Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biology and Data Science with international or placement year

at Keele University United Kingdom

On this course, you will explore how humans relate to the natural environment, and how to address some of the biggest threats to the world’s environmental and ecological systems. You may also cover a range of biological concepts which could include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, exploring related philosophical and ethical issues.

You will develop your practical skill set through a range of activities which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our labs, developing practical and field work skills in different environments, as well as experience in utilising Geographic Information Systems. At the same time you will explore how biology and environmental science can help to improve the quality and sustainability of life.

Topical environmental issues (such as conservation, habitat management, biodiversity loss and climate change) require a strong understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment, and how we impact on different ecosystems. You’ll explore aspects of science such as biodiversity, evolution and biological processes, but you will also consider debates around genetic crop modification, nutrient loss and food security.

Biology at Keele focuses on the amazing world of organisms – from how they’ve evolved to their relationships with the environment and each other. Keele takes a broad approach to biology, examining the diversity of life and its evolution from the geological past. You’ll consider a range of biological concepts which may include the complexity of biological processes and mechanisms at molecular, cellular, organismal and ecosystem levels, and the related philosophical and ethical issues. You’ll engage in activities to strengthen your skillset which may include sampling, recording and analysing data in the field and in our well-equipped labs.

BSc (Hons) Geography Combined Honours at Keele allows you to focus specifically on your preferred area of physical geography. This course explores the Earth's varied landscapes and the complex, potentially fragile, global systems that connect them. As a student at Keele you will learn about the rapidly evolving science at the heart of global environmental change and discover new ways of understanding and appreciating the natural world around us. 

Our focus on climate change, global responsibility, sustainability, and the application of professional geographical skills to real-world situations will prepare you for a wide range of careers and for life as a responsible global citizen. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.

We will equip you with the skills to tackle a range of increasingly problematic and complex issues which may include our ever growing and ageing human population, our medical problems and the impacts our actions have on each other and on life on Earth.

Combining Biochemistry and Biology gives you the chance to approach problems from the molecular and organismal level. The Biochemistry element of the course covers mainly mammalian Biochemistry and has a focus on health and disease. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in additional opportunities which may include field courses and research projects. You may also have the opportunity to apply for a placement.

The course will help you to understand the basic principles of business management, with the behaviour of households and businesses together with organisational behaviour and strategy being key themes of this course. Additionally, you will examine the behaviour of financial institutions, such as banks, hedge funds and portfolio managers, their instruments and how they interact in markets. You will learn analytical and statistical methods and techniques for addressing real world problems, data and policy-related issues.

With access to professional software tools such as Bloomberg and Stata to analyse and interpret financial and business data, you will learn how to communicate complex information to a range of audiences. 

In Astrophysics, you will learn to formulate and tackle problems – from below the level of the atomic nucleus to astronomical scales. Astrophysics is active wherever the laws of physics are being tested to the limit – and beyond. Keele will help you to use astronomical observations, mathematical models and computer simulation to develop theories explaining some of the most complex phenomena.

Education at Keele is distinctive because of its strong focus on contemporary issues in education and policy making. Studying Education means considering its relationship to the economy, its historical evolution, its impact on people’s life chances and identities, how education is organised, and how learners learn. Keele aims to introduce you to many of the big questions concerning education and schooling both in the UK and also internationally. Why do we go to school? What should we learn? How should we learn it? What is the main aim of education? How is educational success linked to students' gender, race and socio-economic background?

In looking at these types of 'big' questions and thinking historically, sociologically and philosophically, the course thinks critically about all aspects of education including primary, secondary and university levels. Whether you are intending to teach or just have an interest in education, this course will explore your assumptions about learning and consider your own school experiences. 

Effective management to maximise the performance of human resources (HR) is central to any business success. Employers need managers who can proactively and positively influence organisational strategy, developing and implementing the policies, benefits, employee relations and engagement that helps them recruit and retain the best talent.

By studying this professionally-accredited master’s degree, approved by the CIPD, you’ll gain cutting-edge strategic knowledge to leverage the employment relationship, needed now more than ever in the turbulent, competitive world of work where being able to change and innovate are critical success factors.  

The course is run by the School of Medicine in collaboration with the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine.

Teaching takes place at the Guy Hilton Research Centre, a dedicated research facility located on the Royal Stoke University Hospital site, and also at the main University Campus. The School of Medicine is one of the top-ranked in the UK, and the research institute has an international reputation for world-leading research in medical engineering and healthcare technologies.

The School embraces specialists working in Royal Stoke University Hospital, County Hospital in Stafford and specialist Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry. You therefore have the opportunity to specialise in any of the varied clinical disciplines offered at these hospitals.

The School also runs MSc courses in Biomedical Engineering and in Cell and Tissue Engineering, and an EPSRC and MRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ensuring a stimulating academic environment for students and many opportunities for engaging with further study and research.

On this combined honours course, you’ll be studying life at the molecular level, investigating some of the most exciting areas of contemporary life science and medical research. You might explore the secrets of the human genome, or the individually tailored molecular therapies of the future. Particular emphasis is placed on human and mammalian biochemistry, especially relating to health and disease.

Keele’s excellent teaching and research explore a wide diversity of chemistry, helping you to develop subject knowledge and transferable skills in a supportive learning environment. You’ll develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You can tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research.

You’ll have hands-on experience with scientific instruments and techniques, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You’ll learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively.

For society to tackle the environmental and sustainability problems we now face, we need people who can grapple with both the scientific and human aspects of those issues. That’s why this innovative course is taught across three different faculties, integrating a range of disciplines including the geo and environmental sciences, life sciences, chemical sciences, politics and international relations, management, and health amongst others. There is a strong emphasis on the development and application of skills, including practical fieldwork and engagement with professionals working in the environment and sustainability sector through work placement opportunities.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), meaning students can gain free membership of the IES to support their personal and professional development in the environmental sector. This programme is also accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). Students on IEMA accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IEMA which provides a range of benefits.

You’ll learn to use technology to create new opportunities and to solve a wide range of problems, benefiting every aspect of society from the home to business, government and beyond.

Our teaching is informed by our cutting-edge research, and we also reflect what’s happening now in industry. There’s a strong emphasis on programming – but don’t worry if you don’t have Maths A-level, because the course covers what you need to know. You’ll have access to our own computing labs, based on Microsoft Windows and Linux, plus a wide range of software. Our excellent central location is ideal for industrial placements, with over 40 companies situated on the Keele Science Park alone.

Technical expertise allows developers to understand problem situations and undertake developments in these technical areas, however, to actually create high quality systems requires effective management of software engineering activities. The Software Engineering specialism therefore equips you with the techniques and processes to undertake team-based agile development of software systems, based on the needs of clients and users.