Course Overview
Besides core modules in Cell Biology, the degree gives you a solid background in related fields, such as genetics, microbiology, immunology and biochemistry. Later on, you can choose modules, techniques courses and projects in specialised areas of Cell Biology to suit your own interests.
The first year of your degree involves some compulsory modules designed to ensure a good general overview of modern day cell biology subjects. These modules include Cell Structure and Function, Genetics, and Molecules of Life. In addition, you can choose a further five modules from any of the bioscience subjects on offer or even from one of a number of different departments in the University.
In your second year, you will focus on a range of compulsory modules including Biochemistry and DNA Technology as well as some more practically oriented modules designed to develop the laboratory skills and knowledge required by Biologists today. If studying abroad, you will spend your second year at a university in North America or Australasia.
The flexibility of the final year enables you to tailor your degree to your own interests. You'll be able to select from a diverse range of modules including Cell Signalling, Cancer, Immunology, and Medical Genetics. You'll also benefit from the diverse range of internationally renowned Cell Biology research experience amongst our academic staff members when you conduct your own laboratory-based project.
Related Courses
Modules
Lancaster degree programmes are flexible, offering students the opportunity to cover a wide selection of subject areas to compliment their degree. The following is an example list of modules which our previous students have studied. For a full list contact the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department.
Year 1
- Molecules of Life
- Cell Structure and Function
- Genetics
- Biotechnology
- Protein Biochemistry
- Impact of Microbes
- Anatomy and Tissue Structure
- Infection and Immunity
- Hormones and Development
- Human Physiology
- Skills in Biomedical and Life Sciences
- Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Year 2
Year 3
- Biological Sciences Research Project
Lancaster University offers the chance to follow a structured study programme or the option to devise a more flexible programme. We divide academic study into 2 sections - Part 1 (Year 1) and Part 2 (Year 2, 3 and sometimes 4). In Part 1 you will take three modules of study which, depending upon your programme, will be drawn from one, two or three different academic subjects, a higher degree of specialisation then develops in subsequent years. For more information about our teaching methods at Lancaster visit our Teaching and Learning section.
For further information about the department, staff and courses please visit the Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences department website.
Entry Criteria
A-level: AAA. All to include two science A-levels from Biol/Chem/Geog/Maths/Physics/Psychology.
General Studies: Only accepted if taken as one of four A levels
Key skills: Not included in offer
GCSE: Maths (B) and English Language (C)
Scottish Highers: AAABB
Irish Leaving Cert: Offers will be made on the basis of 5 or 6 Higher level subjects. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (01524 592028) for further information
International Bacc: 36 points overall with 16 points from best three HL courses
BTEC: DDD
Mature students: Applications welcome
IELTS: 6.0
Careers
Many Cell Biology graduates find jobs within the pharmaceutical industry, hospital research, the food industry, forensic science and research institutes. While two thirds of our graduates typically enter bioscience professions, the transferable skills developed on this course - and from studying abroad - open up opportunities in management, finance and marketing. Studying abroad will add to these options.
Other Lancaster graduates go on to take MSc or PhD qualifications, working with our internationally excellent academic staff to produce world-class research.
Lancaster University is dedicated to ensuring you not only gain a highly reputable degree, you also graduate with the relevant life and work based skills. We are unique in that every student is eligible to participate in The Lancaster Award which offers you the opportunity to complete key activities such as work experience, employability awareness, career development, campus community and social development. Visit our Employability section for full details.
Studying
Teaching and Learning Methods
At Lancaster we offer a broad range of learning environments which include the traditional lecture-tutorial , interactive workshops, laboratory and practical activities, student-led seminars and web-based delivery.
The modules which make up a programme of study are assessed using a variety of different methods, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in a range of ways. Typical coursework assignments include laboratory reports, essays, literature reviews, short tests, poster sessions and oral presentations. Formal examinations include short answer questions, essays and data analysis. Students are supported in the production of final year project reports and dissertations. Details of the assessment methods for individual modules can be accessed via the university's online module catalogue.
In addition to these learning and teaching methods we encourage independent study, meaning you take responsibility for your own learning. For more information visit our Teaching Approach page.
Assessment Methods
We offer you a variety of stimulating and effective approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. This enables you and your tutors to explore the very latest thinking within your subject and develops your skills in problem solving, analysis and critical reflection, communication, application of knowledge and modern technologies.
As a University, we commit to providing all our undergraduates with a minimum number of contact hours per week, providing you with timely feedback on your work and a maximum number of 15 students per seminar group.
Funding
Lancaster University has committed £2.7m in scholarships and bursaries to help with your fees and living costs. Our financial support depends on your circumstances and how well you do in your A-levels (or equivalent academic qualifications) before starting study with us.
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student to make the most of their life and education. For students starting their study with us in 2013, over 600 each year will be entitled to bursaries and/or scholarships to help them with the cost of fees and/or living expenses. For UK students entering in 2013 we will have the following financial support available:
- An Academic Scholarship of £2,000 for the first year of study to any student from the UK entering with A*, A*, A or equivalent academic qualifications
- An Access Scholarship of £1,000 per year for all UK students from households with an income of less than £42,600 who achieve grades of A*, A, A or the equivalent academic qualifications
- A Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 per annum for all students from England with a household income of more than £25,000 but less than £42,600
- As part of the National Scholarship Programme, a £1,000 Bursary, a £1,000 Fee Waiver and a £1,000 Accommodation Discount in the first year of study, for students from England with a household income of less than £25,000. Plus a Lancaster Bursary of £1,000 in subsequent years.
*All of the financial awards above are subject to approval by the Office for Fair Access July 2012.
For full details of the University's financial support packages including eligibility criteria, please visit our fees and funding page
View details of our current Undergraduate fees.
