Course details
A Levels AAA-AAB Other entry requirementsUCAS code C300
Duration 3 years
Fee Look up tuition fee and additional costs
Related subjects Biology Ecology Zoology
Any questions?
Admissions Secretary
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone +44 (0)114 222 0123
Email apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
Website sheffield.ac.uk/aps/prospectiveug
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Top 5 for biological research
Research Excellence Framework 2014
7th in the UK for biological sciences
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019
Course description
This three-year course explores areas such as population and community ecology, animal conservation and biodiversity, molecular ecology, evolution and behaviour. We have been at the forefront of important recent developments in the study of natural selection and the outcome of evolution at the individual and population levels.
You'll develop skills that are central to scientific investigation, including observation, testing of ideas, analysis and critical interpretation. In the third year, you'll apply these skills to your own research.
In the first and second years, you can choose modules run by our other two biology departments, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences. You may need A Level Chemistry to take these modules.
There are optional field courses in the Peak District National Park (UK), Anglesey (UK), Ireland, Arctic Sweden, the Mediterranean, Tanzania and tropical rainforest in Malaysian Borneo in the summer between your second and third levels.
If you want to study zoology, but don't meet the entry requirements to go straight into the first year, our Biosciences with a Foundation Year could be for you. After successfully completing the one-year programme, you'll progress onto the first year of your chosen degree.
Financial help from the University - bursaries
If you're a UK student, you could be entitled to a University bursary. A bursary is the same as a grant - you don't have to pay it back.
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Grades |
|---|---|
| A Levels | AAA - AAB, including Biology and a second science |
| A Levels + additional qualifications | AAB - ABB, including two sciences + B in a relevant EPQ; AAB - ABB, including two sciences + B in Core Maths |
| International Baccalaureate | 36-34, 6 in Higher Level Biology and a second science |
| BTEC | DD in Applied Science (with Distinctions in all biology units if not offered at A Level) + A in an A Level science |
| Cambridge Pre-U | D3 D3 D3 - D3 D3 M2, including Biology and a second science |
| Scottish Highers + 1 Advanced Higher | AAABB, including a second science subject + B in Biology |
| Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels | A+AA - B+AA in Biology and a second science |
| Access to HE | Entry requirements for mature students |
| Other qualifications |
Other UK qualifications
Other EU/international qualifications |
Other requirements
|
|
| If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department | |
Modules - what you study and when
The modules listed below are examples from the last academic year. There may be some changes before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department direct.
Course information on Department of Animal and Plant Sciences website
First year
Core modules:
| Skills for Biologists 1 | |
| Animal Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
| Biodiversity | |
| Evolution | |
| Genes in Populations | |
| Molecular and Cell Biology | |
Optional modules:
| Animal Behaviour | |
| Ecological identification skills | |
| Ecosystems, Climate and Environmental Change | |
| Plant Physiology, Reproduction and Development | |
| Population and Community Ecology 1 | |
Second year
Core modules:
| Animal Diversity | |
| Animal Diversity Practicals | |
| Animal and Plant Science Tutorials | |
| Careers for Biologists | |
| Data Analysis | |
Optional modules:
Third year
Core modules:
| Research Project | |
| Dissertation | |
| Topics in Modern Zoology | |
Optional modules:
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers.
In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
These figures give an indication of how you'll learn and be assessed. They're a combined average of all the years of the course. The learning and assessment percentages could vary depending on the modules you choose.
| Learning | |
| Scheduled teaching | 19% |
| Independent study | 81% |
| Placement | 0% |
|
Assessment |
|
| Exams/tests | 60% |
| Coursework | 36% |
| Practical | 4% |
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
The Times Good University Guide 2019 puts Sheffield in the UK top 10 for biosciences. We think this means we're doing something right.
We combine lectures with small group tutorials. You'll also take part in cutting-edge field and lab research, giving you an exceptional breadth of experience. We're a close knit community where every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work. Our staff are world leaders in their fields and much of what we teach is based on our own world-leading research.
Our state-of-the-art facilities include controlled environment chambers that simulate natural climates around the world. We also have experimental gardens and glasshouses, artificial stream and pond systems, leading equipment for DNA analysis, biomolecular and elemental analyses, and extensive computing resources.
What our graduates do
Life scientists are employed throughout business and industry, in universities, schools and hospitals, as well as government departments and charitable foundations. They develop new technology, and improve our health and living standards. They're vitally important to the economy.
Here are some examples of what graduates in each area are doing now:
Biology
Our graduates work with water companies, conservation agencies, environmental consultancies, wildlife trusts,
museums, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural institutes, development agencies and in local, national and international government. Many also go on to do PhDs.
Zoology
Our graduates are employed in local, national and international industries, governments and charities, addressing issues that range from conservation and management of natural resources through to medical, veterinary or agricultural research.
Plant Sciences
Our graduates have an understanding of ideas and techniques that are in extensive demand, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, crop protection and environmental management. There are excellent career opportunities in government, academic and industrial research institutes focused on science and policy, as well as in teaching and consulting.
Ecology
Ecology graduates are well qualified for careers in government, charity and industry sectors that focus
on environmental management and consulting, sustainable forestry, agriculture and conservation. You could go into research, education, journalism, finance, law or a technical profession.
Student profile
"One of the big assets of coming to Sheffield was the field courses on offer...being able to come out to the Peak District regularly with my tutor or my lecturer, or going on field courses further afield, even internationally. I'm now an environmental photojournalist."
Ben Cherry
Animal and Plant Sciences
"I've loved being able to get involved with real research in my third year and fourth year projects. We've investigated the impacts of forest fragmentation and logging on biodiversity in the tropics. It's exciting to find out new information from your data, and all the highs and lows that come with carrying out the project make it a very gratifying experience."
Cindy Cosset
Animal and Plant Sciences
Apply for this course
Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply:
How to apply >When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
ucas.com >Contact us
Admissions Secretary
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
Telephone
+44 (0)114 222 0123
Email
apsadmissions@sheffield.ac.uk
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