Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 3 Modules

Level 4 Modules

Level 5 Modules

Level 6 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Visiting Speakers

The Biology Speakers Series has been part of our courses since 2015. These extra-curricular lectures showcase professionals working in the biological sciences.

Volunteering

Volunteering is not embedded within the course but relevant opportunities are frequently posted to the course page.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is embedded in both specified and optional modules on the biology course. Local partners include Natural Resources Wales, the National Park Authority, the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Woodland Trust, and the Gwent Levels. Our international partner is Operation Wallacea.

Work Placements

Students have the option to take GEPU201 Professional Practice and Placement as part of their second year. This module will normally take place after the second year of study. It enables students in the School of Applied Sciences the opportunity to work with a commercial/industrial employer, undertake a simulated placement, or study abroad at a partner university. Simulated placements will usually be with an employer and involve a desk-based live brief. Placements will either be offered by the University or arranged by individual students.

Sandwich Years

Students have the option to take GEPU201 Professional Practice and Placement as part of their second year. This module will normally take place after the second year of study. It enables students in the School of Applied Sciences the opportunity to work with a commercial/industrial employer, undertake a simulated placement, or study abroad at a partner university. Simulated placements will usually be with an employer and involve a desk-based live brief. Placements will either be offered by the University or arranged by individual students.

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction

The course leader will provide students with a bespoke induction session where the philosophy of the course will be explained and a course handbook provided.

Personal Academic Coach

All students are assigned to a Personal Academic Coach when they join the course. The same PAC will be carried throughout all 3 or 4 years of study to allow consistency and develop the mentor-mentee relationship.

Learner Analytics

USW uses learner analytics through Jisc’s Study Goal app. The app is used to maintain attendance records. These data can be used by course leaders to determine dates of last engagement or by PACs to check on attendance patterns and assessment submission (if needed).

Office hours

The office situation at Upper Glyntaff does not allow for true “office hours”, as staff work in shared, open plan offices. However, we maintain an online appointment bookings system where staff post regular times when they are available for student appointments. These are then held in private meeting rooms at Glyntaff reception or online through Teams, as appropriate.

Tutorials

Many modules within this course include small-group tutorials. These supplement lecture content and allow for discuss and peer-to-peer learning.

Seminars

The bespoke module for this course, “Evolutionary Biology Seminar” is specifically designed to allow the students to engage with primary reading and lead class discussion. Many other modules within the course also have elements of seminar-style teaching.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is incorporated into all levels of the course, from writing tutorials in the first year through to drafts on dissertation work in the final year.

Progress meetings

Students are encouraged to meet with their Personal Academic Coach at least twice per academic year, but PACs are available more often if the student chooses. Students are also invited to meet with their course leader at any time to discuss progression or seek additional support.

Research Supervision

All students undertake an independent dissertation project in their final year. Students put in their topic requests and are assigned to a supervisor in the spring of their second year, allowing for plenty of time for advice and discussion before beginning their research. Project supervisor varies by project and student need, but one-to-one meetings with the dissertation supervisor throughout the final year is expected.

Online Resources

Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) offers an extension of in-class materials for asynchronous study. At a minimum, all modules use the VLE to provide assessment briefs and deadlines, a learning schedule, copies of lecture slides, and recordings of lectures. Module leaders may also use the VLE more interactively, with online discussion boards, tests, online lessons, wikis, or other distance-learning tools as needed.

Advice Zone

Students have dedicated advice zones open to them. They operate with an online booking system and are available through all USW campuses.

Disability

Students with disabilities and learning difficulties are able to access initial assessment and appropriate support to meet their needs by the Disability and Dyslexia service (DDS). This includes one to one in class support, note takers and specialist equipment. Support may also take the form of one-to-one meetings for study skills and organisational skills support which is allocated on an individual learner basis to ensure closest fit of support to enable their engagement with learning. Students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia have access to additional sessions via DDS to support them with their studies. DDS also coordinates student access to assistive technology and also liaises with the Examinations Department over concessions.

IT/Library

Library Services provides a wide range of high-quality library and information services to USW students. Services are delivered by library staff within libraries and also provided online.

There is a library on each of the Treforest, Glyntaff, Cardiff and Newport City campuses.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management MRes Applied Sciences

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Entry to the BSc course is as published on the University web-site and individual course pages - Presently

Typical A level offer: CCC (96 point) to include Biology but to exclude General Studies

Typical Welsh Baccalaureate Offer: Grade C in the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and BC at A Level to include Biology but excluding General Studies

Typical BTEC offer: BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit in a relevant subject which must include Biology modules

Typical I IB Offer: 29 points to include 16 points at Higher Level. And Higher Level Biology grade 5

Typical Access to Higher Education Diploma Offer: Science/Maths Diploma with 45 level 3 credits equating to 12 Distinctions from science units, a further 27 Merits (3 from Science) and 6 Passes. Other combinations equating to 102 UCAS tariff points are acceptable.

Applicants taking Science A levels in England will need to pass the practical element alongside achieving the requested grade(s).

5 GCSE at Grade C or above, including Mathematics and English/Welsh Language. For those taking GCSE's in England Grade 4 is considered equivalent to a C.

Entry to the Foundation Year of the BSc course is as published on the University web-site and individual course pages - Presently - DD (48 points)

Typical A level offer: EE to include one in a relevant science subject but excluding General studies

Typical BTEC offer: BTEC Extended Diploma Pass Pass Pass or BTEC Diploma Pass Pass in a relevant subject

Typical I IB Offer: 24 points or two IB Certificates at Higher level to include Science or Maths.

Typical Access to Higher Education Diploma Offer: Pass Science/Maths Diploma with 45 level 3 credits - all Passes.

Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable.

Those without such qualifications are considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account.

The University’s English Language Requirements must also be met.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A