BSc Biological Sciences with deferred choice of specialisation
About this course
Biological sciences with deferred choice of specialisation at Swansea University is designed for students who are drawn to the life sciences but want to make an informed decision about their specialism before committing to a particular pathway. Rather than choosing between biology, zoology, and marine biology before you have studied any of them in depth, you spend your first year immersed in all three, building a broad and genuine understanding of each before selecting the direction that fits you best. This three-year full-time programme takes advantage of Swansea's coastal location and research strengths to offer all three specialisms at a high level. You will develop foundational knowledge across biology, zoology, and marine biology in your first year, exploring cell biology, genetics, ecology, animal behaviour, and marine systems through a mixture of laboratory, field, and classroom learning. This breadth gives you a genuinely informed basis on which to choose your specialism as you move into your second year, rather than making the decision before you have experienced what each area involves. Whichever pathway you choose, you will develop strong scientific skills in experimental design, data analysis, field methods, and the communication of scientific findings. A typical entry tariff of 120 UCAS points reflects an accessible admissions standard for a scientifically rigorous programme. Graduates from biological sciences degrees at Swansea move into careers in research, conservation, marine science, environmental consultancy, wildlife management, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, teaching, and science communication, among many other possibilities. Many continue to postgraduate study in a specialism within the life sciences.
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