Programme Specifications

Plant 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
Plant Biology

6 : UCAS code
C201

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Biological Sciences - Plant Biology



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

The course aims to provide students with a core and breadth of knowledge in plant biology. Through optional modules students can gain more specialist knowledge focussing on molecular, agricultural and environmental skills.

Subject specific skills

To provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge in Plant Biology from cell processes to physiology to production with implications for agriculture, food / fuel production and biodiversity.

Generic and graduate skills

  • To develop a critical and analytical approach in all aspects of study and problem solving, including the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creativity and be able to communicate their understanding.

  • To enable develop effective teamwork and communication skills, particularly via field and laboratory activities.

  • To engender a confidence to learn by responding positively and proactively to feedback provided.

  • To develop strong communication skills both orally and in writing.

  • To show awareness of associated industries, stakeholders needs and impacts.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

Overall aim of the scheme

To provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical (field) and transferable skills required for various careers in Plant Biology including agriculture, horticulture, nature conservation, teaching, research and development, and advisory work within the field.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • A1 The structure, diversity and reproduction of plants.

  • A2 The interactions of structure and metabolic function at cellular and organismal level.

  • A3 How internal and external factor regulate plant metabolism and dictate survival in a particular location at a particular time.

  • A4 The patterns of inheritance and complex genetic interactions of plants.

  • A5 Methods used to identify plants and classify them according to species.

  • A6 The principles and processes governing interactions of plants and their environment acknowledging plants as the foundation of biological energy movement within the environment.

  • A7 The global relevance of plants and direct and indirect value for humans.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • B1 Apply the skills needed for academic study and enquiry.

  • B2 Critically evaluate research methodologies and a variety of types of information and evidence and where appropriate propose new hypotheses

  • B3 Critically analyse information from a number of sources, including current research and scholarship, in order to gain an understanding of theory and practice.

  • B4 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.

  • B5 Apply knowledge and understanding to address familiar and novel problems.

  • B6 Design an experiment, investigation, survey or other means to test a hypothesis or proposition.

  • B7 Utilise problem-solving skills.

Learning and Teaching

Lectures; tutorials; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; field excursions and laboratory practicals; literature based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Written examinations and coursework to include: survey assessment and report writing, short-answer questions, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills (where applicable)

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • C1 Design, apply and analyse various research/study techniques.

  • C2 Plan, conduct, and report on field and /or laboratory investigations.

  • C3 Collect and record information or data in the library, laboratory or field, summarizing it appropriately.

  • C4 Conceive, plan and undertake field and laboratory investigations in a responsible, ethical and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, biodiversity, relevant health and safety regulations, legislation concerning access to field location and activities, the impact of investigations on the environment and personnel.

  • C5 Write for a range of audiences including academics, practitioners, special interest groups and the wider public.

Learning and Teaching

Practical skills are acquired and promoted through practical laboratory classes, field visits, class activities, case studies undertaken in a range of real-life situations and experimental research for the dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Coursework to include: the submission of scientific / practical reports, oral presentations, research posters and essays. Students are expected to demonstrate critical, interpretative and analytical skills in both their course work and written examinations. The dissertation should demonstrate student competence in practical and academic skills.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • D1 Problem solving

  • D2 Research skills

  • D3 Communication

  • D4 Improving own learning and performance

  • D5 Team work

  • D6 Information technology

  • D7 Application of number

  • D8 Personal development and career planning

Learning and Teaching

Transferable/key skills are incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Students further learn and develop skills through tutorials / seminars; problem-based learning scenarios; self-directed learning, oral presentations and experimental dissertation work.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Transferable / key skills are embedded throughout the various assessments. Generic skills include note taking, researching, problem solving, report writing, oral presentation, interview and communication skills.



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



BSC Plant Biology [C201]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2016/2017

Duration (studying Full-Time): 4 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 2 Core (120 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR16800

Skills for Biologists

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17520

Cell Biology

BR18000

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

Semester 2
BR16820

Skills for Biologists

BR18040

Crop, grassland, soil and agricultural land management

BR19920

Microbial and Plant Diversity

Part 2 Rules

Year 3 Core (100 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR23520

Controlled Environment Crop Production and Horticulture

BR27500

Research Methods

BR27600

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

Semester 2
BR21120

Climate Change: Plants, Animals and Ecosystems

BR21420

Ecological Surveying

BR27520

Research Methods

BR27620

Agronomy and Crop Improvement

Year 3 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
BG21720

Pynciau llosg yn y Biowyddorau

BR20620

Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

BR25820

Aquatic Botany

Semester 2

Final Year Core (80 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR35820

Frontiers in Plant Science

BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR33720

Microbial Pathogenesis

BR36440

Research Project

Final Year Options

Choose 40 credits

Semester 1
BG36620

Cwrs Maes Ecoleg Ddaearol

BR36620

Terrestrial Ecology Fieldcourse

BR37120

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

BR37200

Crop and Grassland Production Science

Semester 2
BR30420

Sustainable Land Management

BR37220

Crop and Grassland Production Science


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.