Biology

Biology is the study of living organisms and the processes that sustain them, from the molecular mechanisms inside cells to the ecological relationships that govern entire ecosystems. It is a discipline of extraordinary breadth and practical significance: advances in biology underpin medicine, public health, agriculture, conservation, and biotechnology, and the field increasingly draws on computational tools and big data to make sense of the complexity of life on Earth. Studying biology equips you to engage with some of the most important questions of our time, from understanding disease and developing treatments to managing biodiversity in the face of environmental change.

At Teesside University, this four-year, full-time programme begins with a foundation year, providing a supported entry into degree-level science for students who need to build their preparation before the main degree. The programme develops your understanding of biological systems across multiple scales, from cellular and molecular biology through to ecology and conservation, while also equipping you with the data literacy and analytical skills that modern biology demands. You will engage with big data as a growing dimension of biological research, exploring how large-scale data sets are used in areas from bioinformatics and epidemiology to ecological monitoring and forensic biology.

The sandwich year and work placement opportunities give you significant professional experience before you graduate. The typical entry tariff is 88 UCAS points.

Biology graduates work in research and development, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the NHS and public health agencies, environmental consultancies, conservation organisations, food science, education, and science communication. The analytical and research skills developed during a biology degree are also valued in data analysis, policy, and health management roles. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in specialist areas such as microbiology, ecology, genetics, or biomedical science, and some go on to professional training in medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry.