Program Overview

Introduction to BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences program offers students a comprehensive education in biological sciences, with a strong focus on fieldwork and research. The program includes two field courses, one in southern Spain and the other in the Azores, which provide students with hands-on experience in diverse habitats and ecosystems.

Fieldwork in Southern Spain

The field course in southern Spain takes place in the second semester of the first year and is based in Zahara de los Atunes, Andalucia. The course focuses on:

• Learning to identify plant and invertebrate species
• Developing skills to gather reliable data in the field
• Keeping field notebooks that accurately record information and data for future use
• Designing and conducting field-based research studies to generate original biological knowledge

Activities may include:

• Ecological sampling methods
• Habitat investigations in diverse habitats for flora and fauna
• Ecology and conservation of coastal habitats

Students have the opportunity to design and conduct their own projects, which can be tailored to their interests. Past projects have included studies on:

• Diurnal behaviour of beetles
• Effects of invasive species on native flora and fauna
• Variation in pollinator visits to diverse floral taxa
• Association between parasitic plants and their hosts

Fieldwork in the Azores

The field course in the Azores takes place in late summer, just before the beginning of the second year, and is based on the main island of S緌 Miguel. The course focuses on consolidating theoretical knowledge with field observations, experiments, and surveys related to evolution. Activities may include:

• Surveys of invasive plant species
• Habitat survey of a reforestation project for the endemic Azores Bullfinch
• Morphological measurements of the endemic Azorean Ivy to study its evolution
• Microbiology, ecology, and physiology of microorganisms living in hot springs
• Eutrophication of crater lakes
• Boat-based surveys for cetaceans

Program Details

• Location: University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Fieldwork Costs: Included in the program fees
• Accommodation: Shared rooms in a hotel in Zahara, Spain, and university halls of residence in the Azores
• Food: Breakfast and dinner provided in the hotel and university refectory, with opportunities to buy provisions for packed lunches and breakfast

Research Areas

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Ecology and conservation
• Evolutionary biology
• Microbiology
• Plant and animal physiology
• Invasive species and their impacts on native ecosystems

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences program at the University of Plymouth offers students a unique opportunity to engage in fieldwork and research in diverse habitats and ecosystems. With a strong focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the program provides students with a comprehensive education in biological sciences, preparing them for a wide range of careers in biology, ecology, conservation, and research.