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Biological Sciences Degrees

Biology is the scientific study of life. It affects everything. Rarely a day goes by without some biology-related topic appearing on the front pages or on our TV screens, whether it’s to do with genetically modified crops, tropical medicine, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology or immunology and virology.

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With the right combination of scientific knowledge, practical experience and amazing, often international, fieldwork, our Biological Sciences graduates are well-rounded scientists. The University of South Wales also offers degrees in Medical Sciences where you will study areas such as anatomy, biochemistry and physiology.

THIS IS BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Welcome to a place of inspiring contrasts. With five campuses across three locations, you can enjoy the buzz of the cities, the beauty of the coast and the calm of the countryside.

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international wildlife biology student zoe in a lab completing analysis of a land snail

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CREATING FUTURE SCIENTISTS

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Impressive facilities with dedicated labs and specialist equipment.

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Field trips to locations worldwide to further skills and gain experience.

Taught and led by lecturers who are experts in the industry.

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A focus on employability and careers, filling the demand for graduates.

Our courses offers

There is a high demand for Biological Science graduates. Graduates of our biology degree have found employment in a range of fields, including environmental consultancy, hospital laboratories, the food and drink industry, and teaching. Many biology undergraduates progress to a postgraduate biology degree or science degree.
With the right combination of scientific knowledge, practical experience and amazing, often international, fieldwork, our Biological Sciences graduates are well-rounded scientists. You will also develop your scientific skills on UK field trips, and have the option to apply research techniques in the tropical forests and coral reefs of Asia or Central America.
Our George Knox laboratories are part of a £15m investment in science for the University, meaning you will be taught in new and well-equipped spaces. These join the Grade II listed Alfred Russel Wallace building which is also used for teaching.
A course at USW is more than just a degree. We create graduates who are prepared for tomorrow. People who are ready to build their careers and have the mindset to succeed through a degree that is 100% focused on what employers need in the future. From projects based on working practices to time in the workplace through internships and placements, we’ll help you to build job-ready skills and gain relevant experience for your career. We also offer practical help with completing job applications and practising interview techniques. Support is available every step of the way.

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Biology - BSc (Hons)

Explore this foundational science in-depth, discovering the evolutionary, physiological, molecular, and ecological processes driving all life on Earth. Combining outstanding field work opportunities with cutting-edge facilities, you’ll go broad, then choose to specialise in this well-rounded degree.

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Biology including Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

Explore this foundational science in-depth, and discover the evolutionary, physiological, molecular, and ecological processes that drive all life on Earth.

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Biomedical Science - BSc (Hons)

Explore the remarkable human body, from different organ systems to biochemistry, genetics, and cellular biology.  

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Biomedical Science including Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

We explore the disease processes in these systems, how they can be investigated, how treatments work and how novel treatments can be researched and developed.

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International Wildlife Biology - BSc (Hons)

Immerse yourself in wildlife biology with hands-on fieldwork on three continents. Develop skills to understand, manage, and conserve wildlife. 

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International Wildlife Biology including Foundation Year - BSc (Hons)

Our unique course places a strong emphasis on field skills, providing opportunities for immersive learning on three continents. You will develop your scientific skills on UK field trips and a four-week residential trip that explores different landscapes in South Africa. You will also have the option of applying research techniques in the tropical forests and coral reefs of Asia, or South or Central America. Graduates have gone on to work across the globe, for ecological consultancies, government and non-governmental agencies, research, teaching, and national and international wildlife organisations.

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Support and Wellbeing

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Clubs and Societies

We make a difference in practice, not just on paper. Our courses are designed by people who offer jobs - and taught by people who have real work experience.

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An academic wearing a red top and a grey cardigan holds up a model of a Neanderthal skull from a USW workshop at the Glyntaff campus while surrounded by anatomy figures and models

Skeletons of small mammals, including a primate and a cat, on stands with more in glass tanks behind such as a bat and a fox at a biology workshop at the Glyntaff campus

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Study in the heart of Pontypridd

Our Glyntaff campus is in the heart of the South Wales Valleys, with beautiful scenery and rolling landscape. There’s always something happening or new places to discover.

Pontypridd Campus, Glyntaff