Biological Sciences (Zoology) (BSc)

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.

How will I be assessed?

First and second year modules are usually 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?

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:

1. Analyse, synthesise and summarise material relevant to a broad range of subjects within the Biosciences from a variety of sources, and appraise it critically.
2. Discuss current issues of research, investigation and/or debate within a selected number of areas of focus.
3. Discuss the relationships between structure/formation and function/regulation of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organisms and populations.
4. 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:

1. Analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically from a variety of sources.
2. Synthesise an argument or point of view, based on solid data and evidence that can be communicated clearly and concisely.
3. Discuss issues from a number of perspectives and values and arrive at a considered critical judgement stating assumptions and limitations.
4. Construct grammatically correct documents in an appropriate academic style and format, using and referencing relevant ideas.
5. Discuss the importance of academic and research integrity

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

1. Receive, and respond to, a variety of sources of information: textual, numerical, verbal, graphical.
2. Interpret and manipulate numerical data.
3. Solve problems by a variety of methods.
4. Determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes.
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. Cite and reference work in an appropriate manner, ensuring academic integrity and the avoidance of plagiarism whether intentional or not.
3. Use the internet and other electronic sources critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
4. 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.
5. 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. .
6. Use negotiating skills.
7. Evaluate their own performance as an individual and a team member.
8. Evaluate the performance of others.
9. Discuss the interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view.
10. Demonstrate the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills)
11. Identify, and work towards, targets for personal, academic, professional and career development
12. Demonstrate an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work.
13. Build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment.
14. Demonstrate leadership and planning skills for setting, and meeting, achievable goals within the workplace.