Plant Sciences MBiolSci at University of Sheffield

This course is for students who want to pursue a career in industrial or academic research. The majority of your fourth year will be devoted to a major research project working in the lab or the field with our world-leading staff.

This course spans fundamental plant biology, exploring evolution, developmental biology, photosynthesis and disease whilst considering the role of plants in solving global food and energy shortages and developing sustainable and green technologies.

You'll cover two main themes at Sheffield: plant physiology - how plants harvest light energy, acquire nutrients from the soil and convert this in order to sustain growth, and plant ecology - how plants interact with each other and their non-living environment.

Our degrees all start with core subject and skills modules that provide the foundation for your studies. As you progress through your degree, you'll have a chance to explore your core subjects in greater depth, choose optional modules across the biosciences to help broaden your knowledge and skills and participate in a research activity. Moving to a different degree course is possible, especially in the first year, and depending on your qualifications.

You'll choose from optional modules that span ecology and conservation biology and zoology. You can mix and match these modules, covering photosynthesis, global warming and vegetation, climate change and pollution impacts on plant communities, underpinned by the latest research discoveries from our experts.

If you want to study plant sciences 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.