunities to reflect on and develop own attitudes and values in relation to the environment.
- Analytical and Clinical Biochemistry
This module aims to provide an understanding of a range of biochemical techniques used for clinical research and diagnosis.
- Cognitive Neuroscience
This module aims to introduce students to: the different modes of human cognition (perceiving, imagining, reasoning, remembering, and language), to the main techniques used to study cognition, to the main empirical results in cognitive psychology, and to the main theories of cognition including historically important theories.
- Biomedical sciences training
The aim of this study block is to develop students’ understanding of the nature of different research models as well as their quantitative data analysis and laboratory research skills.
- GY200G – Eco systems stressors
This module provides students with an understanding of pressure on Earth's ecological systems alongside the observed and predicted impacts.
- Bioinformatics and Big Data analysis
This module introduces the basics of R programming to read data and to perform simple analyses and graphs. Students will perform the statistical analysis mastered in their first year using R.
- BB2704 - Molecular and Cellular BiologyThis module aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of molecular biology of enzymatic processes within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- SP2605 - Physiology of Sport and Exercise
The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the body’s immediate response to, and recovery from, a single bout of exercise. Students will critically analyse and interpret experimental data.
This will illustrate how the physiological systems of the body respond over time and adapt to the stress of repeated bouts of exercise, including how the body adjusts to environmental extremes (e.g. heat, cold and altitude).
- SP2720 - Research methods
This module teaches students to develop research skills in sports science and an understanding of statistical analysis and representations of data.
Compulsory
- LS3600 - Final Year Research ProjectIn your final year students will conduct an independent empirical research project under the supervision of an academic in the Department of Life Sciences. Final year projects are often the most fulfilling aspect of the course. Projects may take a variety of forms (from lab-based research to complex data analysis), but will be related to the area of specialisation of a student’s Major Stream, and potentially also related to their future career plans. Your project experience is often what sets you apart as an individual and employers usually ask about your project in interviews.
- Elective Study
- LS3800 - Research Methods, Culture and Communication
This module introduce students to professional research seminars and teaches them to develop skills in understanding and assessing different research approaches and methodologies across Lifesciences.
Optional
- BB3704 - The Biology and Treatment of CancerThis module aims to provide a detailed understanding of cancer, including the genes involved in carcinogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment.
- PY3618 - Drugs, Hormones and the BrainThis module aims to study the principles of neurotransmission, synaptic physiology and plasticity, to survey findings in psychopharmacology on the neurochemical basis of psychological disorders, pharmacological approaches to treatment, and mechanisms of action for recreational drugs or drugs of abuse, and to survey findings in behavioural endocrinology on relationships between hormones and behaviour.
- BB3706 - Gene Therapy and Related TechnologiesThis module aims to provide an understanding of the genetic basis of human disease, its origins and the importance of molecular technologies to provide information to treat to genetic defects. It will introduce how the human genome project was achieved using DNA sequence technologies and how this information was used to create the Encyclopaedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE). Novel mechanisms that control of gene expression at the RNA level in the form of non-coding (NC) RNAs is discussed. This module then describes treatment of diseases by gene therapy.
- BB3701 - Genomic MedicineThis module aims to introduce students to the principles of understanding medicine from the post-genomic perspective, to explore genome organization by integrating genomic, molecular and cell biology approaches, and to use this integrated view of the human genome as a tool for understanding mechanisms responsible for a specific set of Mendelian diseases known as genome instability syndromes and common diseases in the context of genome wide association studies (GWAS).
- BB3720 - Medical ImmunologyStudy advanced immunology with up-to-date knowledge of molecular and cellular interactions in the immune system, and learn to apply immunological principles to the current understanding of various biological and clinical processes and mechanisms including cancer, transplantation, autoimmunity, pregnancy and aging, and immune intervention. Teaching will include information of the current research undertaken in Biosciences.
- BB3716 - Microbial PathogenesisThis module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cellular and molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interaction.
- BB3733 - Molecular Pharmacology and ToxicologyThis module aims to give students an understanding of drug metabolism and the mode of action of specific drugs.
- PY3601 - Practical Investigations of Mind and BrainThis module aims to review the key techniques for studying the relationship between the brain and the mind, or in other words, between the physical world (i.e. neuronal brain events) and the phenomenal world (i.e. perceptual, subjective, experiences), and to provide a practical introduction to the implementation of psychophysical and neuroimaging approaches in psychology research.
- SP3606 - Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology
The aim of this module is to familiarise students with contemporary topics in applied sport and exercise psychology (e.g. imagery, anxiety and performance and exercise as a mental health intervention), as well as encouraging deep thinking about the links between research and applied practice. The content covers relevant concepts, theories and research to derive applied interventions.
- GY300E - Nature based climate solutions
The module describes, explains and classifies a range of current nature-based climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. You'll learn about the conflict between individual and population level needs, and how ecological principles and conservation practices affect nature-based climate solutions.
- SP3609 - Physiological Limitations to Exercise Performance
The aim of this module is to provide sound knowledge of the physiological determinants of exercise performance, specifically focusing on the high-performance athlete. Students engage in detailed study of the physiological limitations to exercise and critically assess the influence of environmental extremes on exercise performance.
- BB3711 - Epidemiology and Disease Prevention
This module aims to give students an understanding of biomedical studies using human data at population level.
- BB3703 - Medical BiochemistryThis module aims to give students an understanding of selected specialist areas in biochemistry: steroid hormone biosynthesis and actions, cholesterol and calcium homeostasis.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of undergraduate degrees at Brunel.
Careers and your future
Graduates from Brunel University London rank 27th nationally, and 9th in London for the salaries they earn - earning £4,300 more than the median salary across the university sector.*
You’ll graduate with a unique set of skills in communication, critical thinking, data analysis, experimental techniques, information technology, team working and time management - all of which are highly valued by employers.
A Life Sciences degree can lead to careers in:
- the clinical and regulatory sector
- sales and marketing in the healthcare sector
- research and development for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as in universities
- medical device industries
- environmental regulation and monitoring, conservation and animal welfare
- business, finance and information technology
- science teaching
- the Civil Service
UK entry requirements
2024/5 entry
- GCE A-level AAB-BBB, including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology,Mathematics, Statistics or Physics.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma DDM in Applied Science or Biomedical Science.
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma DM (all subjects accepted) with an A-level at grade B in either: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics.
- BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with 2 A-levels at grade BC, to include either: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Applied Science, Psychology, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma 30 points, including 5 in Higher Level Biology, Chemistry or Physics. GCSE English equivalent SL 5 or HL 4 and Mathematics SL 4 or HL 4.
- Obtain a minimum of 120 UCAS tariff points in the Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical Science, Medicine, Health and Human Science, Life Sciences or Health Professions with 45 credits at Level 3. All Biology and Chemistry units must be Distinctions at level 3.
- T levels : Merit overall in Health, Healthcare Science and Science
Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 or above are also required, including English Language, Maths and one science subject.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.
Brunel University London is committed to raising the aspirations of our applicants and students. We will fully review your UCAS application and, where we’re able to offer a place, this will be personalised to you based on your application and education journey.
If you are unable to meet the direct entry criteria above, you are invited to apply for a foundation course in Life Sciences at Brunel Pathway College. When you successfully pass the foundation year, you can progress on to the Life Sciences BSc.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6 (min 5.5 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all sub scores)
- BrunELT: 58% (min 55% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 77 (min R18, L17, S20, W17)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£9,250 full-time
£1,385 placement year
International
£23,615 full-time
£1,385 placement year
Fees quoted are per year and may be subject to an annual increase. Home undergraduate student fees are regulated and are currently capped at £9,250 per year; any changes will be subject to changes in government policy. International fees will increase annually, by no more than 5% or RPI (Retail Price Index), whichever is the greater.
More information on any additional course-related costs.
See our fees and funding page for full details of undergraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Please refer to the scholarships pages to view discounts available to eligible EU undergraduate applicants.
Teaching and learning
Level 4
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working individually for most of the lab sessions. In addition, all lab sessions will now be delivered as Team-Based Learning (TBL) with work to complete online before the session and TBL tasks in the lab. There will also be data analysis tasks to be done after the lab session. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Level 5
Your teaching will be on-campus face-to-face lectures, with in-person tutorials and in-person lab sessions. The teaching will be supplemented with pre-recorded material.
You'll be working on your own experiments, which you will then combine to give the final result. This will provide a more authentic lab experience and improve your lab team-working skills. The in-person lab sessions will be delivered using TBL. There will be additional TBL sessions based on online labs to support your learning. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Level 6
Your final year teaching will be delivered in on-campus sessions with final year project supervisory meetings being a mix of online and in-person sessions, depending on the nature of the project. You'll be expected to attend your laboratory and tutoring@Brunel sessions.
Assessment
Your coursework will be submitted via Wiseflow or Brightspace, and exams will be a mix of on-campus in-person invigilated written exams and online open-book assessments. Oral presentations will be scheduled as part of specific coursework either on-campus in-person or online.
Additional teaching resources and sessions
To supplement our full timetable of on-campus teaching, your learning will be supported with a range of resources on our new Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) including videos, interactive activities, quizzes, etc. Block leaders may offer additional briefing, revision, and/or Q&A sessions on online platforms where appropriate.
Academic contact
You'll be offered Feedback and Consultation Hours, Personal Tutoring Hours, and Project Supervision discussions in-person on-campus and via online platforms. This will allow you to easily receive feedback, advice and guidance without having to travel to campus on a day that you might otherwise not be attending.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
You’ll benefit from the expertise of our academics across the different subject areas. They are actively involved in a range of world-leading research.
In biomedicine for example, our academics have been involved in making major advances and breakthroughs in human diseases and syndromes.
In psychology they are involved in research activities that benefit society at large including projects within the NHS and charities.
In sport, health and exercise sciences they have national and international reputations for their research, publications and applied work.
This means that our teaching is up-to-date and you’ll learn from scientists and experts who are current in their field. Whatever area of science you choose to study, you can be assured of learning from experts and specialists in that area.
Should you need any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team are here to help.
Assessment and feedback
You’ll be assessed using a range of methods, including coursework assignments, poster presentations, oral presentations and examinations.