Cardiff University

BSc Biological Sciences

This BSc course is full-time over three academic years (four including the Professional Training Year option), with 120 credits attained in each year. Year one is made up of six 20-credit modules, with three 40-credit modules taught in year two. In the final year, the research project carries 30 credits and is accompanied by three 30-credit modules. While we aim to offer as much flexibility as possible in our courses, module choice may be restricted on the basis of Entry Degree to provide capacity on core modules which are required for some degree schemes.

Year one modules involve lectures and supporting tutorials providing background theoretical knowledge as well as practical classes. All of our degree schemes share a common year one, which covers all aspects of the biosciences and has the big advantage of giving you flexibility in degree choice. Classes provide students with IT skills for biologists and an understanding of statistical analysis of data, and coursework is used to develop written and oral communication skills.

In year two, extensive laboratory practicals help to develop practical skills and the ability to critically evaluate experimental data. Set assignments and reading are used to promote self-directed learning and the analysis of primary research literature.

The final year requires much more independent study, and all students must produce a substantial research-based (laboratory, literature, pedagogic or scientific engagement) report.

Throughout the course, we strive to offer as wide a choice as possible to allow you to tailor the degree to your study goals.

Year One

The first year is a common year, covering all aspects of the biosciences. This reflects the increasingly multi-disciplinary nature of bioscience research and has the added advantage of offering you the flexibility of degree choice.

The modern, modular syllabus is delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes carried out in spacious, well-equipped laboratories. It provides a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology, animal and plant biology, and ecology, as well as focusing on developing practical and academic scientific skills. Modules may begin by overlapping with A-level studies, but will soon progress to greater depth and scope.

Core Modules for Year One

• Skills for Science
• Structure and Function of Living Organisms
• Organisms and Environment
• The Dynamic Cell
• Biological Chemistry
• Genetics and Evolution

Year Two

The second year allows for more specialisation and builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in the first year. There will be a focus on data analysis and scientific communication, as well as advanced laboratory and field techniques. Understanding experimental design, literature review, statistical analysis and critical analysis skills will act as a foundation for further study in year three.

In year two, you have a choice of 11 available modules, up to a total of 120 Credits, leaving you free to pursue particular areas of interest. Available module topics include animal diversity and adaptation, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry ecology and conservation.

Students in the ecology and conservation module will have the opportunity to undertake one of our project-based field courses, which run in a variety of locations both in the UK and abroad.

During year two, you can also choose to switch to the four-year degree with a Professional Training Year, which is taken after the second year, subject to an appropriate training place being identified.

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Animal Diversity and Adaptation
• Genetics and its Applications
• Ecology Part A
• Ecology Part 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

Our final-year curriculum enables you to specialise in more detail within one of the school's major research themes. This approach immerses you in the research culture of the biosciences, by means of research-driven teaching and a final-year project that allows you to investigate a topic in much greater depth.

The third year's primary focus is the application of core knowledge to the solving of problems and critical evaluation of models, ideas and current debates. This stage of the course will involve an extensive degree of self-directed study in order to develop skills in independent work and lifelong learning, which will help to prepare you for the professional environment.

As well as a 30-credit research project, you will complete three 30-credit modules (from an almost free choice of 18, excluding advanced human anatomy). Modules cover a range of topics including evolution and adaptation, systems biology and modelling, plant science, biodiversity, synthetic biology, advanced cell biology, bioinformatics and functional genomics, and genes and genomes.

At the start of the final year, you have the option of applying to transfer to the four-year MBiol course with an integrated Master’s, depending on satisfactory academic progress and space availability.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Biosciences Final Year Project

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Plants for the Future: Frontiers in Plant Science
• Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change
• Evolution and Adaptation
• Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
• Infection Biology and Epidemiology
• Systems Biology
• The 'omics Revolution (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics)
• Advanced Cell Biology and Imaging
• Genes to Genomes
• Synthetic Biology and Protein Engineering
• 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

How Will I Be Assessed?

First and second-year modules are normally assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations. All modules include coursework assessments, which may take the form of written practical reports, structured reports, class tests, structured answer tests, group work, poster and oral presentations and computing/statistical problem-solving exercises. Assessments may be summative and count towards the final module mark, or formative, helping you to learn and practice key skills and knowledge through feedback. Examinations at the end of each module comprise a machine-marked structured answer section (assessing breadth of knowledge) and a written answer section (assessing depth of knowledge in specific topics).

In the final year, taught modules are assessed by examination and extended analytical coursework. Your final year research project is assessed by a supervisor’s evaluation and a written report.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Throughout the course, you will develop scientific competencies as well as key transferable skills that will be invaluable whatever your future career choice. These include:

• Independent learning and self-directed study
• Collating, organising and analysing information to create logical and persuasive arguments
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving
• Communicating complex ideas in a clear, effective way (using all media)
• Working effectively in a team and as an individual
• IT competency, including presentation, graphics and statistics packages
• Performing and interpreting statistical analyses of data
• Effective time management and organisational skills

As a result of engaging fully with this course, you should be able to:

• Critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information from a variety of sources
• Discuss the relationships between structure/formation and function/regulation of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organisms and populations
• Effectively communicate scientific, and other, information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, using a range of formats and approaches
• Discuss current issues of research, investigation and/or debate
• Synthesise an argument or point of view, based on solid data and evidence
• Determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes
• Build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment
• Work effectively within a group-based environment, both as a leader and a member of a team
• Demonstrate the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills)
• Identify, and work towards, targets for personal, academic, professional and career development
• Demonstrate leadership and planning skills for setting, and meeting, achievable goals within the workplace

In 2016/17, 93% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported that they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

A significant proportion of our BSc Biological Sciences graduates go on to study PhD or master’s degrees. Many others enjoy successful careers in science-related fields such as research and development, conservation, environmental management, scientific research, medical or scientific publishing, agro-industry and wildlife management, amongst many others.

Our graduates also have many transferable skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers in more general areas of industry, commerce, public service, administration and management. Finally, a degree in the Biological Sciences can act as a stepping stone to further training in professional areas including teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, and accounting.