Program Overview

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Biological Sciences, BSc

Introduction

Our programme focuses on both the molecular and organismal aspects of biology, bringing together practical lab and field-based teaching with cell biology, genetics, evolutionary genomics, ecology, and physiology. You will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest, choosing a focus in animal, plant, or environmental science.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BSc
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen
• UCAS Code: C901
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
  • Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
  • Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
  • Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
  • Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
  • The Cell (SM1501)
  • Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Comparative Physiology 1 (BI2524)
  • Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
• Optional Courses:
  • One of the following field courses:
    • BI 25FA Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour
    • BI 25F2 Coastal Biodiversity Field Course
    • BI 25F6 Field Biology
    • BI 25F9 Marine Field Ecology
    • BI 25FB The Living Landscape
  • Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Ecological Genomics (BI3312)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
  • Lab Skills in Biosciences (BI35F4)
  • Comparative Physiology 2 (BI3013)
• Optional Courses:
  • Plus one of the following courses:
    • PL 3505 Plant-Environment Interactions
    • ZO 3515 Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
  • Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
• Optional Courses: Plus 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e., the course codes BI, EK, EV, PL, ZO) at level 4.

How You'll Study

• Combine practice and theory: Typically, one third of your class time is practical and many courses include full-day practical classes and field visits.
• Research experience: You are actively involved in scientific research throughout your degree. In Year 4, you conduct independent research which can be pivotal to your career choice.
• Engaging and inspiring teaching: Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn.
• Opportunities for Study Abroad and work-related learning: You can take advantage of an optional year-out on a work placement and study abroad is encouraged for students in their 2nd year.

Learning Methods

• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Lab Work
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course
• Practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
• Written examinations at the end of each course

Why Study Biological Sciences?

• Our researchers work on birds, mammals, and invertebrates in terrestrial and marine environments and plants in all environments from alpine to the tropics.
• You will benefit from the range of teaching and research we have to offer in everything from advanced molecular research in the laboratory to pioneering field work in the mountains, deep sea and tropics.
• You will gain invaluable experience from attending at least one of our highly-rated residential field courses in the Cairngorms, Shetland, Spain or at our own facility, The Lighthouse Field Station (Sea Mammal Research Centre) on the Black Isle.
• You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work and a compulsory final year research project.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

• SQA Highers:
  • Standard: AABB
  • Minimum: BBB
  • Adjusted: BB
• A LEVELS:
  • Standard: BBB
  • Minimum: BBC
  • Adjusted: CCC
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year:
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
  • EU / International students: £24,800
  • Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme
  • Home Students: £1,820

Careers

• We are committed to the career progression of our students and we collaborate with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure that you have numerous opportunities to explore career options, develop your employability and connect with employers.
• Graduates find employment in a wide range of careers including universities, research institutes, government agencies (eg SEPA, SNH), environmental consultancies, charities (including WWF and RSPB), the NHS, libraries and commercial enterprises in aquaculture, animal nutrition, and animal health.

Industry Links

• We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions.
• You will benefit from these links in several ways:
  • Exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and experts.
  • Our curriculum is informed by an employer advisory board that provides insight into changing requirements of employers.
  • You can take advantage of our collaborators' facilities and expertise for your research projects or placement.

Accreditation

• Graduates from Accredited programmes will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in their final year of their degree.
• This degree holds accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

Facilities

• Research facilities on campus include animal holding facilities, greenhouses, fresh and salt-water aquaria, an insectarium, molecular and analytical laboratories, and a state of the art genomics lab.
• We have our own research and teaching facility, The Lighthouse Field Station which is situated on the Cromarty Firth.
• Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.