Applied Plant Science
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: C211
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
As well as giving a sound background in biology, this programme focuses on how plant species interact, both physiologically and ecologically, with each other, as well as with animal species and their environment.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB-BBB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Political and environmental influences are impacting the types and uses of plants in food production and eco-systems management. Limitations on the use of synthetic herbicides and growth pattern regulators are changing the management strategies available.
Graduates of this applied agri-biological degree will be well placed for a wide range of careers in this vital and developing sector; including plant genetics, bio-chemical research, and agronomy.
On this degree you can select options with a cellular and molecular emphasis underpinning fundamental understanding of plant physiology.
You may take optional modules dealing with a range of applied or associated topics to provide you with the knowledge and insights needed for example to manage crops;
- in agricultural systems
- conservation grassland
- woodlands, or
- to develop new approaches and products to control pests and diseases.
You will have the opportunity to take a year's work placement to develop your work based skills, usually taken in research or in the plant science sector.
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COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
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Quality and ranking
We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.
Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.
Teaching excellence
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Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Develop your understanding of concepts in fundamental science, for example, plant biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. You study plant response to environmental stimuli and investigate genetic and biochemical pathways underlying function and structure.
You examine the interactions of plants and crops with their environment, soil and other ecosystems. Along with laboratory skills, you conduct in-field examinations of pests, diseases and British flora and fauna.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Environment and Land Resources | 10 |
Crop Pests | 10 |
Academic and Professional Skills | 20 |
Agri-Food Supply Chains | 20 |
Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Plants, Environment, Agriculture | 10 |
Introduction to Agricultural Mechanisation | 10 |
Natural Science Research Impact | 10 |
Diversity of Life: Form and Function | 20 |
Cells and Biomolecules | 20 |
Develop your understanding of concepts in fundamental science, for example, plant biology, cell biology, biochemistry and genetics. You study plant response to environmental stimuli and investigate genetic and biochemical pathways underlying function and structure.
You examine the interactions of plants and crops with their environment, soil and other ecosystems. Along with laboratory skills, you conduct in-field examinations of pests, diseases and British flora and fauna.
Modules
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Arable Crops | 10 |
Microbiology | 10 |
Pollution of Air, Water & Soil | 10 |
Cellular Biochemistry | 20 |
Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
Insect and arthropod biology | 20 |
You focus on the commercial value of plant production, and consider plant biology from the perspective of plant production, protection strategies and pests affecting plants in commercial production.
You will undertake a dissertation, which involves an in-depth investigation of an aspect of plant science of your choice.
Projects, fieldwork and laboratory investigation are a significant part of the degree and you’ll be assessed using a range of methods, including practical demonstration, presentation of findings, examination and field-based case studies.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Applied Crop Protection | 10 |
Crop Pests Field Course | 10 |
Research Project and Dissertation | 30 |
Global challenges in plant science research | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Combinable Crops | 20 |
Forage Utilization | 10 |
Precision Agriculture incorporating Non-Combinable Crops | 20 |
Applied Ecology | 20 |
Biotechnology: Applications | 20 |
Current Research in Plant and Microbial Biology | 10 |
Biological Modelling | 20 |
Microbial Genomics | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
On average, you'll spend around 14 contact hours a week through a combination of:
- lectures
- guest seminars
- field trips
- small group tutorials
- laboratory practicals
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Projects
Skills and experience
Research skills
You have the chance to gain real-world research experience through project work with prominent plant biology research groups at Newcastle University. Subject areas of study include:
- agronomy and crop improvement
- field identification skills
- molecular biology and development
- applied crop protection
- plant pathology
- precision agriculture
Practical skills
Through our excellent links with biological and agricultural businesses, you'll be able to get involved with industry through a range of visits throughout your degree. The companies you will visit represent each part of the plant breeding and production chain, giving you a vital overview of the sector.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
During your studies, you'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
Away from the main campus, you'll have access to teaching at our two University-run farms, which will be used as demonstration facilities as well as a field station with glasshouse and dedicated teaching facilities.
You'll have the opportunity to learn in modern laboratories. You can also visit the Great North Museum, where there's a range of important biological collections.
Support
As a new student, you'll receive a tablet, so you can download online learning resources, helping to make our campus more sustainable.
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Your future
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
Employability at Newcastle
96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.
Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).
Enterprising students
Careers support
Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
ABB-BBB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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