Biological Sciences (Zoology) with Professional Training Year (BSc)

Program Overview

This four-year bioscience program combines coursework, extensive laboratory practicals, and a sandwich year with a work placement. Students can tailor their degree to their interests, with modules ranging from animal diversity to systems biology. The program emphasizes independent learning, research skills, and career preparation in fields such as marine ecology, biomedical research, and teaching.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Year One: Six 20-credit modules, with three 40-credit modules taught in year two.
• Year Two: Extensive laboratory practicals, set assignments, and reading to promote independent learning.
• Year Three: Sandwich year focused on a work placement related to the degree.
• Year Four: Research project (30 credits) and three 30-credit modules.

Modules:

• Year One:
• Skills for Science
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• Organisms and Environment
• The Dynamic Cell
• Biological Chemistry
• Genetics and Evolution
• Year Two:
• Animal Diversity and Adaptation
• Genetics and its Applications
• Ecology Part A & B
• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Developmental and Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology of the Gene
• Physiology
• Concepts of Disease
• Practical Anatomy
• Brain and Behaviour
• Fundamental Neuroscience
• Year Three:
• Sandwich Year
• Year Four:
• Biosciences Final Year Project
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
• Plants for the Future: Frontiers in Plant Science
• Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change
• Infection Biology and Epidemiology
• Systems Biology
• The 'omics Revolution (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics)
• Genes to Genomes
• Current Topics in Development, Stem Cells and Repair
• Contemporary Topics in Disease
• Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics
• Advances in Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Musculoskeletal System: Disease, Repair and Regenerative Medicine
• Neurobiology of Brain Disorders
• Systems Neuroscience

Assessment:

• Combination of coursework and examinations
• Coursework may include written practical reports, structured reports, class tests, group work, poster and oral presentations, and computing/statistical problem-solving exercises.
• Examinations comprise a machine-marked, structured answer section and a written answer section.
• Placement report in the third year.
• Final year assessed by examination, extended analytical coursework, and a research project report.

Teaching:

• Student-centered educational experience based on academic excellence and world-leading research.
• Open door policy for students with queries.
• Degree scheme and year coordinators for academic and administrative advice.
• Feedback provided through submitted work, informal conversations, and meetings.
• Personal tutors for pastoral and academic support.
• Lecturing staff are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise.
• Small-group teaching sessions and tutorials.

Careers:

• Graduates pursue careers in marine ecology, biology, field-based or zoo-based research and conservation, environmental law, biomedical research, scientific publishing, journalism, teaching, and veterinary science.
• Many also choose to further their studies by pursuing a master's degree or PhD.

Other:

• The course offers flexibility to tailor the degree to your interests and aspirations.
• The final degree title remains flexible until your final year.
• You may switch to another of our bioscience degrees during your first two years of study.
• The program offers the opportunity to switch to a four-year MBiol integrated master's degree.
• Ample opportunities for practical field work and international field courses.
• Distinctive features include a flexible course structure, professional research experience, field research skills development, and learning in an active research environment.

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Costs for sandwich years During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply.