Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons), with study abroad

Biological Sciences encompass the scientific study of living organisms, from bacteria to large mammals and their environments. This four-year degree at Swansea University suits students undecided between biology, zoology, or marine biology, offering flexibility to explore topics before specializing. It includes local, residential, and international field courses in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats, plus a year abroad at partner institutions. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the program covers themes like animal welfare, microbiology, and climate impacts, supported by facilities such as a £1.3m Visualisation Centre and advanced research vessels.Modules span animal diversity, ecology, physiology, and more across four years, with Year 3 abroad for cultural immersion. Assessment involves lectures, seminars, practicals, exams, coursework, and a research project. Options for a Year in Industry boost employability, and the university guarantees conditional offers subject to requirements.

Year 1: Areas studied typically include: animal diversity; form and function; cellular and microbial biology; marine and terrestrial ecology and animal behaviour; molecular and evolutionary biology; plants and algae – diversity, form and function and core skills for bioscientists. Year 2: Areas studied typically include: animal physiology; cell and immunobiology; coastal marine ecology; ecological microbiology and the cycles of life; ichthyology; molecular ecology; parasitology; plant ecology; terrestrial vertebrates; field ecology (residential) and animal conservation and welfare. You will spend Year 3 at one of our partner institutions abroad. This is a marvellous opportunity to experience a different culture and, depending on the destination, to develop valuable language skills. Year 4: Areas studied typically include: biodiversity; biological control of invertebrate pests; epidemiology of infectious diseases; physics for biologists; plant conservation and ecology; sensory ecology; laboratory or field professional skills, phylogeny and macroevolution, hormones and behaviour, international field courses.