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
Doing a Plant and Soil Science degree at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with both core and advanced understanding of this exciting subject area. The knowledge and skills that you gain could open up a world of career opportunities for you, for instance in playing a vital role in informing the debate on climate change and global food security.
The Plant and Soil Science degree provides many opportunities:
- Fundamental understanding of biology, how organisms work
- Specialist training in plant science, soil science and its applications
- Examining the interactions and interface
- Multi-disciplinary working
- Role of plants in the ecosystem
- Applications of plant biology
- Manipulating plant genomes relates to tolerance and pollutants
- Studying soils across agricultural systems
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
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In year 1 you will take eight courses made up of compulsory and elective options. One of the required courses is Ecology and Environment.
Year 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)
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15 Credit Points
Five themes, critical to understanding biology and life, will be explored – Developmental Biology, Microbiology and Disease, Evolution and Behaviour, Immune Systems and Environmental Physiology. Each theme is structured to provide you with core knowledge, insight into how science is practiced, an introduction to current research topics and skills that are useful for investigating, recording and analysing information.
- Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)
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15 Credit Points
A walk through the evolutionary tree of life, examining the amazing diversity of major groups of organisms from plants through fungi to early invertebrates. Learn about how each group of organisms arose, their characteristics, and how they achieved success. Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the diversity of plants and invertebrates.
- Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
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15 Credit Points
This course begins with study of the physical workings of the Earth and the interactions between living organisms and their environments. We then look at the effects humans are having on the planet, potential solutions to global problems and how these are affected by politics, and thoughts on the future.Teaching is by staff with different subject specialisms who give both variety and immediacy to course material.Exposure to the problems we are facing both now and in the future will help you make informed choices in your everyday life.A range of ‘wet’ and computer-based practicals enhance the classroom teaching and develop generic scientific skills.
- Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)
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15 Credit Points
- A walk through the evolutionary tree of life, examining the amazing diversity of advanced invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Learn about how each group of organisms arose, their characteristics, and how they achieved success. For example what are the key evolutionary steps enabling life away from the water? How do birds fly?
- Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the features of invertebrates, amphibians, fish, birds and mammals.
- The Cell (SM1501)
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15 Credit Points
• Cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science.• This course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies.• All practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology.• Employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive enterprise session and our online mini course.
Year 1: Optional Courses
Plus 30 credit points from Term 1 courses of choice.
Plus 15 credit points from Term 2 courses of choice.
- Year 2
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In year 2 compulsory courses include Ecology and Plants, People and the Environment. You will select elective courses to contribute towards enhanced study.
Year 2: Compulsory Courses
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
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15 Credit Points
The course will help you develop or consolidate skills in experimental design, sampling, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data.
Each week, there are one 1-2 recorded introductory lectures to help you prepare for the computer practicals. In two 2-hour sessions per week you will work through a series of computer-based data tasks, using relevant and realistic biological and environmental themes. The course will introduce you to different types of software which can be used to analyse data, including Excel, Minitab, and R studio.Teaching is informal and friendly. During sessions, staff will chat to you about your progress and provide help where necessary.
- Ecology (BI2020)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds on themes from introductory ecology courses: effects of biodiversity, disturbance in natural communities, nutrient and energy cycles. herbivory, predation, competition, population dynamics, parasitism, mutualisms and foodwebs. You will develop your abilities to interpret data by applying theory discussed in classes to real-life data sets using short problem-solving exercises linked to each topic. Feedback will help you improve writing and interpretation skills. Extended problem-solving exercises will improve your communication skills, scientific writing and introduce you to valuable approaches to summarising complex datasets in Excel. You will also consider issues around experimental design.
- Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
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15 Credit Points
A course in which students explore both core and emerging issues in the plant sciences, focusing in particular on the inter-dependence of plants, people and environment. The course content is informed by two sets of published ‘100 Important Questions to Facing Plant Science’. Students are encouraged to develop a range of important generic and applied skills, through lectures and practicals.
- Introduction to Genetics (BI2023)
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15 Credit Points
Genetics and evolution are inextricably linked and provide the foundation for all other biological concepts. In this course we introduce the subject of genetics from an evolutionary perspective that is informed by genome analysis.A series of lectures and computer workshops will introduce you to the fundamental principles of evolution, genetics and molecular biology. In practical classes you will have opportunity to practise modern molecular techniques.You will also explore ethical dilemmas that arise as a consequence of our potential ability to manipulate genomes.
- The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
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15 Credit Points
‘The Living Landscape’ is a field course (7 days) based at Strathdon, Scotland. The intention is to enhance students’ understanding of living component of the environment at a meaningful scale. ‘The Living Landscape’ is intended to help students to understand species distributions in a wider geographical and historical context. We believe that, in observing and interpreting the ‘big picture’, students will gain a better appreciation of the past, present and possible future of a living environment.
Dates for 2024/25: 31/5/25 - 6/6/25
Year 2: Optional Courses
Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
Courses at this level include Global Soil Geography, Ecosystem Processes, Soils for Food Security, Environmental Analysis. In addition to your taught courses, in third year there is a strong element of practical laboratory training and fieldwork, plus visits to research institutes, conservation and environmental protection agencies and commercial companies.
Year 3: Compulsory Courses
- Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)
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15 Credit Points
You will utilise a robust approach to statistical analysis, a skill highly valued by employers and researchers.Lectures provide context, background and step-by step guidance on how to conduct and interpret a selection of statistical analyses.Through a series of exercises, you learn to explore data, to specify appropriate linear models for your research question and to interpret their results.Online tests structured around the exercises and lecture content allow you to demonstrate your achievement of course learning outcomes.Working with biological and environmental datasets in a structured and supportive environment, you will gain confidence and proficiency with data analysis.
- Plant - Environment Interactions (PL3505)
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15 Credit Points
The emphasis of the course is on plant ecophysiological responses, mostly in relation to natural environments. Lectures, labs and an excursion provide a diverse set of learning opportunities. Coursework is based on a choice from one of the practical investigations done during the course. Coursework consists of a lab report and a linked recorded presentation. During each investigation, students are asked to design a simple experiment and sampling regime using plant material and a range of measurement options. Investigative work is intended to help students to develop specialist knowledge and a capacity for creative, independent and critical thinking, problem identification and problem solving. Oral presentations, including participation in Q&As, help students to develop confidence and oral communication skills.
- Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)
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This non-credit bearing course will facilitate your preparation for your Honours project.
Lectures will clarify expectations for project work and provide training in risk assessment, consideration of ethical issues, environmental impacts and project planning.
Resources to help you define and plan your project will be made available through MyAberdeen, helping you to be confident that your project planning is sufficiently advanced by the end of your Programme Year 3.
Submission of an agreed (with your supervisor) project outline, completed checklists and preliminary risk assessment will allow you to demonstrate engagement with your project.
- Environmental Analysis (EV3802)
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15 Credit Points
The mixture of applied science and theoretical work on this course places you in a valuable position for understanding the procedures and applications in modern environmental science.A number of laboratory classes allows you to familiarise yourself with the current analytical instrumentation in environmental science.The course uses examples of environmental issues allowing you to understand the problem, how the analysis was conducted and the implications of the results. The main assessment in this course is a practical write up that is written in the style of a scientific report giving you an opportunity to perfect this style of writing.
- Global Soils and the Environment (EV3005)
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15 Credit Points
Field based course that takes you across northeast Scotland exploring an ancient tropical rainforest, hill farming in action, survey techniques and soil formation.Lectures focus on how soils form, how soils work, soil classification, soil as part of the environment, human impacts on soil, and the use of mapping and soil data to optimise the management of this fragile resource.Your assessments are geared towards developing practical skills. This includes a presentation on a particular soil that requires research akin to detective work, quizzes on soil properties and classification and a critical essay on a selected topic.
- Plants, Soils and Sustainability (PL3311)
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15 Credit Points
This advanced soil science course provides additional teaching of physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the context of food security and climate change. You will learn a variety of processes that affect soil productivity, accompanied by practical sessions that will teach relevant analytical methods. Plant interactions with soil, in the context of food security and land restoration, are major course topics.There are two practical sessions with assignments, a debate and a final exam.
- Ecosystem Processes (PL3506)
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15 Credit Points
This course examines the role terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems play in modulating global fluxes of energy and matter. It explores physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern ecosystem dynamics.
This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on organisms’ roles in regulating ecosystem processes and interactions of greenhouse gas exchange between the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface.
By integrating insights from various disciplines, you gain understanding of how ecosystems differ in composition, structure, and function.
Year 3: Optional Courses
Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
-
In year 4, the Honours year, you will carry out a research project as well as writing an extended essay and completing advanced courses of your choosing.
Year 4: Compulsory Courses
- SBS Honours Project (BI4016)
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45 Credit Points
In this course you will take your scientific skills to the next level, by carrying out an independent research project within the research group of an academic supervisor. In the span of an entire semester, you will execute the full life cycle of a research project, from initial planning to data collection, analysis and write-up as a manuscript. The course will also focus on developing generic professional skills through workshops and tutorials, providing you with a diverse toolkit for the next stages of your career in biological science or related professional fields.
Course highlights:
- A wide variety of projects, involving fieldwork, labwork and/or computational work
- Developing academic scholarship in a topic of your interest
- Time-management of data collection, data analysis and write-up
- Presenting research outputs in the form of a written thesis in the style of a research paper
- Workshops to help you plan for the next steps in your academic or professional career
Year 4: 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.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
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. Most students take at least one residential field trip during their degree; these trips bring the subjects to life and provide the opportunity to make great friendships and get to know staff members.
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 whether it be in dolphins, water voles, rare plants, tropical forest ecology, climate change in the Arctic, or any one of a diverse range of other exciting topics.
Engaging and inspiring teaching
Our teaching methods are diverse, innovative and based on research on how students learn. For example, we use problem-based learning approaches, creative presentations, peer and self-assessment, presenting posters in public meetings, writing and editing wikis, writing grant proposals, science writing for publication, and the creation of portfolios using multi-media.
Opportunities for Study Abroad and work-related learning
You can take advantage of an optional year-out on a work placement and study abroad is encouraged for students in their 2nd year. We invite employers and volunteering organisations to come and meet our students at our career evenings and there are opportunities for students to work with our partner institutions within and outside of Aberdeen.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Plant and Soil Science?
- This degree combines the disciplines of plants and soils, with opportunities to specialise in plant biology at different levels from genes to ecosystems, and in soils from chemistry, microbes to global geography.
- The University of Aberdeen has a long and, in many ways, unique tradition for teaching and research in Plant and Soil Science, and is home to a large and active group of award-winning staff in this subject.
- The degree is taught by a wide range of staff who are active in plant and soil research from the tropics to the Arctic; our teaching is research-led, relevant and exciting.
- You will have opportunity to collaborate with groups at the James Hutton Institute and SFSA who undertake applied research and policy development work informing national priorities.
- Plant and soil students attend at least two residential field courses selected from our range of courses in the Cairngorms and Spain.
- You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work and a compulsory final year research project
Interested in this programme?
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2026 Entry
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SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is Recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 at C or above is also required in English and Mathematics.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required.
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM.
Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics.
(Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B).
GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Science/Mathematics subjects are required.
O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.
SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required.
- 2027 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is Recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 at C or above is also required in English and Mathematics.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required.
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM.
Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics.
(Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B).
GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Science/Mathematics subjects are required.
O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with at least two Mathematics/Science subjects.
SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required.
Additional Information
Entry from College (Articulation)
Year 2 entry: Satisfactory completion of HNC Animal Care (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Units and curriculum to include either Ecology unit (H39A 34/J4RA 34) or Aberdeen University Online Introductory Ecology Course.
or
Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit and curriculum to include Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33) and Ecology and Ecosystems (J4RA 34/H93A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course.
or
Satisfactory completion of HNC Wildlife & Conservation Management (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Units and curriculum to include Biology: An Introduction (J4R8 34).
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- EU / International students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £24,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,800
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The above fee includes the £6,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
- Home Students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £1,820
- England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £9,790
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The UK Government has confirmed that the RUK fee cap will continue to increase each year to reflect inflation. Tuition fees will increase in line with the Government fee cap each year, and this should be taken into account when budgeting.
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
We are committed to the career progression of our students and we collaborate with the University’s Careers and Employability Service to ensure that you have numerous opportunities to explore career options, develop your employability and connect with employers.
- The expertise and support of a dedicated careers professional who is a specialist in the types of careers and further study undertaken by Biological Science students.
- A mentoring scheme run by the Careers and Employability Service linking current students with professional mentors.
- An annual volunteering fair to connect students with appropriate organisations in conservation and the environment.
- The exploration of possible careers and the development of employability from week 1, via the mandatory “Frontiers of Science” and PD1002 careers course.
- One to one appointments to discuss students’ options, provide practical support around internships, placements and part time work and provide support for effective applications and interviews.
- Regular opportunities through the “speed careering” programme for current students to meet and learn from Biological Sciences graduates.
- Employer input to the design of the curriculum and in talks to students about career opportunities.
- A university-wide co-curriculum programme aimed at developing key employability skills sought by employers.
For more information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/careers or email careers@abdn.ac.uk.
Industry Links
We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions. You will benefit in several ways:
- Exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and experts.
- Our curriculum is informed by an employer advisory board that provides insight in to changing requirements of employers.
- You can take advantage of our collaborators' facilities and expertise for your research projects or placement.
Accreditation
Graduates from Accredited programmes will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in their final year of their degree. This will open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs. The Royal Society of Biology is the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom. The Society represents over 18,000 biologists from all areas of the life sciences, as well as over 100 organisations which make up the diverse landscape of biology in the UK and overseas. The Royal Society of Biology offers members unique opportunities to engage with the life sciences and share their passion for biology. Whichever area of biology you wish to gain a career in, membership will help you:
- Stay up to date with what is happening across the life sciences
- Gain additional recognition for your skills and experience
- Develop your professional network
- Demonstrate your support for the future of biology
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Martin Barker
- Other Experts
- Professor Paul Hallett
- Mr Mark Paterson
- Professor Michelle Pinard
- Professor Pete Smith
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Fantastic facilities support our teaching and research, both on and off campus.
Discover Uni
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX