BATH SPA UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUS / BIOLOGICAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES
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BIOLOGY BSC (HONS)
LOCATION: Newton Park campus
UCAS CODE: Biology: C100 Biology (Conservation Biology): 86T4 Biology (Human Biology): N3K2
LENGTH: 3 years full-time; part-time available
INSTITUTION CODE: B20 AVAILABLE AS COMBINED: Popular combinations include:
FEES AND FINANCES (2016): £9,000 tuition fee per year (subject to annual inflationary increases). See page 26
Geography: CF18 Psychology: CC18 For a full list of courses you can combine with Biology, see page 103
ASSESSMENT: Assessment varies between modules. Some modules have a 50:50 split between coursework and examination, while others, including all Year 3 modules, are wholly coursework.
For those with other specialised interests we offer modules in areas as diverse as science publishing, abnormal psychology, marketing and sociology, so you can create a degree incorporating your own special interests.
digital hardware for investigating human physiology and behaviour, a wildlife video recording system and a range of other specialist equipment and software for biological studies. In brief, we can provide everything you need to make your biological studies relevant, interesting and applicable to a rewarding career as a professional biologist.
Our staff are friendly and enthusiastic with expertise in many areas of biology from occupational diseases to wildlife conservation. By the end of your degree you will be particularly well equipped for a career in biology but you will also have a broad range of transferable skills and the versatility to succeed in many other careers. There is also the opportunity for you to gain work experience in a relevant organisation as part of your degree programme. Our campus is particularly well suited to the study of biology, boasting many interesting habitats including woodland, farmland, a lake, ponds and a stream. We also have well-equipped laboratories for those interested in studying aspects of human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and cell biology where you can develop important skills. Our facilities include
COURSE STRUCTURE Year 1 In your first year you will study the core module on introduction to biosciences. This allows you to develop your understanding of the fundamentals of biology from cell biology and genetics to characteristics of plant and animal communities. You may also choose to study additional modules in human biology, biodiversity, biochemistry or food. Year 2 In the second year you will investigate the biology of plants, animals and humans in greater depth and be able to study additional topics that particularly interest you, such as microbiology, ecology, human pathophysiology, biodiversity, epidemiology, food and environmental sustainability.
FIND OUT MORE: www.bathspa.ac.uk
TYPICAL OFFERS: Assessed individually, but in the range A-level grades BBC–CCC; BTEC DMM– MMM, with a minimum B in a relevant science subject such as biology, chemistry, human biology, environmental science or social biology.
Year 3 In your final year of study in addition to the research dissertation you have the opportunity to specialise in specific topics such as animal behaviour, marine biology, human health, environmental consultancy and plant biology.
This course covers all the core aspects of biology while still allowing you to develop expertise in our specialist pathways in human biology and conservation biology. There’s a strong practical element and you will have plenty of opportunities to study plants, humans and other animals in laboratory and wild settings.
STUDY ABROAD: See page 23
HUMAN BIOLOGY PATHWAY The Human Biology pathway (UCAS code N3K2) will allow you to explore the human body in terms of its biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology and to apply this knowledge in the areas of health and disease, nutrition and exercise. With modules focusing on microbiology, pathophysiology and medical biology, you will develop a range of practical skills including physiological measurements and histological techniques, which will equip you for a future career in life sciences. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY PATHWAY The Conservation Biology pathway (UCAS code 86T4) focuses on biodiversity, ecology and nature conservation. This is a highly practical degree with many opportunities to develop a range of field skills including identification, habitat surveying, sampling techniques and experimental design. You may combine these traditional ecology skills with the latest technological advances in digital imaging and automated data collection. This pathway will appeal to those considering a career in ecological consultancy, wildlife conservation or research.
YOUR FUTURE CAREER We realise that having a degree relevant to employers is crucial if you are going to find a job at the end of your studies. We are particularly aware of skills employers need and this is reflected in the content and structure of modules. Our work placement module allows you to gain valuable relevant experience that also gives you academic credit towards your degree. Our graduates are successful and many take further qualifications such as PGCE, Masters or doctorates. Others have been employed in both public and private organisations such as ecological consultancies, water companies, the National Health Service, environmental health, wildlife trusts, teaching and government agencies such as the Environment Agency.