Biology is the science that studies all aspects of life. It draws in ideas from Chemistry and Physics to do this. Biology is relevant to almost all aspects of the world around us today, many of which are currently in the media. For example, modern medicine, drugs and pharmaceuticals rely on a knowledge of how the human body works and what happens when it fails.

Similarly environmental science asks how we can best live on the planet without destroying natural habitats and biodiversity. The study of the spread of disease (epidemiology) requires and understanding of what causes the disease and its risks factors before any vaccination or treatment program can occur.

Biology raises many ethical issues that are fundamental to an understanding of how science works, and this is discussed during the course. For example, intensive farming of animals and plants throws up ethical questions about biodiversity, the use of embryonic cells to treat diseases generates questions about whether it is right to use cells from embryos.