Explore study opportunities from STEM Life, Health and Chemical Sciences.
The School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences offers undergraduate study across biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, health sciences and the wider natural sciences.
Our qualifications are informed by research across human biology, neuroscience, biomedicine, cell and molecular biology, chemistry and analytical science. Students develop scientific knowledge alongside practical, analytical, data-handling, problem-solving and communication skills.
Biology explores life from the molecular and cellular levels through to whole organisms, populations and ecosystems. Students investigate areas including genetics, evolution, physiology, behaviour, biodiversity and the interactions between organisms and their environments.
The BSc (Honours) Biology includes practical investigations and an independent research project. Biology can also be studied as a specialist route through the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences.
Explore the BSc (Honours) Biology
Biomedical sciences examines how the human body works and how illnesses are diagnosed, prevented and treated. Students explore how cells, tissues, organs and body systems function together, developing an understanding of health and disease from molecular, cellular and whole-body perspectives.
Practical skills are developed through interactive activities, home investigations, the OpenSTEM Labs and, where appropriate, extended-reality experiences.
Explore the BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences
Health sciences explores the scientific evidence underpinning human health and disease. Its scope ranges from the health of individuals to wider population and global-health issues, including infection, immunity, chronic illness, mental health and public health.
The qualification is particularly relevant to those already working in a health-related field, those considering a health-related career, or anyone interested in the science of the human mind and body.
Explore the BSc (Honours) Health Sciences
Chemistry investigates the structure, properties and reactivity of matter and the role of molecules in the world around us. Study covers areas including organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, biological and environmental chemistry.
Chemistry is available as a specialist route through the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences, combining a strong foundation in chemistry with practical investigations, scientific analysis and an independent project.
Explore the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences (Chemistry)
The BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences allows students to combine different scientific disciplines or follow a specialist route. The BSc (Honours) Combined STEM provides further flexibility by allowing students to build a qualification from a broad selection of science, technology, engineering and mathematics modules.
Certificates and diplomas are also available in several of our subject areas. Individual modules may be studied on their own or counted towards a qualification, subject to the relevant qualification regulations.
Course structures, module availability, accreditation and study arrangements can change. Please consult the official qualification pages for the latest information.
Explore science courses at The Open University
You can sample a subject or develop your knowledge through free science, health and psychology courses and resources on OpenLearn.
