BSc Biology

Over the last two decades, technological developments and our understanding of biological systems have revolutionized the field of Biology, so that it is making a greater impact on day-to-day life than ever before. For instance, in the medical field advances in the understanding of cell function have led to the development of new and sometimes controversial disease treatments. The sequencing of whole genomes is now commonly reported and techniques are being developed to analyse gene functions. This is an area of biology in which vast amounts of data are generated and the ability to process and analyse these using computers is another key area in the biological sciences. In agriculture, many new methods of controlling disease and improving yield are being tested. At the same time, humanity's impact on the environment is posing new challenges which need to be understood. All of these important topics are considered under the heading of Biology.

The Biology degree scheme at Aberystwyth is aimed at students who wish to maintain a broad interest across molecular, cellular and physiological aspects of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. If you study Biology you can, should you wish, specialize in the final year of your degree.

During the first year, you develop your knowledge and understanding of the diversity of biological disciplines with modules covering the structure and function of plants, animals and microbes at the organismal, cellular and molecular (genetic and biochemical) levels. A key aim of the second year is to maintain the balance of the areas studied and so you select modules from a range covering the major areas of biology, including cell biology, immunology, genetics, parasitology, microbiology, animal behaviour and plant physiology. New subject areas include cancer biology and computational biology (“bioinformatics”). In the third year you can maintain the breadth of your studies or you can choose to develop your own interest in a particular area of biology through your choice of optional modules and final year project. If you are interested in field biology, you can take part in plant and terrestrial ecology field courses that are carried out in Picos de Europa, Northern Spain and at the unique limestone pavements of the Burren in Ireland. The final year research project, which gives you the opportunity to work within an Institute research group, may be laboratory, computational or field based. Your project allows you to further develop your practical and planning skills in an area of your choice.