Biological Sciences (MSci)

Biological Sciences (MSci) is open to students wishing to study any of the degree programmes within the school of Biological Sciences

Why Aberdeen?

• Biological Sciences (MSci) is open to students wishing to study any of the degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences
• Great strength in biological sciences represented by over 120 academic staff in many disciplines, based in two Schools within a single College
• Considerable flexibility of course choice - a personalised designer degree programme
• Government bioscience research institutes located in Aberdeen with senior student access
• Career preparation given high priority
• A recent internal teaching review panel commended the School of Biological Sciences for its committed, professional and enthusiastic teaching across a wide range of degree programmes. The panel was also impressed with the course choice within degrees and by the emphasis on field courses and field-based teaching, including opportunities and support for expeditions, which were clearly valued by students.

Programmes

Study Abroad

There will be opportunities for expeditions, voluntary work overseas and ‘year-out’ placements. International exchanges may also be possible. Similarly, it may be possible to study for part of the degree in another European university under the ERASMUS programme.
Further Study Abroad Information

The opportunity to take Enhanced Study options as part of your degree and participate in co-curricular activities. See www.abdn.ac.uk/thedifference for more information.

The MSci is open to students wishing to study any of the degree programs within the School of Biological Sciences. Students will enter their degree programme in second year as direct entrants. Students will graduate with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. The MSci is aimed at applicants who wish to graduate with a qualification that goes beyond the traditional Honours degree. The first two years (level 2 and 3) are the same as the traditional Honours degree; but during level 4 (Honours year) additional skills courses are offered to enhance the scientific expertise of the students. This enables them to fulfil the requirement for the advanced courses and project during the level 5 year.

Level 5 (MSci year)
Level 5 is the unique year in this programme, during which students will develop as independent researchers, with enhanced practical and scientific writing skills. The year is split between project, tutorials and workshop-based teaching with an emphasis on the latest developments in biological sciences. Progress will be gauged on the basis of genuine critical analysis of literature and concepts. Generic teaching includes: scientific writing of research articles, presenting scientific information, preparation of grant applications, data analysis, bioinformatics, applied statistics and intellectual property concepts.

The teaching will be based on a modular system addressing up-to-the-minute developments and current thinking in biology, from exploring the genome to the ethics of modern biology. The extended research project will be linked to an employer and based either within the University or at an outside agency.

Teaching and Assessment

Courses use a wide variety of teaching methods including lectures, peer discussion, laboratory practicals, fieldwork, seminars and tutorials. Most courses are assessed by both continuous assessment and a written examination. Continuous assessment takes many forms including essays, practical reports or group projects.

Several biological science departments offer residential field courses which all biology students are encouraged to attend, usually in their first and second years.

Careers

Many career possibilities are open to graduate biologists. MSci graduates would be well prepared for PhD degrees or employment in many areas of biological sciences. Biologists find employment in ecology, environmental impact, healthcare, molecular biology, climate change, biological modelling, scientific publishing, TV, support to government, teaching in colleges, universities and schools, public education (zoos, museums, nature reserves, scientific societies etc) and biomedical sciences.

Employers now expect an impressive list of skills, knowledge and experience in their graduate recruits. They welcome transferable skills acquired during a work placement, such as communication, numeracy, use of IT, group work and time management. In addition to allowing you to develop a link with a potential employer, the extended project makes you a more effective employee following graduation.

Finding your direction

There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success.  The Careers Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us – from first to final year – and beyond.

• More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen.
• More information on the Careers Service.
• More information on careers prospects and employability with a degree in Biological Sciences (MSci).

Entrance Requirements

SQA Advanced Highers - AAB
A Levels - AAB
IB - 36 points, 6 at HL

* Please note that entry to MSci Biological Sciences is at Level 2 (second year entry) not Level 1 (first year entry)

For detailed information on entrance requirements please click here

Please click on the links below to find out more information on funding in your area.

• Scotland and EU (Excluding England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• Rest of UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
• International
• Scholarships

Related Links

• Scholarships
• Entrance Scholarships
• Funding Database
• England Wales and Northern Ireland Finance Guide