Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year (BSC)

During your foundation year the teaching will be interactive and varied, combining academic skill development with engaging subject-based learning in areas such as biology and chemistry. You’ll explore ideas through discussion, group work, practical activities and independent study, with opportunities to build confidence in communication, critical thinking, creativity and evidence-based analysis – all designed to help you transition confidently through university study.

The programme is taught by internationally recognised academic staff who are experts within their fields. Our teaching approach is informed by the latest research and is aligned with current industry practices, ensuring that the curriculum is both academically rigorous and relevant to professional demands. Academic staff offer insights into the latest advancements in developmental biology, biotechnology, conservation and environmental modelling and management, and microbiological applications.

The Biological Sciences curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Lectures, supported by practical sessions, give you a strong foundation in both theory and practice, while seminars, workshops, and tutorials help you apply what you’ve learned. These interactive formats support hands-on projects and in-depth discussions, so that you can tackle real-world challenges and enhance your professional readiness.

During years one to three, research integration is a key component. You’ll engage with up-to-date data, relevant case studies, and the newest research findings, connecting academic theory with practical environmental issues. To bring a practical and current-day perspectives to the learning experience, you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of seminars delivered by guest lecturers and industry experts.

Hands-on learning is a focal point of the programme, giving you the chance to develop practical skills in realistic contexts. Through team-based projects and individual research, you’ll apply sophisticated data science techniques to complex global analytical challenges.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments in the foundation year will support you in the transition from prior learning through to university level study, featuring examples of the types of assessment you will complete throughout your academic career, such as written coursework, group assignments, class tests, exams, and other forms of assessment.

Following the foundation year, your assessments will vary by module and include coursework, portfolio projects, written assessments, class tests, oral and poster presentations, and practical projects. Each module employs specific types of assessments to evaluate effectively both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Assessments are used throughout the programme to enhance learning to ensure your grasp of foundational concepts. Assessments will support independent and lifelong learning and are designed to put you at the heart of the learning process and to help you take ownership for your own learning. You will be supported in assessments by members of module teams and personal tutors.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Apply core principles, and an understanding and knowledge of biological systems to new or existing biological challenges.
• Critically evaluate biological processes and interactions for application to current and future biological scenarios.
• Explain the use of experimental design and data analysis in the investigation of biological questions.
• Apply biological knowledge to global challenges within a range of ethical, societal and One Health contexts.

• Integrate multiple components of a biological system to understand the holistic biological process.

   

Intellectual Skills:

• Critically analyse and interpret biological information and data.
• Evaluate scientific arguments, research findings, and conflicting evidence across different areas of the biological sciences.
• Formulate testable hypotheses and design robust experimental or observational studies in biological sciences.
• Apply problem-solving strategies to unpredictable biological questions.
• Reflect critically on the limitations of scientific knowledge, recognising uncertainty, ethical considerations, and societal and One Health impacts.

Professional Practical Skills:

• Demonstrate competent use of standard and specialist laboratory and field-based techniques.
• Select and apply appropriate methodologies for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of biological data.
• Operate safely and effectively within laboratory, field, or industry settings.
• Utilise contemporary analytical tools to explore, critique and understand biological processes.
• Apply problem-solving skills creatively to address biological questions, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical insights.
• Critically evaluate experimental approaches and technical procedures.  

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communication and summarisation of scientific concepts and ideas, and experimental findings.
• Retrieve, evaluate, synthesise, and correctly acknowledge information from a range of sources.
• Apply problem-solving, and evaluation and critical thinking skills to scientific challenges.
• Demonstrate numerical and computational literacy along with data management proficiency.
• Employ digital and information technologies competently and effectively.
• Work effectively and professionally both independently and collaboratively within a team, developing critical thinking, and self-management skills.