Gwyddorau Biolegol (Sŵoleg) gyda Blwyddyn Ragarweiniol (BSc)
- UCAS code: C302
- Next intake: September 2021
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time
Mae'r cynnwys hwn ar gael yn Saesneg yn unig.
Why study this course
Our Biological Sciences (Zoology) degree with Preliminary Year is a four-year course. The Preliminary Year covers key topics in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and leads to a BSc in any of the subjects offered by the School of Biosciences. The preliminary year is designed for students who lack a sufficient background in science, and it will provide you with the knowledge and understanding needed to thrive in the year one curriculum and beyond.
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.
Our Zoology degree also includes ample opportunities for practical field work, enabling you to develop valuable field research techniques. As well taking part in field research projects throughout your time at Cardiff, you can also choose from our specialised, project-based field courses in the UK and further afield.
As with all of the degrees in the School of Biosciences, our Zoology course offers the flexibility to tailor the course to your own interests and career aspirations. Your degree title also remains flexible up until your final year, so that you can either continue with BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology) to graduation, or switch to another of our bioscience degrees during your first two years of study.
Your final degree title will depend on your module selection, and your Personal Tutor will guide you through the options available to you. You may also have the option of switching to our four-year MBiol integrated master's degree, which forms an excellent basis for a future career in scientific research.
This course provides an excellent foundation for a broad range of careers and offers strong training for research scientists. Our graduates have gone on to a range of exciting and fulfilling careers in both scientific and non-scientific related fields, including 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.
Distinctive features
- Enjoy a flexible course structure that enables you to tailor your degree to match your interests and aspirations, including the option to spend a sandwich year on professional placement.
- Develop your field research skills with one of our popular project-based field courses. Opt for one of our UK-based courses or choose to travel further afield to locations such as Tobago or Borneo.
- Experience the excitement of learning in active research environment, with teaching staff who are leading researchers in their field.
- Make use of the latest equipment, techniques and facilities in your project work.
- The School of Biosciences offers exciting training opportunities with a conservation-focused field centre in Borneo and strong involvement in the University's Sustainable Places Research Institute.
Where you'll study
Ysgol y Biowyddorau
Rydym yn darparu amgylchedd addysgu ysgogol gyda chyfleusterau modern trawiadol, yr offer diweddaraf a staff o'r radd flaenaf.
Entry requirements
AAB-ABB. A pass in the practical element of the Science A level is normally required. Please note Critical Thinking and General Studies will not be accepted.
Extended Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ 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.
The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
DDD with a Distinction in all of the Core/Mandatory Units.
IB Diploma with an overall score of 34-32 points OR IB Diploma with 655 in 3 Higher Level subjects
Other UK qualifications may also be accepted, often in lieu of A-levels, but subject requirements must be met. If you are offering non-UK qualifications, our qualification equivalences guide should allow you to calculate what kind of offer you are likely to receive.
Please be aware that this is a general guide, and that some programmes may have more detailed or specific entry requirements which will be reflected in your offer.
Find out about our Schools' admissions criteria, offer guarantee scheme, changes to programmes and translating your documents.
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 51 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
GCSE Maths grade C/4. GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an accepted English Language equivalent
Nid yw'n ofynnol i chi gwblhau gwiriad DBS (Gwasanaeth Gwahardd Datgelu) na darparu Tystysgrif Ymddygiad Da i astudio'r cwrs hwn. Os ydych chi'n destun unrhyw amod trwydded neu gyfyngiad monitro ar hyn o bryd a allai effeithio ar eich gallu i gwblhau'ch astudiaethau yn llwyddiannus, bydd gofyn i chi ddatgelu'ch cofnod troseddol. Mae'r amodau'n cynnwys, ond heb fod yn gyfyngedig i:
- mynediad i gyfleusterau labordy gan gynnwys cemegolion
- mynediad at gyfrifiaduron neu ddyfeisiau sy'n gallu storio delweddau
- defnyddio offer / dyfeisiau rhyngrwyd a chyfathrebu
- cyrffyw
- rhyddid i symud
- cyswllt â phobl sy'n gysylltiedig â Phrifysgol Caerdydd.
Tuition fees
UK and EU students (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year. Fees for the previous year were £9,000.
Students from outside the EU (2021/22)
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2021/22 academic year.
Additional costs
Field courses which take place abroad incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We strive to keep these to a minimum, for example we maintain our own Field Station and staff in Borneo, whose costs are not recovered from charges to students. We also offer some excellent Wales-based field courses which do not incur additional costs.
No additional charges are made for other aspects of tuition, although some services (such as student printing on demand) may incur a charge.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Course structure
This BSc course is full-time over four academic years, with 120 credits attained in each year. It begins with the Preliminary Year which covers key topics in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, and will underpin future studies.
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.
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 of 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.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2019/20 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2019.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year preliminary
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Cells and the Chemistry of Life | BI0001 | 10 credits |
| Genetics, Evolution and Diversity | BI0002 | 10 credits |
| Nutrition, Transport and Signalling | BI0004 | 10 credits |
| The Way the Body Works | BI0005 | 10 credits |
| Fundamental Aspects of Chemistry | CH0001 | 10 credits |
| Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Equilibria | CH0002 | 10 credits |
| Chemistry of Organic Compounds | CH0003 | 10 credits |
| Inorganic and Redox Chemistry | CH0004 | 10 credits |
| Preliminary Mathematics I | MA0003 | 10 credits |
| Preliminary Mathematics II | MA0004 | 10 credits |
Year one
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Skills for Science | BI1001 | 20 credits |
| Structure and Function of Living Organisms | BI1002 | 20 credits |
| Organisms and Environment | BI1003 | 20 credits |
| The Dynamic Cell | BI1004 | 20 credits |
| Biological Chemistry | BI1014 | 20 credits |
| Genetics and Evolution | BI1051 | 20 credits |
Year two
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Diversity and Adaptation | BI2131 | 40 credits |
| Genetics and its Applications | BI2132 | 40 credits |
| Ecology and Conservation - Part A | BI2133 | 30 credits |
| Ecology and Conservation - Part B | BI2134 | 10 credits |
| Cell Biology | BI2231 | 40 credits |
| Biochemistry | BI2232 | 40 credits |
| Developmental and Stem Cell Biology | BI2233 | 40 credits |
| Molecular Biology of the Gene | BI2234 | 40 credits |
| Physiology | BI2331 | 40 credits |
| Concepts of Disease | BI2332 | 40 credits |
| Practical Anatomy | BI2333 | 40 credits |
| Brain and Behaviour | BI2431 | 40 credits |
| Fundamental Neuroscience | BI2432 | 40 credits |
Year three
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biosciences Final Year Project | BI3001 | 30 credits |
| Evolution and Adaptation | BI3153 | 30 credits |
| Biodiversity and Conservation Biology | BI3154 | 30 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Plants for the Future: Frontiers in Plant Science | BI3151 | 30 credits |
| Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change | BI3152 | 30 credits |
| Infection Biology and Epidemiology | BI3155 | 30 credits |
| Systems Biology and Modelling | BI3156 | 30 credits |
| The 'omics Revolution (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics) | BI3252 | 30 credits |
| Genes to Genomes | BI3254 | 30 credits |
| Current Topics in Development, Stem Cells and Repair | BI3256 | 30 credits |
| Contemporary Topics in Disease | BI3351 | 30 credits |
| Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics | BI3352 | 30 credits |
| Advanced Musculoskeletal Biology and Tissue Engineering | BI3353 | 30 credits |
| Advances in Physiology and Pathophysiology | BI3355 | 30 credits |
| Neurobiology of Brain Disorders | BI3451 | 30 credits |
| Systems Neuroscience | BI3452 | 30 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
We provide a student-centred educational experience based on academic excellence and informed by world-leading research. We seek to support every learner in an inclusive learning culture.
Core knowledge and understanding is acquired via lectures, practical classes or field work, research seminars, workshops and tutorials, whilst advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired through independent study, group work and project work.
You will be expected to undertake independent study and increasing independence of learning is expected as the course progresses.
Selected elements of the course may be available through the medium of Welsh and you can also request a Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor for pastoral and academic support should you wish.
Students with disabilities will be fully supported in co-ordination with the University’s Disability and Dyslexia Support Service.
How will I be supported?
All of our academic staff are experienced researchers in their respective fields and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and expertise with students.
Your primary interaction with academic staff will be during lectures, laboratory practical sessions, workshops or small-group teaching sessions (tutorials). You will also be allocated a Personal Tutor who will provide pastoral support and academic advice throughout the course.
Our lecturing staff operate an ‘open door’ policy for students who have specific queries about course material, or a booking system for meetings. You can also contact them via email, as well as speaking to them during the teaching sessions.
Each degree also has a degree scheme co-ordinator who can advise on academic issues, and each year of study has a year co-ordinator who can advise on administrative issues related to the course. There is also a convenient Education Office with a friendly and experienced team who can answer most administrative queries.
Feedback
Feedback on your study, work, and progress will take many forms, from formal written comments on submitted work to more informal conversations and advice during classes and practicals.
Throughout the course, we will provide detailed feedback on all assessed coursework. This is normally provided through a dedicated online system enabling you to conveniently access your feedback via a computer or tablet device.
You will also have the opportunity to discuss your academic and personal development progress with your Personal Tutor, and to discuss examination essay papers in order to improve your performance. During practical work and the research project, you will receive regular feedback from the supervising academic.
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.
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.
Careers and placements
Placements
This course does not include any formal work placements. However, we strongly encourage students to undertake informal work placements during the summer vacations in order to enhance employability.
Our Zoology degree also includes ample opportunities for practical field work, enabling you to develop field research techniques, such as bird-ringing, small mammal trapping, pitfall trapping, microbial analysis and surveying for bats.
Students on the second year Ecology and Conservation module can choose from several specialised, project-based courses that run in a variety of locations throughout the world. Our field courses typically include tropical ecology (Borneo, Malaysia), marine ecology (Caribbean and Malaysia), river ecology (Wales) and woodland ecology (Wales). Please note: availability of individual field courses can be affected by travel constraints or staff availability.
Residential field courses that take place outside of Cardiff incur additional costs, however, these are partially subsidised by the University.
