Information for Prospective Undergraduates

Plant Biology degree

Plant Biology degree - 3 years (C200) or 4 years (through C990 Life Sciences)

Plant Biology degree at Aberystwyth

Plants provide an essential foundation for life on earth, the food we eat and the beauty of the natural environment. The Plant Biology degree course at Aberystwyth enables you to study plant life in all its aspects, from the molecular to the ecological. It encompasses some of the issues that are of worldwide importance to plants, such as the implication of genetic modification of crops and global climate change. Mid Wales is an excellent centre for this Plant Biology degree scheme, with a wide range of habitats within easy reach, including oak woodlands, coastal sand dunes, salt-marshes, raised bogs, freshwater lakes and uplands. The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, which runs the Aberystwyth Plant Biology degree has an extensive suite of tropical and temperate glasshouses, plant growth rooms and its own botanical collection. The Institute also has close links with the National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Plant Biology degree course structure

Year 1

During your first year, you will develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the biological sciences with modules exploring the structure and function of plants, their physiology, ecology and classification.  You will also be trained in research and communication skills.

Years 2 and 3

During your second and third years you will take some core modules but can also tailor your degree scheme through your choice of optional modules. These include local field studies, and the possibility of studying the flora of the Swedish Arctic.  We also offer biotechnological and physiological modules.

Research and individual project work are key elements in the final year of study. You undertake an individual project which gives you the opportunity to develop field or laboratory skills in an area of your choice. Alternatively, you can engage in a more ecological project and have access to excellent local habitats.

Detailed Course Structure

Careers related to you Plant Biology degree

Graduates from our Plant Biology degree have a broad-based knowledge of the way in which plants grow and interact with other organisms and the environment. They also understand the potential of molecular biology to advance plant biology and biotechnology in the twentyfirst century. This means that as well as being equipped to enter careers mentioned previously in our introduction to the biological sciences, you can also take advantage of career opportunities in conservation management, industrial and government funded plant research institutes and the scientific civil service. This degree can also lead directly to postgraduate study including established MSc courses at IBERS in Food and Water Security and Managing the Environment.  The excellent research facilities and expertise at IBERS also represents an unrivalled location for graduates to conduct PhD research in the plant sciences.