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BIO012
Foundation Biology
This module will provide the learner with a detailed and holistic overview of fields in biology including evolution, cell biology, taxonomy and phylogenetics, animal, and plant anatomy and physiology, animal behaviour, ecology, and conservation. The module is supported by three practical sessions designed to build skills in scientific anatomical drawing, the use of species identification keys, data collection handling and report writing, group work, and oral presentation skills.
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BIO018
Biology A' Level and Transition to University
This course is designed for Biology students transitioning from A' Level to Higher Education, and will guide students through a series of tailored modules built around the WJEC Biology A' Level specifications. Each module covers information from across the curriculum, helping to link key biological concepts and build from core knowledge to more complex applications. The learning activities will consist of a short (10 ¿ 20 minutes) recorded or annotated lecture that will include self-assessment of understanding by a short quiz consisting of multiple-choice questions. Further on-line materials will be provided to assist students with learning independently. Personal support will be available through online tutor meetings at arranged time.
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BIO116
Animal and Plant Diversity
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the diversity of life within the animal and plant kingdoms, exploring their taxonomy, physiology, morphology, and ecological interactions. Students gain a broad understanding of animal life, from unicellular protozoa to complex megafauna, including an overview of human evolution, and examine the classification, evolutionary relationships, and functional biology of major animal groups.
In parallel, the module investigates the structure, life cycles, and anatomy of key plant divisions, with a focus on flowering plants. Topics include floral morphology, pollination strategies, fruit and seed dispersal, and plant-environment interactions such as photosynthesis, water relations, and mineral nutrition. The ecological roles of plants, including their interactions with herbivores and their significance in medicine, are also explored.
Practical sessions complement the lectures, offering hands-on experience in both animal and plant biology. Students will engage in microscopic analysis of plant anatomy, physiological experiments, and classification exercises using specimen demonstrations. By the end of the module, students will have developed a foundational understanding of biological diversity and the evolutionary and ecological principles that underpin it.
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BIO116C
Amrywiaeth Anifeiliaid a Phlanhigion
Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cynnig cyflwyniad cynhwysfawr i amrywiaeth bywyd o fewn teyrnasoedd yr anifeiliaid a'r planhigion, gan archwilio eu tacsonomeg, ffisioleg, morffoleg, a'u rhyngweithiadau ecolegol. Bydd myfyrwyr yn ennill dealltwriaeth eang o fywyd anifeiliaid, o brotosoa un-gellog i fegaffawna cymhleth, gan gynnwys trosolwg o esblygiad dynol, ac archwilio dosbarthiad, rhyng-berthnasoedd esblygiadol, a bioleg swyddogaethol y prif grwpiau o anifeiliaid.
Yn ogystal, mae'r modiwl yn ymchwilio i strwythur, cylchoedd bywyd, ac anatomi prif adrannau'r teyrnas blanhigion, gyda ffocws ar blanhigion blodeuol. Ymhlith y pynciau a drafodir mae morffoleg blodau, strategaethau peillio, gwasgariad ffrwythau a hadau, a rhyngweithiadau planhigion a¿u amgylchedd, megis ffotosynthesis, perthnasoedd d¿r, a maethiad mwynol. Caiff rolau ecolegol planhigion, gan gynnwys eu rhyngweithiadau â llysysyddion a'u pwysigrwydd ym maes meddygaeth, eu harchwilio hefyd.
Mae sesiynau ymarferol yn ategu'r darlithoedd, gan gynnig profiad ymarferol mewn bioleg anifeiliaid a phlanhigion. Bydd myfyrwyr yn cymryd rhan mewn dadansoddi anatomi planhigion o dan ficrosgop, arbrofion ffisiolegol, ac ymarferion dosbarthu gan arddangos organebau. Erbyn diwedd y modiwl, bydd myfyrwyr wedi datblygu dealltwriaeth sylfaenol o amrywiaeth biolegol a'r egwyddorion esblygiadol ac ecolegol sy'n sail iddo.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the diversity of life within the animal and plant kingdoms, exploring their taxonomy, physiology, morphology, and ecological interactions. Students gain a broad understanding of animal life, from unicellular protozoa to complex megafauna, including an overview of human evolution, and examine the classification, evolutionary relationships, and functional biology of major animal groups.
In parallel, the module investigates the structure, life cycles, and anatomy of key plant divisions, with a focus on flowering plants. Topics include floral morphology, pollination strategies, fruit and seed dispersal, and plant-environment interactions such as photosynthesis, water relations, and mineral nutrition. The ecological roles of plants, including their interactions with herbivores and their significance in medicine, are also explored.
Practical sessions complement the lectures, offering hands-on experience in both animal and plant biology. Students will engage in microscopic analysis of plant anatomy, physiological experiments, and classification exercises using specimen demonstrations. By the end of the module, students will have developed a foundational understanding of biological diversity and the evolutionary and ecological principles that underpin it.
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BIO232
Plant Ecology
This module provides a holistic approach to plant ecology, including both classical ecological theory and practical surveying techniques. Students will become familiar with six major themes; plant formations and biomes, synecology, autecology, plant geography, paleoecology and modern plant ecology. Students will also be trained in plant taxonomy, field surveying techniques, data analysis and report writing that complement a future career in ecology, conservation or consultancy
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BIO232A
Plant Ecology - for Environmental Science and Climate Emergency students
This module provides a holistic approach to plant ecology, including both classical ecological theory and practical surveying techniques. Students will become familiar with six major themes; plant formations and biomes, synecology, autecology, plant geography, paleoecology and modern plant ecology. Students will also be trained in plant taxonomy, field surveying techniques, data analysis and report writing that complement a future career in ecology, conservation or consultancy
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BIO249
Introduction to field ecology
This field course comprises practical work employing ecological techniques appropriate to sample biodiversity and environmental parameters from a range of terrestrial and freshwater habitats (freshwater systems, woodlands, sand dunes). You will learn techniques for the identification of species, practice recording accurate field notes, and gain experience in the analysis and presentation of ecological data. Furthermore, you will be able to recognise different British temperate wildlife, habitats and indicator species associated with them.
This five-day course will be residential and delivered in Stackpole National Trust Field centre in September.
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BIO249A
Introduction to field ecology - for Environmental Science and Climate Emergency students
This field course comprises practical work employing ecological techniques appropriate to sample biodiversity and environmental parameters from a range of terrestrial and freshwater habitats (freshwater systems, woodlands, sand dunes). You will learn techniques for the identification of species, practice recording accurate field notes, and gain experience in the analysis and presentation of ecological data. Furthermore, you will be able to recognise different British temperate wildlife, habitats and indicator species associated with them. This five-day course will be residential and delivered in Stackpole National Trust Field centre in September.
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BIO327
Tropical marine ecology field course
This field based module will provide students with an introduction to the ecology of tropical marine systems and teach students the key practical skills required by tropical marine biologists. Students will obtain training in how to design, implement and report scientifically robust marine research. The module will complement the level three marine field course and help develop key skills in field based marine biology. Students will learn skills in marine ecology and taxonomy, in-water marine sampling and surveys, and impact assessment.
This module will be mostly practical based but will also include theory lectures, workshops and feedback sessions. It would be structured around seven days of directed practical activities and a three day small group based mini-project. The field course will utilise snorkeling and intertidal walking as the major means of sampling throughout directed practicals.
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BIO330
Tropical marine ecology and conservation
This module will provide a holistic overview of the ecology and conservation of important marine ecosystems, and will place this information within the context of ecosystem services, and their value to humanity.
This module will consist of up to 12 lectures/seminars on the following topics:
¿ Diversity and biology of coral reef communities
¿ Structure and function of seagrass meadows (temperate and tropical)
¿ Mangrove forest ecology
¿ Connectivity across the tropical marine seascape
¿ The ecosystem services of tropical marine systems
¿ Response of coral reef systems to climate change and ocean acidification
¿ Degradation of tropical marine systems
¿ Resilience thinking and the management of tropical marine systems
The module also contains a workshop session and additional direct contact with the module lead lecturer.
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BIO331
Professional skills in conservation
This field based module will introduce students to the professional techniques utilised to monitor and study animals and plants in a variety of terrestrial habitat types and in relation to conservation management and biodiversity monitoring in the United Kingdom. The course places a strong emphasis on ecological census techniques and basic classification and taxonomy. Students will develop key techniques relevant to the environmental sector including Protected Species (specifically birds, amphibians, mammals, reptiles and plants), River and Phase 1 habitat surveys and Environmental Impact Assessment. Students will also learn about the biotic and abiotic factors that define different UK habitats and be introduced to the natural history of Wales. A focus is on developing key transferable skills that enhance employability such as problem solving, data analysis, report writing, evaluation, communication and teamwork.This module is therefore suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in ecological consultancy or conservation.
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BIO350
Biosciences Research Project
This module is designed to develop the research and/or survey skills of undergraduate students in Biology, Marine Biology and Zoology. It covers literature reviewing; research planning and experimental/survey design; safety assessment; data collection techniques; data analysis and presentation; critical evaluation; discussion of results in the light of published work; final report production and presentation of results at a research symposium.
