Biology (with integrated year in industry)

Why study Biology at Aberystwyth University? 

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course BSc Biology (C100).
• Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your degree grade. Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. 
• There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. (if you cannot obtain a placement, then you must transfer to its sister course BSc Biology (C100).
• During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee of which the information can be found here.
• Aberystwyth is situated amongst hills, wooded valleys, wetlands, sandy and rocky shores and, of course alongside the pristine waters of Cardigan Bay. If you want wildlife, Aberystwyth has it all. 
• You might be studying microbiology in the morning, and investigating the life found in sand dunes in the afternoon; you don’t have to limit yourself to just one area of Biology. 
• You can keep your options open or specialise; our degree structure allows you to do either. You will be taught by passionate, engaged, friendly and staff with expertise across the full range of Biological topics.  
• Your academic studies will be bolstered by a wealth of laboratory and field classes which build real scientific skills essential for your future. 
• Our teaching and E-learning facilities provide you with an outstanding learning experience integrating the classroom sessions and a vast repository of study resources. 
• You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive. 
• We have invested heavily and over a number of years in our research facilities, and project students may get the opportunity to work in the research units on Penglais, or in our dedicated research facility at Gogerddan just outside Aberystwyth.

Our Staff

The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry.  The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.

What options are available to me after I graduate?

• Our graduates are strong candidates in the following fields:
• Research scientist
• Clinical molecular geneticist
• Nature conservation officer 
• Education

Students who have completed a biology degree could also progress to further training in:

• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Science writers

Your year in industry:

In the 2016 Highflyers report, 32% of graduate vacancies are taken by those who have previously worked for a company on a placement or/ a internship. Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.
• Students on this scheme should note that the department institute does not have automatic placements for every applicant. You will be responsible for finding securing the work experience, however, you will have the assistance of our institute Work Experience Coordinator and our dedicated careers advisor (James Cuffe, jpc11@aber.ac.uk). If you fail to find work experience you will be able to convert your course to the three-year version of your subject.