Biology with a Sandwich Year - BSc (Hons)

Biology offers the possibility of taking a one-year placement away from the University between Stages 2 and 3. Sandwich placements provide an excellent opportunity to gain relevant work experience in industry in the UK or abroad. You are paid by your employer and also produce an independent research project.

On a sandwich placement you acquire additional skills and gain first-hand experience of a particular type of work, which will help to inform your career decisions at the end of your degree. Students have worked at companies including: GlaxoSmithKline, MedImmune, Lonza, BASF, Eli Lilly and Bayer Crop Science.

Progression: To progress to stage 2 you must achieve an overall average of 65% in Stage 1 unless you applied through UCAS for the sandwich year option and met the conditions of the entry offer made. If the 65% requirement is not met, you will be transferred to the equivalent three-year programme which is identical except for the year spent away from the University.

Visit the School of Biosciences web pages for more information about the sandwich option, including comments from past students.

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the chemistry that underlies biochemical reactions and the techniques used to investigate them
• the principles that determine the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules and be able to explain detailed examples of how structure enables function
• the molecular basis of genetics and be able to explain some detailed examples
• gene expression, with a detailed knowledge of specific examples, such as the structure, arrangement, expression, and regulation of genes and relevant experimental methods
• a wide range of cells (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) and be able to explain critically how they develop and how their properties suit them for their biological function, and how they could be investigated experimentally
• suitable experimental methods for the investigation of relevant areas of biochemistry, organismal biology, ecology and molecular biology
• the chemical and thermodynamic principles underlying biological catalysis and the role of enzymes and other proteins in determining the function and fate of cells and organisms
• the analysis of the impact of external influences on growth, development and reproduction, and explain reproductive strategies
• the interactions of structure and metabolic function at cellular and organismal levels
• the significance of internal and external influences on the integration of metabolism for survival and health
• the methods and principles underlying taxonomy and classification
• the principles and processes governing interactions of organisms and their environment
• the way a professional biologist can contribute to the organisation in which they work.

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• the ability to recognise and apply subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts or principles. For example, the relationship between genes and proteins, or the nature of essential nutrients in microbes, cells, plants and animals
• the ability to analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports
• obtain and integrate several lines of evidence to formulate and test hypotheses
• apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems
• recognise the moral and ethical issues of investigations and appreciate the need for ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following:

• designing, planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data such  as from a survey database. Data may be obtained through individual or group projects; obtaining, recording, collating and analysing data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working independently or in a group in a responsible, safe and ethical manner. For example, students must pay due attention to risk assessment, and procedures for obtaining informed consent
• an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms, their molecular, cellular and physiological processes, their genetics and evolution, and the interrelationships between them and their environment
• the ability to handle biological material and chemicals in a safe way, thus being able to assess any potential hazards associated with biological experimentation
• perform risk assessments prior to the execution of an experimental protocol
• to be able to use basic and advanced experimental equipment in executing the core practical techniques used by biologists
• to find information on biological topics from a wide range of information sources and maintain an effective information retrieval strategy
• to be able to plan, execute and assess the results
• to identify the best method for presenting and reporting on biological investigations using written, data manipulation/presentation and computer skills
• be aware of the employment opportunities for biology graduates.

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles
• recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team members, negotiating skills
• evaluating performance as an individual and a team member, and evaluating the performance of others
• developing an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view
• receiving and responding to a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal and graphical
• communicating to a variety of audiences using different formats and approaches
• citing and referencing work in an appropriate manner
• sample selection, recording and analysing data in the field and/or the laboratory, validity, accuracy, calibration, precision, replicability and uncertainty during collection
• preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques, statistical programmes, spreadsheets and programs for presenting data visually
• solving problems by a variety of methods including the use of computers
• using the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information
• to be able to work independently using effective time management and organisation skills
• identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
• developing an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study and work
• the ability to function effectively in a working environment.