Programme Specifications

Marine and Freshwater Biology


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science

5 : Programme title
Marine and Freshwater Biology

6 : UCAS code
C16F

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BSC Marine and Freshwater Biology [C16F]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2019/2020

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR01200

Practical Skills for Biologists

BR01340

Molecules and Cells

BR01500

Communication Skills

Semester 2
BR01220

Practical Skills for Biologists

BR01440

Organisms and the Environment

BR01520

Communication Skills

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR15700

Skills for Wildlife Scientists

BR16700

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR15720

Skills for Wildlife Scientists

BR16720

Comparative Animal Physiology

BR19320

Ecology and Conservation

BR19920

Microbial and Plant Diversity

Part 2 Rules

Year 3 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR22620

Marine Biology

BR25820

Aquatic Botany

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR22020

Freshwater Biology

BR26220

Applied Aquatic Conservation

BR27520

Research Methods

Year 3 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BR21620

Animal Behaviour

BR25420

Invertebrate Zoology

BR25520

An Introduction to Landscape Ecology and Geographic Information Systems

Semester 2
BG26020

Monitro a Microbioleg Amgylcheddol

BR23920

Behavioural Ecology

BR26020

Environmental Microbiology and Monitoring

BR26820

Vertebrate Zoology

Final Year Core (60 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR33220

Fish Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture

BR36440

Research Project

Final Year Options

Choose 60 credits

Semester 1
BR33920

Population and Community Ecology

BR35020

Marine and Freshwater Field Course

BR35320

Behavioural Neurobiology

Semester 2
BR34520

Wildlife Conservation


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.