For general undergraduate The Enquiry Centre enquiries please contact: t: +44 (0)115 951 5559 Biosciences e: undergraduate-enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk w: www.nottingham.ac.uk Undergraduate study www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Contents Welcome to the School of Biosciences
02 Welcome There has never been a more exciting time to study • Microbiology for a degree in biosciences. Rapid advances in • Natural Science 03 Why choose The University of Nottingham? technology and knowledge have an almost daily • Nutrition 05 Why biosciences at Nottingham? impact on our lives, from the air we breathe to the • Nutrition and Food Science food we eat and the environment in which we live. • Dietetics 07 Student profile • Plant Science 09 Biosciences degree courses Bioscience is all around us and there is a wealth • Pre-veterinary Science of opportunity for well-qualified graduates to apply (one-year University certificate) 11 Subject guide their knowledge and skills to the challenges of the 13 Biosciences course structures modern world. You can find broad descriptions about each subject area on pages 11-12 of this brochure. 15 Teaching and learning We offer the following undergraduate degrees: More detailed information is in the University’s 19 Adding value to your degree • Agriculture (with specialisms in crops, undergraduate online prospectus: environmental or livestock science) www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences 21 Living on campus • Animal Science or on our web pages: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ 25 Social life on campus • Applied Biology biosciences • Biotechnology 27 Careers • Environmental Biology We hope this brochure will give you a taste of what 31 Applying for a place • Environmental Science student life is like in the School of Biosciences and • Food Science that you will choose to study with us. 34 Visiting and contacting us
Front cover image: Catherine Carville, BSc Nutrition and Food Science with a Certificate in European Studies, is using the spray dryer to produce milk powder from evaporated milk in the Biomaterials Lab.
Find out more about Catherine’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/catherinecarville
Rice plants growing in a lab at Sutton Bonington Campus, which is home to the School of Biosciences.
01 02 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Why choose The University of Nottingham?
There are a lot of factors to consider when ...access to a dynamic city applying to university and some will be more The city of Nottingham is another rich source important to you than others. We’re proud that of entertainment. Its attractions include bars, thousands of students apply to us every year boutiques, the Capital FM Arena, shopping – below are some of the reasons they give for centres, an arboretum, pubs, theatres, an ice choosing us. skating rink, cafes, markets, mainstream and independent cinemas, two professional football An inspiring environment... clubs, nightclubs, the National Water Sports A commitment to academic excellence Centre and a climbing centre. Finding ‘your drives everything we do and has earned us Nottingham’ is an exciting part of international recognition. It is evident in our student life. teaching and research and our recent results speak for themselves: our scores in the latest ...and options for exploring the world Research Assessment Exercise rank Nottingham If you’re hoping to broaden your horizons further seventh in the UK in terms of ‘research power’. while at university, we have the connections to help you experience new cultures first-hand. As ...with great career prospects well as exchange opportunities at our campuses Our high standards mean that a University of in China and Malaysia we have developed links Nottingham degree is respected by both UK and with more than 320 partner universities in over overseas employers and the employment record 40 countries. of our graduates is one of the best in the country. If you want to improve your career prospects We hope this information has given you an insight further, you can speak to experts in our Careers into life at Nottingham and why so many students and Employability Service, gain recognition for choose to study here. The next step is to book your extracurricular achievements through the onto one of our open days, which take place in Nottingham Advantage Award or set up your own June and September. Attracting 35,000 visitors business with the help of our EnterpriseLab. annually, these events are an opportunity to explore our campuses, chat to staff and current ...not-to-be missed opportunities students and most importantly, get a feel for Outside of lectures, the opportunities at whether you will be happy here. To book your Nottingham are numerous and varied. All our place, please see campuses have a strong community spirit and our www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays Students’ Union (SU) offers over 250 societies and sports clubs. It’s through them that you can We look forward to showing you around. pursue an existing interest or take up something new with like-minded people, develop valuable You can download a lively and informative guide skills and generally make your time at university as to the city of Nottingham from rewarding and memorable as possible. www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/downloads You can also find information about the city at www.nottingham.ac.uk/nottinghamlife A green oasis – taking a break at Sutton Bonington Campus.
03 04 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Why biosciences at Nottingham?
Whether you see yourself as a pioneer of We have a very favourable student to staff ratio of the future, influencing the quality of life on a approximately 11 students to each member of staff. global scale, or simply want the assurance of a top-class degree, as a graduate of the School Every student is allocated to a member of of Biosciences you are guaranteed the best academic staff who is their personal tutor possible start to your career. throughout their undergraduate course.
The facts We have extensive links with companies and The School of Biosciences is one of the institutions working in the field of biosciences University’s most successful schools and is nationally and internationally. internationally recognised as a leading centre for teaching and research. We: Research and teaching in the school is • were rated top in the UK for ‘research power’ in organised into five divisions: the most recent Research Assessment • Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Exercise* • Animal Sciences • are consistently ranked high in The Times, • Food Sciences The Guardian and The Complete University • Nutritional Sciences Guide’s university league tables for our • Plant and Crop Sciences courses and student satisfaction ratings • were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize Our divisions work closely together to provide for Higher and Further Education in 2012, for a flexible range of courses which explore the research on global food security. This is the fundamental and applied science underlying most prestigious form of national recognition issues as diverse as: open to a UK academic institution. • global food security • the environment and its protection You will be taught by leading international • the growth, development and reproduction of specialists in the most rapidly developing areas of plants and animals biosciences; many of our academic staff are also • the production and preservation of agricultural expert advisors to government institutions, industry, and food commodities and other national and international bodies. • food quality, health, nutrition and safety
* The Research Assessment Exercise is an independent audit of research carried out in higher education institutions nationwide.
Students outside Main Building, Sutton Bonington Campus.
05 06 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
“I’m going to work for Marks and Spencer. I’m doing food microbiology, so I’ll be going to suppliers and factories and making sure all their food is safe.”
Jennifer Spencer / BSc Microbiology with an Industrial Placement
Find out more about Jennifer’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/jenniferspencer
Jennifer is preparing samples for phenotypic microarray analysis.
07 08 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Biosciences degree courses
Choosing the right course • A four-year Environmental Science course The School of Biosciences offers a wide variety of leading to an MSci (Masters of Science), also choices for undergraduates. available with an additional one-year Certificate • A one-year Science Foundation Programme in European Studies. gives students a solid science base to access • A one-year course leading to the Certificate in their chosen BSc course. Pre-Veterinary Science. • Three-year courses leading to the degree • Three-year BSc courses with an additional one- of BSc. year Certificate in European Studies • A four-year undergraduate course leading to a (Biosciences) are also available under Master of Nutrition, endorsed by the NHS and Erasmus/Socrates exchange programmes and designed to produce graduates eligible for include one year studying in a mainland registration as dietitians within the UK. European university. • Some courses can be studied at the University’s Malaysia Campus for a year or semester.
Find out more about Seb’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/sebdagar
Undergraduate Animal Science students Seb d’Agar and Ysella Wood are analysing oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production with different exercise loads on the bicycle ergometer in the South Lab, Sutton Bonington Campus.
09 10 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Subject guide
To help with your choice of specific genetics, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, Food Science provides a detailed understanding Master of Nutrition (Dietetics) is the scientific course title, here is a summary of all our production, behaviour and welfare. This dynamic of food chemistry and processing, and food study of the food people eat and its effects on undergraduate degrees and the subject areas course incorporates nutritional sciences, animal factory operations, with associated study health. You will receive a thorough grounding in they cover. physiology and production as main areas of study in microbiology, nutrition, management and the scientific disciplines which underpin nutrition emphasising a wide range of species including computing. The course deals with some of the such as biochemistry and physiology. This is a Agriculture takes an applied scientific approach companion animals. commercial and political factors that are important four-year course funded by the National Health to agricultural production, combined with the in shaping the food industry, and global food Service, and graduates are eligible for registration management and marketing skills necessary Applied Biology offers a broad, well-balanced production and consumption. as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions for the operation of a successful agricultural background in biological science. Particular Council. business. As the course progresses, you will build emphasis is placed on the application of this Microbiology concentrates on interactions up your understanding of the three core areas of biological knowledge to exciting recent advances between mankind and micro-organisms. Plant Science explores how plants grow, develop, agriculture: crop production, animal production in animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, food Microbiology is a laboratory-based science; the reproduce, combat diseases and respond to their and the management of agricultural products production and environmental science. understanding of micro-organisms continues environment. It covers many exciting aspects of and resources. to develop at a rapid pace in microphysiology, modern plant science, including cell and molecular Biotechnology considers the role of genetics, ecology and biochemistry. This study is biology, genetic engineering, plant-pathogen biotechnology in solving problems such as food On all our agricultural science courses, you vital in finding solutions to the microbial problems interactions, environmental physiology and contamination, excessive use of agricultural will benefit from access to the University Farm, facing mankind. ecology. chemicals and the humane control of animal Dairy Centre and Arable Centre at Sutton health and productivity. It aims to apply the latest Bonington Campus. Natural Sciences graduates, with their expertise University Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science molecular techniques to modern-day problems in in multidisciplinary science, are increasingly in is a one-year programme, equivalent to the first Agricultural and Environmental Science will industrial and environmental situations. demand. This degree offers a challenging and year of Animal Science. Successful completion develop your understanding of the ways in which diverse blend of science subjects drawn from qualifies for entry into the four-year Doctor of Environmental Biology provides understanding agricultural and environmental systems interact the University’s major research schools including Veterinary Medicine programme of St George’s of how animals, plants and micro-organisms and how environmental problems associated with Archaeology, Biology, Biosciences, Geography, University of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, function and interact with other organisms and agriculture can be addressed in a sustainable way. Mathematical Sciences, and Physics and West Indies. (Students pay full fees – please see their environment, and how factors such as Astronomy. www.sgu.edu) Agricultural and Crop Science explores how climate change, pollution, deforestation and agricultural crops grow, develop, reproduce, fight soil degradation affect life. This knowledge Nutrition considers nutritional information and For further information please visit pests and diseases, interact and respond to their is fundamental for effective management and advice relevant to humans from a sound scientific www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences environment. The degree combines scientific conservation of natural and managed ecosystems. basis. Subject areas studied include diet and understanding, management skills and health, nutrition and food policy, as well as recent Environmental Science incorporates a commercial awareness. advances in the understanding of mechanisms wide range of subjects encompassing the by which nutrients mediate their effects from a environmental aspects of geography, biology, Agricultural and Livestock Science explores cellular to a whole body level. nutrition, growth, development and reproduction chemistry and physics. You will develop your in farm animals and you will be able to choose scientific understanding of the ways in which living Nutrition and Food Science combines studies from a wide range of modules including applied organisms interact with their environment, and of food chemistry, modern-day food safety and animal science, livestock production science and how air, soil and water pollution can be monitored, food processing with consideration of the impact business management. modelled and remediated. The course is based at of human nutrition upon health. The food industry University Park Campus, with some modules being currently needs scientists who understand raw Animal Science considers the scientific basis taught at Sutton Bonington. The MSci course ingredients, their nutritional content, and the effect of animal form and function from the molecular, comprises a fourth year covering a theoretical and of processing and storage on food quality and cellular, tissue and organ levels, through to practical understanding of advanced research nutritional value. the whole animal and covering, for example, methods relevant to environmental science.
11 12 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Biosciences course structures
The facts Tailor-made for you Basic course structure Year one – semester two • We offer you flexible degree courses with a All our courses are modular. Modules are self- These are the core modules followed by most More specialised modules are offered in semester modular structure, giving you the freedom to contained units of study that usually run for undergraduate students. two as each degree develops its own theme. Core study the subjects that interest you most. one semester; there are two semesters in each for many courses is: • Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation Skills • There are more than 120 biosciences modules year. Although some modules are core, you can Year one – semester one to choose from – and many more from across choose from a wide range of other modules to Most students (except Master of Nutrition This provides essential preparation for the later the University. make up the rest of your degree – both from students) take some core modules to provide a within the school and from other schools across solid grounding in basic sciences: parts of the course, the final-year research • You will have the opportunity to change courses the University. Depending on your timetable, you • Introductory Biochemistry project and the world of work. within the first year, if you wish. (Please note could study modules in subjects as diverse as • Genetics and Cell Biology that it is not possible to transfer to the Master of politics or theology. • Whole Organism Biology At the end of the first semester or year, it may Nutrition degree.) • Foundation Science be possible to change to a different BSc course • A year’s paid work experience in industry in the This flexible course structure enables you • Academic Development and Employability offered by the school (subject to approval by UK or overseas is available for most BSc to tailor your own course by selecting areas (Modules vary for Environmental Science, course managers and admissions regulations). courses and is recognised by an Industrial of study specifically suited to your individual Environmental Biology, Plant Science and Natural Placement Award. interests (subject to approval and individual Sciences degrees – please refer to specific Year two – semesters three and four • There is a Certificate in European Studies course regulations). It also ensures that you course information) The second year allows you to tailor your course (Biosciences) option for all BSc courses. leave The University of Nottingham with a solid to suit your particular needs and interests. During scientific background, commercial awareness and A selection of other specialised modules is this year you will begin to identify a suitable topic • On some courses there is the opportunity transferable skills – vital attributes that are highly available, depending on your course, for example: for your research project, which will form a major to spend a semester or a year at the University’s valued by graduate recruiters. • Applications of Biology component of the final year. Malaysia Campus. • Microbes and You • We offer the possibility of placement for one The credit system – the building • Principles of Ecology Year three – semesters five and six semester at one of our partner institutions in For the majority of courses, an extended research blocks of your degree • Introduction to Nutrition Universitas 21 – a global alliance of key • Global Environmental Processes project, worth 40 credits, will run throughout the universities including North America, Australia, Your BSc honours degree course will be made whole of your final year. This piece of work will be a New Zealand, China and Singapore. (There is up of 360 credits (480 credits for the Master of good indicator to potential employers of your ability competition for places on this scheme.) Nutrition and Master of Science degrees) – 120 to work independently at an advanced level. each year taken over two semesters. You will • You will benefit from a modern teaching and You will also be able to select specialist modules normally take six 10-credit modules per semester learning environment dedicated to the study and from the wide range available both at Sutton (11 teaching weeks). advancement of biosciences. Bonington and on the University’s other campuses. • There is a focus on developing skills valued A 10-credit module accounts for approximately by employers. 100 hours of your own time, with usually no • You will enjoy excellent career prospects. more than 40 hours spent in the lecture room or “I have a range of optional modules allowing laboratory. A guide to the basic course structure • The School of Biosciences maintains close and the core modules studied by all students is contacts with important businesses and me to really tailor my degree. The different shown opposite. research institutions. Many degree courses feature site visits and field trips, as well as tasks have given me invaluable transferable presentations from eminent visiting speakers. skills which will aid me so well in the work environment.” Emily Roberts, Microbiology
13 14 Your personal tutor The web-based library catalogue is available both Teaching and learning All students at the School of Biosciences within the library buildings and elsewhere, using have a personal tutor who is a member of the any PC with internet access, and can be used to teaching staff and will take a close interest in locate all items held in any of the campus libraries. your academic progress and general wellbeing. University is a time of great personal development; At Sutton Bonington, the James Cameron-Gifford sensitive guidance and encouragement from Library is one of the best of its kind in the country, your tutor can help you make the most of your providing access to a wide range of books, time here. You will be able to talk to your tutor periodicals and other resources supporting all We want you to have the best possible Supporting your studies (in confidence) about academic and other, more the subject areas covered by the school. learning experience, whatever your chosen The University provides a wide range of academic general concerns; he or she can a valuable source Environmental science students at University Park course of study. At the School of Biosciences and welfare services to support you during your of information, sympathy and common sense. have the George Green Library of Science and you’ll experience an integrated range of time at Nottingham, including advice on careers, Engineering on their doorstep. Both libraries house teaching and learning styles – from traditional finance, counselling, disability support, English a Learning Hub with state-of-the-art teaching and lectures to contemporary multimedia and language courses for international students, Resources learning facilities, including flexible learning spaces internet systems. There is also a modern childcare, religious services, health care and Reading resources with interactive smart boards, plasma screens and complex of teaching laboratories and study specialist learning support. The University also The University’s libraries provide access to over high-spec PCs, allowing you to work together facilities within Environmental Science at runs a student employment service to help you one million books and journals, over 12,000 more effectively on group projects. University Park Campus. find part-time work to supplement your income e-journal titles and 650,000 e-book items. while you study.
Studying outdoors on Sutton Bonington Campus.
15 16 Facilities • Plant and animal tissue culture units – facilities • A fully operational campus-based University “Nottingham was highly • The Learning Resource Centre – up-to-date, for gene cloning, sequencing and the generation Farm and Dairy Centre. The University Farm has 24-hour IT facilities, including two resource and evaluation of transgenic plants. arable (380 hectares) and dairy (200 cows, ranked for my course and areas with workstations and full audiovisual • The Arabidopsis Stock Centre – one of two robotically milked) enterprises and land in the equipment was all projection facilities, video and laptop links. international centres housing over half a million environmental stewardship. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and state-of-the-art, with the • The Language Resource Area – with PCs fitted genetic plant stocks. teaching: crop field trial areas and farm office with TV cards for satellite programme tutors seeming friendly and • An extensive glasshouse complex – including (for financial information). transmissions, TVs and videos. the Future Crops Research Unit. • The Bioenergy and Brewing Building, which enthusiastic.” • Specialist laboratories – for biochemistry, • A state-of-the-art building for research in food opened in 2011, houses state-of-the-art molecular and environmental sciences, flavour Dani Taylor, Nutrition and Food Science chemistry, food physics and microbiology – facilities for research and teaching in brewing research and food structure. There is also a including a containment laboratory for working science, food processing (pilot plant) and purpose-built dietetics laboratory for production with genetically engineered micro-organisms. bioenergy production. The food science hall of test meals for research projects and training • An animal science teaching laboratory – includes bakery equipment, canning facilities of students studying dietetics. complete with the most modern equipment and and a taste-test room. • The Nutritional Sciences Clinical Skills Unit with an extensive suite of teaching and research observation rooms and a clinical practice room laboratories in animal sciences covering for training dietitians. molecular, cellular and tissue studies. • A metabolism laboratory – for nutritional studies • A purpose-designed Plant Sciences Building – with farm animals. offering superb teaching and research facilities.
Students on field study at the Dairy Centre, Sutton Bonington Campus.
17 18 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Adding value to your degree
A degree from the School of Biosciences will • Interpersonal, teamworking and team- Study abroad Universitas 21 give you an excellent start to your future career building skills Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences) Nottingham is a founder member of Universitas – whatever you decide to do. You can add even • Analytical, problem-solving and practical skills Our BSc degree courses offer the opportunity to 21 which is a global alliance of key universities. more value to your degree by taking advantage • Advanced technical and laboratory skills follow your chosen degree in another European One of its activities is student exchange and you of the opportunities we offer to gain the will be able to apply to spend one semester (the • Information technology and numeracy country for one extra academic year, taken after additional skills and experiences that will make the second year at Nottingham. first of your second year) studying in one of our your applications to employers stand out. • Library searching and reviewing partner institutions (including North America, • Research techniques, including the design of Prior to placement, you will undertake a special Australia, New Zealand, China or Singapore). novel projects; compilation, analysis and Increasingly, employers want well-educated European module (including language study) Competition for these placements is high but the interpretation of data; and the preparation of scientists who have the transferable skills needed to improve your knowledge of the scientific and rewards are considerable. coherent and concise reports for life in the 21st-century work place. Throughout cultural aspects of your chosen country. your studies, you will be encouraged to develop • Appreciation of current issues and the ability to Malaysia Campus the interpersonal and practical skills and the ability understand future developments in the chosen We have a branch of the school at the University’s to enquire, assess and communicate, all of which field of study Malaysia Campus where a semester or year can will help you to obtain satisfying and well- • Foreign language skills (mainly for those taking be spent as part of some of our BSc courses. paid employment. the European year) Nottingham students who study at the Malaysia Campus pay reduced tuition fees, and living costs Academic Development and Work experience in industry in Malaysia are lower than in the UK. Employability module Students following a three-year degree course All first year students take this module, designed may choose to spend a year out after their second to enhance your academic and professional year working in appropriate employment as a paid development via small group work within tutor employee. The school’s Placement Officer will groups. Your tutor will guide you through the make every effort to assist you in finding a suitable available University resources, for example how to placement, using existing links with a large number access electronic journals or how to get careers of organisations in the UK and abroad. You can advice. choose to complete the Industrial Placement Award which is recognised on degree certificates. Induction and Study Skills Handbook The school gives all new students an Induction Undergraduate Ambassadors and Study Skills Handbook full of practical Scheme information on organising your time, getting the This nationally accredited scheme offers final-year best out of tutorials, efficient reading, scientific students the opportunity to undertake a project and report-writing skills, essay-writing skills and involving learning and communication skills and presentational skills. classroom teaching in schools. It is a useful introduction to teaching science as a career. “A placement year will give you a new Transferable skills By the time you graduate, you will have acquired Nottingham Advantage Award perspective and help you decide what skills in some or all of these areas: The Advantage Award is a programme of activity • Independent learning and personal specially designed to enhance your transferable you really want – while increasing your time management skills (and future employability) through • Written and verbal communication skills extracurricular activities such as work experience, employability dramatically.” • Presentation skills travel, volunteering, Students’ Union activity Dan Freeman, Environmental Science and more.
19 20 Living on campus
Nottingham is a multi-campus university. Travel facts Each campus has its own distinct character Sutton Bonington is a 25-minute bus or and identity, integrating beautiful parkland car journey from University Park Campus in and countryside with impressive modern and Nottingham. There is a free regular daily and traditional architecture. evening bus service providing a link between campuses and at weekends with Nottingham city Sutton Bonington Campus centre. The School of Biosciences is based at Sutton Bonington Campus, situated to the south of Sutton Bonington Campus is also close to Nottingham. Almost all our courses are located Loughborough (6 miles), Derby (10 miles) and here, although the Environmental Science degree Leicester (15 miles). is based at University Park Campus, with certain modules being taught at Sutton Bonington. There are excellent road, rail and air links to the rest of the UK and overseas: Known as ‘SB’, Sutton Bonington Campus has • two miles from junction 24 of the M1 motorway its own accommodation, sports centre, social • five miles from East Midlands Airport amenities and state-of-the-art teaching and • three miles from East Midlands Parkway railway research facilities dedicated to the study of station; six miles from Loughborough railway biosciences. The campus is also the location of station, both with direct links to London the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Sutton Bonington Campus is set in Tour the campus with one of our students: beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside. www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses/campusvideos.aspx
21 22 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
A friendly and supportive budget requirements, many with en suite facilities. environment All room types are fully furnished and include One of the major advantages of living and Wi-Fi with 10MB broadband and internet protocol studying at the School of Biosciences is television (IPTV). the incredibly friendly atmosphere. The high Accommodation fees for all first-year students percentage of students who live in halls and the include evening meals from Monday to Friday close-knit community of students and staff make during term-time (part-catered package). Other for a supportive and fun environment in which to students can opt into the package if they require live and study. Student welfare is a high priority it. Eating together in the evening in the Rushcliffe within the University, and the personal and hall Restaurant adds to the brilliant community tutor systems are at the centre of our commitment atmosphere at Sutton Bonington Campus. to your well-being. Our staff are very accessible which means you can talk to them when you need If you choose to study environmental science, based to – not just about study issues, but about any at University Park Campus, you can choose to live aspect of your life as a student at Nottingham. at any of the accommodation sites in the city or at Bonington Hall. Accommodation on campus Living in University accommodation is one of the Places in University accommodation are also best ways of making friends and getting used to available after your first year, but you may like life away from home. That’s why we guarantee to move out with friends into a house in the accommodation for all first-year students (and for private sector. For more information about all our three years if you are an international student).* accommodation, including virtual tours, please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation * You must apply for accommodation by the deadline and meet other terms and conditions – please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation Amenities The amenities listed below make living on Sutton Bonington Hall Bonington Campus comfortable and convenient. As an undergraduate studying at Sutton Bonington • A shop selling groceries, fresh and frozen Campus, accommodation is exclusively reserved produce, stationery and other everyday items for you at Bonington Hall. Bonington Hall (the • Rushcliffe Restaurant generic name for all accommodation at Sutton • Bistro Bonington) is owned and managed by Opal, a • Mulberry Tree Cafe recognised provider of student accommodation. • Natwest cash machine The University works closely with Opal to ensure • Bar and common rooms, some with Sky television students are happy in their accommodation. and Wi-FI • A launderette Spread across the campus, Bonington Hall • A recreational library provides accommodation, either in the original • A music room houses (which have been extensively refurbished) • A sports centre and climbing wall or in the new accommodation complexes. You • Monthly farmers’ market will have your own study bedroom in a shared • Car parking available Students outside one of the accommodation flat (housing groups of 2 to 10) with a fully fitted • Secure bike sheds blocks at Sutton Bonington Campus. kitchen/diner. There are several different room types to choose from to meet your taste and
23 24 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
The Students’ Union and the The Union also runs the Student Volunteer Centre, Social life on campus Sutton Bonington Guild which places hundreds of student volunteers with Many of the social activities you can get involved local charities and organisations every year. in are organised by The University of Nottingham’s Students’ Union (SU). Based in the Portland All biosciences students are automatically Building, which is regarded as the hub of members of both the Students’ Union and the University Park, Nottingham’s SU is one of the Sutton Bonington Guild and enjoy discounts at most active unions in the country. There are more many shops, nightclubs and cinemas. than 250 clubs and societies you can join and if A good social life is as much a part of the Opportunities on other campuses you can’t find a club that you like, SU can often Sport university experience as studying for a degree. and in the city provide the funds to help you set up a new one. Sport plays a major role in the life of students at Your social calendar kicks off from the day you The regular free bus service between Sutton Nottingham and our biosciences sports teams arrive with ‘Week One’ – a series of events and Bonington, University Park and (at weekends) The Sutton Bonington Guild is part of the are some of the most successful across the activities designed to help all new students Nottingham city centre means you’ll be able to University’s Students’ Union and represents all University. The campus has a modern sports settle into university life. take full advantage of all social and sporting students at Sutton Bonington. The Guild’s elected centre comprising a four-court badminton sports activities available within the University and city. group of current students is active in arranging a hall, two squash courts, a practice room for martial Immediately after Week One is Karnival, the With hundreds of clubs, cafes, cinemas, theatres, wide range of welfare services, clubs and social arts, table tennis and exercise classes as well as Students’ Union charity appeal, which annually shops and museums in nearby Nottingham, Derby events on campus. a fitness suite and new climbing wall. Outside are raises funds for some 50 charities through and Leicester, the only problem you’ll have is synthetic and grass pitches for football, rugby and games, parties and other fun events. Other social fitting it all in! The SU’s Advice and Representation Centre hockey, and tennis courts. activities, including trips, comedy nights, parties offers professional advisory and welfare services. and formal dinners, take place throughout the year, culminating in the spectacular end-of-year Summer Ball.
Students taking a lunch break at the Bistro Cafe on Sutton Bonington Campus.
25 26 Careers
Our aim is to provide the best environment within six months of graduating. See our web for teaching, learning and research. The pages for the latest survey and graduate profiles: outcome of this is reflected in the success of www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/careers our graduates. A wealth of opportunity Planning for your future Our degree courses offer sound preparation for Nottingham graduates have excellent prospects a wide range of careers. Many graduates take on for finding interesting and well-paid jobs. Our roles in management, sales, marketing, finance students are highly and actively sought-after by and teaching, while others take up research posts a wide range of employers who value the strong in industrial and government organisations and academic training and transferable skills that universities in the UK and overseas. students gain during their degree here. A number of our degrees also offer the opportunity The best start to your career to pursue careers in more specialised areas. Some employers hold presentations and Some of the careers pursued by recent graduates interviews on campus and a high percentage of of the School of Biosciences are listed on the our students find work or continue to further study following two pages.
Postgraduate students carrying out research in the glasshouses, Sutton Bonington Campus.
27 28 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Agricultural Sciences Environmental Biology and Nutrition Further study opportunities • Farmers and farm managers Environmental Science • Research, development and technical liaison in Many of our graduates choose to continue their • Consultants (sustainability, agronomy, • Conservation the food industry studies and undertake further research to MSc, livestock management) • Environmental consultancy • Careers in the health service in the UK or abroad MRes, MPhil or PhD level at The University of • Management trainees with agricultural companies • Management and advisory posts in government • Careers in dietary survey operations and market Nottingham or elsewhere. Opportunities for • Land agency agencies and local authorities research organisations further study within the school include taught • Agricultural finance and banking • Publishing and teaching • Research, development and technical liaison in postgraduate courses in a wide range of specialist • Advisory and technical roles in government and • PhD research the medical and veterinary supply industries subject areas: the farming industry • Commercial animal nutritionists • Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences • Advisory roles in waste management and Food Science • Postgraduate study in veterinary science • Animal Nutrition resource efficiency • Production management, product development and medicine • Applied Bioinformatics and quality control with major food • University and industry research • School teachers and lecturers in further education • Applied Biomolecular Technology manufacturers, processors and retailers • Registered dietitians (Master of Nutrition course) • Applied Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology and • Packaging consultancy and technical Animal Science Entrepreneurship • Research and development for the animal development Plant Science • Brewing Science feed industry including companion • Advisory and management roles in government • Plant propagators and tissue culturists animals/equine/zoo or within government agencies, such as the Department for • Horticulturists at Kew, at other botanic gardens • Clinical Nutrition research/advisory institutes Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and in industry • Crop Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship involving, for example, labelling laws, factory • Paramedical/para-veterinary sciences and the • Research scientists in the plant science industry • Crop Improvement auditing and environmental health pharmaceutical industry and institutes • Food Production Management • Academic/industrial research programmes in • Fruit importers/quality inspectors • Global Food Security basic and applied physiology, nutritional Microbiology • Journalists • Industrial Physical Biochemistry biochemistry and animal production • Research microbiology in research institutes • Further academic study on MSc, MPhil, MRes and universities • Integrative Systems Biology and PhD courses and veterinary science • Careers in the pharmaceutical and • International MSc in Biosciences (by research) food industries • Nutritional Sciences Applied Biology and Biotechnology • Healthcare and medicine research • Plant Genetic Manipulation and development • Medical laboratory science • Sensory Science (PG Cert) • Agricultural and environmental disciplines • Computer science • Sustainable Bioenergy • Biotechnology research • Agricultural biotechnology laboratories • Techniques in Developmental Biology • Higher degrees (PhD) at UK universities and • Advisory and management roles in government government research institutes agencies such as the Defra, Food Standards (for example, IACR Rothamsted) Agency and the Health Protection Agency • PGCEs (teacher training) • Scientific writing and communication “This course is a degree in science and so is recognised by not only careers in the agricultural sector such as agronomy and farm management, but in food marketing, consultancy, animal nutrition and business management.” Craig Green, Agriculture 29 30 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Applying for a place
What are the entry requirements Do you accept alternative Do you consider mature applicants? Do you offer any scholarships for courses in the School qualifications? We encourage applications from students who or bursaries? of Biosciences? We accept alternative qualifications to will be over 21 at the start of their course. We The University offers a generous package of consider a range of qualifications and work The general requirements for entry onto our A levels, including: bursaries and scholarships including the core experience. Mature applicants may be invited to undergraduate courses are: • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of bursary and is participating in the National attend an interview. • three A levels including two science-based 30 points – and 75% minimum overall in Scholarship Programme. For more information subjects, preferably in biology, chemistry, the European Baccalaureate, depending on your take a look at the Undergraduate Student Finance physics, mathematics or geography. (Where only chosen course, including specified grades in What about applications from Guide which can be downloaded from two A levels are offered, both must be in science subjects disabled students? www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees This information is science-based subjects; AS levels will also be • from Scottish candidates, three subjects at The school welcomes applications from students only for students who are classed as UK students considered alongside, but not in isolation from, Advanced Higher grade B, preferably from with disabilities. For further information about for fee paying purposes. You can also visit the A levels) biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, support available at the University see financial support web pages at www.nottingham. • Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education depending on your chosen course www.nottingham.ac.uk/ssc ac.uk/financialsupport (Double Awards) in science – this will be • Irish Leaving Certificate, range AAABB - considered, but will normally require additional BBBBB, with five subjects taken at Higher Do you accept applications for For more information for international students, AS levels. Level and specified science subjects required please see deferred entry? www.nottingham.ac.uk/international • Access and BTEC courses – these are The school is usually happy to consider In common with many others, The University of considered, subject to the suitability of the applications for deferred entry. If you have questions about financial support, Nottingham does not make offers through the tariff modules taken don’t hesitate to contact our advisors: system within the Curriculum 2000 initiative. How will my application UK students should contact the Financial If you hold a qualification other than those listed Support Team on +44 (0)115 823 2071 or email All honours degrees, apart from the Master of be considered? above, please contact us using the details on [email protected] Nutrition, may also be taken with the Certificate in page 34 for advice before making an application. Applications are considered on an individual basis. European Studies (Biosciences) which involves Decisions are based on academic ability, your International students should contact the an additional one-year placement at another personal statement and references. Applicants Do you accept International Office on +44 (0)115 951 4602 or European institution. Applicants require French, who are considered for the Master of Nutrition international students? email [email protected] Spanish or German (as appropriate to the host degree will be required to attend a face-to-face Yes, we welcome students from all over the world. country, but none of which can be their home interview. However non-EU applicants cannot be considered language) to a minimum of grade B GCSE. for the Master of Nutrition degree. Information on current entry requirements can be found on the University’s online prospectus: What are your English www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences language requirements? International students are required to have “I chose Nottingham not only because it’s an appropriate grade/score in an approved examination in English language before they can one of the few good universities that offers register; contact the school for further details. For home students a grade C in GCSE (or equivalent) environmental biology, but because it offers English language and maths is required. a flexible course with options to branch out into different areas.” Brinna Barlow, Environmental Biology 31 32 Biosciences Biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences
Students outside the Bioenergy and Brewing Building on Sutton Bonington Campus. Visiting and contacting us
Open days Getting here If you wish to visit the school and campus before There are excellent road, rail and air links to you make your UCAS application, the University the rest of the UK and overseas. For more organises annual open days for which we offer a information on getting to our campuses, see full programme of tours around our facilities, www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/ talks and demonstrations. For details please visitorinformation/information.aspx contact us using the number on the back cover of this brochure or visit Contact us www.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays If you would like to find out more about studying at the School of Biosciences or have a particular Campus tour days query, please contact: The University runs tours on some Wednesdays The Undergraduate Recruitment and throughout the year. For further information or to Courses Manager book a place on a campus tour day, please School of Biosciences contact the Enquiry Centre on The University of Nottingham +44 (0)115 951 5559 or email Sutton Bonington Campus [email protected] Loughborough LE12 5RD UCAS visit days t: +44 (0)115 951 6400 Offer holders will be invited to a UCAS visit day f: +44 (0)115 951 6020 at Sutton Bonington Campus or University Park e: [email protected] Campus (for Environmental Science) which will w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences include a talk given by an academic member of staff with an opportunity to ask questions. Suitably You can also follow us through our social media qualified applicants to the Master of Nutrition channels, all of which can be accessed via (Dietetics) degree will be invited for interview. www.nottingham.ac.uk/connect There will also be opportunities to tour the campus and to meet current students.
The University of Nottingham has made every effort to ensure that the information in this brochure was accurate when published. Please note, however, that the nature of the content means that it is subject to change from time to time, and you should therefore consider the information to be guiding rather than definitive. If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact us: t: +44 (0)115 951 4591 e: [email protected] Printed May 2013. Design: www.campbellrowley.com 33 © The University of Nottingham 2013. All rights reserved. 34