Biological Sciences Degrees

Biological Sciences degrees at Aberystwyth are part of the prestigious Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. Rated 'Excellent' in the most recent national Teaching Quality Assessment exercise, the Institute offers you the opportunity to study in a department which enjoys a unique combination of stunning accessible natural habitats and first rate laboratory facilities.For students of our Biological Sciences degrees, there are three National Parks, four National Nature Reserves and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) all within easy reach of Aberystwyth. These marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats provide enviable resources for ecological and environmental studies of plants and animals. Our well-equipped laboratories, superb computing facilities and internationally renowned staff make the Institute an ideal place for you to study the wide range of disciplines associated with biological sciences degrees. Our close links with the National Botanic Garden of Wales and The Centre for Alternative Technology provide exciting opportunities to enhance your learning experiences.

Biological sciences degrees at Aberystwyth

• Animal Behaviour
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Ecology (NEW)
• Environmental Biosciences (NEW)
• Genetics
• Genetics and Biochemistry
• Life Sciences
• Marine and Freshwater Biology
• Microbiology
• Plant Biology
• Zoology
• Zoology and Microbiology

Special Opportunities in Biological Sciences degrees at Aberystwyth

We offer a number of schemes through which you can gain work experience during your time at Aberystwyth. Work experience can enhance your employment prospects and give you a competitive advantage which is highly valued by employers.

The Year in Employment Scheme (YES) is an excellent opportunity for you to gain a year's paid work experience between the second and third year of your studies. Opportunities are available both in the UK and abroad, and some of our students have gone as far afield as Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Alternatively, we can offer bursaries to support you financially while you gain research experience during the summer working alongside enthusiastic and dynamic staff in our laboratories.

Links with universities in other countries mean that it is possible to study for part of your degree abroad. Under the Erasmus scheme you can spend up to one year of your degree studying at an European university, whilst the Aberystwyth University/North American Exchange programme provides similar opportunities in the USA.

Careers related to your Biological Sciences degree

As well as providing specialist training in particular areas of biology, our degree schemes equip you with a comprehensive scientific education and a range of transferable skills that you will need for future employment. We work closely with the University's Careers Service to ensure that you have the best possible support and advice as you start out on your chosen career.

Our biological sciences graduates go on to a wide variety of careers, some undertaking postgraduate training (e.g. PhD, MSc, PGCE). Our graduates have developed exciting career paths with a wide range of employers including: Chester Zoo, education authorities, the Environment Agency, management consultants, the Forensic Science Service, conservation organisations, pharmaceutical companies, the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, the Law Society, local authorities, the National Health Service, sea life centres, the Natural Environment Research Council, public health laboratories, the water industry, Whalewatch, and the Veterinary Laboratory Agency, to give just a few examples.

You will be encouraged to participate fully in university life. By exploiting the diverse opportunities available to develop your academic and vocational skills you can ensure that you will be competitive and sucessful in today's demanding employment market.

Entry Qualifications for Biological Science degrees at Aberystwyth

We accept a wide range of qualifications in addition to the traditional A levels, including National Diplomas, Baccalaureates etc. For qualifications covered by the UCAS tariff system our standard offer range is 280-320 points, including at least 180 from qualifications of more than 3 units (i.e. A level or equivalent). For an individual application the offer made will depend principally on the number of science subjects offered at A level. For most schemes our offer will include a grade C in A level Biology or Human Biology – Chemistry is not required. However, for Biochemistry and Genetics & Biochemistry we will require a C at A level in Chemistry instead of Biology. Sometimes our offer will be lower, for instance when a Compact agreement applies, or following a successful scholarship exam. When an application involves qualifications that are not yet within the UCAS tariff we will make an offer in other terms. All offers are made on an individual basis following careful consideration by an IBERS Admissions Tutor. To meet our tariff point requirement you will be allowed to include points from additional AS grades, music grades (6-8), General Studies and the Welsh Baccalaureate. For example, you could achieve 280 points with BBC at A level, or with CCDD, and either could include General Studies. Alternatively, we would accept CCC at A level and C in an additional AS. Many other combinations of qualifications and grades would also be acceptable.

If you don't have the qualifications needed for a place on one of our three-year degree schemes, we can offer entry through Life Sciences (C990) which includes a Foundation Year.