BSc (Hons) Biology

University of South Wales

United Kingdom, Cardiff

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University of South Wales

United Kingdom , Cardiff

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines26-Sep-2022

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,700 / Year

Next Intake 26-Sep-2022

BSc (Hons) Biology

About

If you are fascinated by the world around you and want to understand how life on earth evolves, adapts and interacts, then this Biology degree is for you. Biology is the science of life. It is the scientific study of living organisms and the environment, and investigates levels of biological organisation from molecules up to ecosystems. This well-established Biology degree is ideal if you want an all-round knowledge of biology. Subjects range from medical microbiology to primatology, from genetics to tropical field ecology. In the second year Frontiers in Biology module, students work in teams to develop project ideas and explore current research in depth. As well as studying the varied habitats accessible in south Wales, our students have the opportunity to learn scientific diving techniques and develop field research skills in the tropical forests and coral reefs of either Asia, Central or South America Our Biology degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the professional body for biologists, so you can rest assured that this course provides the ideal preparation for a career in the field of biology.

In the first year of your Biology degree you will gain a thorough grounding in key areas in biology, including microbiology, genetics, and ecology. You will also develop the techniques and skills to conduct work in the laboratory and in the field. You will begin to develop your transferable skills such as the ability to communicate effectively too.

The second year will expand your knowledge in core subject areas such as zoology, medical microbiology, GIS and human genetics. You will have the opportunity to study the latest research in a topic which interests you, and further develop your communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills. You are also able to choose from some optional modules, enabling you to tailor your biology degree to suit your own interests. There is the option for an overseas residential field trip.

During the third year of your Biology degree, you can specialise even further by choosing subject areas that best fit your career plans and passions. You will conduct an in-depth research project on a specific topic under the supervision of a member of staff, and you will have the opportunity to present the results of your research at an undergraduate internal conference.

Year One: Biology Degree

Microorganisms and the Dynamic Cell - 20 credits
Genetics and Evolution - 20 credits
Biological Research Skills - 20 credits
Evolutionary Botany and Zoology - 20 credits
Principles of Ecology - 20 credits
Biological Chemistry - 20 credits

Year Two: Biology Degree

Human Molecular Genetics - 20 credits
Frontiers in Biology - 20 credits
Environmental Modelling for Wildlife Management - 20 credits
Vertebrate Zoology - 20 credits
Medical Microbiology - 20 credits

Plus one of:

Ecological and Wildlife assessment - 20 credits
Ethology - 20 credits
Tropical Ecology and Conservation - 20 credits
Cellular Pathology and Disease Processes - 20 credits

Year Three: Biology Degree

Biology Research project - 40 credits
Humans and other primates - 20 credits

Then either:

Ecology Option

Population and Community Ecology - 20 credits
Marine and Freshwater Biology - 20 credits
Global Ecological Change - 20 credits

Or:

Biomedical Option

Global Challenges in Infectious Disease - 20 credits
Clinical and Molecular Immunology - 20 credits
Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology - 20 credits

Teaching

We teach using a combination of group activities, lectures, laboratory sessions, tutorials, directed learning, online activities, UK and overseas field trips. The number of contact hours per week will vary depending on your module choice and year of study, but on average you can expect 10-12 contact hours over five days a week.

You will also need to spend a significant amount of time each week on preparation for classes, background reading, revision, or working on assignments.

Our teaching is complemented by a range of subject experts who give guest lectures for various modules. There is also a Biology Speakers Series with a variety of external speakers which third year students have to attend, and other students are encouraged to.

Research-informed teaching

We are a research active team. Our work is focused on three areas: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) includes both an environmental and clinical approach; Rapid molecular diagnostics and detection where we are working with clinical, industry and government partners to develop affordable and rapid methods for the detection of DNA/RNA targets; and human cell biology where our research focuses on understanding underlying mechanisms connecting physiology with cell biology in hypoxemia, cancer and reproduction. Find out more about our genetic and molecular research.

Assessment

Our students are assessed using a range of approaches depending on your module choice and year of study which could include laboratory and field reports of your own work; essays; in-class tests; oral presentations; research proposals; field notebooks; and end of year examinations.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. The University has a Contextual Admissions Policy, therefore, whilst most offers we make are at the top of the range, under the Policy we take certain aspects of an application into consideration and eligible UCAS applicants can receive a personalised offer or have results considered individually when you receive them.Here is a link to our Contextual Admissions Policy Statement.

Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.

Typical A-Level Offer

BCC - CDD to include Biology but to exclude General Studies (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).

Typical Welsh BACC Offer

Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level to include Biology but to exclude General Studies (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).

Typical Science Requirements

Applicants taking Science A levels in England will need to pass the practical element alongside achieving the requested grade(s)

Typical BTEC Offer

BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass in a relevant subject which must include Biology modules (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).

Typical IB Offer

Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including a score of 5 in Biology at Higher Level. You will also need to obtain a score of 5 or above in English at standard level

Typical Access to HE Offer

Pass an Access to HE Diploma in Science and obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points

Additional Requirements

GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

International Entry Requirements

We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.

English Requirements

In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.

However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.

Career

There is high demand for Biology graduates. Graduates of our biology degree have found employment in a range of fields, including environmental consultancy, hospital laboratories, the food and drink industry, and teaching. Many biology undergraduates progress to a postgraduate biology degree or science degree. You may also choose postgraduate research such as a Masters by Research or PhD.

Our Careers and Employability Service

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.

Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.