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 course.A wide range of transferable skills are developed through residential and day field courses. Local fieldwork partners include the Wildlife Trust, and Brecon Beacons National Park, Natural Resources Wales, the Woodland Trust and the Gwent Levels. International fieldwork partners are Operation Wallacea and Wild Sunrise.

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

Assessments are designed to be both stimulating and challenging for candidates undertaking the BSc and are based on guidance provided in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (QAA: 2010).
They will include:

1. Essays

2. Practical reports

3. Field folios

4. A final dissertation

5. Written examinations

6. Online tests

7. Problem-solving exercises

8. Oral presentations

9. Poster presentations

10. Scientific reports.

Learning Support

Induction

During the induction sessions, a series of activities take place in which the students meet their Course Leader and members of the course team, learn about the content and operation of their course, receive their timetables, and receive important information on university resources. Course handbooks are provided and used as part of this induction and orientation. Induction activities encourage peer engagement.

Personal Academic Coach

Students are assigned personal tutors through the university’s Personal Academic Coaching system. Communication channels also include discussions with the module leader, Award Leader, and support staff. The formal tutoring system, along with an ‘open-door’ policy, is in place to facilitate progress monitoring, provide feedback, and offer student support.

Learner Analytics

The University of South Wales tracks and monitors the progress of both international and domestic students using Blackboard. Our course incorporates Jisc, enabling students to monitor their own progress while also allowing the university to keep track of attendance. The course leader and team meet regularly to review student progression within modules, aiming to identify any patterns or issues that may arise.

Office hours

We maintain an online appointment bookings system where students can book appointments to meet with staff. These are then held in person on campus or online through Teams, as appropriate. Module tutors and the Award Leaders are willing to discuss issues on an individual or group basis.

Tutorials

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

Seminars

Many modules within the course have elements of seminar-style teaching, allowing students to engage with primary reading and lead class discussion.

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 allocation 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. The Student Advice Zone on the Glyntaff Campus is located in the Glyntaff Library Building. Other services include Careers, Disability and Dyslexia, Health, Student Development and Study Skills, Money and Advice, Wellbeing and Care Leaver Services.

Disability

The University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service provides a confidential and professional service where students can discuss individual requirements. The DDS supports students with physical, sensory, mental health or unseen disabilities. Students can access the support online or through an appointment using the Advice Centres.

IT/Library

A number of computer laboratories are used for teaching. These are well equipped with a wide range of specialist and non-specialist software. The policy is to teach students using state-of-the-art commercial software (where applicable) and so where possible we use known market-leading products. The aim is to expose students to tools that they will use after they graduate, and thus to increase their employability; it is another example of authenticity in course delivery that ensures students develop relevant and transferrable skills. Students have access to several other laboratories where they can use general software tools, to research and write-up their assignments. In addition to these, students have Wi-Fi access to the University Intranet throughout the campus and there are various locations where private study can be undertaken. There are additional facilities provided for private study in the libraries.

The students have access to two main libraries, on the Glyntaff and Treforest Campuses. Online resources are available through the Library channel: http://studentlibrary.southwales.ac.uk/ . The Librarian for Applied Sciences continues to have responsibility for liaising with academic staff to ensure that the Library supports the teaching, learning and research of the subject areas. The Library service has changed considerably over recent years to improve access for students.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

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 points) to include a C in Biology and one other science subject but to exclude General Studies

Typical Welsh Baccalaureate Offer: Grade C and BC at A Level to include B grade Biology and one other Science subject but to exclude General Studies

Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level to include B grade Biology and one other Science subject but to exclude General Studies (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).

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

Typical BTEC offer: BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass in a relevant subject which must include Biology modules (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).

Typical I IB Offer: Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including a score of 5 in Biology and one other Science subject at Higher Level. You will also need to obtain a score of 5 or above in English at standard level.

Typical Access to Higher Education Diploma Offer: Pass an Access to HE Diploma in Science and obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points

Additional Requirements - GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English/Welsh at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.

5 GCSE at Grade C or above, including Mathematics (numeracy and mathematics in Wales) and English Language. For those taking GCSE's in England Grade 4 is considered equivalent to a C.

International Entry Requirements

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. There are country specific pages on our international website.

English Requirements

In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.

However, if the applicant has previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required.

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

Typical A-Level Offer: EE to include a relevant Science subject but exclude General Studies

Typical Welsh BACC Offer: N/A

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

Typical IB Offer: Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points from Higher Levels

Typical Access to HE Offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma in Science with a minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points

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.

Foundation Year - DD (48 points)

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