Plant and Soil Science

Program Overview

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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.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Title:

Plant and Soil Science, BSc

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Summary:

This program delves deep into the complex and fascinating world of plants and soil. It combines both core and advanced understanding of this exciting subject area, preparing graduates to play a vital role in informing discussions on climate change and global food security.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of biology and the workings of organisms.
• Provide specialized training in plant science, soil science, and their applications.
• Develop the ability to examine the interactions and interfaces between plants and soil.
• Foster multi-disciplinary working skills.
• Explain the role of plants in the ecosystem.
• Study soil characteristics across different agricultural systems.

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Program Description:

The program's first two years establish a firm foundation for the more specialized third and fourth years. Students in the program will take a selection of compulsory and optional courses across the institution, with an emphasis on hands-on experience through lab work, field trips, and research projects. Key highlights of the program include:

• Field trips: Students will participate in at least two residential field courses, gaining practical experience in the field and building connections with classmates and faculty.
• Research opportunities: Students can get involved in research through summer research assistantships, project work, and a compulsory final year research project.
• Award-winning faculty: The program is taught by a team of dedicated and experienced researchers who are active in the field.
• Global perspective: Opportunities exist to collaborate with groups at the James Hutton Institute and SFSA, who undertake applied research and policy development work.
• International exposure: Students can take advantage of an optional year-out studying abroad.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Eight courses, including compulsory and elective options.
• Compulsory courses:
• Frontiers in Biological Sciences
• Diversity of Life 1
• Ecology and Environmental Science
• Diversity of Life 2
• The Cell

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Year 2:

• Compulsory courses:
• Ecology
• Plants, People, and the Environment
• Introduction to Genetics
• Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
• Elective courses: Select 45 credit points from courses of choice.

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Year 3:

• Compulsory courses:
• Global Soils and the Environment
• Plants, Soils and Sustainability
• Ecosystem Processes
• Environmental Analysis
• Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
• Plant - Environment Interactions
• Gateway to Honours Project
• Environmental Analysis
• Elective courses: Select 30 credit points from courses of choice.

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Year 4 (Honours):

• Compulsory courses:
• SBS Honours Project
• Elective courses: Select 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences.

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Modules:

Each year consists of a selection of modules, covering topics such as ecology, plant biology, soil science, genetics, environmental analysis, and research methods. The specific modules offered in each year may vary.

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Assessment:

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Methods:

• Coursework: essays, reports, assignments, and presentations.
• Practical assessments: laboratory work, field work, and research projects.
• Written examinations: at the end of each course.

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Criteria:

• Demonstrating understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Applying knowledge to solve problems and interpret data.
• Developing critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Communicating effectively in written and oral form.
• Conducting independent research and presenting findings.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Laboratory work
• Field trips
• Research projects
• Problem-based learning
• Group work
• Presentations

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and active researchers in the field of plant and soil science.

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Unique Approaches:

• Opportunities to get involved in research from the start.
• Strong emphasis on hands-on learning through lab work and field trips.
• Individualized attention and support from faculty.
• Focus on developing employability skills.
• International exposure through study abroad opportunities.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Environmental consultant
• Research scientist
• Policy analyst
• Soil scientist
• Plant scientist
• Conservationist
• Educator
• Agricultural scientist
• Research and development manager
• Environmental lawyer
• Environmental journalist

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Opportunities:

• Government agencies
• Research institutions
• Private companies
• Non-profit organizations
• Educational institutions

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Outcomes:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of fields related to plants, soil, and the environment. They possess the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in addressing some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities.
• The program is located in the beautiful city of Aberdeen, which offers a vibrant student life and easy access to nature.

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Fee category

Cost RUK £9,250 EU / International students £24,800 Home Students £1,820