Biology

Biology is a natural science concerned with all lifeforms, from the cell, to plants, animal and man. Biology at Aberdeen benefits from an emphasis on field-based teaching.

Why Aberdeen?

• Great strength in biology 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 are also possible, normally in the second year of a four year programme. Similarly, it is 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.

In accordance with degree requirements, four courses at levels 1 and 2 combined and two courses at levels 3 and 4 combined must meet the requirements of enhanced study. These courses provide an opportunity for sustained study in other disciplines, disciplinary breadth and cross-discipline study (Sixth Century Courses).

First Year

All biologists take eight courses, including four foundation biology courses (Organismal Biology, The Cell, Ecology & Environmental Science and a tutorial course in Biological Sciences). In addition, a course in Chemistry is also studied. This leaves a choice of three further courses which would normally contribute towards enhanced study.

Second Year

All students take eight courses including a skills course in Life Sciences. Options are selected from a wide range of courses from within at least three of the disciplines of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular & Cell Biology, Plant & Soil Science and Zoology.

Third Year (Junior Honours)

At level 3, students have the opportunity of following a more focused curriculum or maintain breadth in their programme. All students normally take eight courses, including a further skills course in Life Sciences. Other courses are selected to include at least two of the following disciplines: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular & Cell Biology, Plant & Soil Science and Zoology.

Fourth Year (Senior Honours)

All students carry out a research project or library dissertation as well as writing an extended essay.  The research project can be undertaken in any of the biological disciplines. Projects can be carried out using facilities within the School of Biological Sciences, at local research institutes or elsewhere. A further four courses are normally chosen to include at least two of the following disciplines: Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular & Cell Biology, Plant & Soil Science and Zoology.  A residential team-building course and careers sessions are included in the programme.

Teaching and Assessment

Courses use a wide variety of teaching methods including lectures, 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. Final year students also attend a residential team-building course.

Careers

Many career possibilities are open to graduate biologists. Each year several graduates continue to develop their expertise in specialist topics through MSc taught courses or postgraduate research leading to MSc, MPhil or PhD degrees. Biologists find employment in ecology, 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); environmental management and biomedical sciences.

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 Biology.

Entrance Requirements

SQA Highers - BBBB*
A Levels - BBB*
IB - 30 points, 5 at HL
ILC - BBBB*
*including good performance in at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.

Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers ABB or A Levels ABB or IB 34 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be at A-grade.

For further details of entrance requirements 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