School of Life Sciences

Life Sciences encompasses a wide range of biology-focused studies. Advances in new technologies, including genomics and integrative biology, have made this varied discipline more exciting than ever. We research and teach the processes of life from a molecular and systems perspective to understand the cellular and molecular interactions that are fundamental to life science and medicine.

Why Study Life Sciences At Warwick?

The School of Life Sciences at Warwick offers a unique platform for the very best teaching and research across the Life Sciences.

Warwick’s teaching is underpinned by worldclass academic research excellence allowing you to experience learning with the best scientists in excellent laboratories and we place a strong emphasis on laboratory teaching.

We offer diverse and flexible degree programmes that enable you to tailor your module choices to your chosen career path. The modules offered by the School reflect the broad range of topics seen in the School’s research portfolio.

Modules span aspects of health and wellbeing in humans and animals, the biology of molecules and cellular systems, through to the biological challenges of food security in a changing climate.

Course delivery is structured to ensure that students enjoy a supportive study environment. There is an integrated core syllabus in year one and part of year two, which, in conjunction with your optional choices, allows you to experience core aspects of different areas of Life Sciences and forms the basis to specialise in later years.

Jonathan Dunne

Student Profile; Jonathan Dunne,

2nd year, Biomedical Sciences

'As a Biomedical Sciences student, I am really enjoying learning about different aspects of biology from microbiology and research, to human physiology.

The lectures are interesting, and often linked to the academics’ current research, ensuring the information is at the forefront of scientific knowledge. We have fortnightly small group tutorials, giving time to talk openly to an academic; this is a chance to ask for help, and improve your knowledge.

I first visited Warwick on an open day, which enabled me to walk around both the campus and the School of Life Sciences; I also had the opportunity to speak to current students and academics. I loved the look and atmosphere of the campus, and how everything I would need was on site'.

Second and third year options are wide and allow you to plot your own course, including choices outside science such as philosophy, business or languages.

Warwick is a stimulating place to study and our courses appeal to all those seeking progressive careers in the Life Sciences.

How Will I Be Taught?

You will receive weekly tutorials and spend one or two days a week undertaking laboratory work. This is more project-oriented in your second year, culminating in a substantial individual research project in your final year. This may be wholly laboratorybased, or involve data collection or fieldwork. Purpose-built teaching facilities are fully integrated with research laboratories, facilitating opportunities for informal contact with teaching and research staff.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods including tutorial, laboratory practical, oral presentation and other written assignment tests as well as exam based questions.

What Opportunities Are There For Work Placements?

All of our degrees can be taken with an intercalated year of salaried employment with industry or a research establishment, between second year and third year modules. Recent placements include the Forensic Science Service, Assisted Reproduction Unit Walsgrave Hospital, AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis and DEFRA. Application for placements is made at the beginning of year two. A high proportion of applicants are successful and approximately 20–30 students each year benefit from the scheme. Students join carefully monitored research projects, covering a wide range of scientific areas. They gain valuable experience in scientific writing and information technology and, in some placements, insights into legal and regulatory aspects of science, e.g. patenting, quality assurance, environmental control. Participants in the scheme remain registered students during placement and are awarded a degree ’with Intercalated Year’.

What Opportunities Are There To Study Abroad?

All students have the option of spending a year at a University in continental Europe under the Erasmus scheme, between your second and third year. This will add a year to your overall period of study and you will thus complete your degree in four years. Students will typically be expected to have completed at least Level 3 (or equivalent) in the target language prior to studying abroad; you can take language modules in years one and two to reach this level, which can count towards your degree if you choose.

What Careers Can A Warwick Degree In Life Sciences Lead To?

Career destinations for life scientists range from ‘bench science’, non-laboratory-based scientific work, to a wide variety of areas outside science. Almost 40% of our graduates undertake postgraduate study, or enter graduate medical courses. Life sciences graduates are equally likely to be found establishing careers in industry, finance or the civil service.