Applied Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Student using a microscope in a laboratory

The Applied Biosciences BSc (Hons) course is designed to expand your knowledge of the molecular, biochemical, cell biological and genetic techniques underpinning modern biotechnology and how they can be used to solve real-world problems and benefit society.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University Wrocław (Poland)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 year - Degree

Course code

CUPU039

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
May 2024
July 2024

How to apply
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Course overview

The course is designed to provide the training and development necessary to meet demand for highly skilled scientists within the expanding and global bioscience sector. 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.

Why Coventry University Wrocław?

At Coventry University Wrocław, we aim to offer a career-focused experience to our students, one that is traditionally academic but is also designed to help you progress in your future career. Our offering 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 are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable for as many people as possible, so we only to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

Collaborations with other organisations

There will be a close collaboration with Wrocław Park of Technology (WPT) and other biotechnology sector companies.

How can we help?

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What you'll study

The Applied Biosciences course focuses on the application of the knowledge gained during the course to facilitate real-life problem-solving. You will explore the biosciences thoroughly on the 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 including computer-based activities. Combining both helps to solidify knowledge of the subject and prepares you for your future career.

You will learn about the essential concepts such as chemistry, cell and molecular biology, microbiology and anatomy and physiology. The practical aspect focuses on vital laboratory skills specific to the subject which include the safe use of complex equipment, report writing and the development of problem-solving skills necessary in your future career.

Modules

  • This module aims to teach the fundamentals of chemistry, how it is used in society and how it connects with other areas of science, with emphasis on the application to biochemistry and the human body.

    Compulsory

  • Here, we explore various microorganisms and parasites, including pathogens, with an aim to develop your understanding of personal and public health, from the simplest of microbes to the most complex.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces knowledge of the cell to build an understanding of human health and disease. You’ll explore the cell, carbohydrates, lipids, water and proteins and these will all be discussed within the context of cellular function. Other key concepts covered include the various stages of the cell cycle, key structural components, and their associated function with regard to different types of cells and tissues throughout the body.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on the structure and function of systems in the human body. Topics include how the various types of cells and tissues make up the major organs within the body. You will develop core knowledge of how these structures function to understand the human body in greater detail, ready to apply this knowledge to health and disease.

    Compulsory

In year two you will develop knowledge gained in your first year. Specifically, this includes more advanced practical skills and expanding on concepts such as thermodynamics, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. You’ll also discover infectious diseases and how they affect people on a personal and public level. The year concludes by focusing on human physiological systems and the mechanisms of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence, which will include exploring cutting-edge genetic screening procedures.

By using scientific journals you’ll further develop the critical skills of academic writing and data presentation, and the principles of good scientific writing and data presentation will be examined. Throughout your second year, you will further develop and enhance your academic, practical and analytical skills in preparation for year three, and build skills that are attractive to employers.

Modules

  • You’ll explore, in more depth, the molecular regulation of the cell life cycle and division, the human genome, and the molecular process of gene expression. Covered within this module is how genes control the development of organs through tissues and cells and how the state of the gene affects the health of these human structures.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to develop your academic and practical skills. Emphasis is placed on the biochemistry of individual molecules, cells and organisms and the ways that they interact at a chemical level. You will develop an in-depth knowledge of key biochemical concepts in topics such as thermodynamics, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics in relation to biological systems.

    Compulsory

  • Here, you will explore microorganisms and parasites and their involvement in health and illness, as well as developing a greater understanding of how pathogens spread infectious diseases and affect personal and public health issues. You’ll also explore the biology, prevention and treatment of infections in greater depth.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of human organ systems and the biological mechanisms of disease. The module expands on knowledge gained during year one and will introduce additional factors that affect the way the major systems operate. The module will also introduce the fundamental pharmacological principles involved in the management and treatment of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement1 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually start before your final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

You will undertake an independent research project, from the research design to performance of practical experiments to gather data, analyse it, write up and present your findings.

Modules

  • This module explores the application of complex principles of biochemistry through a combination of current scientific theory and lesser-known cutting-edge scientific research. You’ll analyse the uses of organic materials, identification by spectroscopic methods and discover their relevance to the fields of pharmacology, toxicology and environmental sciences.

    Compulsory

  • Here, we will expand upon the previous topics of applied cell biology and molecular biology. The module will include an in-depth study of the complex genetic involvement in major causes of sickness, mortality and disease; investigating genetic profiles, genotypes and phenotypic characteristics, as well as biotechnological applications, including bioengineering, nanotechnology, stem cell technology and regenerative medicine. The module also explores how lifestyle factors contribute to modified cellular function and the impact this has on human sickness and mortality.

    Compulsory

  • At this stage, you will take an in-depth look at the pathophysiological mechanisms of human disease. The module will expand on the knowledge gained during year two and examines current research theories relevant to infectious and non-infectious causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence. This knowledge and understanding will be applied to the critical analysis of relevant preventative and management strategies. The module will also help you to develop universal academic skills. The flipped-classroom approach means you will be provided with a problem, required to research autonomously, critically analyse scientific papers and ultimately propose a solution.

    Compulsory

  • In the final module you will undertake an independent research project. You will develop a research question, design an experimental method and collect data from either a laboratory experiment or a field-based project. As part of the project, you should demonstrate an ability to work independently, a high level of organisational skills and awareness of health and safety, ethical considerations and good laboratory practice. You will be expected to present findings in a format that includes a dissertation, and to defend and justify the design and scientific approach of your experiment in a viva voce (oral) exam.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

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 field2.

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. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently 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.

Teaching contact hours

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.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 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.

Assessment

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, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and phase tests. These assessments take place in the middle and at the end of each six-week block.

Course breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Presentations
  • Exams

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

You may have the opportunity to attend international visits2 with our academic or industry collaborators, allowing you to gain valuable experience.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK, Polish or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Polish requirements

Requirement What we're looking for
Polish Matura Exam Satisfactory Grade
Polish Matura Extended Level One subject at Grade 4 or 55% if higher. If one Extended Level subject is English at 75% or higher you do not require additional English Language qualifications
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) 28 points

EU requirements

Requirement What we're looking for
EU exams We're here to help you understand which qualifications, diplomas and certificates you can use from your own country to meet our entry requirements. Contact us to find out more
International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) 28 points

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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International requirements

For international students and regional specific information, find your home country on our regional entry requirements page.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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English language requirements

A telephone interview to assess English language skills will be arranged for non-native English speakers.

If you hold IELTS Level 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5) or equivalent, you will not have to complete the telephone interview.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees3.

Student Full-time Part-time
EU 27,500 zł (EU) per year Not available
International 46,000 zł (non-EU) per year Not available

Facilities

Coventry University Wrocław will offer you a range of facilities4 such as access to industry-standard equipment and laboratory space to carry out practical experiments and research projects.

The campus offers the opportunity to study in fully equipped classrooms for interactive and collaborative teaching and IT suites which are purpose-built to support the needs of our students.

Careers and opportunities

Using our business contacts, you will have the opportunity to do real-life projects working to industry standards. You will be encouraged to undertake placements and internships to put your learning into practice and ensure you are job-ready upon graduation2.

On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:

  • Relevant theories and concepts of the appropriate scientific disciplines studied in biosciences and chemistry.
  • Health and safety regulations applicable to a laboratory environment.
  • Practical laboratory principles and techniques relevant to an undergraduate degree in health and life sciences or related workplace.
  • How information technology is used in the workplace and contributes to the study and advancement of health and life sciences.
  • The principles of independent and self-managed learning.
  • The principles of academic research skills to apply critical and detailed thinking.

With a degree, 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 degree also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers.

How to apply

  • Coventry University Wroclaw is a branch campus of Coventry University. Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

    2 UK and International opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK, Polish or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3 Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study. Coventry University Wroclaw will review tuition fees each year. Coventry University Wroclaw may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. Please note that the calculation of inflation is based on the information on price indices of consumer goods and services published by the President of the Statistics Poland on the website: www.stat.gov.pl for the quarter preceding the fees’ valorisation. Students who are not satisfied with the changes will be offered the opportunity to withdraw.

    4 Facilities

    Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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