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nottingham.ac.uk/- Undergraduate guide 2020 Contents A member of The option to the prestigious add on a Russell Group and founding member placement Contents of the global year Welcome 4 Universitas to your studies Our courses 5 21 network World-class research 12 How will I study? 14 Careers and employability 16 How to apply 18 Gain Experience it 19 substantial laboratory experience from your first year

Study a course Contribute accredited by the to real research Royal Society of during your final-year project

Graduate with Tailor Join a global excellent prospects and discover a your range of career studies of over 456,000 students, options with our wide from more than 150 countries 2 range of optional 3 modules Welcome Our courses

Where could Our courses life sciences take you? Degree title UCAS code Duration A levels IB Single honours Welcome to the School of Life Our academics are experts in different areas of the life sciences and bring their research BSc Biology C100 3 years AAB 34 Sciences. We invite inquisitive expertise to their teaching. In the latest MSci Biology C101 4 years AAB 34 minds to join us and discover the Research Excellence Framework (2014) results, behind life. 95% of the school’s research was deemed BSc Genetics C400 3 years AAB 34 to be of international quality. MSci Genetics C401 4 years AAB 34 Students at Nottingham are encouraged to We hope that you find the information about our BSc Zoology C300 3 years AAB 34 investigate problems and find solutions to courses helpful, and look forward to welcoming real-life issues affecting people, and you in the future as you join our school. MSci Zoology C301 4 years AAB 34 the environment. Professor James McInerney Biology and a second science subject are required at A level, preferably from , physics or maths; geography and The School of Life Sciences is home to our Head of School psychology are also accepted. A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately. GCSE English and biology, genetics and zoology courses. Our maths at grade 4 or above also required. school is a combination of and biomedical scientists, and we believe in both BSc or MSci? English language requirements excellence in education and research-led MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element). teaching. which last for four years and have an integrated For details of other English language tests and masters qualification. They are the equivalent qualifications we accept, please see to a bachelors degree plus a masters level nottingham.ac.uk/go/alternativerequirements qualification. These courses provide additional research experience to enhance your future Academic English preparation prospects. An MSci is excellent preparation for If you require additional support to take your further study such as a PhD. language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend a presessional course at the If you choose to study an MSci, your student Centre for English Language Education, which is loan will cover tuition fees and living costs for accredited by the British Council for the teaching the additional year too (home/EU students only). of English in the UK. If you are unsure on whether to choose an MSci or BSc, we recommend you choose the MSci Students who successfully complete the to secure your funding. Transfer to the BSc is presessional course to the required level can straight forward. progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking IELTS or equivalent. Find Foundation courses out more at nottingham.ac.uk/cele Applicants who are not eligible for direct entry to undergraduate study may be able to apply for a foundation course. Find out more at nottingham.ac.uk/foundationcourses

4 nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences 5 Our courses

Typical modules BSc | MSci Biology Year four Year one Year two Year three (MSci only) Our Biology course involves the ecological consequences of in the Core Core Core Core wild on one of our field courses. Core Skills in Higher Skills in the Research Project Research scientific study of all aspects of Biology Biological Sciences Presentation Skills Transferable skills that we focus on in year two Science and Society the natural world: from genetics , The and Research Project include researching primary scientific literature Optional and how to communicate effectively in your own and Cells Disease and zoology, to , Advanced Optional scientific writing. Life on Earth science and . Optional Developmental Advanced Year three Optional Behaviour Biology Experimental , and Ageing, Sex and Design and Analysis Year one Alongside a compulsory module in science and and Behaviour Bacterial Genes and DNA Repair Cutting-Edge In the first year, you will study the diverse society and advanced optional modules, you Development Research biology of animals, and microbes and will demonstrate your skills and knowledge Fundamentals of Biological and the underlying biochemical, evolutionary and through a year-long research project – collecting Neuroscience Behavioural Ecology Challenges Ideas in Molecular genetic processes of life on Earth. data, carrying out detailed analysis and Human Physiology Field Course in the Tropics Biodiversity Field Biological Biology Through compulsory and optional modules, you communicating your findings. Course Photography Process and will discover new life science topics and have the This project is an exciting opportunity for you and Imaging 2 Practice in Science chance to explore your personal interests. Biological to put what you’ve learned into practice and Photography and Biology contribute to the research that the school Laboratory experience begins in year one, Imaging 1 Conservation produces. Guidance is provided by a research- with courses teaching practical skills and the Building active supervisor. Some students have even had Conservation principles of experimental design and analysis. Developmental Genetics You will also develop wider transferable skills in their work published in scientific journals. Biology Evolution and this year, including the use of learning resources, Ecology Behaviour report writing and oral presentations. Year four (MSci only) This additional year focuses on a year-long Evolutionary Year two masters-level research project. A great of Animals Ecology In this year, you can focus on your favourite areas introduction to postgraduate study, you will work From to Regulation of biology through a wider range of optional alongside expert researchers in a field you find and Back Human Variation modules. interesting, with access to enhanced research Infection and Molecular facilities. Immunity and Cellular You can learn about the genetic and Microbial Neuroscience developmental basis of disease, the fundamental You will gain further experience in scientific of pathogens and parasites, and what writing and preparing a research grant proposal, Molecular Imaging happens when the nervous system doesn’t work while also increasing your confidence in properly. presenting findings and carrying out statistical Neurobiology of Molecular Plant analysis. Disease There is the opportunity to explore imaging Neurons and Glia Pathogens techniques in a range of biological situations, Advanced optional modules will complement your research study and expose you to new ideas. Pharmacological Plant Disease from wildlife photography to microscopy. You Basis of Therapeutics Control can also explore the evolutionary origins and Signalling and Plant-Microbial Metabolic Regulation Interactions , and Analysis of Genes The Green Planet

6 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer, 7 not a definitive list. The most up-to-date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences Our courses

BSc | MSci Genetics

Transferable skills that we focus on in year two Genetics is the study of how Typical modules include researching primary scientific literature cellular and developmental and how to communicate effectively in your own Year four Year one Year two Year three processes are programmed by scientific writing. (MSci only) genetic information, coded as Year three Core Core Core Core DNA. The science of genetics The main component of the third year is a Core Skills in Bacterial Genes and Ageing, Sex and Research is expanding rapidly, through research project. This is your chance to carry Genetics Development DNA Repair Presentation Skills out your own practical investigation in an area of Genes, Molecules Evolutionary Biology Conservation Research Project exciting developments in and Cells of Animals Genetics genetics that interests you. Optional genome . Life on Earth Optional Gene Regulation Additionally, you will advance your learning Advanced Animal Behaviour Genetics by studying the genetics of ageing and how Optional Experimental and Physiology Research Project Year one DNA can be repaired, how is Evolution, Ecology Design and Analysis Biological Your first year will be a broad introduction to regulated and the influence genetics has on and Behaviour Optional Cutting-Edge biology and genetics. You will learn about the Photography and . Fundamentals of Advanced Research diverse biology of animals, plants and microbes, Imaging 1 Neuroscience Developmental Technologies and as well as the biochemical, evolutionary and Building Brains Year four (MSci only) Human Physiology Biology Ideas in Molecular genetic processes that underlie their biology. This additional year focuses on a year-long Biology Advanced Human You will explore the fundamental building blocks masters-level research project. A great Genetics Process and introduction to postgraduate study, you will work Ecology Practice in Science of life: genes, molecules and cells, as well as Cancer Genetics alongside expert researchers in a field you find From Genotype to how the genome regulates living processes in all Human Variation . interesting, with access to enhanced research Phenotype and Back facilities. Infection and Laboratory experience begins in year one, Immunity Molecular with modules teaching practical skills and the You will take a set of modules which focus on Parasitology developing your key research skills, gaining Microbial principles of experimental design and analysis. Pathogens further experience in scientific writing and Biotechnology You will also develop wider transferable skills in Science and Society this year, including the use of learning resources, preparing a research grant proposal, while also Neurobiology of report writing and oral presentations. increasing your confidence in presenting findings Disease and carrying out statistical analysis. Neurons and Glia Year two Advanced optional modules will complement Pharmacological In this year, you will learn about the genetic your research study and expose you to new Basis of Therapeutics and developmental basis of disease as well ideas. Signalling and as exploring how and Metabolic Regulation has influenced the evolution of Structure, Function the genome. and Analysis of Genes You will be able to focus on your favourite areas The Green Planet of genetics and biology, through a range of optional modules across the life sciences. Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer, not a definitive list. The most up-to-date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences

8 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences 9 Our courses

Typical modules BSc | MSci Zoology Year four Year one Year two Year three (MSci only) Enriched by cutting-edge Transferable skills that we focus on in year two Core Core Core Core include researching primary scientific literature Core Skills in Higher Skills in the Research Project Research research, this course explores and how to communicate effectively in your own Zoology Biological Sciences Science and Presentation Skills scientific writing. Evolution, Ecology Society Research Project topics ranging from animal Optional and Behaviour behaviour and ecology, to Animal Behaviour and Optional Optional Year three Genes, Molecules Physiology neurobiology, parasitology and Alongside a compulsory module in science and and Cells Biological Advanced Bacterial Genes and Challenges Experimental developmental biology. society and advanced optional modules, you Life on Earth will demonstrate your skills and knowledge Development in the Tropics Design and Analysis Year one through a year-long research project – collecting Optional Behavioural Ecology Biological data, carrying out detailed analysis and Fundamentals of Field Course Photography Cutting-Edge In the first year, you will study the diverse communicating your findings. Neuroscience Biodiversity Field Course and Imaging 2 Research biology of animals, plants and microbes and Conservation Technologies and the underlying biochemical, evolutionary and This project is an exciting opportunity for you Human Physiology Biological Photography and Imaging 1 Conservation Ideas in Molecular genetic processes of life on Earth. to put what you’ve learned into practice and Biology contribute to the research that the school Building Brains Genetics Process and Through compulsory and optional modules, you produces. Guidance is provided by a research- Developmental Biology Evolution and will discover new life science topics and have the Practice in active supervisor. Some students have even had Ecology Behaviour chance to explore your personal interests. Science their work published in scientific journals. Evolutionary Biology Evolutionary Laboratory experience begins in year one, of Animals Ecology with courses teaching practical skills and the Year four (MSci only) From Genotype to Molecular principles of experimental design and analysis. This additional year focuses on a year-long Phenotype and Back and Cellular Neuroscience You will also develop wider transferable skills in masters-level research project. A great Infection and Immunity this year, including the use of learning resources, introduction to postgraduate study, you will work Molecular Macromolecular Systems: report writing and oral presentations. alongside expert researchers in a field you find Parasitology Structure and Interactions interesting, with access to enhanced research Pathogens Microbial Biotechnology Year two facilities. Population Molecular Imaging In this year, you can focus on your favourite areas Genetics You will gain further experience in scientific Neurobiology of Disease of zoology through a wider range of optional writing and preparing a research grant proposal, Neurons and Glia modules. while also increasing your confidence in Pharmacological Basis You can learn about the genetic and presenting findings and carrying out statistical of Therapeutics developmental basis of disease, the fundamental analysis. biology of pathogens and parasites, and what Signalling and Metabolic Advanced optional modules will complement your Regulation happens when the nervous system doesn’t work research study and expose you to new ideas. properly. Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes There is the opportunity to explore imaging Structure, Function and techniques in a range of biological situations, Analysis of from wildlife photography to microscopy. You The Genome and can also explore how natural selection and Human Disease domestication has influenced evolution on one of our field courses. The Green Planet

Modules may change, for example due to curriculum developments. The above list is a sample of typical modules that we offer, not a definitive list. The most up-to-date information can be found on our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences 10 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/lifesciences 11 World-class research

World-class research Example timetable

The School of Life Sciences provides the main At Nottingham, we research Below is an example first-year timetable. This will give you an indication of how focus for biological and biomedical research at to bring about positive change. the University. The research that our students your time will be spent. Our innovative ideas and do can directly contribute to the impact of the 9-10am 10-11am 11am-12pm 12-1pm 1-2pm 2-3pm 3-4pm 4-5pm school’s research. Some students have their discoveries are designed to work published, which is a great achievement. Monday FP* Lecture FP FP FP Lecture FP FP work in the real world. Tuesday FP FP Workshop FP FP Lecture No teaching – sport/leisure Wednesday FP Practical FP time Student experiences of research Thursday FP FP Lectures FP Practical

Friday Lecture Tutorial Lectures FP FP FP FP

* Free periods are provided for students to carry out self-directed study. This includes tasks such as reading around key topics and developing coursework.

 My project involved synthesising various mutated forms for the DEF6 to see how, if at all, this altered the protein function. Through the project I have learned a lot of new skills including PCR mutagenesis and fluorescent imaging. It was incredibly interesting to join an active research group and it is nice to know my results will continue to be used for their research in the future. George Harrison-Church, BSc Biology

 Working alongside a research group, I spent a month surveying trails in known nightjar in Sherwood Forest. I gathered data on human disturbance, accompanied by mist netting and nest monitoring to survey the nightjar population during breeding season. Being able to carry out real research that will hopefully contribute to the conservation of the nightjar population in the future has been so fulfilling. Georgina Bray, MSci Zoology

12 nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/research 13 How will I study?

Engaging study, incredible results

Our teaching is delivered Teaching and learning Assessment At Nottingham, we offer small group tutorials. This ensures you have enough time to build a You will learn through a variety of methods Assessment varies on the module being studied, by staff who are actively relationship with your tutor and benefit from depending on the module. These may include: but is typically a combination of: involved in world-class their support. Your fellow tutees also provide lectures exams peer support. research and is shaped by seminars essays Additionally, the school has a dedicated Welfare the latest discoveries. laboratory classes dissertations Officer and a Student Liaison Officer who are workshops laboratory reports available to help you adapt to university life and problem classes presentations provide advice on more complex issues. residential field courses Exams happen twice a year at the end of tutorials each semester. Library and computing services You will benefit from access to an extensive You may study in the Life Sciences Building collection of printed and online library resources. on University Park Campus and in the Medical Experimental learning In addition, you will have both on and off-campus School, which is embedded in the Queen’s All life sciences subjects contain a high degree access to a wide range of databases, ejournals Medical Centre and connected of laboratory work. You will learn techniques and and ebooks. Life Sciences students have access to University Park by a footbridge. see the practical steps by which our knowledge of living organisms and how they work has been to two specialist libraries: obtained and advanced. George Green Library, which recently Practical work can be broadly divided into class underwent an £18m redevelopment, to practicals – where you will carry out experiments provide more study space and additional and obtain data – and project work – where you computers will do individual investigations, asking new Greenfield Medical Library, which is home to scientific questions not previously answered. and medical texts, as well as having group study rooms and silent study zones Student support When you start the course, you will be assigned Key Information Sets a personal tutor. Personal tutors are members of Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable academic staff in the school and they will: sets of information about full or part-time undergraduate courses and are designed to meet monitor your academic progress and the information needs of prospective students. check on your wellbeing All KIS data is published on the Unistats website: provide exam marks and help you unistats.co.uk reflect on feedback act as a first point of contact for any guidance on academic or personal matters For Nottingham’s KIS data, please see individual course entries at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy

14 nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences/teaching 15 Careers and employability

Amplify your potential Outstanding Whether you already have a plan or need some 96.5% inspiration, your Careers and Employability careers support of undergraduates Service is here to help. from the School of Life Academic excellence and employability go Sciences secured work or hand in hand at Nottingham. Your course, and As a graduate, you will have further study within six the diverse student experiences we offer, will months of graduation.* enable you to develop the skills and professional a broad range of skills valued competencies required to thrive in the job in sectors such as , market of the future. clinical genetics, conservation, We will help you explore your options, so you feel confident making choices about what you , food and want to achieve. Our team will support you pharmaceutical. as you build your CV, search for jobs, prepare applications, practise your interview technique, Many of our graduates pursue £21,037 and much more. a scientific career, others use was the average starting salary of our Get the Advantage their skills in professions such as graduates in 2017 with the highest The career-enhancing Nottingham Advantage marketing, law and the armed being £42,000.* Recent graduate destinations Award recognises and rewards your • Aequus International: extracurricular activities. With a choice of services. over 200 modules, you can hone the key skills healthcare researcher employers are looking for. From developing • Future Science Group: your leadership skills and learning a language editorial assistant to public speaking and volunteering, you will • Kirkhouse Trust: leave university with demonstrable experience that sets you apart from other graduates. project administrator For further information, visit (agricultural research) nottingham.ac.uk/careers/advantage • Merial: laboratory technician (animal health products) Study abroad and placements We can offer you the chance to study at an • NHS: NHS Scientific Training approved partner university in a range of Programme locations across the world. This is a great chance to gain valuable communication skills, a global perspective of science and immerse yourself in a new culture. Further study Many of our graduates go on to study taught You can also obtain work experience with an or research masters, or PhDs in areas such as: optional placement year in industry, to gain an , biological photography and insight into the sector you will be working in and imaging, business and , clinical enhance your career prospects. microbiology, ecology and environmental management, forensic , genetic @UoNCareers counselling and oncology. CareersUoN

16 nottingham.ac.uk/careers * Known destinations of full-time home undergraduates who were available for work 206/17. 17 Salaries are calculated based on the median of those in full-time paid employment within the UK. How to apply In 2019/20, the Core Bursary will Experience it offer up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study. For details, including eligibility, see nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport Live and study How to apply abroad as part of your degree assessing your academic potential. Some nottingham.ac.uk/ courses may make a slightly lower offer. studywithus/studyabroad All applications for full-time For more information about this policy, see undergraduate study at nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying Nottingham, including applications by international Mature applicants Accommodation Around 15 minutes We encourage applications from mature to suit every from the city centre students, must be made applicants who have a significant gap in 300+ through UCAS. education. You should apply through UCAS. budget and by tram or bus clubs, societies Find out more at nottingham.ac.uk/mature for music, food personal choice and opportunities You can apply online at ucas.com and will be and shopping notified of decisions through UCAS Track. International applicants nottingham.ac.uk/ su.nottingham.ac.uk accommodation nottingham.ac.uk/ The University provides a range of information nottinghamlife Your personal statement and advice for international applicants. If you are This is the section of your UCAS form that tells unable to attend an open day, we can meet you us most about you, and you should make the in your country at one of our overseas events or best use of it. Be as specific and detailed as you arrange an individual visit to the University. can – we would like to see that you are a student For further information please visit who can work hard, be self-motivated and make nottingham.ac.uk/international the best possible use of the opportunities that our courses offer you. We would also like to Student Service hear about any skills you have gained through Deferred entry extracurricular activities. Applicants who wish to defer their entry by a Centres on all year will not be at a disadvantage. Please tell us UK campuses Minimum entry requirements something about your plans for your gap year in for support Unless otherwise stated in individual course your UCAS personal statement. profiles, all UK applicants should have GCSE and advice English grade 4 (C) as a minimum. Equal opportunities policy nottingham.ac.uk/ The University aims to create the conditions studentservices Alternative qualifications whereby students and staff are treated solely on In this brochure you will find our A level and the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, International Baccalaureate entry requirements regardless of , , colour, nationality, but we accept a much broader range of ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic qualifications. For more details, visit background, disability, religious or political Sports University nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying beliefs, trade union membership, family Join in with the Choose from circumstances, or other of the Year 2019* vibrant musical irrelevant distinction. 9 modern Flexible admissions policy with over life on campus In recognition of our applicants’ varied If you wish to declare a disability, please ensure experience and educational pathways, we that you have ticked the appropriate box on 70 student and in the city employ a flexible admissions policy. If we judge your UCAS application form. Disclosure of this to study alongside nottingham.ac.uk/ that your situation has adversely affected your information will not affect your application. sports clubs your course achievement, then we will consider this when nottingham.ac.uk/sport music/performance nottingham.ac.uk/ * The Times and The Sunday Times language-centre 18 nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/applying Good University Guide, 2019. 19 GOOD GOOD UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY GUIDE GUIDE 2019 2019 INTERNATIONAL SPORTS UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

For undergraduate enquiries contact: Student Recruitment Support Hub This publication

+44 (0)115 951 5559 is available in alternative formats: nottingham.ac.uk/contact +44 (0)115 951 5559 UoNLifeSciences © University of Nottingham 2019. @UoNLifeSci All rights reserved. Printed May 2019. nottingham.ac.uk/life-sciences

This brochure has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publication and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check our website for any updates before you apply for the course by following nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy. Where there is a difference between the contents of this brochure and our website, the contents of the website take precedence.