Overview
The BSc (Hons) Applied Biosciences degree course explores life at all levels from chemicals, molecules and cells to organ systems. You will also explore human health and illness and how they are managed in the context of contemporary research, as well as how populations, communities and the environment influence health and illness.
Course content and assessments have been designed to help you develop both theoretical knowledge and understanding, as well as the practical skills to enhance your career and academic opportunities.
Each year, the course is reviewed to ensure it includes the major causes of illness and death globally, as researched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as the major causes of sickness absence from the workplace, to give you a rounded understanding of the way disease affects human life.
Why CU London
We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Employability
Dedicated Careers & Employability department who will assist you in finding employmentTop Quality Courses
Taught by industry professionals, awarded by Coventry UniversityNo End of Year Exams
Our modern teaching techniques mean no last-minute cramming and less stressProfessional Recognition
Specific courses contain additional industry recognised qualifications from awarding bodiesAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This course has been mapped to the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) Accreditation Matrix. This means that when you graduate you may be eligible to apply for professional registration with the RSB and then as a Registered Scientist (RSci) with The Science Council to receive accreditation.

The Royal Society of Biology
The RSB is a professional membership body. Holding an RSB qualification is a route to some of the most in-demand skills in the world and, subject to completing the correct amount of work experience, allows you to become a Registered Scientist.
What our students say...
I like that this course is so varied. You can find a topic that you’re really interested in and focus on it, honing in on aspects that I am passionate about. It also means I have lots of options when I graduate.
Course information
Biosciences are a varied, interesting and important area to study and we’ll explore technical theory from chemical and molecular level through to the human body as a whole.
Practical elements are another key focus of the course and you will be expected to perform advanced hands-on experiments which includes computer-based activities. Combining the two helps to solidify knowledge of the subject and prepares you for your career.
Course Specification
Download PDF (334kb)
Modules
Coventry University is ranked 15th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2020. CU London is part of the Coventry University Group.
In more detail...
Facilities
You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment. You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, which hosts multiple study areas and loanable laptops, fully-equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites. Our laboratories are home to industry-standard equipment, so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.
Staff
Each course unit has been developed and is taught by specialists in the field of chemical or biological science. Our lecturers bring a wealth of expertise, with staff members currently contributing to the scientific research.
Practical Experience
Throughout your studies, you will find that the course is underpinned with practical elements. During the course, you will have the opportunity to dissect an organ, such as a heart, lungs or even a brain, synthesise drugs, grow your own form of bacterium and more.
Placements
At CU London, we put a strong focus on getting our graduates ready to enter the job market. This can be done in a variety of ways—one key element is work placements. With this degree, you are given the opportunity to undertake short and long-term placements in between your second and third year.
- Upon completion of this course, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University.
- You will receive support with applying for short and long-term placements, to gain the experience employers desire, via our Careers & Employability department.
- You will have the opportunity for multi-campus learning in London, Coventry and Scarborough.
- We keep our fees low to make higher education more accessible to everyone. This means you benefit from an amazing modern university experience, at a competitive price.
- Small tutorial group sessions of up to five people ensure that you receive the mentoring help and support you need.
- We deliver one module at a time during each block. This means you can dedicate your time to specialise in each subject without the distraction of numerous modules and multiple deadlines.
- This course is packed with skills employers seek, such as innovation and laboratory competency.
- Independent and Autonomous Working: The ability to critically appraise a scenario with a view to apply new technologies to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
- Cell and Molecular Biology: You will study eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure whilst beginning to explore bacterial diversity and emerging antibiotic strains. You will apply this knowledge to a number of emerging applications of molecular techniques within the area of gene technology.
- Health and Disease Issues: You will be introduced to basic pharmacological principles and drugs used to treat a range of diseases and gain a developed understanding and critical analysis of the complex pathophysiology and aetiological causes of a variety of tropical diseases, whilst observing the clinical signs and symptoms used to diagnose these disorders.
- The Fundamentals of Applied Biosciences: Including biology, chemistry and physiology. You will develop your core understanding within the sciences, with a focus on the application of fundamental scientific principles within analytical industries. You will also develop a critical appreciation of biological and chemical sciences to enable them to develop practical skills in a range of scenarios.
- Project Management: You will gain an applied knowledge of small-scale investigations, integrating some principles of project management and the associated processes.
- Research Methods: Critical analysis, reflection, information searching and experimental design in the biological sciences. Data collection, analysis and presentation.
This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field. Alternatively, part-time study is also available and with our Saturday University programme, this course can be completed in as little as three years. Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work.
We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our online learning platform, Aula.
Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.
Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.
Our teaching methods are varied with a number of teaching styles to suit different students, so in addition to lectures, we also teach via online mediums, workshops and group work.
The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.
Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.
Course Breakdown (approximate):
- 80% Coursework
- 10% Presentations
- 10% Exams
On completion, you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of biological and chemical sciences, including cell biology, chemistry and physiology. You will develop a core understanding within the sciences, with applications to industry and the health sector.
- Develop appropriate research and analysis techniques, alongside the ability to undertake reliable scientific research activities.
- Operate, lead and collaborate in a team to solve problems of a practical (experimental) nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
- Apply appropriate presentation and evaluation tools to establish the significance of research data produced.
Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.
Class groups are kept low. This way, students can take advantage of small numbers to increase contact time with lecturers.
What our students say...
I like that this course is so varied. You can find a topic that you’re really interested in and focus on it, honing in on aspects that I am passionate about. It also means I have lots of options when I graduate.
Entry Requirements
CU London has assessed that you can achieve the required grades and we have demonstrated this belief by making you an offer. This is our commitment to you so then we ask that you reciprocate this commitment by selecting us as your ‘firm’ choice and activating your offer.
We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer if you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).
An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.
No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in the year for which they applied.
If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we have a number of programmes which upon successful completion and meeting any additional entry criteria, qualifies you onto a place on this degree course, such as Foundation Years.
What our students say...
I like that this course is so varied. You can find a topic that you’re really interested in and focus on it, honing in on aspects that I am passionate about. It also means I have lots of options when I graduate.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Fees & Funding
We price our courses competitively in an attempt to make higher education accessible for a wide range of people. Your tuition fees will cover all of your classes, online tutorials, some of the learning materials and access to our Library & Learning Services.
Funding
As a full-time or part-time student resident in the UK or EU, you can apply for a loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees at CU London from Student Finance England.
What our students say...
I like that this course is so varied. You can find a topic that you’re really interested in and focus on it, honing in on aspects that I am passionate about. It also means I have lots of options when I graduate.
Career prospects
With a BSc behind you, your chances of employment are improved and the level at which you enter the job market could mean a higher salary.
On graduation, you will have a portfolio of employability skills across a range of science disciplines giving you an advantage over other candidates. You could go on to work in a number of different disciplines including studying towards postgraduate qualifications, working within laboratory based industries, technical posts within education or industry, research technician or even teaching in science. The BSc also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers.
Where our graduates work
Graduates have progressed into further education, undertaking a master’s degree in related subjects, such as Biotechnology, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, Molecular Biology, Polymer Chemistry and more.
What our students say...
I like that this course is so varied. You can find a topic that you’re really interested in and focus on it, honing in on aspects that I am passionate about. It also means I have lots of options when I graduate.
Disclaimer
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s planned exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance at that time.