Biology is an experimental science and, therefore, it is good to have basic knowledge of physics and chemistry; the support of mathematics and geology is also necessary and, as in any scientific discipline, languages and computer science are important. As in all university studies, it is indispensable to acquire skills in oral and written expression in order to be able to carry out presentations or present projects, results and reports.
Biology students should enjoy laboratory work, feel motivated to learn the cellular and molecular bases of illnesses such as cancer or AIDS, but also to learn how we can protect species and the environment. Student should have great capacity of observation, be hard-working, tenacious and also be prepared to update their learning, since biology is a science in continuous development.
Learning objectives
The general aim of the Bachelor's degree in Biology is to train professionals in the area of biology with a broad and general foundation of knowledge and very sound experimental training. The Bachelor's degree in Biology has to ensure students acquire knowledge centred on the cell (biochemistry, genetics, histology) and on organisms (morphology, systematics, structure, function and interaction of the living beings). This includes the analyses related with these aspects from the point of view of research as well as the applied use of this knowledge.
Basic competences.
- CB-01. - Capacity for critically analysing complex situations, by collecting information and interpreting data, and designing creative and innovative strategies for solving them.
- CB-02. - Knowing how to communicate orally and in writing in scientific and professional spheres, using own languages and English.
- CB-03. - Working in a team, helping to prepare specific and multidisciplinary projects.
- CB-04. - Planning and assessing one's own activity and learning and elaborating strategies to improve them by applying quality criteria.
- CB-05. Capacity to act, generate proposals and take decisions in research and professional activity with ethical and sustainable criteria.
Specific competences
- CE-01. Applying scientific rationale and the scientific method (to gather and manage data in order to formulate and test hypotheses) to analyse and explain the discipline’s subject matter.
- CE-02. Using and applying the instrumentation and experimental methodologies typical of the discipline safely.
- CE-03. Using specific computer programs for complex data processing.
- CE-04. Identifying the types and levels of organisation of living beings and being capable of identifying the more representative groups of organisations.
- CE-05. Identifying and understanding, at a structural and functional level, the molecular bases of the structures and the biological processes, their applications and the regulation mechanisms.
- CE-06. Describing, at a structural and functional level, the cell and physiological bases of living beings.
- CE-07. Describing the mechanisms of inheritance and the bases of the evolutionary models.
- CE-08. Identifying and describing in an integral way the reactions and processes that are part of the metabolism and the physiology of living beings.
- CE-09. Understanding and describing the changes associated with the development of living beings.
- CE-10. Identifying the bases of genetic modification so the genetic, physiological and metabolic properties of organisms of biotechnological interest can be modulated for research and their potential application.
- CE-11. Identifying and describing biological cycles and functional adaptations to the environment.
- CE-12. Understanding the different organisational levels of the ecosystem and its components, the interaction between living beings and their environment and identifying the environmental problems associated with conserving ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
- CE-13. Identifying and interpreting the information contained in data bases on molecules with biological activity and applying the basic biocomputer tools.
- CE-14. Drawing up and planning the management and execution of work-related projects.
- CE-15. Integrating bachelor's degree knowledge in a professional and research environment, incorporating economic, legislative and managerial knowledge.
The organisation of the Bachelor’s degree.
The Bachelor's degree in Biology is a 4-year course, during which students will acquire the skills for learning the experimental methodologies that apply scientific reasoning to experimental design and data gathering, interpretation, processing and analysis. In short, they will learning a new way of thinking and solving problems, by applying the scientific method.
The first year consists of basic subjects (Foundations of Chemistry, Physics, Fundamental Biology, Biology of Organisms and Systems, Mathematics, Applied Statistics and Geology, as well as a practical subject known as Integrated Scientific Techniques, which enables students to acquire and develop competencies and skills for experimental work, both laboratory and field.
The year includes exclusively compulsory subjects: Biochemistry, Genetics, Zoology, Advanced Data Analysis, Microbiology, Cytology and Histology and Botany. Each of the compulsory subjects constitutes a module with a theoretical part and a practical part.
The third year sees students learning compulsory subjects such as Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Ecology, Evolution and Molecular Biology. They will now have a general vision of biology. If you are interested in acquiring a full understanding of the structure and functioning of living organisms, what the molecular bases of illnesses are, how living organisms can be used for improving our quality of life and how such knowledge can be applied for generating goods and services, you can already focus your learning in your third year by choosing the Fundamental Biology module. If you choose the Organisms and Systems module, you will be able to study the great diversity of organisms that exist, the relationships they establish between themselves and with their environment, the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems, how these ecosystems break down and strategies that can be applied to preserve and manage the flora, fauna and the environment they live in.
Fourth-year students will take a step towards specialisation and professionalisation. You will be able to choose two optional modules from among the following: Fundamental Biology II, Health Biology, Fundamental Biotechnology, Aquatic Ecosystems, Natural Resources Conservation and Biodiversity Management. In addition, students will have to do a Bachelor's thesis where they will be able to apply all the skills they will have acquired to date and carry out a period of work placements in a company or take subjects with a vocational approach.
There is also the option to study for the double degrees in Biology/Environmental Sciences and Biology/Biotechnology.
University master’s degrees
The UdG offers an extensive master’s-degree programme. Master's degree courses offer advanced, specialised or multidisciplinary training, aimed at providing students with an academic or professional specialism or an introduction to research. These are official courses that enable students to move on to study for a doctoral degree.
Doctorate degree programmes
The doctoral studies are aimed at providing students with advanced training in research techniques and include the preparation and presentation of a doctoral thesis, consisting of original research work. To join a doctoral programme you need to have a minimum of between 60 and 120 ECTS credits at official university master's degree level or equivalent.
Postgraduate courses and specialisation
The University of Girona Foundation: Innovation and Training is the centre that plays host to and organises ongoing educational activities to meet the needs ongoing higher-level education. If offers own masters, postgraduate courses, specialization courses and other postgraduate activities covering all areas of knowledge.