Biology

94% of our research overall in Biological Sciences was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

About the course

How could we cure cancer? How can we end the despair of Alzheimer’s? How can we protect rare species from extinction, or prevent epidemics from spreading globally?

This course sets you up to understand new discoveries. You’ll develop critical thinking, scientific teamwork and technical communication skills, alongside a solid grounding in biology. You can choose to focus on areas such as cell and molecular biology, evolution and ecology, or neuroscience and behaviour.

From Year 1, you’ll get hands-on practical experience in laboratories and in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs National Park. Further afield, we offer inspiring field trips with destinations such as:

- Wales

- Ecuador

- Portugal

- Southern Africa

- the Red Sea.

At Sussex, our research has real-world impact. You’ll learn from experts tackling some of society’s biggest issues – from research into cancer treatments to the declining bee population. In your third year, you could have the opportunity to join a lecturer’s research lab and carry out your own project. In the School of Life Sciences, you’ll be supported by a friendly scientific community.

When you graduate, you’ll have experience of conducting experiments, statistical data analysis, and drawing conclusions from scientific evidence. This – combined with your data-handling and analytical skills – means you’re prepared for a career inside and outside of science. Biology is a route to many careers, in fields including:

- the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries

- healthcare

- sustainability

- scientific writing and communication.

And in addition, in your integrated Masters year, you gain a strong theoretical and practical foundation for a career in – or related to – research. You’ll spend a semester working on an individual research project in one of our Biology research teams. In this year, you’ll develop advanced skills in technical, analytical and scientific communication skills.

MSci or BSc?

We also offer this course as a three-year BSc.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

About the University of Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.