Biosciences Undergraduate study w€¦ · of BSc. • A four-year undergraduate course leading to a Master of Nutrition, endorsed by the NHS and designed to produce graduates eligible

BiosciencesUndergraduate study

www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences

For general undergraduate enquiries please contact:

The Enquiry Centre t: +44 (0)115 951 5559e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk

Bioscienceswww.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences

Welcome to the School of Biosciences


Contents

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There has never been a more exciting time to study for a degree in biosciences. Rapid advances in technology and knowledge have an almost daily impact on our lives, from the air we breathe to the food we eat and the environment in which we live.

Bioscience is all around us and there is a wealth of opportunity for well-qualified graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to the challenges of the modern world.

We offer the following undergraduate degrees:•Agriculture (with specialisms in crops, environmental or livestock science)•Animal Science•Applied Biology•Biotechnology•Environmental Biology•Environmental Science•Food Science

•Microbiology•Natural Science•Nutrition•Nutrition and Food Science•Dietetics•Plant Science•Pre-veterinary Science (one-year University certificate)

You can find broad descriptions about each subject area on pages 11-12 of this brochure. More detailed information is in the University’s undergraduate online prospectus: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences or on our web pages: www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences

We hope this brochure will give you a taste of what student life is like in the School of Biosciences and that you will choose to study with us.

02 Welcome03 Why choose The University of Nottingham?05 Why biosciences at Nottingham?07 Student profile09 Biosciences degree courses 11 Subject guide13 Biosciences course structures15 Teaching and learning19 Adding value to your degree21 Living on campus25 Social life on campus27 Careers31 Applying for a place34 Visiting and contacting usFront cover image: Catherine Carville, BSc Nutrition and Food Science with a Certificate in European Studies, is using the spray dryer to produce milk powder from evaporated milk in the Biomaterials Lab.

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Rice plants growing in a lab at Sutton Bonington Campus, which is home to the School of Biosciences.

Find out more about Catherine’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/catherinecarville

There are a lot of factors to consider whenapplying to university and some will be moreimportant to you than others. We’re proud thatthousands of students apply to us every year– below are some of the reasons they give forchoosing us.

An inspiring environment...A commitment to academic excellencedrives everything we do and has earned usinternational recognition. It is evident in ourteaching and research and our recent resultsspeak for themselves: our scores in the latest Research Assessment Exercise rank Nottingham seventh in the UK in terms of ‘research power’.

...with great career prospectsOur high standards mean that a University ofNottingham degree is respected by both UK andoverseas employers and the employment record of our graduates is one of the best in the country. If you want to improve your career prospects further, you can speak to experts in our Careers and Employability Service, gain recognition for your extracurricular achievements through the Nottingham Advantage Award or set up your own business with the help of our EnterpriseLab.

...not-to-be missed opportunitiesOutside of lectures, the opportunities atNottingham are numerous and varied. All ourcampuses have a strong community spirit and ourStudents’ Union (SU) offers over 250 societiesand sports clubs. It’s through them that you canpursue an existing interest or take up somethingnew with like-minded people, develop valuableskills and generally make your time at university asrewarding and memorable as possible.

...access to a dynamic cityThe city of Nottingham is another rich sourceof entertainment. Its attractions include bars,boutiques, the Capital FM Arena, shopping centres, an arboretum, pubs, theatres, an ice skating rink, cafes, markets, mainstream and independent cinemas, two professional football clubs, nightclubs, the National Water Sports Centre and a climbing centre. Finding ‘your Nottingham’ is an exciting part of student life.

...and options for exploring the worldIf you’re hoping to broaden your horizons furtherwhile at university, we have the connections tohelp you experience new cultures first-hand. Aswell as exchange opportunities at our campusesin China and Malaysia we have developed linkswith more than 320 partner universities in over40 countries.

We hope this information has given you an insightinto life at Nottingham and why so many studentschoose to study here. The next step is to bookonto one of our open days, which take place inJune and September. Attracting 35,000 visitorsannually, these events are an opportunity toexplore our campuses, chat to staff and currentstudents and most importantly, get a feel forwhether you will be happy here. To book yourplace, please seewww.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays

We look forward to showing you around.

You can download a lively and informative guide to the city of Nottingham from www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/downloads

You can also find information about the city atwww.nottingham.ac.uk/nottinghamlife



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A green oasis – taking a break at Sutton Bonington Campus.

Why choose The University of Nottingham?



Why biosciences at Nottingham?

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Whether you see yourself as a pioneer of the future, influencing the quality of life on a global scale, or simply want the assurance of a top-class degree, as a graduate of the School of Biosciences you are guaranteed the best possible start to your career.

The factsThe School of Biosciences is one of the University’s most successful schools and is internationally recognised as a leading centre for teaching and research. We: •were rated top in the UK for ‘research power’ in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise*•are consistently ranked high in The Times, The Guardian and The Complete University Guide’s university league tables for our courses and student satisfaction ratings• were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2012, for research on global food security. This is the most prestigious form of national recognition open to a UK academic institution.

You will be taught by leading international specialists in the most rapidly developing areas of biosciences; many of our academic staff are also expert advisors to government institutions, industry, and other national and international bodies.

We have a very favourable student to staff ratio of approximately 11 students to each member of staff.

Every student is allocated to a member of academic staff who is their personal tutor throughout their undergraduate course.

We have extensive links with companies and institutions working in the field of biosciences nationally and internationally.

Research and teaching in the school is organised into five divisions:•Agricultural and Environmental Sciences•Animal Sciences•Food Sciences•Nutritional Sciences•Plant and Crop Sciences

Our divisions work closely together to provide a flexible range of courses which explore the fundamental and applied science underlying issues as diverse as:• global food security• the environment and its protection• the growth, development and reproduction of plants and animals• the production and preservation of agricultural and food commodities• food quality, health, nutrition and safety

* The Research Assessment Exercise is an independent audit of research carried out in higher education institutions nationwide.

Students outside Main Building, Sutton Bonington Campus.



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“I’m going to work for Marks and Spencer. I’m doing food microbiology, so I’ll be going to suppliers and factories and making sure all their food is safe.”

Jennifer Spencer / BSc Microbiology with an Industrial Placement

Find out more about Jennifer’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/jenniferspencer

Jennifer is preparing samples for phenotypic microarray analysis.

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Biosciences degree courses

Choosing the right course The School of Biosciences offers a wide variety of choices for undergraduates.•Aone-yearScienceFoundationProgramme gives students a solid science base to access their chosen BSc course.•Three-yearcoursesleadingtothedegree of BSc.•Afour-yearundergraduatecourseleadingtoa Master of Nutrition, endorsed by the NHS and designed to produce graduates eligible for registration as dietitians within the UK.

•Afour-yearEnvironmentalSciencecourse leading to an MSci (Masters of Science), also available with an additional one-year Certificate in European Studies.•Aone-yearcourseleadingtotheCertificatein Pre-Veterinary Science.•Three-yearBSccourseswithanadditionalone- year Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences) are also available under Erasmus/Socrates exchange programmes and include one year studying in a mainland European university.•SomecoursescanbestudiedattheUniversity’s Malaysia Campus for a year or semester.



Find out more about Seb’s experience at www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugvideos/sebdagar

Undergraduate Animal Science students Seb d’Agar and Ysella Wood are analysing oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production with different exercise loads on the bicycle ergometer in the South Lab, Sutton Bonington Campus.

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Food Science provides a detailed understanding of food chemistry and processing, and food factory operations, with associated study in microbiology, nutrition, management and computing. The course deals with some of the commercial and political factors that are important in shaping the food industry, and global food production and consumption.

Microbiology concentrates on interactions between mankind and micro-organisms. Microbiology is a laboratory-based science; the understanding of micro-organisms continues to develop at a rapid pace in microphysiology, genetics, ecology and biochemistry. This study is vital in finding solutions to the microbial problems facing mankind.

Natural Sciences graduates, with their expertise in multidisciplinary science, are increasingly in demand. This degree offers a challenging and diverse blend of science subjects drawn from the University’s major research schools including Archaeology, Biology, Biosciences, Geography, Mathematical Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy.

Nutrition considers nutritional information and advice relevant to humans from a sound scientific basis. Subject areas studied include diet and health, nutrition and food policy, as well as recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms by which nutrients mediate their effects from a cellular to a whole body level.

Nutrition and Food Science combines studies of food chemistry, modern-day food safety and food processing with consideration of the impact of human nutrition upon health. The food industry currently needs scientists who understand raw ingredients, their nutritional content, and the effect of processing and storage on food quality and nutritional value.

Master of Nutrition (Dietetics) is the scientific study of the food people eat and its effects on health. You will receive a thorough grounding in the scientific disciplines which underpin nutrition such as biochemistry and physiology. This is a four-year course funded by the National Health Service, and graduates are eligible for registration as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council.

Plant Science explores how plants grow, develop, reproduce, combat diseases and respond to their environment. It covers many exciting aspects of modern plant science, including cell and molecular biology, genetic engineering, plant-pathogen interactions, environmental physiology and ecology.

University Certificate in Pre-Veterinary Science is a one-year programme, equivalent to the first year of Animal Science. Successful completion qualifies for entry into the four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme of St George’s University of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. (Students pay full fees – please see www.sgu.edu)

For further information please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences

To help with your choice of specific course title, here is a summary of all our undergraduate degrees and the subject areas they cover.

Agriculture takes an applied scientific approach to agricultural production, combined with the management and marketing skills necessary for the operation of a successful agricultural business. As the course progresses, you will build up your understanding of the three core areas of agriculture: crop production, animal production and the management of agricultural products and resources.

On all our agricultural science courses, you will benefit from access to the University Farm, Dairy Centre and Arable Centre at Sutton Bonington Campus.

Agricultural and Environmental Science will develop your understanding of the ways in which agricultural and environmental systems interact and how environmental problems associated with agriculture can be addressed in a sustainable way.

Agricultural and Crop Science explores how agricultural crops grow, develop, reproduce, fight pests and diseases, interact and respond to their environment. The degree combines scientific understanding, management skills and commercial awareness.

Agricultural and Livestock Science explores nutrition, growth, development and reproduction in farm animals and you will be able to choose from a wide range of modules including applied animal science, livestock production science and business management.

Animal Science considers the scientific basis of animal form and function from the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels, through to the whole animal and covering, for example,

genetics, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, production, behaviour and welfare. This dynamic course incorporates nutritional sciences, animal physiology and production as main areas of study emphasising a wide range of species including companion animals.

Applied Biology offers a broad, well-balanced background in biological science. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of this biological knowledge to exciting recent advances in animal, plant and microbial biotechnology, food production and environmental science.

Biotechnology considers the role of biotechnology in solving problems such as food contamination, excessive use of agricultural chemicals and the humane control of animal health and productivity. It aims to apply the latest molecular techniques to modern-day problems in industrial and environmental situations.

Environmental Biology provides understanding of how animals, plants and micro-organisms function and interact with other organisms and their environment, and how factors such as climate change, pollution, deforestation and soil degradation affect life. This knowledge is fundamental for effective management and conservation of natural and managed ecosystems.

Environmental Science incorporates a wide range of subjects encompassing the environmental aspects of geography, biology, chemistry and physics. You will develop your scientific understanding of the ways in which living organisms interact with their environment, and how air, soil and water pollution can be monitored, modelled and remediated. The course is based at University Park Campus, with some modules being taught at Sutton Bonington. The MSci course comprises a fourth year covering a theoretical and practical understanding of advanced research methods relevant to environmental science.

Subject guide



The facts•We offer you flexible degree courses with a

modular structure, giving you the freedom to study the subjects that interest you most.

•There are more than 120 biosciences modules to choose from – and many more from across the University.

•You will have the opportunity to change courses within the first year, if you wish. (Please note that it is not possible to transfer to the Master of Nutrition degree.)

•A year’s paid work experience in industry in the UK or overseas is available for most BSc courses and is recognised by an Industrial Placement Award.

•There is a Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences) option for all BSc courses.

•On some courses there is the opportunity to spend a semester or a year at the University’s Malaysia Campus.

•We offer the possibility of placement for one semester at one of our partner institutions in Universitas 21 – a global alliance of key universities including North America, Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore. (There is competition for places on this scheme.)

•You will benefit from a modern teaching and learning environment dedicated to the study and advancement of biosciences.

•There is a focus on developing skills valued by employers.

•You will enjoy excellent career prospects.

•The School of Biosciences maintains close contacts with important businesses and research institutions. Many degree courses feature site visits and field trips, as well as presentations from eminent visiting speakers.

Tailor-made for youAll our courses are modular. Modules are self-contained units of study that usually run for one semester; there are two semesters in each year. Although some modules are core, you can choose from a wide range of other modules to make up the rest of your degree – both from within the school and from other schools across the University. Depending on your timetable, you could study modules in subjects as diverse as politics or theology.

This flexible course structure enables you to tailor your own course by selecting areas of study specifically suited to your individual interests (subject to approval and individual course regulations). It also ensures that you leave The University of Nottingham with a solid scientific background, commercial awareness and transferable skills – vital attributes that are highly valued by graduate recruiters.

The credit system – the building blocks of your degreeYour BSc honours degree course will be made up of 360 credits (480 credits for the Master of Nutrition and Master of Science degrees) – 120 each year taken over two semesters. You will normally take six 10-credit modules per semester (11 teaching weeks).

A 10-credit module accounts for approximately 100 hours of your own time, with usually no more than 40 hours spent in the lecture room or laboratory. A guide to the basic course structure and the core modules studied by all students is shown opposite.



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Biosciences course structures

Basic course structure These are the core modules followed by most undergraduate students.

Year one – semester oneMost students (except Master of Nutrition students) take some core modules to provide a solid grounding in basic sciences:•Introductory Biochemistry•Genetics and Cell Biology•Whole Organism Biology•Foundation Science•Academic Development and Employability(Modules vary for Environmental Science, Environmental Biology, Plant Science and Natural Sciences degrees – please refer to specific course information)

A selection of other specialised modules is available, depending on your course, for example:•Applications of Biology•Microbes and You•Principles of Ecology•Introduction to Nutrition•Global Environmental Processes

Year one – semester twoMore specialised modules are offered in semester two as each degree develops its own theme. Core for many courses is:•Data Transfer, Analysis and Presentation Skills

This provides essential preparation for the later parts of the course, the final-year research project and the world of work.

At the end of the first semester or year, it may be possible to change to a different BSc course offered by the school (subject to approval by course managers and admissions regulations).

Year two – semesters three and four The second year allows you to tailor your course to suit your particular needs and interests. During this year you will begin to identify a suitable topic for your research project, which will form a major component of the final year.

Year three – semesters five and sixFor the majority of courses, an extended research project, worth 40 credits, will run throughout the whole of your final year. This piece of work will be a good indicator to potential employers of your ability to work independently at an advanced level.You will also be able to select specialist modules from the wide range available both at Sutton Bonington and on the University’s other campuses.

“I have a range of optional modules allowing me to really tailor my degree. The different tasks have given me invaluable transferable skills which will aid me so well in the work environment.”Emily Roberts, Microbiology

We want you to have the best possible learning experience, whatever your chosen course of study. At the School of Biosciences you’ll experience an integrated range of teaching and learning styles – from traditional lectures to contemporary multimedia and internet systems. There is also a modern complex of teaching laboratories and study facilities within Environmental Science at University Park Campus.

Supporting your studiesThe University provides a wide range of academic and welfare services to support you during your time at Nottingham, including advice on careers, finance, counselling, disability support, English language courses for international students, childcare, religious services, health care and specialist learning support. The University also runs a student employment service to help you find part-time work to supplement your income while you study.

Your personal tutorAll students at the School of Biosciences have a personal tutor who is a member of the teaching staff and will take a close interest in your academic progress and general wellbeing. University is a time of great personal development; sensitive guidance and encouragement from your tutor can help you make the most of your time here. You will be able to talk to your tutor (in confidence) about academic and other, more general concerns; he or she can a valuable source of information, sympathy and common sense.

ResourcesReading resourcesThe University’s libraries provide access to over one million books and journals, over 12,000 e-journal titles and 650,000 e-book items.

The web-based library catalogue is available both within the library buildings and elsewhere, using any PC with internet access, and can be used to locate all items held in any of the campus libraries.

At Sutton Bonington, the James Cameron-Gifford Library is one of the best of its kind in the country, providing access to a wide range of books, periodicals and other resources supporting all the subject areas covered by the school. Environmental science students at University Park have the George Green Library of Science and Engineering on their doorstep. Both libraries house a Learning Hub with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, including flexible learning spaces with interactive smart boards, plasma screens and high-spec PCs, allowing you to work together more effectively on group projects.

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Teaching and learning

Studying outdoors on Sutton Bonington Campus.

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Facilities•TheLearningResourceCentre–up-to-date, 24-hour IT facilities, including two resource areas with workstations and full audiovisual projection facilities, video and laptop links.

•TheLanguageResourceArea–withPCsfitted with TV cards for satellite programme transmissions, TVs and videos.

•Specialistlaboratories–forbiochemistry, molecular and environmental sciences, flavour research and food structure. There is also a purpose-built dietetics laboratory for production of test meals for research projects and training of students studying dietetics.

•TheNutritionalSciencesClinicalSkillsUnitwith observation rooms and a clinical practice room for training dietitians.

•Ametabolismlaboratory–fornutritionalstudies with farm animals.

•Plantandanimaltissuecultureunits–facilities for gene cloning, sequencing and the generation and evaluation of transgenic plants.

•TheArabidopsisStockCentre–oneoftwo international centres housing over half a million genetic plant stocks.

•Anextensiveglasshousecomplex–including the Future Crops Research Unit.

•Astate-of-the-artbuildingforresearchinfood chemistry, food physics and microbiology – including a containment laboratory for working with genetically engineered micro-organisms.

•Ananimalscienceteachinglaboratory– complete with the most modern equipment and an extensive suite of teaching and research laboratories in animal sciences covering molecular, cellular and tissue studies.

•Apurpose-designedPlantSciencesBuilding– offering superb teaching and research facilities.

•Afullyoperationalcampus-basedUniversity Farm and Dairy Centre. The University Farm has arable (380 hectares) and dairy (200 cows, robotically milked) enterprises and land in environmental stewardship. The farm is commercially run, with facilities for research and teaching: crop field trial areas and farm office (for financial information).

•TheBioenergyandBrewingBuilding,which opened in 2011, houses state-of-the-art facilities for research and teaching in brewing science, food processing (pilot plant) and bioenergy production. The food science hall includes bakery equipment, canning facilities and a taste-test room.

“Nottingham was highly ranked for my course and the equipment was all state-of-the-art, with the tutors seeming friendly and enthusiastic.”Dani Taylor, Nutrition and Food Science

Students on field study at the Dairy Centre, Sutton Bonington Campus.


Study abroadCertificate in European Studies (Biosciences)Our BSc degree courses offer the opportunity to follow your chosen degree in another European country for one extra academic year, taken after the second year at Nottingham.

Prior to placement, you will undertake a special European module (including language study) to improve your knowledge of the scientific and cultural aspects of your chosen country.

Universitas 21 Nottingham is a founder member of Universitas 21 which is a global alliance of key universities. One of its activities is student exchange and you will be able to apply to spend one semester (the first of your second year) studying in one of our partner institutions (including North America, Australia, New Zealand, China or Singapore). Competition for these placements is high but the rewards are considerable.

Malaysia CampusWe have a branch of the school at the University’s Malaysia Campus where a semester or year can be spent as part of some of our BSc courses. Nottingham students who study at the Malaysia Campus pay reduced tuition fees, and living costs in Malaysia are lower than in the UK.

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A degree from the School of Biosciences will give you an excellent start to your future career – whatever you decide to do. You can add even more value to your degree by taking advantage of the opportunities we offer to gain the additional skills and experiences that will make your applications to employers stand out.

Increasingly, employers want well-educated scientists who have the transferable skills needed for life in the 21st-century work place. Throughout your studies, you will be encouraged to develop the interpersonal and practical skills and the ability to enquire, assess and communicate, all of which will help you to obtain satisfying and well- paid employment.

Academic Development and Employability moduleAll first year students take this module, designed to enhance your academic and professional development via small group work within tutor groups. Your tutor will guide you through the available University resources, for example how to access electronic journals or how to get careers advice.

Induction and Study Skills HandbookThe school gives all new students an Induction and Study Skills Handbook full of practical information on organising your time, getting the best out of tutorials, efficient reading, scientific and report-writing skills, essay-writing skills and presentational skills.

Transferable skillsBy the time you graduate, you will have acquired skills in some or all of these areas:•Independentlearningandpersonal time management•Writtenandverbalcommunicationskills•Presentationskills

•Interpersonal,teamworkingandteam- building skills•Analytical,problem-solvingandpracticalskills•Advancedtechnicalandlaboratoryskills•Informationtechnologyandnumeracy•Librarysearchingandreviewing•Researchtechniques,includingthedesignof novel projects; compilation, analysis and interpretation of data; and the preparation of coherent and concise reports•Appreciationofcurrentissuesandtheabilityto understand future developments in the chosen field of study •Foreignlanguageskills(mainlyforthosetaking the European year)

Work experience in industryStudents following a three-year degree course may choose to spend a year out after their second year working in appropriate employment as a paid employee. The school’s Placement Officer will make every effort to assist you in finding a suitable placement, using existing links with a large number of organisations in the UK and abroad. You can choose to complete the Industrial Placement Award which is recognised on degree certificates.

Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme This nationally accredited scheme offers final-year students the opportunity to undertake a project involving learning and communication skills and classroom teaching in schools. It is a useful introduction to teaching science as a career.

Nottingham Advantage AwardThe Advantage Award is a programme of activity specially designed to enhance your transferable skills (and future employability) through extracurricular activities such as work experience, travel, volunteering, Students’ Union activity and more.


Adding value to your degree

“A placement year will give you a new perspective and help you decide what you really want – while increasing your employability dramatically.”Dan Freeman, Environmental Science

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Sutton Bonington Campus is set in beautiful Nottinghamshire countryside.

Nottingham is a multi-campus university. Each campus has its own distinct character and identity, integrating beautiful parkland and countryside with impressive modern and traditional architecture.

Sutton Bonington CampusThe School of Biosciences is based at Sutton Bonington Campus, situated to the south of Nottingham. Almost all our courses are located here, although the Environmental Science degree is based at University Park Campus, with certain modules being taught at Sutton Bonington.

Known as ‘SB’, Sutton Bonington Campus has its own accommodation, sports centre, social amenities and state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities dedicated to the study of biosciences. The campus is also the location of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

Travel factsSutton Bonington is a 25-minute bus or car journey from University Park Campus in Nottingham. There is a free regular daily and evening bus service providing a link between campuses and at weekends with Nottingham city centre.

Sutton Bonington Campus is also close to Loughborough (6 miles), Derby (10 miles) and Leicester (15 miles).

There are excellent road, rail and air links to the rest of the UK and overseas:• two miles from junction 24 of the M1 motorway• five miles from East Midlands Airport• three miles from East Midlands Parkway railway

station; six miles from Loughborough railway station, both with direct links to London

Living on campus

Tour the campus with one of our students: www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/campuses/campusvideos.aspx


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A friendly and supportive environmentOne of the major advantages of living and studying at the School of Biosciences is the incredibly friendly atmosphere. The high percentage of students who live in halls and the close-knit community of students and staff make for a supportive and fun environment in which to live and study. Student welfare is a high priority within the University, and the personal and hall tutor systems are at the centre of our commitment to your well-being. Our staff are very accessible which means you can talk to them when you need to – not just about study issues, but about any aspect of your life as a student at Nottingham.

Accommodation on campusLiving in University accommodation is one of the best ways of making friends and getting used to life away from home. That’s why we guarantee accommodation for all first-year students (and for three years if you are an international student).*

* You must apply for accommodation by the deadline and meet other terms and conditions – please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation

Bonington HallAs an undergraduate studying at Sutton Bonington Campus, accommodation is exclusively reserved for you at Bonington Hall. Bonington Hall (the generic name for all accommodation at Sutton Bonington) is owned and managed by Opal, a recognised provider of student accommodation. The University works closely with Opal to ensure students are happy in their accommodation.

Spread across the campus, Bonington Hall provides accommodation, either in the original houses (which have been extensively refurbished) or in the new accommodation complexes. You will have your own study bedroom in a shared flat (housing groups of 2 to 10) with a fully fitted kitchen/diner. There are several different room types to choose from to meet your taste and

budget requirements, many with en suite facilities. All room types are fully furnished and include Wi-Fi with 10MB broadband and internet protocol television (IPTV).

Accommodation fees for all first-year students include evening meals from Monday to Friday during term-time (part-catered package). Other students can opt into the package if they require it. Eating together in the evening in the Rushcliffe Restaurant adds to the brilliant community atmosphere at Sutton Bonington Campus.

If you choose to study environmental science, based at University Park Campus, you can choose to live at any of the accommodation sites in the city or at Bonington Hall.

Places in University accommodation are also available after your first year, but you may like to move out with friends into a house in the private sector. For more information about all our accommodation, including virtual tours, please visit www.nottingham.ac.uk/accommodation

AmenitiesThe amenities listed below make living on Sutton Bonington Campus comfortable and convenient. •A shop selling groceries, fresh and frozen produce, stationery and other everyday items•Rushcliffe Restaurant•Bistro•Mulberry Tree Cafe•Natwest cash machine•Bar and common rooms, some with Sky television and Wi-FI•A launderette•A recreational library•A music room•A sports centre and climbing wall•Monthly farmers’ market•Car parking available•Secure bike shedsStudents outside one of the accommodation

blocks at Sutton Bonington Campus.


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A good social life is as much a part of the university experience as studying for a degree. Your social calendar kicks off from the day you arrive with ‘Week One’ – a series of events and activities designed to help all new students settle into university life.

Immediately after Week One is Karnival, the Students’ Union charity appeal, which annually raises funds for some 50 charities through games, parties and other fun events. Other social activities, including trips, comedy nights, parties and formal dinners, take place throughout the year, culminating in the spectacular end-of-year Summer Ball.

Opportunities on other campuses and in the cityThe regular free bus service between Sutton Bonington, University Park and (at weekends) Nottingham city centre means you’ll be able to take full advantage of all social and sporting activities available within the University and city. With hundreds of clubs, cafes, cinemas, theatres, shops and museums in nearby Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, the only problem you’ll have is fitting it all in!

The Students’ Union and the Sutton Bonington GuildMany of the social activities you can get involved in are organised by The University of Nottingham’s Students’ Union (SU). Based in the Portland Building, which is regarded as the hub of University Park, Nottingham’s SU is one of the most active unions in the country. There are more than 250 clubs and societies you can join and if you can’t find a club that you like, SU can often provide the funds to help you set up a new one.

The Sutton Bonington Guild is part of the University’s Students’ Union and represents all students at Sutton Bonington. The Guild’s elected group of current students is active in arranging a wide range of welfare services, clubs and social events on campus.

The SU’s Advice and Representation Centre offers professional advisory and welfare services.

The Union also runs the Student Volunteer Centre, which places hundreds of student volunteers with local charities and organisations every year.

All biosciences students are automatically members of both the Students’ Union and the Sutton Bonington Guild and enjoy discounts at many shops, nightclubs and cinemas.

SportSport plays a major role in the life of students at Nottingham and our biosciences sports teams are some of the most successful across the University. The campus has a modern sports centre comprising a four-court badminton sports hall, two squash courts, a practice room for martial arts, table tennis and exercise classes as well as a fitness suite and new climbing wall. Outside are synthetic and grass pitches for football, rugby and hockey, and tennis courts.


Social life on campus

Students taking a lunch break at the Bistro Cafe on Sutton Bonington Campus.

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Our aim is to provide the best environment for teaching, learning and research. The outcome of this is reflected in the success of our graduates.

Planning for your futureNottingham graduates have excellent prospects for finding interesting and well-paid jobs. Our students are highly and actively sought-after by a wide range of employers who value the strong academic training and transferable skills that students gain during their degree here.

The best start to your careerSome employers hold presentations and interviews on campus and a high percentage of our students find work or continue to further study

within six months of graduating. See our web pages for the latest survey and graduate profiles: www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences/careers

A wealth of opportunityOur degree courses offer sound preparation for a wide range of careers. Many graduates take on roles in management, sales, marketing, finance and teaching, while others take up research posts in industrial and government organisations and universities in the UK and overseas.

A number of our degrees also offer the opportunity to pursue careers in more specialised areas. Some of the careers pursued by recent graduates of the School of Biosciences are listed on the following two pages.

Careers

Postgraduate students carrying out research in the glasshouses, Sutton Bonington Campus.

Agricultural Sciences•Farmers and farm managers•Consultants (sustainability, agronomy, livestock management)•Management trainees with agricultural companies•Land agency•Agricultural finance and banking•Advisory and technical roles in government and the farming industry •Advisory roles in waste management and resource efficiency•University and industry research

Animal Science•Research and development for the animal feed industry including companion animals/equine/zoo or within government research/advisory institutes•Paramedical/para-veterinary sciences and the pharmaceutical industry•Academic/industrial research programmes in basic and applied physiology, nutritional biochemistry and animal production•Further academic study on MSc, MPhil, MRes and PhD courses and veterinary science

Applied Biology and Biotechnology•Medical laboratory science•Computer science•Agricultural biotechnology laboratories•Higher degrees (PhD) at UK universities and government research institutes (for example, IACR Rothamsted)•PGCEs (teacher training)

Environmental Biology and Environmental Science•Conservation•Environmental consultancy•Management and advisory posts in government agencies and local authorities•Publishing and teaching•PhD research

Food Science•Production management, product development and quality control with major food manufacturers, processors and retailers•Packaging consultancy and technical development•Advisory and management roles in government agencies, such as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), involving, for example, labelling laws, factory auditing and environmental health

Microbiology•Research microbiology in research institutes and universities•Careers in the pharmaceutical and food industries•Healthcare and medicine research and development•Agricultural and environmental disciplines•Biotechnology research•Advisory and management roles in government agencies such as the Defra, Food Standards Agency and the Health Protection Agency•Scientific writing and communication

Nutrition•Research, development and technical liaison in the food industry•Careers in the health service in the UK or abroad•Careers in dietary survey operations and market research organisations•Research, development and technical liaison in the medical and veterinary supply industries•Commercial animal nutritionists•Postgraduate study in veterinary science and medicine•School teachers and lecturers in further education•Registered dietitians (Master of Nutrition course)

Plant Science•Plant propagators and tissue culturists•Horticulturists at Kew, at other botanic gardens and in industry•Research scientists in the plant science industry and institutes•Fruit importers/quality inspectors•Journalists

Further study opportunitiesMany of our graduates choose to continue their studies and undertake further research to MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD level at The University of Nottingham or elsewhere. Opportunities for further study within the school include taught postgraduate courses in a wide range of specialist subject areas:•Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Sciences•Animal Nutrition•Applied Bioinformatics•Applied Biomolecular Technology•Applied Biopharmaceutical Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship•Brewing Science•Clinical Nutrition•Crop Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship•Crop Improvement•Food Production Management•Global Food Security•Industrial Physical Biochemistry•Integrative Systems Biology•International MSc in Biosciences (by research)•Nutritional Sciences•Plant Genetic Manipulation•Sensory Science (PG Cert)•Sustainable Bioenergy•Techniques in Developmental Biology

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“This course is a degree in science and so is recognised by not only careers in the agricultural sector such as agronomy and farm management, but in food marketing, consultancy, animal nutrition and business management.”Craig Green, Agriculture


Do you consider mature applicants?We encourage applications from students who will be over 21 at the start of their course. We consider a range of qualifications and work experience. Mature applicants may be invited to attend an interview.

What about applications from disabled students?The school welcomes applications from students with disabilities. For further information about support available at the University see www.nottingham.ac.uk/ssc

Do you accept applications for deferred entry?The school is usually happy to consider applications for deferred entry.

How will my application be considered?Applications are considered on an individual basis. Decisions are based on academic ability, your personal statement and references. Applicants who are considered for the Master of Nutrition degree will be required to attend a face-to-face interview.

Do you offer any scholarships or bursaries?The University offers a generous package of bursaries and scholarships including the core bursary and is participating in the National Scholarship Programme. For more information take a look at the Undergraduate Student Finance Guide which can be downloaded from www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees This information is only for students who are classed as UK students for fee paying purposes. You can also visit the financial support web pages at www.nottingham.ac.uk/financialsupport

For more information for international students, please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/international

If you have questions about financial support, don’t hesitate to contact our advisors:UK students should contact the Financial Support Team on +44 (0)115 823 2071 or email [email protected]

International students should contact the International Office on +44 (0)115 951 4602 or email [email protected]

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What are the entry requirements for courses in the School of Biosciences?The general requirements for entry onto our undergraduate courses are:• threeAlevelsincludingtwoscience-based subjects, preferably in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or geography. (Where only two A levels are offered, both must be in science-based subjects; AS levels will also be considered alongside, but not in isolation from, A levels)•AdvancedVocationalCertificatesofEducation (Double Awards) in science – this will be considered, but will normally require additional AS levels.

In common with many others, The University of Nottingham does not make offers through the tariff system within the Curriculum 2000 initiative.

All honours degrees, apart from the Master of Nutrition, may also be taken with the Certificate in European Studies (Biosciences) which involves an additional one-year placement at another European institution. Applicants require French, Spanish or German (as appropriate to the host country, but none of which can be their home language) to a minimum of grade B GCSE.

Information on current entry requirements can be found on the University’s online prospectus: www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/biosciences

Do you accept alternative qualifications?We accept alternative qualifications to A levels, including:•InternationalBaccalaureate–aminimumof 30 points – and 75% minimum overall in the European Baccalaureate, depending on your chosen course, including specified grades in science subjects•fromScottishcandidates,threesubjectsat Advanced Higher grade B, preferably from biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, depending on your chosen course•IrishLeavingCertificate,rangeAAABB- BBBBB, with five subjects taken at Higher Level and specified science subjects required•AccessandBTECcourses–theseare considered, subject to the suitability of the modules taken

If you hold a qualification other than those listed above, please contact us using the details on page 34 for advice before making an application.

Do you accept international students?Yes, we welcome students from all over the world. However non-EU applicants cannot be considered for the Master of Nutrition degree.

What are your English language requirements?International students are required to have an appropriate grade/score in an approved examination in English language before they can register; contact the school for further details. For home students a grade C in GCSE (or equivalent) English language and maths is required.


Applying for a place

“I chose Nottingham not only because it’s one of the few good universities that offers environmental biology, but because it offers a flexible course with options to branch out into different areas.”Brinna Barlow, Environmental Biology


Visiting and contacting us

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Open daysIf you wish to visit the school and campus beforeyou make your UCAS application, the Universityorganises annual open days for which we offer afull programme of tours around our facilities,talks and demonstrations. For details please contact us using the number on the backcover of this brochure or visitwww.nottingham.ac.uk/opendays

Campus tour daysThe University runs tours on some Wednesdaysthroughout the year. For further information or tobook a place on a campus tour day, please contact the Enquiry Centre on +44 (0)115 951 5559 or email [email protected]

UCAS visit daysOffer holders will be invited to a UCAS visit day at Sutton Bonington Campus or University Park Campus (for Environmental Science) which will include a talk given by an academic member of staff with an opportunity to ask questions. Suitably qualified applicants to the Master of Nutrition (Dietetics) degree will be invited for interview. There will also be opportunities to tour the campus and to meet current students.

The University of Nottingham has made every effort to ensure that the information in this brochure was accurate when published. Please note, however, that the nature of the content means that it is subject to change from time to time, and you should therefore consider the information to be guiding rather than definitive.

Getting hereThere are excellent road, rail and air links to the rest of the UK and overseas. For more information on getting to our campuses, see www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/visitorinformation/information.aspx

Contact usIf you would like to find out more about studying at the School of Biosciences or have a particular query, please contact:The Undergraduate Recruitment and Courses ManagerSchool of BiosciencesThe University of NottinghamSutton Bonington CampusLoughborough LE12 5RD

t: +44 (0)115 951 6400f: +44 (0)115 951 6020e: [email protected]: www.nottingham.ac.uk/biosciences

You can also follow us through our social media channels, all of which can be accessed via www.nottingham.ac.uk/connect

Students outside the Bioenergy and Brewing Building on Sutton Bonington Campus.

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact us:t: +44 (0)115 951 4591e: [email protected]: www.campbellrowley.com


Printed May 2013.

© The University of Nottingham 2013. All rights reserved.

Biosciences Undergraduate study w€¦ · of BSc. • A four-year undergraduate course leading to a Master of Nutrition, endorsed by the NHS and designed to produce graduates eligible

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