Program Overview

Plant and Soil Science, BSc

Introduction

Are you interested in the complexity, fragility, and potential of plants and soil? Together, plants and soil provide an essential resource for all terrestrial life. This is the only degree programme in the UK that focuses on this important and fascinating world.

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: CD27
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

What You'll Study

Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the institution. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.

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)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 credit points from Term 1 courses of choice, and 15 credit points from Term 2 courses of choice.

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
  • Ecology (BI2020)
  • Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
  • Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
  • The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
• Optional Courses: Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
  • Plant - Environment Interactions (PL3505)
  • Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
  • Environmental Analysis (EV3802)
  • Global Soils and the Environment (EV3005)
  • Plants, Soils and Sustainability (PL3311)
  • Ecosystem Processes (PL3506)
• Optional Courses: Plus 30 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., BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) 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.

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:
  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,535
  • EU / International students: £24,800
  • Home Students: £1,820
• Scholarships and Funding: Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available.

Careers

• Industry Links: We have strong local, national, and international links to industry, government bodies, charities, and other research institutions.
• Employment: Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including research, conservation, and environmental management.

Accreditation

• Royal Society of Biology: This degree holds accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology.

Facilities

• Cruickshank Botanic Garden: The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is situated on our King's College campus and is used to support both our teaching and research.
• Science Teaching Hub: 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.