Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is a 3-4 year undergraduate degree program that offers specialist pathways in cell and molecular biology, human health, and microbiology, or an option to remain on a broad, interdisciplinary biological sciences programme. This career-focused degree provides the flexibility to decide which degree and pathway best suits your career ambitions and switch within the first two years should your interests change.

Key Information

• UCAS code: C110
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BSc (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Content

The undergraduate programme explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology. You'll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems. You will gain a broad and balanced foundation of biological knowledge and practical skills and apply this to create solutions for theoretical and practical problems in biology.

Year 1

Mandatory September

• Shaping Tomorrow Together A
• Practical Skills in Biology
• Introductory Biology 1
• Mathematics for Scientists 1

Mandatory January

• Shaping Tomorrow Together B
• Biology Practical
• Introductory Biology 2
• Chemistry for the Life Sciences

Year 2

Mandatory September

• Metabolism in Human Nutrition
• Research Methods in Biology

Optional September

• Human Physiology
• Science and Exploitation of Plants
• Introduction to Psychology 1
• Management in a Global Context
• Employability and Professional Skills

Mandatory January

• Introduction to Microbiology
• Cell and Molecular Biology

Optional January

• The Biosphere
• Animal Biology
• Global Challenges 1

Year 3

Mandatory September

• Biology Advanced Laboratory Skills

Optional September

• Food Microbiology and Health
• Concepts in Beverage Science
• Marine and Coastal Geography
• Applied Studies in Human Health
• Pathobiology of Human Disease
• Practical Marine Biology
• Marine Biodiversity
• Introduction to Process Technology
• Biotechnology
• Fundamentals of Marketing
• Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Geology and Soil Properties
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Mandatory January

• Global Research Skills

Optional January

• Marine Environmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Medical Microbiology
• Operations Management
• Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology
• Living Planet
• Global Environmental Change
• Principles of Drug Discovery & Development
• Biological Psychology
• Bioprocessing

Year 4

Mandatory September

• Honours Research Project - Execution

Optional September

• Scientific Management of Marine Environments
• Stressors and Sustainability
• Microorganisms in Human Health and Drug Discovery
• Advanced Molecular Microbiology
• Toxicology
• Receptor Signalling in Health and Disease
• Marine Biological Survey and Analysis

Mandatory January

• Honours Research Project - Dissemination

Optional January

• Aquatic Toxicology
• Immunology
• Marine Fisheries Biology
• Molecular Plant Health
• Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions for Biologists
• Management of Marine Protected Areas and Built Structures
• Genomics and Proteomics in Human Health

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: £9,790
• International: £25,808

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year) for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales.

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
  • A-Levels: BBC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
  • International Baccalaureate: 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
  • HNC: C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
  • A-Levels: BCC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
  • International Baccalaureate: 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
  • HNC: C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• 65% of graduates are working
• 15% are studying
• 5% are studying and working
• Average salary: £27,500
• Potential career paths:
  • Natural and social science professionals
  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
  • Business and public service associate professionals