Introduction
Studying Biology at ARU
Biology, the science of life, is a varied and exciting discipline from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.
Study at an award-winning university
We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Why Biology at ARU?
- Our broad-based course covers all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems.
- Focus on practical skills, including a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills.
- Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests by choosing from a wide range of specialisms, all with a central underpinning of sustainability.
- Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in the life sciences, especially in biological data science and bioinformatics, and take advantage of a wealth of local opportunities.
- Learn from Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold standard, research-active staff, who keep course content fully up-to-date with recent findings across a whole range of fields.
- Carry out projects and paid internships with research-active staff from the School of Life Sciences and apply for placements with a range of employers.
Biology is the study of life. Life on earth is fascinating, astonishing, diverse and beautiful, and the course aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of the wide variety of living organisms. Your knowledge will encompass how organisms evolve, their physiology, and how they function within the environment.
However, all life is currently under threat; with man-made (anthropogenic) change affecting the earth and all its systems. The biological sciences offer us a wide range of tools which can be used to alleviate these effects and preserve our natural environment, both for the benefit of plants, animals and humans, and for their current and future generations.
Course options
Key facts
Entry Requirements
Loading...
Entry requirements are not currently available, please try again later.
Fees and Paying for University
Facilities and accreditation
Outstanding facilities and opportunities
As a student at ARU, you’ll be able to take advantage of:
- state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our Science Centre – a new £45 million building
- the chance to gain experience and build your employability skills on an optional placement year
- award-winning IT and library facilities.
Lecturers
Ben Gregson
Lecturer
Max Carter-Brown
Lecturer
Bas Boots
Senior Lecturer
Joseph J Bailey
Senior Lecturer
Peter Brown
Associate Professor
For further information about ladybird ecology research, please visit the Ladybird Survey website
Harisree Paramel Nair
Lecturer
Hannah White
Senior Lecturer
Mareike Posner
Senior Lecturer
Linda King
Deputy Head of Department, Associate Professor
Canon Nigel Cooper
Visiting Professor
Krishna N. Balasubramaniam
Lecturer
Caray A Walker
Senior Lecturer
Havovi Chichger
Associate Professor
Jason Hodgson
Senior Lecturer
Krithika Sundararaman
Senior Lecturer
Careers
Our Biology course offers a large range of potential graduate avenues, across many areas of cutting-edge science, such as:
- Bioscience, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries
- Bioinformatics
- Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare, agricultural, environmental sustainability products
- Data analysis/science
- Education: university, college and school teaching
- Environmental and conservation projects
- Quality control, food production, food industry and food safety
- Government departments and the civil service
- Government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes
- Research and development for agri-environment industries
- Research laboratories in universities
- Science communication and public engagement
- Science policy
- Ecology
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters such as our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation, MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation, or MSc Applied Bioscience. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Employability and personal career development
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgeWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Placement year available
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
Your guide to placements
@ARU_Biology on X
Want to keep up to date on our latest research and announcements?
Follow @ARU_Biology on XLoading...
