Course summary
OVERVIEW UWS’s professionally recognised BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience & Zoology prepares you for a career in zoological sciences. It provides a general grounding in biological and enviromental science before progressing to study more specialised and advanced bioscience topics. This degree will furnish you with the practical and transferable skills for a rewarding career in life sciences within Scotland, the UK or overseas. We are confident that our Applied Bioscience graduates have the necessary skills to contribute immediately, effectively and productively in the workplace upon graduation. PRACTICAL FOCUS Modern analytical techniques, practice-based and research skills are key strengths of the degree. Work-related learning (WRL) combined with access to UWS’s state of the art laboratories will prepare you for a wide range of career options. In Year 3 you have to option to undertake a WRL module in Term 2 to enhance your practical skills and experience. In addition, you will also undertake a one-week residential marine biology field trip. In addition though, there is also the option to undertake a 12-month industrial placement after Year 3 and before Year 4 of your studies. Our experience indicates that without some form of vocational experience, you may it more difficult to enter the job market. The purpose of the sandwich placement is to allow you to experience the world of work on an extended basis. The sandwich placement is designed for students to gain and reflect on work experience attained during their time in the workplace. The experience may also contribute towards meeting the membership requirements of a Professional body. Students undertaking a sandwich placement are required to undertake PDP and maintain a portfolio from which they will be required to produce a comprehensive learning log report charting their development during placement. Recent student placements include Blair Drummond Safari Park, Amazonia and with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). Accredited degrees contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. This course meets, in part, the academic and experience requirement for the Membership of the RSB and Chartered Biologist (CBiol) status. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs This degree will prepare you for a successful career in zoological or biological sciences. Employment is diverse and could include careers and industries such as: // Countryside ranger // Pest control professional // Zoo keeper // Environmental impact assessor // Researcher // Teacher // Fish farming industry Further Study UWS Applied Bioscience & Zoology graduates often continue their studies on taught master's (MSc) or research options (MRes, MPhil, PhD) in Biomedical and Environmental Sciences or Biotechnology subject areas. The BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience is also acceptable to all Schools of Education as an entry qualification to the Postgraduate/Professional Diploma in Education for Biology and General Science teaching.
Modules
In Year 1, you will be given a general introduction to various biological disciplines, from cell and molecular aspects to ecological and environmental topics. You will be introduced to the role of a zoologist and research specific zoology topics. In Year 2 your studies focus on more specialised areas of zoology and bioscience including Biosphere & Man, Vertebrate Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology and Human Biology. You will also complete a module that will equip you with practical skills in data collection, analysis and presentation. In Year 3 you will deepen your knowledge of zoology with core modules in entomology, parasitology, animal diversity, conservation and animal behaviour. You can also choose to take part in a work-related learning module in a relevant area of interest. You will also complete a one-week residential marine biology field trip. As noted above, you also have the option to undertake a full 12-month industrial placement between years 3 and 4 of your studies. In your final year of studies, you will study specialist zoology areas such as aquatic ecology, behavioural ecology and pest management. A critical part of the Year 4 curriculum is a supervised project where you participate in research in a subject area of your choice.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops. You will also have the opportunity to take part in group work and independent learning to develop your transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team. This degree is assessed using a variety of assessment methods including: // Written examinations // Coursework // Practical assessment
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Royal Society of Biology
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- CC93
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Lanarkshire Campus
- Campus code:
- I
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 114 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - BBC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Year 1 entry: SWAP (BBB) Access to Medicine; Access to Science; Access to Biological and Chemical Science; Access to Chemistry and Biology; Access to Health and Biological Science; Access to Dietetics; Access to Health and Life Sciences; Access to Radiography.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 108 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
DUO LINGO In addition ot the above English Language tests, for 2022-23 entry, the University has approved the use of the online Duolingo English test as evidence of English language ability. UWS will accept an overall score between 90-115 with no component score below 90. For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements
https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £14500* | Year 1 |
| International | £14500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE