Biological Sciences (Zoology) with Professional Training Year
Cardiff University
About this program
Biological Sciences (Zoology) with Professional Training Year
Zoology is the study of all kinds of animals, including their anatomy, physiology, genetics, and their adaptations for survival and reproduction in different environments. This is vital knowledge if we are to maintain healthy natural environments, control pests and diseases, conserve biodiversity and preserve endangered species.
Our Biological Sciences (Zoology) degree is aimed at anyone interested in the broad field of animal biology. It is a truly interdisciplinary course that draws on the research strengths found throughout the School, and, as well as covering the evolution and diversity of the main animal groups, you will also have the opportunity to study modules in ecology, physiology and genetics. We have particular expertise in behaviour and brain function, and you will study both behaviour and neuroscience as part of this course.
The course content is closely linked to the research interests of our staff (many of whom are leaders in their field); this allows you to experience the excitement of learning in an active research environment, and helps to ensure that the topics you cover are highly topical, and of relevance and importance in today;s world.
As part of this course you will spend your third year on placement at a field centre, zoological or botanical institute, museum, industrial research laboratory, or other approved establishment of your choice. This offers a great opportunity to gain first-hand professional research experience, and it has been shown to greatly enhance your degree and subsequent employment prospects. Many placements are in the UK, but our students also take up placements in international locations, including Southeast Asia, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Australia, Madagascar, and the USA.
Admission requirements
Typical A level offer
AAB-ABB. Must include Biology (or Human Biology) or Chemistry. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
- II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
- III: at least a Pass in all components.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/23 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.
Year one
- Skills for Science
- Structure and Function of Living Organisms
- Organisms and Environment
- The Dynamic Cell
- Biological Chemistry
- Genetics and Evolution
Year three: Sandwich year
- Sandwich year
Year four
- Biosciences Final Year Project
- Evolution and Adaptation
- Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Scholarships & funding
For more information about scholarships, please visit the university website.
Tuition
- Tuition fees for UK and Ireland Students: £9,000 per year.
- Tuition fees for International Students: £23,450 per year.
For more information about tuition fee, please visit the university website.
Qualification
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will be able to do as a result of your study at Cardiff University. They will help you to understand what is expected of you.
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme can be found below:
Knowledge Understanding:
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Analyse, synthesise and summarise material relevant to a broad range of subjects within the Biosciences from a variety of sources, and appraise it critically.
- Discuss current issues of research, investigation and/or debate within a selected number of areas of focus.
- Discuss the relationships between structure/formation and function/regulation of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organisms and populations.
- Discuss the key areas in which the Biosciences feature in society at the global level, in order to contribute to the ongoing debate over issues of contemporary global importance.
Intellectual Skills
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically from a variety of sources.
- Synthesise an argument or point of view, based on solid data and evidence that can be communicated clearly and concisely.
- Discuss issues from a number of perspectives and values and arrive at a considered critical judgement stating assumptions and limitations.
- Construct grammatically correct documents in an appropriate academic style and format, using and referencing relevant ideas.
- Discuss the importance of academic and research integrity
Professional Practical Skills
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Receive, and respond to, a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical.
- Interpret and manipulate numerical data.
- Solve problems by a variety of methods.
- Determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes.
- Utilise a variety of digital media that are of key relevance to the modern work environment.
- Apply contemporary techniques in research to solving biological problems
- Record data and results in a methodical and accurate manner.
- Interact in a professional work environment, working in teams and collaborative groups.
- Conduct a range of field and practical laboratory skills in an accurate and consistent manner.
- Show manual dexterity within the scientific practical setting.
Transferable/Key Skills
On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:
- Communicate scientific, and other, information appropriately to a variety of audiences, including the general public, using a range of formats and approaches and employing appropriate scientific language.
- Cite and reference work in an appropriate manner, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.
- Use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
- Identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles, in particular those being developed through practical, laboratory and/or field studies.
- Recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members, and work effectively within a group-based environment, both as a leader and a member of a team. .
- Use negotiating skills.
- Evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member.
- Evaluate the performance of others.
- Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view.
- 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 an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work.
- Build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment.
- Demonstrate leadership and planning skills for setting, and meeting, achievable goals within the workplace.
- Work collaboratively within a team environment.
- Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view.
- Develop a research project, including management of resources, time and workload.
- Set reasonable objectives and identify strategies to achieve these within an agreed timescale.
- Learn new techniques and approaches within the laboratory or field working environment.
- Summarise a wide body of literature and apply it to shaping a research plan and analysing results.
Career paths
Careers and placements
Placements
This course includes a sandwich year which is spent on professional placement gaining relevant first-hand research experience. Your year will usually be spent with a single organisation, and you will carry out your own research project, undertaking all aspects of research, including data acquisition, analysis and presentation.
Our students find placements in a range of organisations, including research institutions, museums, field centres, zoos, wildlife trusts and other environmental organisations - recent examples include the Environment Agency, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Hamburg) and the Bimini Shark Lab (Bahamas). Many students choose to undertake placements at universities both inside and outside the UK, including France, Italy, Germany, Malta, Spain, USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Our Placement Coordinators will help you to choose and arrange a suitable placement, and we make every effort to ensure that your placement offers practical research experience and training that is appropriate to your degree and career aspirations.
Throughout your placement year, you will continue to receive support from us. Your placement year will be assessed and will count towards your final degree. Some placement students receive a salary while on placement and others may receive a stipend (e.g. Erasmus studentship); if you do not receive a salary you will usually be eligible to apply for a student loan.
The &sandwich; year is available to all students and is not dependent on you achieving certain grades in years one and two (though we would expect you to be doing well in order to be a competitive applicant for placements). You can also enter the University on a three-year BSc course, then choose to switch to a four-year sandwich programme in year two if you wish.
Finding a placement is a competitive process and success cannot be guaranteed. However, we are usually successful in helping our sandwich year students to secure relevant and rewarding placement positions.
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About this institute
Cardiff University
Cardiff University is among the top 25 universities in the UK and is ranked 154th in the world. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK....
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