University of York
Master of Biology Honours in Biology
The Master of Biology Honours in Biology in Biology is offered by University of York.
Program Length: 4 YEARS.
Master of Biology Honours in Biology offered by the University of York
Prepare for a career as a scientist by understanding the latest biological research in the science of life, ranging from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.The integrated Masters in Biology is a flexible and broad-based degree that covers biomedicine, biotechnology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology.This course is ideal if you are interested in an interdisciplinary approach to biology, or wish to specialise at a later stage. You will have a wide range of options to tailor the course to your developing interests.The study of life ranges from the chemistry of single molecules to understanding how populations of different species respond to changes in the environment. Driven by cutting-edge technologies, we now live in an era where medicines can be tailored to individuals and the genomes of novel organisms can be sequenced in less than a day. An explosion of discoveries relating to how cancer develops, predicting the effects of climate change and harnessing the biotechnological potential of organisms to produce fuel, food and medicines makes biosciences one of the most exciting and relevant subjects of the 21st century.The integrated Masters course introduces a four-year programme that specifically focuses on the skills needed for a career as a research scientist. During this time you work with researchers within one of the UK’s top bioscience departments to learn specialised techniques and gain experience in a cutting-edge research lab. You also undertake specialist research training and take Masters-level modules.Adding a year in industry or a year abroad are both an option with this course too, so you can benefit from the advantages that a year away can bring. The Department of Biology will provide you with the opportunity to learn in new, spacious and modern teaching laboratories which provide excellent facilities for practicals and small group project work, alongside our state-of-the-art computing facilities.AccreditationAll of the undergraduate courses are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. As a graduate, you will meet in-part the academic and experience requirement for membership and chartered biologist (CBiol).
Course contentThis is a flexible and modular course which offers you choices in what you can study. You will take 120 credits each year that you are based within the University. There is the option to spend an additional year in industry or a year in Europe as part of this course. If you do not go away for a year, you will continue to progress through your studies within the University.Year 1Stage 1 (the first year) consists of core modules which are designed to give you an excellent basis on which to build your future studies and develop your interests.In a typical week you will have around 25 hours of contact time, typically six or seven lectures, two or three practicals, a skills workshop and a tutorial. You will also spend time on independent study, consolidating information from lectures and practicals and preparing work for tutorials.Core modulesGenetics (10 credits)Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (20 credits)Cell and Developmental Biology (10 credits)Microbiology (10 credits)Animal and Plant Biology (30 credits)Genetics and Evolution (10 credits)Laboratory and Professional Skills for Bioscientists (20 credits)Small group tutorials (10 credits)Academic integrity moduleIn addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.Year 2Core modulesYou will undertake the following core modules:Laboratory and Professional Skills for Bioscientists II (20 credits)Small group tutorials (10 credits)Big Data Biology (10 credits)
Option modulesYou will choose four of the following options:Genome Expression and Maintenance (20 credits)Cell Biology (20 credits)Molecular Genetics and Development (20 credits)Neuroscience (20 credits)Genes and Genomes in Populations and Evolution (20 credits)Organisms in their Environment (20 credits)Immunology and Infection (20 credits)Food and Fuel (20 credits)Ecology of animals, plants and microbes (20 credits)Year 3Core modulesData analysis (20 credits)Group Research Project (20 credits)The Research Project is your chance to investigate a topic relevant to your interests from a wide range of projects across the Department.You'll receive supervision from the project director and often work as part of a research group, giving you hands-on experience of a real research environment. At the end of the project you will produce a 4,000-6,000 word project report, give a presentation on the topic and produce a poster.Option modulesYou will also choose four 20-credit option modules. Option modules offered may vary from year to year.Recent options include:Advanced Topics in Evolution and Genetics in EcologyAdvanced Topics in Molecular BiologyAdvanced Topics in NeuroscienceAdvanced Topics in BiotechnologyAgeing and Regenerative MedicineAdvanced Topics in MicrobiologyGenes and DevelopmentCurrent Research in EcologyCancer, Cell and Molecular BiologyConserving Biodiversity in the AnthropoceneHuman GeneticsMolecular RecognitionSpecialised Topics in Infection and ImmunityAdvanced Ecology field courseYear 4Core modulesResearch project (80 credits)Research process (20 credits)Research skills (20 credits)