
Biology with a Year Abroad BSc
Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Plant Sciences and Zoology
You are viewing this course for 2021-22 entry.
Key details
- A Levels AAA
Other entry requirements - UCAS code C101
- 3 years / Full-time
- Find out the course fee
- Study abroad
Course description
This course allows you to spend your second year studying biology at another top university in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore or Hong Kong. It's a great way to get an even bigger range of perspectives on the subject, explore habitats unlike anything here in the UK and experience life in another part of the world. The year abroad in this unique course counts towards your final grade and allows you to gain international experience without extending your degree. You'll even pay reduced fees for the year you're abroad.
This course covers the full breadth of biological sciences. You'll learn about how cells and genes work, how organisms age, how populations evolve, and how organisms and ecosystems function. You'll also discover how we can work towards solving pressing global challenges including antibiotic resistance, ageing, biodiversity, sustainability and climate change.
Our degrees all start with core subject and skills modules that provide the foundation for your studies. As you progress through your degree, you'll have a chance to explore your core subjects in greater depth, choose optional modules across the biosciences to help broaden your knowledge and skills and participate in a research activity. Moving to a different degree course is possible, especially in the first year, and depending on your qualifications.
Modules
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department directly.
Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:
UCAS code: C101
Years: 2021
In your first year, you'll spend your first week on a field trip in Sheffield, collecting data and working on projects throughout the city's green spaces and out to the edge of the Peak District. Throughout the year you'll develop your scientific research skills with practical sessions in the lab and regular field trips to zoos, aquariums and nature reserves. You'll also have lectures and take part in small group tutorials where you'll learn about the latest research findings from our world-leading academics.
Core modules:
- Skills for Biologists 1
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The Skills for Biology module introduces students to the fundamentals of scientific writing, presentation skills, practical skills, experimental design and data analysis, information technology, the role of science in society and career development. Concepts will be introduced in a series of lectures and seminars that students will then develop through practical sessions and independent study using printed and online module material and activities. Key transferable skills will then be developed and integrated using small group tutorials.
30 credits - Biodiversity
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This course introduces the concept of biodiversity - what it is and how we measure it. Biodiversity will be explored through two case studies: (i) the plant kingdom; (ii) the animal kingdom. Both kingdoms will be considered in terms of their characteristics, classification, evolutionary history, biodiversity and biogeography.
10 credits - Evolution
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This course presents evolution as the central unifying theme of modern biology. It begins with a brief overview of the origin of life and important events in the early history of life on earth. It goes on to explore evolutionary mechanisms: essentially how evolution works. The course finishes with three case studies in evolution.
10 credits - Genes in Populations
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Familiarity with classical population and quantitative genetics is fundamental to the modern synthesis of biology. This module provides an introduction to the principles of genetics at the levels of the individual and the population. Topics include Mendelian inheritance and gene interaction, linkage, heritability, sources and maintenance of variation in populations, divergence of populations and speciation. Lectures will emphasise an approach to understanding genetics at the individual and population level by learning how genetic inferences are made through quantitative analyses. Assessment will be by formal examination.
10 credits - Molecular and Cell Biology
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In this module, we will explore the basics of genes and genetics and of cell biology, including (i) the structure and replication of DNA, (ii) the molecular biology of gene function, (iii) transcription and translation, (iv) the inheritance of DNA, (v) the generation and consequences of genetic variation,(vi) mitosis, meiosis and recombination, (vii) the structure of plant and animal cells, (viii) the cell cycle, (ix) how cells communicate and (x) how cells move. An emphasis will be placed on how genetics and cell biology can provide great insight into many topics in Biology, e.g. human medicine and agriculture.
10 credits
Optional modules:
- Animal Behaviour
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This unit will provide an introduction to behaviour, focussing on the four fundamental questions: (i) the evolution of behaviour; (ii) the function of behaviour, (iii) the ontogeny of behaviour and (iv) the causation (or mechanisms) of behaviour. The course will introduce the major concepts and information on specific topics, including sexual behaviour, foraging behaviour and social behaviour in humans and non-humans. A central theme will be the extent to which animal behaviour can inform us about human behaviour and in particular the similarities and differences between the evolutionary approach to animal behaviour and evolutionary psychology.
10 credits - Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development
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This course is an introduction to the physiology, reproduction and development of animals. The course will explore how animals acquire and process energy, nutrients and water, and will examine fertilisation in mammals and embryonic development in a range of vertebrates.
10 credits - Ecosystems, Climate and Environmental Change
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The module provides an introduction to ecosystem development and processes, how these are impacted by environmental change, and how ecosystems influence climate. It uses examples of both British and globally important ecosystems to understand the effects of environment on vegetation change and succession. It describes the importance of climate in the geographical distribution of terrestrial ecosystems, and the responses of ecosystems to disturbance. The prediction of the responses of ecosystems to global environmental change is also explored.
10 credits - How Plants Work: Physiology, Reproduction & Development
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This course is an introduction to the physiology, reproduction, development and growth of plants and fungi. The course will explore: the ways in which plants and fungi acquire and process energy, nutrients and water; and how plants and fungal colonies reproduce, grow and develop. Particular attention will be paid to the relationship between structure and function.
10 credits - Population and Community Ecology 1
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This unit provides an introduction to the ecology of individuals, populations and communities. The ecology of individuals includes a consideration of resource acquisition, territoriality, reproduction and life history trade-offs. Population ecology includes a consideration of population growth and regulation, interspecific competition, and niche differentiation. Communitiy ecology is concerned with describing and understanding the diversity and stability of ecological communities; including a consideration of intraspecific competition, predation and predator-prey interactions. This unit also considers aspects of applied ecology including: conservation principles and priorities, sustainable harvesting of populations, pest control and management.
10 credits
Your second year will be spent studying biology at your chosen international institution.
Core modules:
- Year Abroad
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Contact department for more information
120 credits
In your third year, on your return to Sheffield, you'll complete a research project and dissertation in an area of biology that interests you, conducted under the supervision of one of our world experts, you'll work in a small group to define questions, develop experimental protocols, conduct the research, analyse the data and ultimately produce a written report in the form of a scientific publication.
Core modules:
- Research Project
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In this module students will consolidate the skills and knowledge they have gained in earlier levels of study and apply these in a research project. Students will work in small groups, guided by a member of staff, to identify and plan a biological study. They will collect and statistically analyse data, interpret their results and set them in the context of related studies identified from the literature. They will then present their project in the format of a scientific paper. The project may be lab, field or computer based.
30 credits - Dissertation
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In this module students will consolidate the skills and knowledge they have gained in earlier levels of study and use these to produce a dissertation. Students will work individually, guided by a member of staff, to identify and plan a biological study based on a literature review. They will collect and synthesise information from a variety of sources, interpret and critically assess their findings. They will then present their dissertation in the format of a review paper.
20 credits - Data Analysis
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This course provides training in the analysis and presentation of biological data through the application of computers for word processing, statistical analysis and graphical presentation. The course uses self-teaching material involving individual use of computers, together with project work assignments. The application of a wide range of statistical techniques which are commonly used by biologists is illustrated using the MINITAB statistical program with data drawn from botanical, zoological and ecological studies.
10 credits
Optional modules:
- Conservation Issues and Management
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This module aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop (i) their knowledge of topical issues in conservation, (ii) their ability to identify potential solutions to real-world conservation problems and assess the likely effectiveness of these (iii) their skills in accessing, interpreting and synthesising the primary scientific literature in the field of conservation and (iv) their ability to think independently. This will be achieved by introducing students, through lectures and independent reading, to a range of topical issues in conservation biology, by showing how research can inform the development of action plans and by illustrating how the success of applied measures to mitigate conservation problems can be assessed. Students will then apply their learning by developing action plans for specific conservation problems.
20 credits - Biology and Ethics
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As the pace of biological research continues to increase, society and scientists are continuously faced with ethical issues which, in many cases, we are ill-prepared to consider. This course examines areas where biology and ethics interact using a series of topical examples including medicine, agriculture, industry and the environment. In each case ethical concepts will be examined and discussed in the context of the right to privacy, ownership, current regulation, historical perspectives and the public understanding of science.
10 credits - Cooperation and Conflict
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This module aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop (i) their knowledge of cutting-edge research in behavioural ecology, (ii) their skills in understanding and interpreting the primary scientific literature in this field and (iii) their ability to think independently and synthesise information. This will be achieved by introducing students to a range of issues and topics of central theoretical importance in the field of behavioural ecology and by showing how a combination of observation, and field and laboratory experimentation can be used to test hypotheses originating from theory. Specifically, the characteristics and implications of cooperation and conflict among animals will be studied in a variety of contexts.
10 credits - Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems
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This module examines the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems, from the invasion of the land by plants and animals in the Ordovician (475 million years ago) up to the present day. All of the major events will be covered: the origin of land plants; the invasion of the land by invertebrate animals (worms, insects, etc); the first forests; the origin of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds; beginnings of phtogeographical differentiation; origin of the flowering plants etc. Throughout the course the evolution of terrestrial ecosystems will be considered in light of: (i) the interrelationships between global change and evolving terrestrial ecosystems; (ii) plant-fungal-animal interactions and coevolution.
10 credits - Evolutionary Ecology
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Why do some organisms weigh a fraction of a milligram and others many tons? Why do some organisms mature in a few days and others need several years? Why make a myraid of tiny eggs rather than few large offspring? This module will address these, and other questions in life history evolution, using a range of modern approaches. All the main approaches of studying evolutionary ecology will be taught (optimality models, evolutionarily stable strategies, quantitative genetics, comparative methods) and their strengths and weaknesses explored. Equal weight will be given to plant and animal systems.
10 credits - Future Plants: From Laboratory to Field
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This module explores current research themes in plant biology, examining how fundamental plant science, often using model organisms, can be translated into real-world applications. The course will highlight different research areas encompassing plant development and productivity, responses to environmental stresses and interactions with other organisms (beneficial or pests and diseases). Students will be introduced to the science that underpins these processes in plants and how this knowledge can be exploited to address problems such as food security, sustainability and environmental change.
10 credits - Global Change
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The course will provide a framework for understanding the nature and scale of evolution, adaptation and ecophysiological responses of plants to their atmospheric environment. The course will address the following scales in time and space: land plant evolution over the last 400 million years; plant responses to environmental extremes, seen as both geological extinction events and with changes in altitute and latitude; global and local scales of plant responses to past, present and likely future carbon dioxie concentrations.
10 credits - Human Evolutionary Genetics
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This module will provide students with an understanding of how genomics has shaped our understanding of the evolution of modern humans. This will be achieved through lectures, independent reading and a computational biology practical. Topics covered will include: the evolution of modern humans; the history of how humans colonised the world; how the Neanderthal genome has revealed hybridisation between Homo sapiens and Neanderthal man; how human genomes can tell us about the history and causes of modern genetic disorders; how our genomes reveal past episodes of selection; and how life history theory is used to study natural selection and evolution in pre-industrial humans.
10 credits - Sustainable Agro-Ecosystems
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This module highlights the threats to global sustainability, with a particular focus on food production and ecosystem functioning, being caused by human impacts on the environment. The module considers how we have got into the present unsustainable mess ¿ of poor land and natural resource management, under valuing of farmers, life-threatening soil degradation causing flooding, pollution of fresh water and soil insecurity, as well as large numbers of people overconsuming and wasting food whilst others don¿t have enough. It shows that how we sustainably manage agro-ecosystems now, and in the immediate future, will determine the fate of humanity. Soils are the foundations of terrestrial ecosystems, food and biofuel production, but are amongst the most badly abused and damaged components of the ecosphere. Climate change, agricultural intensification, biofuels and unsustainable use of fertilizers and fossil fuels pose critical threats to global food production and sustainable agro-ecosystems - and their impacts on soil ecosystems are central to these threats. The module considers soil ecosystems function in nature and the lessons that we can then apply to develop more sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.
10 credits - Topics in Evolutionary Genetics
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This course aims to provide the opportunity for students to develop (i) their knowledge of current leading-edge research areas in evolutionary genetics and (ii) their skills in accessing, interpreting and synthesising the primary scientific literature in this field. This will be achieved by examining three areas of current research activity in evolutionary genetics though detailed analysis of the questions, methods and interpretations in groups of recent publications.
10 credits - Topics in Modern Ecology
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This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of topical issues in modern ecology. Students will be introduced, through lectures, independent reading, discussion and problem solving to a core set of topical questions in pure and/or applied ecology, and they will explore how data and theory combine to inform our understanding of these topics. Students will apply their learning by developing and critically evaluating research or management proposals that will address for specific real world ecological questions and problems.
10 credits - Topics in Modern Zoology
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This module provides students with the opportunity to develop their knowledge of topical issues in modern zoology and wildlife ecology. Students will be introduced, through lectures, independent reading, discussion and problem solving, to a core set of topical questions in pure and/or applied zoology, and they will explore how theory and data combine to inform our understanding of these topics. Students will then apply their learning by developing and critically evaluating proposals for research projects that will address specific real world zoological questions and issues.
10 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Learning and assessment
Learning
Our research-embedded teaching ensures you’ll gain knowledge and understanding from the forefront of the full breadth of biology, from the cell and molecular level through to whole organisms and biodiversity.
You’ll learn through lectures, small group tutorials and workshops, field courses, research projects and practical sessions in the lab and field. Our biology course benefits from exceptional teaching across all three bioscience subject areas, including biochemistry and biomedical science.
To support your learning, you’ll have access to a virtual learning environment with interactive course materials. You'll also have a personal tutor throughout your course, to give you advice and guidance on both academic and pastoral issues.
Assessment
Throughout the course you will be assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, tests, presentations, coursework and practical work.
Programme specification
This tells you the aims and learning outcomes of this course and how these will be achieved and assessed.
Entry requirements
With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAA
including Biology and a second science
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
including Biology and a second science
A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in the EPQ; AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in Core Maths AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in the EPQ; AAB, including Biology and a second science + B in Core Maths
International Baccalaureate | 36, 6 in Higher Level Biology and a second science 34, 6, 5 in Higher Level Biology and a second science
BTEC | DD in Applied Science (with Distinctions in all Biology units if Biology not offered at A Level) + A in an A Level science DD in Applied Science (with Distinctions in all Biology Units if not offer at A level) + B in an A level Science
Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAAAB, including a second science + A in Biology AAABB including a science subject + B in Biology
Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A + AA in Biology and a second science B + AA in Biology and a second science
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall in a Science Subject with 45 at level 3 including 36 credits at Distinctions to include Biology and a second science, and 9 credits at Merit. Applicants are considered individually. 60 credits overall in a Science Subject with 45 at level 3 including 30 credits at Distinctions to include Biology and a second science, and 15 credits at Merit. Applicants are considered individually.
Mature students - explore other routes for mature students
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
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Human Biology is acceptable instead of Biology. Second science from Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Science, or Geography
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GCSE Maths grade 4 or grade C
We also accept a range of other UK qualifications and other EU/international qualifications.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Plant Sciences and Zoology

Biosciences at Sheffield is home to over 120 lecturers who are actively involved in research at the cutting edge of their field. You'll learn from scientists who are helping to solve some of the biggest global challenges, from understanding the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our food systems and discovering how to absorb up to 2 billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere, to combating the biodiversity and climate crises.
Our staff are drawn from across the biosciences and are engaged in research in a wide range of areas, from molecular biology, human health and disease, to evolution, biodiversity, conservation, genetics and sustainability.
We’re a close-knit community where every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work. Whether it’s joining one of our student-led societies and taking part in nights out, trips abroad and quizzes with lecturers, or volunteering, fundraising and organising your own events, there are lots of opportunities to get involved.
Biosciences students are based across Firth Court, the Alfred Denny, Florey and Addison buildings. We are at the heart of the University campus, adjacent to the Students' Union and just a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
Facilities
Our students have access to world-class laboratory and computing resources for biological research and are trained in specialist teaching laboratories, supported by teaching assistants and our technician team.
Biosciences at Sheffield is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including super resolution light, cryo-electron and atomic force microscopy, NMR and X-ray facilities, a Biological Mass Spectrometry facility and the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility, which provides molecular genetics facilities and training to the UK science community.
We also have controlled environment facilities that can simulate any past, present and future climate, entomology resources, experimental gardens, leading equipment for DNA analysis, and the Alfred Denny Museum of Zoology on campus.
Biosciences at SheffieldWhy choose Sheffield?
The University of Sheffield
A Top 100 university 2021
QS World University Rankings
Top 10% of all UK universities
Research Excellence Framework 2014
No 1 Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2019, 2018, 2017
Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Plant Sciences and Zoology
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
Research Excellence Framework 2014
Shanghai Ranking
High Fliers Research 2020
Graduate careers
Biology, Ecology and Conservation Biology, Plant Sciences and Zoology
Our courses equip students for a wide range of careers, from scientific roles to graduate schemes with top employers. Whether you want to pursue a career in science, apply your skills in industry, or continue your studies, bioscience graduates are highly sought after due to their specialist laboratory and field skills, ability to solve problems, handle and analyse data, and effectively communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences.
As well as progressing onto a masters programme or PhD, our students secure roles in leading scientific organisations like Cancer Research, GSK, RB and Mondelez, and organisations linked to ecology and conservation such as the RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, Kew Gardens, the Natural History Museum and the Environment Agency.
Transferable skills are embedded and developed throughout our degrees, which means year on year many of our graduates join big employers like Google, PwC, the BBC, Deloitte, United Kingdom Civil Service, Aldi and the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. You can also apply your degree to other varied careers including bioinformatics, marketing and science communication, teaching and science policy.
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Visit us
University open days
There are four open days every year, usually in June, July, September and October. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Taster days
At various times in the year we run online taster sessions to help Year 12 students experience what it is like to study at the University of Sheffield.
Applicant days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our applicant days, which take place between November and April. These applicant days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Campus tours run regularly throughout the year, at 1pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.
How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
www.ucas.com
Contact us
Telephone: +44 114 222 0123
Email: apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.