BSc (Honours) Biology

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

• studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes. Many alternative formats are available
• working with specialist reading material such as scientific journals
• using scientific terminology and mathematical, statistical and experimental techniques
• undertaking practical work, field work or using an online laboratory experience
• working together with other OU students and tutors in online tutorial rooms
• using and/or producing data summaries, graphs, tables, diagrams and/or screenshots
• researching, using and acknowledging/referencing external/third party online material.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

• Stage 1 includes a compulsory module, Questions in science (S111) – check you’re ready to study this module.

How much time do I need?

• Most of our students study part-time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

*You can complete your studies in six years part-time and three years full-time. However, your last module (SXB390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your BSc (Honours) Biology as an entry qualification.

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

• feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
• support from a dedicated team throughout your study
• detailed written feedback on your work.

Skills for career development

On completion of your biology degree, you’ll be an adaptable graduate with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in the wider jobs market. You’ll have developed analytical, numerical and problem-solving abilities and gained proficiency in data handling, using computers as well as have team-working and communication skills. Employers may also look for evidence of practical laboratory or fieldwork experience to support the skills gained throughout the degree. Even if your future job doesn’t involve practical work, your experiences of designing, carrying out, trouble shooting and persistence in online or home-based investigations demonstrate valuable employability requirements.

Career relevance

Employers of biology graduates include central and local government, the NHS, the water and horticultural industries, food and drink companies, media and communications, multinational oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, conservation bodies, schools and universities – in roles such as:

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Degree accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology acknowledges academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates have met defined learning outcomes, including gaining substantial research experience.

Other careers

Biology graduates displaying self-awareness, interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities are well-placed to enter scientific and non-scientific careers. The logical approach developed is relevant to a range of employment sectors including financial, business and the public sector. OU study prepares you for careers beyond your degree subject keeping future options open.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):