Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year (MBiol)

Program Overview

---

The MBiol Biological Sciences program at Cardiff University is a five-year integrated master's program designed for aspiring researchers and science professionals. It offers a comprehensive exploration of biological sciences, advanced research techniques, and a Professional Training Year for hands-on experience. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, science-related fields, and other areas requiring scientific and transferable skills. The program emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills, preparing students for success in their chosen field.

Program Outline

---

Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year (MBiol) - Cardiff University

---

Degree Overview:

---

Objectives:

• Prepare students for a career in research or other scientific fields.
• Develop students' research skills through an extended research project.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of biological sciences through a diverse range of modules.
• Offer professional development opportunities through a sandwich year placement.
• Foster independent learning and critical thinking skills.

---

Program Description:

• The program offers a wide choice of subjects across the biological sciences, including animal and plant biology, microbiology, genetics, ecology, disease, behavior, neuroscience, zoology, developmental and stem cell biology, and evolution.
• Students can tailor the program to their interests by choosing specific modules, focusing on one area or opting for a broader range of topics.
• The program includes a third-year Professional Training Year, which offers students valuable research experience in a professional setting.
• The final year of the program focuses on an extended research project conducted in an active research laboratory, allowing students to contribute to new research and potentially publish their findings.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1:

• Common year covering all aspects of the biosciences, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology, animal and plant biology, and ecology.
• Focus on developing foundational scientific and practical skills.
• Modules are delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes.

---

Year 2:

• More specialized year building on the knowledge and skills gained in Year 1.
• Focus on data analysis, scientific communication, advanced laboratory and field techniques.
• Students choose from 11 available modules (up to a total of 120 Credits) to pursue specific areas of interest.
• Modules cover topics like animal diversity and adaptation, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, ecology, and conservation.
• Opportunity to participate in project-based field courses in various locations.

---

Year 3: Professional Training Year (PTY)

• Spend 9-12 months in a research laboratory, clinical setting, industrial/commercial research environment, or another approved establishment.
• Gain first-hand research experience through various aspects of research, including experimental design, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation.
• Placement report contributes to final degree assessment.
• Opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience for future careers.

---

Year 4:

• Focus on advanced research techniques and in-depth study within a chosen research theme.
• Students complete three 30-credit modules (from a wide range of options) and an Advanced Research Techniques module (30 credits) with a focus on bioinformatics and a practical project.
• Modules cover topics like evolution and adaptation, systems biology and modeling, plant science, biodiversity, synthetic biology, advanced cell biology, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and genes and genomes.

---

Year 5:

• Completion of an extended research project in an active research laboratory.
• High degree of subject specialization and knowledge acquisition.
• Opportunity to contribute to published research or trigger new avenues of investigation.
• Develop skills as a practical research scientist.
• "Frontiers in Bioscience" module further enhances research knowledge and skills.
• Completion of the research project contributes to the final degree assessment.

---

Assessment:

• Assessments vary depending on the module and year but typically include:
• Coursework assignments (written practical reports, class tests, group work, presentations)
• Examinations (machine-marked structured answer section and written answer section)
• Placement report (Year 3)
• Research project (Year 5)
• Supervisors' evaluation, written report, and presentation (Year 5)
• Assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding, critical thinking, analytical skills, and research abilities.

---

Teaching:

• The program features a student-centered approach with a focus on academic excellence and research-informed teaching.
• Students benefit from the expertise of experienced researchers and passionate academics.
• Teaching methods include lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, research seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Students receive support from a Personal Tutor for academic advice and pastoral care.
• Open-door policy allows for students to seek individual guidance from lecturers.

---

Careers:

• Graduates are well-equipped for careers in research, science-related fields, and other areas requiring scientific and transferable skills.
• Potential career paths include:
• Molecular biology
• Conservation
• Environmental management
• Pharmaceutical and biological industries
• Scientific publishing
• Agro-industry
• Wildlife management
• Journalism
• Public service
• Management
• The program also provides a strong foundation for further professional training in areas like teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, and accounting.
• Strong employability record with 93% of graduates in work or further study within six months of graduating in 2016/17.
• The Professional Training Year enhances graduates' career prospects.

---

Other:

• The program provides a flexible structure allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests and aspirations.
• Students have the opportunity to conduct research and gain valuable experience through the Professional Training Year.
• The program emphasizes independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills.
• Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including the School of Biosciences' field center in Borneo and strong involvement in Cardiff University research institutes.

---

Conclusion:

The MBiol Biological Sciences program at Cardiff University is a comprehensive and well-regarded program that provides students with a strong foundation in biological sciences, advanced research skills, and valuable professional experience. The program prepares graduates for successful careers in research and other scientific fields, offering a diverse range of opportunities and excellent career prospects.

---

Fees for home status

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. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. 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.

---

Additional costs

Field courses which take place abroad incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We also offer some excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course. Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.