COURSE CURRICULUM

The BSc Biology degree at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive and flexible program that allows students to explore multiple areas of biology while developing practical, analytical, and research skills. In the first year, students build a solid foundation in core topics including cell biology, comparative animal physiology, ecology and conservation, genetics, evolution, microbial and plant diversity, and professional skills for biologists. The second year expands on this knowledge through modules on climate change and its effects on plants, animals, and ecosystems, evolution and molecular systematics, microbiology, and research methods, while also offering a wide range of optional modules such as applied molecular biology, freshwater and marine biology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, tropical zoology, and bioinformatics. These options allow students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career aspirations. In the third year, students consolidate their learning through core modules including biotechnology, global biodiversity conservation, and an independent research project, alongside optional modules that cover specialised topics such as fish biology and aquaculture, microbial pathogenesis, parasitology, plant science, terrestrial ecology, wildlife conservation, and field courses in freshwater and terrestrial environments. This structure ensures that graduates are equipped with practical field and laboratory skills, research experience, and a broad understanding of biological systems, preparing them for careers in research, conservation, environmental management, and related biological sciences professions.