BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology (B131)

2024 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

In your first year, you will gain a broad understanding of the biology of normal and cancerous cells. In addition to studying the immune system, you will take pathology, microbiology and biochemistry units.

In the second year, you will study the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy, as well as autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, such as papillomavirus and hepatitis B. You will take molecular genetics and an optional unit, possibly biochemistry, from a selection offered.

All practical teaching in years one and two is supported by the eBiolabs dynamic laboratory manual.

In the final year, you will undertake a research project or scientific dissertation, working in a research or teaching laboratory in our Biomedical Sciences building or in one of the hospitals. Your work may even be published in scientific literature.

The four-year BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during your second year.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
BBB including Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five required Chemistry units

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34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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80% overall, with 8.0 in Chemistry and another core science/mathematics subject. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and another science/mathematics subject, and Standard Higher: AAABB. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in another science. Core science/mathematics subjects include: Biology, Further Mathematics, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.

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Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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