BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology (Including Foundation Year)

The intention of the foundation year is to build up your science knowledge. Beyond that, scientific understanding and scientific study approach are very much the focus. 

Foundation Year: International Wildlife Biology Degree

• Foundation Biology
  This will provide a basic knowledge of living things, and the processes which enable them to survive and reproduce. You will gain an appreciation of the evolutionary processes which lead to the modern diversity of the living world and explore basic biochemistry and cell structure. 
  
  
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology
  This will provide a basic overview of the structure and function of the major organ systems of the human body. Lectures cover basic structure and function, and include examples of disorders and abnormalities associated with each system.
  
  
• Key Skills and Professional Development
  This module introduce you to the key kills required to complete a science degree and engage in lifelong learning. These include identifying learning strategies, critical thinking, academic writing/practice, presentation skills, preparation for employment, and professional conduct. 
  
  
• Scientific Data Literacy
  This will provide you with the understanding and ability to apply simple mathematical tools to obtain, interpret, manipulate, present and explain the significance of scientific data and the role mathematics plays in the sciences. This is designed to develop and support your application of numerical literacy and data handling set in the broad context of science.
  
  
• Foundation Chemistry
  This introduces the fundamental concepts of inorganic and organic chemistry. It enables you to use the symbolism and calculations involved in qualitative and quantitative descriptions of chemical reactions.
  
  
• Physical Science
  This introduces you to fundamental concepts in the physical sciences. You will explore units, measurement and errors, atomic structure, the electronic structure of atoms, the stability of the nucleus and radioactivity. 

Year One: International Wildlife Biology Degree

• Big Game Tracking (South Africa field course)
• Biological Research Skills
• Microorganisms and the Dynamic Cell
• Principles of Ecology
• Evolutionary Botany and Zoology
• Genetics and Evolution

Year Two: International Wildlife Biology Degree

• Patterns in African Biodiversity (South Africa field course)
• Conservation Genetics and Wildlife Management
• Ecological and Wildlife Assessment
• Vertebrate Zoology
• Environmental Modelling for Wildlife Management

Optional (one of two):

• Ethology
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation (Tropical field course)

Year Three: International Wildlife Biology Degree

• Wildlife Research Project - 40 credits
• Marine and Freshwater Biology
• Advanced Ecology

Optional (two of three):

• Global Ecological Change
• Humans and Other Primates
• Agriculture, Evolution and Biotechnology

You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, computer exercises, practical classes, UK and overseas fieldwork.

The number of weekly hours you will receive per week will vary depending on the modules studied and year of study. Generally, you will have 48 hours of direct contact per (20-credit) module over an academic year, equating to around 12-15 contact hours per term week.

Outside of this time, you will be expected to commit around 80 hours to study guided by your lecturers and self-directed learning on each module (but more for your third year project). A further 70+ hours are normally required for students to prepare and complete assessments for each module. Residential field courses have more contact hours, supporting our hands-on approach to field learning.

Throughout the international wildlife biology course we invite guest lecturers from the ecological and conservation sector to help support your knowledge and understanding of contemporary wildlife biology scenarios. This is also a great opportunity to meet with potential employers, along with field trips and collaborations on third year projects.

Research-informed teaching

Your studies will be underpinned by the latest research undertaken by the Universitys Applied Sciences Research Group which collaborates locally, nationally and internationally with partners from industry and academia to provide world-leading knowledge and impact. For you, this means you will be taught by academics who are at the forefront of their specialist field. 

You will be assessed using a combination of different assessment types, to support all facets of your learning and development. These include scientific reports and papers, oral presentations, critical reviews, digital outputs, problem solving and data analysis tasks,  in-class and online tests, laboratory exercises, practical competencies, field reports and written examination.

Assessment methods vary depending on the module and year of study. A number of modules are assessed through coursework and written examination, while other modules are continuously assessed with coursework only. 

The breakdown of assessment methods for this course is: 9-27% practical assessment, 19-59% coursework, and 32-54% written examination.

This entry criteria details typical offers, however, USWhas a Contextual Admissions Policy and considers eligible applicants on an individual basis. Under the Policy we could make a personalised offer based on aspects of the UCAS application or haveresults 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 may also be acceptable. 

Typical A-Level Offer

Typical Welsh BACC Offer

Typical BTEC Offer

Typical IB Offer

Typical Access to HE Offer

Additional Requirements

International Entry Requirements

Successful completion of this foundation course will enable you to progress on BSc (Hons) International Wildlife Biology degree. Here you will gain a range of traditional and contemporary scientific laboratory, field, analytical and research skills that are applicable to working in ecological consultancy, wildlife conservation organisations, education, or postgraduate research with us.