MSci Biological Sciences

Compulsory modules

Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

Learn about the structure and organisation of cells, with a focus on the common features found in all life. You’ll also discover how the differences between cells are essential for creating the diversity of life on the planet. 

Fundamentals of Microbiology

Gain a foundation in microbiology, covering the biology, diversity, structure, genetics, ecology, and evolution of bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, and viruses. You’ll discover their impact on environment and society, and how they cause infections or develop antimicrobial resistance, while exploring  different methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention 

Anatomy and Physiology

Explore how organs work to support life. You will be introduced to the basics of the anatomy of some of the major systems of the human body, and to the physiological processes taking part within and between them. 

Fundamentals of Evolution

Learn about the mechanisms of evolution, the diverse approaches for the study of genetic and phenotypic evolution, and discover how evolutionary perspective is fundamental and improves understanding of diverse areas of modern biology. 

History of Life on Earth

Gain an understanding of the development of life on our planet. You’ll cover the major events and processes that shaped life on Earth, including climate change and mass extinctions, evolution of plants on land and when vertebrates stepped out of the water. 

Optional modules

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Gain an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism.   

Fundamentals of Ecology

Learn about ecological concepts and how they can be applied in the field and in the laboratory. Discover how ecological questions can be used to understand and address conservation problems. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology

Expand your understanding of the processes underlying cellular function, and explore at the molecular level the mechanisms by which cells work and how these mechanisms are regulated. 

Research and Professional Skills

Through a combination of lectures, workshops, academic tutor-led sessions and group activities, you’ll develop and refine your ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, effectively communicate ideas, handle data and apply appropriate quantitative approaches. 

Optional modules

Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics

Build on what you’ve learned in previous modules and explore in depth the biochemistry of cellular pathways in both healthy and disease states. You’ll  explore how changes in these pathways can dictate physiological outcomes and contribute to disease development and progression. 

Haematology and Immunology

Discover the fundamental principles and concepts that underpin haematology and immunology. You’ll explore topics such as the production, structure and function of blood cells, the techniques used within hospital haematology laboratories to investigate and diagnose disease, the main forms of immunopathology, and how vaccines are produced. 

Comparative Vertebrate Biology

Explore vertebrate life through a range of theoretical and practical activities and learn about the functional anatomy, physiology, and phylogenetic diversity of vertebrates. You’ll gain advanced hands-on practical knowledge using our Cole Museum of Zoology teaching collection, and receive training in dissection skills. 

UK Biodiversity Field Course

Enhance your appreciation for British wildlife and gain experience in survey techniques that are vital for careers in ecology, zoology and wildlife conservation. You’ll learn to survey, identify and study birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants in a range of habitats from coastal vegetation to ancient woodland. 

Advanced Ecology

Deepen your understanding of the patterns and processes in ecological systems. You’ll learn about the form and function of communities, ecosystems, and biomes, covering topics such as biochemical cycles and the role of microbes in ecological processes, food webs, ecosystem services, and macroecological and biogeographical rules. 

Marine Biology and Conservation

Discover the range of marine habitats, environments and associated biodiversity present within the biosphere, and the major physical and chemical mechanisms underpinning oceanic processes. You’ll learn key aspects of the biology, ecology and environmental physiology of marine organisms across several domains and major phyla of life. 

Molecular Microbiology

Learn about microbial genetics and evolution, including the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer. You’ll also learn how bacteria protect the integrity of their genomes against DNA damage, discover they sense and respond to environmental stress, and how they regulate their cell cycle and control the replication of their genomes. 

Infectious Diseases

Explore the infectious diseases afflicting the various systems of the human body, and the pathogens that cause them. You’ll gain a deep understanding of their transmission, dissemination, pathogenesis, detection, and the development of therapies and prevention methods. 

Medical Genetics

Understand how genetic defects at the molecular level impact on pathophysiology and influence disease risk, progression and severity. You’ll study aetiology of major medical diseases, with a focus on both mendelian and complex polygenic disorders. 

Invertebrate Zoology

Discover the significance of invertebrate life and how they impact our society's economic, social, and scientific accomplishments. You'll learn how to identify them, about their life cycle and ecology, and about their special adaptations to carry out physiological activities.  

Palaeobiology

Learn about the principles of palaeontology and palaeoecology, and attend lectures covering diverse related topics. You’ll participate to field trips to nearby palaeobiological sites and develop critical skills, such as mapping, excavation, fossil preparation and extraction, fossil identification, specimen curation, and modern analytical techniques.

Animal Behaviour

Learn the scientific method used to study animal behaviour and its underlying principle theories. You’ll discover how facts about behaviour are established and how experiments are designed and results analysed and interpreted 

Integrated Anatomy and Physiology

Explore case studies of real product innovations and concepts, and learn about the innovation process from science to product development, focusing on medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics.

Conservation Science in Practice

Explore the conflicts and challenges associated with nature conservation and learn how data-driven conclusions can generate conservation solutions. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of the realities faced by conservation practitioners in complex modern settings. 

Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

Learn the key concepts of bioinformatics and computational biology, including the basics of algorithms, machine learning, and agent-based systems. You'll gain the necessary programming and computational skills required for a successful career in modern biology.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2026/27 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Research Project

Gain hands-on experience in independent research, applying, and expanding, what you’ve learned while working with an academic supervisor on experiments, data analysis, and science communication.  

Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

Learn about the evolution, ecology, biochemistry, mechanisms, and toxicology principles of venomous creatures, poisonous plants, and fungi. You’ll explore how venoms and poisons are used for medicinal purposes, and develop a greater understanding of the principles of pharmacology.

Optional modules

Evolution in Health and Disease

Discover how some of the most important medical problems of our time have been shaped by our evolutionary history. You’ll study relevant evolutionary processes across the animal kingdom and the Tree of Life, and you’ll explore the implications of evolutionary biology to human health and disease. 

Pathogens

Discover how bacteria and viruses can cause diseases by interacting with host organisms, and study real-life examples of how different factors affect pathogenesis, impacting on human health, agriculture, and protein disorders. You’ll also cover opportunistic pathogens and the molecular basis of emerging infectious diseases with epidemic potential.  

Protein Structure and Function

Discover the basics of protein structure and its impact on life science research. 

Cancer and Cell Communication

Explore the connection between cellular signalling and cancer development and learn how lab and computer modelling studies have enhanced our grasp of receptors and signal transduction's role in cell function.   

Palaeoecology Research Field Course

Spend two weeks undertaking an intensive research-focused field course in Canada's Badlands. Guided by top dinosaur palaeontology experts, you’ll  participate to surveys, prospecting, identification, bonebed mapping, and fossil excavation, gaining both practical and academical skills.

Marine Biology Field Course

Enhance your biodiversity survey skills and practical marine conservation knowledge through snorkelling or SCUBA diving. You'll learn ecological assessment methods and gain advanced insights into various marine habitats. 

Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases

Delve into zoonotic diseases, their hosts, symptoms, and effects on human health and the economy, and learn about disease control, co-evolution, and the use of epidemiological modelling for effective management. 

Forensics

Learn the core principles of biology applied to criminology, and see how modern science helps solve complex crimes. You’ll cover topics such as forensic pathology, anthropology, entomology, and acarology.  

Applied Microbiology

Develop your understanding of the medical, agricultural, environmental, and industrial applications of microbes and microbial biotechnology, and how advances in this field can help tackle global challenges.  

Integrated Biochemistry

Discover the diverse uses of biochemistry in biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture. and explore its role in diagnosing diseases, microbiology, and microbial processes. 

Neuroscience

Gain an introduction to neuroscience, focusing on the structure and function of the central nervous system. You’ll learn healthy brain function and how it changes in disease and neurodivergent conditions, covering different topics such as learning, memory, and neuroanatomy.  

Cardiovascular Biology

Learn the latest insights into the causes of heart attacks and strokes, and how drugs, can be used to treat them. You’ll also discover how cardiovascular disease is affected by our genetic makeup and how it can be lessened by changes to lifestyle and diet. 

Ecology of Urban Areas

Learn about the global concept of urban areas and how these change over time in different parts of the world. You’ll examine issues relating to the impacts of the urban environment on human health and how both nature-based and technological-based approaches could be used to create significant benefits for individuals and society. 

Innovation and Product Development 

Explore how scientific ideas become real-world products, with a focus on medicines, medical devices, and cosmetics. You’ll work in teams to develop a business plan for novel scientific and technical products, gaining skills in innovation, product development, and business strategy.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Research Project

Undertake a significant, independent research project, working alongside experienced academics on cutting-edge medical research.

Critical Analysis and Problem Solving

Understanding scientific literature is an essential skill for a successful career in research. Learn how to critically evaluate research and how to develop your own conclusions from the data presented.

AND

Seminars in Zoology, Ecology and Evolution

Gain specialist knowledge in evolutionary biology, zoology, and ecology. In seminars, you’ll explore recent research and key peer-reviewed studies. You’ll develop new research ideas and techniques, and learn how to evaluate information carefully so you can draw your own conclusions from the information provided.

OR

Project Planning, Laboratory Skills and Experimental Design

Learn how to research the background, plan and design experiments and execute a research project successfully. Develop a range of key biomedical research techniques used in both academic and commercial applications of biomedical science, and learn the most appropriate methods to use when conducting your own research.