Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS - BSc (Hons)
September 2021 — UCAS code X13A
If you have a passion for Biological Sciences, inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you.
104points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
Got your results?
Apply online nowWaiting for results?
Get your Clearing GuideStudying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City South
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Clearing 2021
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get advicePlease note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Course overview
If you have a passion for Biological Sciences, inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you.
What's covered in this course?
The School of Education and Social Work has a strong partnership across a diverse range of secondary schools within the West Midlands. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, you will gain practical experience in a range of schools with a rich variety of cultural and linguistic influences, religious beliefs and social diversity. The Department of Life Sciences, part of the School of Health Sciences, is committed to delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching in a range of biology and life science fields alongside a developing Life Sciences research portfolio. Staff have expertise in a range of disciplines which will support your scientific development and prepare you for professional practice as a science educator.
The course offers you the chance to gain the professional qualification of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a degree, helping you walk into your dream job as a secondary school teacher immediately after graduating from university.
You will also benefit from the unique and strong partnership between biology educators and subject specialists who are at the forefront of practice in their fields.
Why Choose Us?
- Our Education courses are taught at our recently extended £71 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, which includes brand new state-of-the-art facilities including Secondary Science Labs and Biomedical Science Labs
- We have a long and successful track record in the development of secondary biology teachers
- Commitment to employability - we will make sure that you are ready for employment when graduating. Nearly 99 per cent of the School's undergraduate students are in work or further study six months after graduation (DLHE 2016/17)
- For the science modules, you will be taught alongside students studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- You will spend time in a range of local secondary schools on professional placements, equipping you with a wealth of practical experience to develop you as a biology teacher, working in partnership with experienced school subject mentors
- We meet the Department for Education's (DfE) Criteria for Initial Teacher Training and successful candidates on our Initial Teacher Training courses will be recommended to the DfE for Qualified Teacher Status.
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply nowWaiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and find out the top four things you can do whilst you wait.
Get adviceWe accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| BTEC Level 2 Diploma |
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| BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate |
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| Intermediate GNVQ |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE) |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
In addition successful candidates will be required to successfully complete an Occupational Health and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
UCAS embargo
Due to the UCAS embargo, there will be no communication about your application until 10 August.
Places available to start in September 2021
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
Got your results?
If you've already received your results and have enough points for this course you can apply online now.
Apply now
Waiting for results?
Download our guide to Clearing to prepare ahead of results day and get your results day 2021 questions answered.
Get adviceInternational and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2022?
You can apply via UCAS from September 2021.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
Biochemistry is the study of the fundamental chemical and molecular reactions that occur within living organisms. The aim of this module is to introduce the biochemical reactions that occur within the human body, framed in the context of human health and disease. There are 5 broad themes in biochemistry that will be covered throughout the module:
- Properties of water, pH and buffers.
- Protein structure and function
- Nucleosides and nucleotides
- Carbohydrates and lipids
- Enzymes and Metabolism
20 credits
This module will introduce you to key cellular and sub-cellular concepts associated with biomedical sciences. You will encounter the cell as the fundamental, yet dynamic, unit of life. The module aims to describe the relationship between structure and function, and how the characteristics of cells facilitate their activities and allow them to contribute to the activity of tissues. You will develop a detailed and in-depth understanding of why and how cells behave as they do, both on their own, and as part of a tissue in a living organism.
This module covers the main themes and laboratory techniques in cellular biology, and alongside the Biochemistry module (level 4) prepares you for the Introduction to Human Physiology level 4 module, the Blood Science and Clinical Biochemistry and Cellular Analysis level 5 modules, and the Molecular Basis of Disease and Pathophysiology level 6 modules.
20 credits
This module will provide you with an introduction to the field of Genetics. An understanding of genetics is fundamental to understanding biological processes, and the role of genes in health and disease. This module will discuss modes of inheritance, how information is encoded in DNA, how this information is translated, and the impacts of mutations on genetic conditions.
20 credits
This module introduces students to the fundamentals of the microbial world. Students need to understand the important principles of how microorganisms function and survive before advancing to the topics where we explore the roles of microorganisms in disease.
The module is designed to be challenging and thought-provoking by the inclusion of contemporary topics that feature heavily in the news and in daily life as well as addressing issues that are potentially life-threatening. Importantly, topics are also discussed that illustrate the importance of the microorganisms associated with the human body in maintaining a healthy state. Moreover, the module also examines how our lifestyles can affect the microbes associated with our bodies and how this may impact on human health for example, obesity and diabetes.
*Microbiology is a pre-requisite for the Yr 2 Level 5 Infectious disease module
20 credits
This module aims to build your knowledge, understanding and skills within the physical sciences to support your training in teaching across the science disciplines within secondary schools. Using the context of the school science curriculum, this module provides opportunities for you to apply your newly acquired subject knowledge to the creation of learning resources, artefacts or activities within a sequence of learning appropriate for the school curriculum in chemistry or physics.
20 credits
The role of this module is to encourage you to consider in-depth your first experiences of your subject in your placement school. It will enable you to understand the complexity of the teacher’s role and the importance of adopting a professional stance at all times. You will understand the importance of an effective learning environment where all pupils feel safe and can develop to their full potential. It will provide you with practical strategies to support you in managing pupils’ behaviour within the context of your subject specialism.
0 credits
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time, this module, Professional Practice 1, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to meet the professional standards and expectations of teaching through observation and practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
Disruption of normal cellular and biochemical processes has an impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing. In this module, you will investigate cellular and tissue function, and assess the investigative methods used for determining abnormalities at a biochemical and cellular level. These will include biochemical methods for detection of biological molecules.
The module aims to bring together the ability to represent data in an appropriate manner and assess the impact on an individual’s health. This will allow the information to be presented in a case specific manner, and information tailored to explain a specific individual and their health, and where appropriate to diagnose and monitor conditions. This will look at the principles of tests to investigate and determine the function and dysfunction of organs and systems and the changes seen in disease.
20 credits
This module will build on the knowledge and skills developed at level 4 and will explore the scientific foundations of pharmacology. You will use this underpinning knowledge to examine how the pharmaceutical industry designs and develops novel drug entities to treat the underlying pathophysiology of common diseases.
20 credits
This module will build upon the level 4 Microbiology module, by introducing you to the different types of microorganisms that infect humans and cause disease. One of the critical issues in clinical microbiology is the speed of reporting results of tests as some infections are potentially life threatening. You therefore review some of the important and time-saving techniques and how they are beginning to replace traditional cultural methods. You will also examine antibiotic-sensitivity testing and different ways this can be accomplished. Treating the human body as a series of systems, you will examine the barriers to prevent infections and how pathogens have evolved ways to circumvent these obstacles.
20 credits
This module provides the opportunity for you to construct a learning episode that demonstrates your accurate understanding of selected key concepts in the physical sciences as they are taught in schools. You will be able to identify key concepts in chemistry and/or physics and will develop your skills in making the key concept accessible to learners, including how to relate subject content to interactive, engaging learning.
20 credits
This module, Subject Studies, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to explore the nature of your specialist subject in the context of learning and teaching in the secondary school. The module provides substantial support for your professional practice in school, applied through the professional practice modules. This module provides a strong philosophical underpinning to your awareness of the importance of your specialist subject in the secondary school curriculum. By undertaking this module you will be shaping your own rationale for your approach to the teaching of your specialist subject, and to meeting the needs of the learners as they move through the secondary school phase.
20 credits
This module refers to the wider inclusion agenda, rather than just pupils with special education needs or disabilities. It considers the barriers to learning that pupils may have within the subject specialism, and specific classroom approaches or interventions that can be used to address these barriers.
0 credits
This module will provide opportunities for you to progress from professional practice 1, by support you in embedding and enhancing your classroom practice as evidenced by the teaching standards. During your placement, you will consider the wider area of inclusion and how, in your subject specialism, specific classroom approaches can be developed to address the many barriers to learning that pupils hold.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
An understanding of a disease at the cellular and molecular level is important for those working in the biomedical sciences. This module is designed to explore the molecular, biochemical and cellular changes in human disease and how this has contributed to the development of novel diagnostic tools and of knowledge-based treatment strategies. It will also provide you critical-thinking skills to explore human health and diseases through reference to primary research articles, and reviews.
20 credits
This module aims to look at the conditions that are known to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality nationally and globally according to the Office of National Statistics and the World Health organisation. It is important that individuals are able to recognise key symptoms of the condition and the underpinning physiology accounting for these changes. They should also be able to identify key literature about the incidence, treatment and prevention of the disease from the literature.
20 credits
The World Health Organisation stated recently that “There is ample evidence that pinpoints to neurological disorders as one of the greatest threats to public health”. This module is designed to introduce you into the exciting world of neuroscience, by giving you a clear understanding of basic principles of neuronal (inter)action, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, necessary for your contribution to research in brain disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s’ disease, epilepsy, dementia, anxiety and depression.
This module will build upon the basic understanding obtained in the modules, Introduction to Human physiology, Fundamentals of Cell biology, Pharmacology and Research methods, and will equip you to critically appraise recent developments in brain disease research across all levels of analysis, and evaluate various exciting therapeutic approaches.
40 credits
This module will allow you to actively examine your professional practice in the workplace and to develop a reflective approach to personal development. Through studying it, you will further develop your practice-based enquiry skills. Increasing importance is placed on evidence-based enquiry to inform professional development in education.
20 credits
This module, The Professional Teacher, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to explore and understand in practical terms the meaning of professionalism in the context of your subject specialism. You will understand the holistic and positive role of a teacher and the practices and policies of the education framework in which you operate. Implicit in this will be the development of your understanding of how children learn in your subject (pedagogy) and how this is organised, delivered and measured in the current range of school systems.
0 credits
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, Professional Practice 3, enables you to build on and demonstrate your mastery and achievement of the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical, school-based experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment.
Course overview
The BSc (Hons) Secondary Science (Biology) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) trains you to:
- Teach your subject in secondary schools within the age range 11-16 with post-16 enhancement.
- Develop the subject knowledge required to teach all the sciences up to GCSE within secondary schools and sixth-form colleges.
- Develop the skills required to become a subject specialist in biology within secondary education.
- Work in a wide variety of schools and science departments to develop as a biology subject specialist
Within this course, you will be studying with our current undergraduate biomedical science students in completing your subject specialism following the same suite of modules. In addition, you will develop your skills in teaching your subject within secondary education by working within local and regional school science departments as part of the professional placement component of this course. As a result, you will not only have the subject knowledge required for a science undergraduate degree, but successful completion will result in the University recommending to the relevant professional body, for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the recognised professional award required by all those who wish to teach in a secondary school in England and Wales.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We will support you in the transition to university through a careful induction process, confidence building activities, group work and a carefully planned programme with a range of formative and summative assessments.
Your programme will be interactive, practical, engaging, thought provoking and challenging and is designed to promote independence so that you become a confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
On the programme you will experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice and these will include: workshops, conferences, lectures, seminars, a range of guest speakers, visits to schools/settings and other sites as well as a range of practical teaching experiences.
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to the educational climate to enable you to develop your subject and pedagogical knowledge and apply it in the classroom.
Placements
We have developed a shared vision for educational excellence with the schools in our partnership. You will benefit from working with and learning from outstanding classroom teachers in schools and at University. Working in schools with teachers and pupils is key to you becoming a committed, creative and confident teacher.
School placements increase in length over the three years of your course to ensure you complete the minimum of 120 days required to build your teaching experience and gather evidence that you meet the requirements for QTS. The placement aspect of this course is non-credit bearing.
The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) Professional Standards for Teachers which lead to recommendation for the award of QTS will be assessed through the school based training modules.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
As part of these plans, the University's Education provision will join the rest of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at our City South Campus in Edgbaston during 2018.
This is the third phase of the University's project to move all teaching and learning to two campuses, City Centre and City South. By moving our Education provision, we are creating a hub for the provision of public service contracts and professional development at City South Campus and improving the student experience with a stronger sense of community and more consistent support services and facilities.
Campus
In addition to classrooms, a lecture theatre, social learning spaces, an open access IT suite and cafe facilities, the new £41 million extension to our City South Campus offers a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.
Departments
All our departmental facilities replicate the school learning environment.
- Art and Design
- Design and Technology
- History
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Music
- Drama
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.
Our staff
Simon Tresidder
Course Leader Undergraduate Secondary Education with QTS / Senior Lecturer in Education (Science)
Simon is currently the course lead for our undergraduate secondary education with QTS provision; he is also part of the science team and teaches across a range of both undergraduate and post-graduate teacher training routes at Birmingham City University.
More about Simon