Plant Science

Program Overview

Plant Science BSc (Hons)

Overview

The Plant Science BSc (Hons) program at Edge Hill University is a three-year full-time or six-year part-time course that explores the fundamental and applied aspects of plants. The program incorporates extensive practical work underpinned by relevant theory, providing students with a unique qualification in canopy biology and access.

Course Features

• International students can apply
• Sandwich year option available
• Fieldwork
• Studying abroad option available

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Biology in Practice: Explores the nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological knowledge develops, and the contribution biology makes to society.
• Genetics and Evolution: Introduces the genetic and environmental control of an individual's characteristics, outlining how variation at the DNA and chromosomal level leads to variation in the phenotype and genotype.
• Introduction to Cell Biology: Focuses on the cell as the basic biological unit, examining the molecular components that determine the structure, biochemical nature, and physiology of different cells.
• Three of:
  • Ecology: Introduces concepts fundamental to populations and communities using examples from across habitats and ecosystems.
  • Biodiversity: Provides an overview of the diversity of life, the major taxonomical groups, and their phylogenetic relationship.
  • Chemistry for Biologists: Introduces the basics of chemistry, involving clear and lucid explanations of chemical concepts with a coherent problem-solving approach.
  • Organic Chemistry: Uses the functional group approach to classify organic substances and understand their use in a wider context of applied chemistry.
  • Language 1: Ideal for those who want to learn a new language or further develop their current language skills as an integrated part of the degree.
  • Environmental Issues: Provides an awareness and understanding of the nature of environmental issues facing the world today.

Year 2

• Research Methods in Biology: Develops essential biological research methods and data analysis skills, providing a sound base for a future dissertation.
• Field Botany: A field-based module providing an opportunity to conduct a detailed study of a particular group of organisms.
• Plant Form and Physiology: Provides an understanding of plant structure and physiology, equipping students with laboratory skills including microscopy, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), gas-analysis, porometry, and thermal imagery.
• Three of:
  • Up-Canopy Biology: Provides essential knowledge and practical skills to study forest canopies, including a five-day intensive Basic Canopy Access Proficiency (BCAP) course.
  • Invertebrate Ecology: Explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning, and the range of services they provide to society.
  • Techniques in Biochemistry: Provides concise and clear explanations of the experimental techniques used in biochemistry relevant to human health and disease.
  • Laboratory Masterclass: Exposes students to the skills required for working in a research laboratory, including developing working knowledge of the safe use of laboratory equipment.
  • Molecular Genetics: Provides an understanding of several aspects of the regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
  • Biogeography: Examines spatial and temporal patterns of living organisms over the earth's surface, highlighting the fundamental processes and causal factors that determine these patterns.
  • Introduction to Biotechnology: Provides a basic understanding of the principles of biotechnology and its practical applications.
  • Plant Diversity International Field Course: A field-based module providing an opportunity for detailed study of the range of vascular plant diversity.

Year 3

• Plant Science Research Project: Provides the opportunity to conduct research, complete a dissertation, and apply the concepts, theories, and practical skills acquired throughout the Plant Science degree.
• Plants and People: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance of plants to human wellbeing in economic and broader cultural settings.
• Three of:
  • Plant Biochemistry: Provides learning opportunities on the biochemical interactions between plants and the environment.
  • Applications of Genetics: Explores the cutting-edge advances in molecular technologies, including gene expression quantification, next-generation sequencing, and genome editing.
  • Genomics and Bioinformatics: Centres on how the combination of sequencing and increased computational power has led to a revolution in the way genetic information is utilized and applied.
  • Ecological Genetics: Aligns fieldwork and molecular genetic methods to understand the factors influencing genetic variation in populations.
  • Invertebrate Ecology: Explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning, and the range of services they provide to society.
  • Pharmacology: Details the development, application, and action of drugs on the human system through a combination of practical and theoretical work.
  • Laboratory Masterclass: Exposes students to the skills required for working in a research laboratory, including developing working knowledge of the safe use of laboratory equipment.
  • Applications of Biotechnology: Provides an advanced understanding of the applications of biotechnology within various industries, including food, medicine, environmental management, and agriculture.
  • Biodiversity and Conservation Field Course: A field-based module providing an opportunity for detailed study of habitats and conservation issues at protected sites.
  • Plant Animal Interactions: Provides an advanced understanding of the interactions that underpin ecological relationships in populations, communities, and ecosystems.

How You'll Study

You will study via a combination of lectures, field trips, practical work, and tutorials. The program has a strong practical base, and in addition to the taught sessions, you will be expected to hone your practical skills using the departmental facilities in your own time. The degree involves two periods of residential fieldwork. You will also have the option to participate in a range of other UK-based fieldwork opportunities. Field trips will include visits to relevant sites, which may include industry facilities.

How You'll Be Assessed

Assessment is through a mixture of coursework and examinations tailored to suit the knowledge and skills required for each module. A wide range of coursework is employed, which may include practical portfolios, voucher specimens, project reports, individual and group presentations.

Who Will Be Teaching You

Edge Hill University has over 30 years' experience in delivering biology degrees and has a wealth of experienced tutors, technical staff, and field and laboratory equipment to support the study of biology. The Biology department is friendly and approachable and of a size that enables us to know our students personally. You will be taught by research-active experts in plant sciences who take pride in the quality of their teaching and academic studies.

Entry Criteria

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include Biology or a related subject, such as Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Geography, plus GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

Other subjects will be considered if you have demonstrable interest or experience in plant science.

Example Offers

• A Level: BBC-BBB
• UCAS Tariff points: 112-120 points
• BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM)
• T Level: Overall grade of Merit
• International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications, which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example, 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.

English Language Requirements

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

Facilities

Our BioSciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best-equipped facilities in the country. Resources include fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes, DNA extraction and analysis equipment, and climate-controlled insectaries.

You will benefit from our brand-new £17.4m Life Sciences building, featuring dedicated student research labs for learning advanced cell culture and histology techniques.

A number of the best nature reserves in the country are in close proximity to the campus. You will be taught within a short traveling distance of impressive field sites, such as one of the finest saltmarsh and dune systems in Europe, restored mires of international importance, hay meadows, and limestone woodlands. The University also has extensive grounds, including meadows that serve as a useful area for demonstrating sampling techniques.

Finance

Tuition Fees

• UK Full-Time: £9,535 a year
• UK Part-Time: £79 per credit for 360 credits
• International: £17,000 a year

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Your Future Career

Our students have gone into a variety of careers, including plant pathology, vertical farming, research, taxonomy, and greenhouse gas production.

Every year, graduates also decide to continue their studies through our award-winning MSc Conservation Management program or our Masters in Research degrees. Several of our students now work for the UK Government, research institutes, and private businesses.

Studying plant sciences is particularly topical now due to the increasing global focus on sustainability and environmental conservation. The growing awareness of the importance of plant-based agriculture for feeding a growing world population and addressing food security challenges demonstrates the relevance of plant sciences in finding innovative solutions to enhance crop yields and nutritional value.

Plant scientists are at the forefront of developing genetically modified crops, disease-resistant varieties, and sustainable farming practices, making it a timely and crucial field to address pressing issues in agriculture and ecology.