Plant Science BSc Hons

The impact of plant science on society and the environment are important issues that are central to this course. We have access to a wide range of local plant habitats and links with voluntary organisations.

A strong, practical emphasis runs throughout the course, complementing a traditional approach to learning. In your first year you will develop a deep understanding of the structure and functions of plants. In Years 2 and 3 the modules become more specialised. Subjects central to Plant Science such as Biological Diversity and Cell Biology are delivered in double modules to allow for suitable development of the subject and for the delivery of important subject-specific and generic skills.

In your final year you will undertake an Independent Study, which is a double module and must demonstrate original data. The Independent Study will have been designed in the research methods module in Year 2. Past topics have included the effect of carbohydrate type on tobacco suspension cell cultures, the use of plant species as indicators of ancient woodland status and the effect of flooding on plant growth and development.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Biology (Plant Science) BSc (Hons) (Single Honours) C210 BSc/BPS

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Unless you are a Minor Honours student, in the final year you will also take a module that enables you to reflect on the skills you have gained on the course and prepares you for your biological career after university.
The course also allows you to develop the skills of plant identification required for work in ecological consultancy.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Dr Rob Herbert
01905 855215
r.herbert@worc.ac.uk

Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
01905 855201
ise@worc.ac.uk

240 UCAS Tariff points with A2 Biology and A2 in another Science, e.g. Chemistry

260 UCAS Tariff points with A2 Biology and A1 in another Science

270 UCAS Tariff points with A1 Biology and A2 in another Science

280 UCAS Tariff points with A1 Biology

The University will consider each application on its individual merits and will recognise a range of qualifications not currently included in the Tariff, including Access courses, European Baccalaureate and pre-2002 qualifications such as GNVQ.

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from http://www.ucas.com

Modules

Year 1
Biological Diversity
Cell Biology
Introduction to Ecology
Landforms & Landscapes

Year 2
Research Methods
Molecular Genetics
Botany
Soils & the Environment
Field Techniques in Ecology
Microbial Biology
Aerobiology

Year 3
Integrated Studies in Biology
Plant Development & Physiology
Conservation Genetics
Restoration Ecology
Bioindicators of Forensic Science
Environmental Pollution

Assessment

There are a variety of methods used for assessment. Most modules are assessed using more than one type of assessment, e.g. examination and course work.

Coursework assessments include seminar papers, practical reports, essays, posters and presentation.

Examinations include short tests, multiple choice, long answer, seen examinations and practical examinations.

Teaching methods include practical sessions, field work, work shops, lectures, directed study, tutorials.

In many cases, learning materials are also available via the the University of Worcester Intranet. It is anticipated that e-learning will become more integrated in your teaching and learning through the use of the University's virtual learning environment.

Lorraine Weaver

Course Leader, Plant Science BSc (Hons)

“With the increasing importance of biofuels, along with the need to feed an ever-increasing world population, there is likely to be a high demand for graduates with expertise in this area.”

Academic department

Institute of Science & the Environment

“The Institute’s acclaimed research in areas such as river management, rural issues, forensic biology, nutrition and archaeology has a common thread: our belief that science should be centred around its impact on people.”
Professor John Newbury, Head of Institute

Employability

As a Plant Scientist at the University of Worcester, you will be able to develop a wide range of intellectual, practical and social skills that are much in demand by employers. These include primary research and critical evaluation skills, communications skills, both written and oral, and a range of technical and IT skills such as the use of DNA technology, IT-based vegetation analysis, data analysis, and applied statistics.

You will also learn how to gather environmental or physiological data in the laboratory and/or the field using logging equipment, controlled environment cabinets and a range of physiological monitoring devices.

Plant Scientists, who can solve problems, look at evidence and make measured and reasoned arguments, are not only required in scientific fields but also in other fields - such as the media, retailing and finance - to ensure there is a balanced view relating to new technology and that any risks are neither under nor over stated.

There is also a need for people to be able to explain these scientific arguments in 'lay-mans' terms, not only in teaching but also in a wide range of other vocations.

Worcester Plant Science graduates are working in Primary and Secondary Teaching, Forensic Science, the Police Force, the Fire Service, Scientific and Environmental Research, the Environment Agency, Ecological Consultancy, Banking, IT and the retail trade to name a few.