BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - University of Plymouth · to laboratory research. BSc (Hons) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Entry requirements: 112–128 points at A level to include grade C in Biology

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Want to find out more about our courses?Book now for one of our open days: www.plymouth.ac.uk/opendays

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For more information on modules of study, methods of study and assessment, expected workload and teaching staff please visit our website.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

We believe that the only way to learn is by experience, so our degrees are built around experiential learning in the laboratory or field. We offer a range of degrees from the broader BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences to the more specialist courses in Conservation Biology, Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and Environmental Biotechnology. You’ll be educated by research-active academic staff, recognised internationally in fields ranging from ecology to evolution and biotechnology to animal behaviour. You’ll benefit from our laboratories, equipped with the latest facilities for animal behaviour, soil biology, plant science, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, biotechnology, ecotoxicology, nutrition and genetics.

“All the lecturers are active researchers in their fields and their passion really comes through. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I started the degree but getting so much hands-on experience is what made me apply for a postgraduate research degree.”Tom Gove BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

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* [email protected] ( +44 (0)1752 585858

COURSES

Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Biological Sciences

Biology with Foundation Year

Conservation Biology

Environmental Biotechnology

Final year top-up courses

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Still not sure which course to choose? Check out Marine Biology; Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology; and Marine Biology and Oceanography in the Marine & Ocean section.

IN THE 2015 NSS, OUR ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE COURSE WAS RANKED

2ND IN THE UK FOR OVERALL STUDENT SATISFACTION IN THE

ANIMAL SCIENCE SUBJECT AREA.

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Biological Sciences

Year 1:Learn the skills and basic science behind the study of animal behaviour and welfare. You’ll study evolution and behaviour, physiology and biodiversity and develop your skills in biological investigation through lectures, tutorials, practicals and a field trip to Slapton Ley in South Devon.

Year 2:Explore animal behaviour by looking at factors that influence the way animals interact with each other and the environment. You’ll develop your understanding of animal physiology and the way it can be applied to promote growth, health and reproduction in a variety of animal species. A field trip to the Netherlands, where you’ll study the welfare and behaviour of animals in a wide range of zoos, will allow you to assess welfare and behaviour in a range of captive species.

Placement year (optional):You can carry out an optional work placement year (which may be overseas) between your second and final years. Previous examples include working at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (Jersey) and SANCCOB (South Africa).

Final year:Modules in animal welfare and conservation will allow you to apply your scientific knowledge to applied issues. You’ll focus your studies by choosing from a range of option modules such as behavioural ecology, science communication, animals and human health, and issues in bioscience. A major part of the year is a personal research project, giving you the opportunity to bring together the skills and knowledge gained throughout your studies.

Why do animals behave the way they do? How do we ensure that the impact we have on animals is not detrimental to their welfare? Study and explore animal behaviour, health and physiology, and develop an understanding of animal welfare, how we measure it and how we improve it. In preparation for your career, you’ll also study the ethical and legal frameworks covering our interactions with animals.

BSc (Hons) ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND WELFARE

Special features:• Ranked 2nd in the UK for overall student satisfaction in

the animal science subject area (2015 National Student Survey).

• Take part in course-specific field courses in South Devon and the Netherlands allowing you to apply knowledge gained in lectures and study animal behaviour in the wild.

• Benefit from our collaborations with Dartmoor Zoo, Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo, the Donkey Sanctuary and the National Marine Aquarium.

• Draw on the experience of teaching staff – who are leading the way in their subjects, carrying out internationally respected research in areas such as the evolution of behaviour and animal welfare and ethics.

• LABplus is a unique open-access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, and access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.

Entry requirements:112–128 points at A level to include grade C in Biology and grade C in a second science subject: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Psychology, Geography or Geology.GCSE: Grade C or above in Maths and English Language.For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary on page 330.

Career opportunities:Graduates work in the areas of animal welfare, training and management. These specialisms can be applied to work with pet, farm, laboratory or zoo animals and can also be applied to wild animal conservation. Further study can lead to accreditation as an animal behaviour therapist or laboratory animal care technician.

UCAS course codeD328

Duration 3 years (+ optional placement)

Location Plymouth (optional placement in UK or overseas)

Institution code P60

Course type Full time

FeesFor details about fees please refer to page 24

Professional recognition:This course is recognised by the Society of Biology.

Tailored undergraduate pathways available for international students

100% of students felt staff on this course were good at explaining things [source: Unistats].

100%

* [email protected] ( +44 (0)1752 585858 www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses

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Year 1:Your work will stretch across the spectrum of biology from microbes to man, from atoms to ecosystems. Whether it’s biodiversity, physiology or cell biology, our varied lecture programme, regular lab and fieldwork, tutorials, seminars and group projects will help you develop skills in the science of biology. Put your skills to the test in our free, residential field course.

Year 2:Build on your growing knowledge of animal physiology, plant biology, microbiology, and the methods and techniques of biological science. You’ll also get to focus in, by choosing modules in ecology or pathophysiology. As part of your second year, you’ll discover the science of life out in the field, on an eye-opening residential study trip to the Azores – included in your tuition fees.

Placement year (optional):Take an optional work placement after your second year, applying your biological knowledge and expertise in a real-world context. Lasting at least six months, this placement with an approved organisation will help you fine-tune your thinking around possible careers and equip you with the skills and techniques being used on the front line of our sector.

Final year:Your final year will support your critical thinking and enhance your practical competency. A personal research project allows you to study an area of biomedicine in detail. You will have a choice of research-led topics that discuss current developments and the implications for human health and clinical practice.

Do you want to understand the forefront of biological sciences? You’ll build your understanding in both the laboratory and the field. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of molecular and cell biology; microbiology; plant, human and animal biology; ecology and biodiversity, applying the latest techniques and following the latest research. You’ll graduate ready for the job market, ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to laboratory research.

BSc (Hons) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES


UCAS course codeC100


Location Plymouth. Please see our website for further details on placments and study trip locations




Career opportunities:The Biological Sciences course will allow you to progress to a wide variety of careers in areas such as public services, teaching, fisheries, horticulture, environmental health, conservation, finance, and the media. There are also opportunities to progress to postgraduate study (MSc/PhD) in various topics.



Biological Sciences

Special features:• Gain theoretical and practical skills in the laboratory and

dig deeper into the interplay between biology and real-life so you’ll graduate with the skills to immediately enter the world of work.

• Learn on location through two intensive residential field trips to Slapton and the Azores (price included in your tuition fees).

• Experience practical biology in the real world with an optional work placement between your second and final year.

• Be inspired by staff who are leading the way in their subjects, carrying out research that turns heads worldwide.


Learn on location, through an intensive residential field trip to the Azores (price included in your tuition fees).

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Course overview:Taught by University lecturers on campus, you’ll be part of Plymouth University from day one. You’ll study six modules over the year, with compulsory modules in biology, and study and mathematical skills, and optional modules in chemistry, physics, and maths and statistics. The course is designed to help you progress on to one of our biology degrees. You’ll be taught for about 17 hours per week and be expected to put in about the same amount of time in independent study.

Progression:• Successful completion of the foundation year entitles

you to progress to year one of one of our four biology degree courses.

• Many students have chosen this route and have successfully graduated with a BSc and gone on to employment or postgraduate study.

• Being taught by the University at the University means you are very well prepared for degree-level study.

For more information on our degrees see: • BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare, page 72 • BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, page 73• BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology, page 76 • BSc (Hons) Environmental Biotechnology, page 77.

Set yourself up for success in biology. This year-long foundation course covers biology, applied maths and study skills with optional modules in chemistry and physics. Passing this ‘year zero’ ensures progression into year one of our Animal Welfare and Behaviour, Biological Sciences, Conservation Biology or Environmental Biotechnology degrees. Whether your current qualifications don’t currently allow you entry, or you have been out of formal education for some time, this foundation year will build your scientific and transferable skills ready to forge your future in biology.

BSc (Hons) BIOLOGY WITH FOUNDATION YEAR

Special features:Experience the University life right from the start, being taught by the same research-active staff who teach on the degree course.• Practical sessions are held in our well-appointed

laboratories.• A full Plymouth University experience from day one.• Excellent mathematics support via SUM:UP.• Part of the UK’s longest-running foundation year course.

Entry requirements:For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary on page 330.


Duration 1 year (leading to 3- or 4-year degree study)

Location Plymouth




Career opportunities:Graduates work in a wide range of areas such as animal welfare, ecology, environmental monitoring, habitat management, fisheries, horticulture and teaching.

Biological Sciences

Successful completion of the foundation year entitles you to progress to one of our four biology degree courses.


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* [email protected] ( +44 (0)1752 585858

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNINGWe believe that the only way to learn is by experience, which is why on our Biological Sciences, Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Conservation Biology degrees, you will learn your trade as a biologist hands-on, in the field, with field courses in the first and second years of study. These are degree-focused courses that range from studying animal welfare in situ in zoos in the Netherlands for Animal Behaviour and Welfare to studying life in volcanic lakes in the Azores for Biological Sciences. You’ll build key scientific and transferable skills through these periods of intense study, taking advantage of unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

Wherever your field destination, you’ll take advantage of local scientific expertise to enrich your studies and develop your skills as a scientist.


Year 1:Establish a solid foundation in ecology, biodiversity, natural history, taxonomy, genetics, evolution, animal and plant physiology, and animal behaviour. You’ll gain essential practical field skills through local field trips and a residential course in southern Spain. You’ll also begin to develop useful personal and transferable skills through individual and one-to-one meetings with a personal tutor.

Year 2:Explore key concepts and methods in conservation biology alongside principles in ecology, animal behaviour, plant physiology and environmental impacts. During an overseas field course to Mexico, you’ll continue to develop your practical and transferable skills (for example identification, communication, interpretation, data handling/analysis).

Placement year (optional):We’ll encourage you to undertake an optional placement year in order to gain experience of the professional world of conservation biology. Successful completion leads to the Certificate of Professional or Work Experience.

Final year:Your personal research project forms a major part of your final year. Alongside this, you’ll build advanced skills and concepts in applied conservation biology. You’ll select modules from a range of options dealing with plant biotechnology, environmental policy, global change biology, behavioural ecology, marine vertebrate ecology, and conservation and biodiversity, which will prepare you as a conservation biologist to enter the workplace.

Why should we conserve biodiversity? How can we manage habitats? We’ll give you the scientific tools to address these issues and develop your understanding of plant and animal biodiversity in the UK and abroad. Learn hands-on about key topics such as population ecology, evolutionary processes and conservation genetics, and prime yourself for a career in ecology, conservation or environmental monitoring.

BSc (Hons) CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Special features:• Explore varied natural habitats for fieldwork on our

doorstep in Devon and Cornwall.• Get first-hand experience of ecosystems in other parts of

the world on overseas residential field courses in Spain (year 1) and Mexico (year 2) – both included in your tuition fees.

• Benefit from enthusiastic and approachable staff, whose expertise is endorsed with years of research and work in the private conservational sector – 96% of students said that staff were good at explaining things [source: Unistats].




LocationPlymouth. Please see our website for further details on placements and study trip locations




Career opportunities:This course equips graduates with the skills needed to work or conduct research in ecology, conservation, environmental monitoring and habitat management. Sound scientific skills place graduates above the legions of volunteers and expand employment options beyond conservation.



Two compulsory overseas residential field courses in years 1 (Spain) and 2 (Mexico) – both included in your tuition fees.

Biological Sciences


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Year 1: In your first year, you’ll take an introductory module aimed at all students covering key skills that you will need throughout your degree, underpinned with pastoral support from a dedicated personal tutor. You will build a foundation of core knowledge across the underpinning fields of biology, covering everything from the physiology and biochemistry of plants, animals and microbes through to evolution. You’ll undertake an intensive practical module to gain key skills in analytical biochemistry and in the high standards of laboratory science needed in this sector.

Year 2:You’ll build on the foundation in biology from the first year with modules in food microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, plant and cell physiology, molecular biology, and microbial physiology and biochemistry. Central to this year is a module in biotechnological commercialisation in which you’ll begin to understand the process of taking research to patent and into industry, and will gain skills essential to the job market.

Placement year (optional):An optional work placement may be taken after your second year, applying your knowledge and expertise in a real-world context. Lasting at least six months, this placement with an approved company will help you fine-tune your thinking around possible careers and equip you with the skills and techniques being used on the front line of biotechnology.

Final year:You will focus on key areas of your interest by selecting from a variety of option modules including biological pest control; environmental hazard assessment; microbial biotechnology; plant biotechnology; and natural products and bioprospecting. You will also take core modules in businesses, ethics and law and an advanced skills module that allows you to select from a range of specialist practical ‘podules’ to truly customise your degree to suit your interests. Alongside this, the main focus of the year is your research project, supervised by a member of academic staff and focused on an area of research of mutual interest.

Biotechnology is increasingly replacing traditional technologies with cleaner, greener alternatives. You will study ‘white’ (industrial) and ‘green’ (bioremediation) biotechnology in detail, without the focus on ‘red’ (medical) biotechnology that dominates similar courses. With a strong foundation in science and the technologies, and the means to commercialise research, you will graduate with the skills to be the future of clean technologies, in a range of industries from biofuels to food production.

BSc (Hons) ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Entry requirements:112–128 points at A level to include grade C in Biology and grade C in a second science subject: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Psychology, Geography or Geology.GCSE: Grade C or above in Maths and English Language.For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary on page 330.Other: An interview will be required for entry onto this course.

UCAS course codeJ730


LocationPlymouth. Please see our website for further details on placments and study trip locations




Career opportunities:As biotechnology is a rapidly expanding area, new companies are being founded all the time, based on new technologies – often as ‘spin-outs’ of university research. You will be equipped ready to face this job market with both astrong scientific understanding of the problems of current methodologies and the means to overcome them, but with the added value of understanding commercialisation, ethics, law and marketing, giving you a unique advantage.

Special features:• Keep up to date with a course that covers the very latest

innovations in biotechnology and updates to reflect the demands of the sector.

• This flexible course allows you to specialise in your area of interest, such as plant or microbial biotechnology.

• Gain practical skills hands-on with intensive laboratory-based teaching to give you workplace-ready skills in areas ranging from analytical biochemistry to electron microscopy.

• Be inspired by academic staff who are leading biotechnologists in their fields, with active research portfolios linked to companies around the world.

• Gain insight into the workplace with an optional placement year, taking advantage of our links with industry.

Gain insight into the workplace with an optional placement year, taking advantage of our links with industry.

Biological Sciences



BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science:Have you successfully completed a foundation degree in animal science, welfare or zoo/animal conservation? Prepare for your future and develop your knowledge with our modern top-up course. You’ll explore an array of subjects including science communication, animal nutrition, ecology, and animal welfare and ethics. Develop your scientific skills with a taught module and an individual research project in an area that interests you. Leave equipped for a successful career in animal management and conservation.

BSc (Hons) Biosciences:Convert your foundation degree in biology, or a related topic, to an honours degree with our broad-based Biosciences top-up course. Study a range of subjects including natural products and bioprospecting, ecotoxicology, microbiology, plant sciences, and animals and society. You’ll develop your scientific skills through a taught module and a specialised research project where you can explore your own interests in depth. By the end of the year you’ll be well equipped for a career in biosciences.

BSc (Hons) Health and Fitness:Build on the skills you gained during your foundation degree to gain an in-depth understanding of exercise, fitness and health. You’ll develop your knowledge of the impact of diet and exercise on health and chronic disease and conduct an individual research project. This course will provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to work in a variety of health and sports settings.

Placement year (optional):Whichever top-up route you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional placement year with a relevant organisation, before joining the course.

Deepen your scientific knowledge and gain an honours degree with our biological sciences top-up courses. Choose from our suite of three courses to build on what you learned in your foundation degree, specialising in your area of interest to prepare you for a career in biological sciences.

FINAL YEAR TOP-UP COURSES

Entry requirements:You’ll need a foundation degree in an appropriate subject, although we may consider equivalent qualifications. We welcome some experience in appropriate industry or commerce. For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary on page 330.

UCAS course codeRefer to index for codes

Duration1 year (year 3 entry – top-up to an honours degree)

Location Plymouth

Institution codeP60

Course typeFull time


Biological Sciences


A suite of top-up degrees for those who wish to develop their scientific knowledge further.

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Biological Sciences



BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES - University of Plymouth · to laboratory research. BSc (Hons) BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Entry requirements: 112–128 points at A level to include grade C in Biology

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