This joint honours degree enables you to develop knowledge and skills through an exploration of the science and philosophy of living things, as well as a historical understanding of how these fields of study have evolved over time. You’ll combine practical lab work with classroom-based learning, developing a broad set of biological knowledge and skills, whilst exploring the history of scientific thought, the links between magic, science and religion and the nature of scientific knowledge. A combination of compulsory and optional modules will enable you to improve your understanding of key topics such as philosophy of science, cell biology and genetics and gain specialist knowledge in areas like philosophy of biology, behavioural ecology and animal development biology.Specialist facilitiesThe Faculty of Biological Sciences is one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK and home to cutting edge research facilities.Your course makes use of the UK’s largest and most advanced facility for research into pig nutrition, behaviour, welfare and health, production systems, and the National Pig Centre. This is part of the University’s research farm, where you can also learn about sustainable agriculture, while you can study plant biology in the Faculty’s extensive greenhouse and plant growth facilities.You’ll also have the opportunity to study ecology and behaviour in natural surroundings in the city’s green spaces and nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park which provide a range of habitats that support modules in ecology and behaviour.