Undergraduate Biology 2026-2027

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.

This is a marine biological field course to the Millport Field Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. The course introduces you to littoral and nearshore marine life in its natural environment and provides training in methods for sampling, surveying and species identification. You are encouraged to understand the taxonomy and adaptations of marine organisms in an ecological context.

The course typically includes surveying one or more rocky shores and a scientifically renowned sandy shore, sampling plankton and seabed organisms from a small research vessel, and carrying out a group project over two days. Through the various field and laboratory activities and close interaction with course staff, you will deepen your knowledge of marine organisms and their environments, acquire field skills and enhance your abilities in species identification, data collection, analysis, presentation and teamwork.

Dates for 2025–26: 15th May 2026- 22nd May 2026

Please note that you will be responsible for arranging and paying for your return journey to the ferry terminal in Largs, North Ayrshire, where the class will assemble prior to taking the ferry onto the Isle of Cumbrae. There are good transport links to Largs by road and rail. Detailed guidance on travel options will be provided in advance of the course.

This is a residential field course designed to provide you with training in field identification skills, ecological sampling techniques and an understanding of behaviour sampling and measurement. The course is held at the Kelvinside Academy John Duff Lodge, Corgarff, Strathdon, Scotland. Group based project work encourages development of skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.

Dates for 2025-2026 are Friday 15th May to Thursday 21st May 2026

• If you counted the bacteria in your gut, you might be surprised to find that you have 10 times more than you have cells in your body;

• The moment we are born, we become colonised with beneficial microbial life, the start of a relationship that impacts upon our health and well-being

• Pathogenic microbes represent an important health threat requiring an understanding both of infection and technology that we use to protect us.

• This course explores the positive and negative aspects of our relationship with microbes, and how our immune system helps to maintain a fragile peace with our closest neighbours

• understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines; 
• this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease; 
• this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications; 
• you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery which will build essential employability skills in experimental design, data analysis and practical laboratory skills

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.

This course is focused on understanding how science, society, enterprise and innovation are interrelated. The emphasis is on creativity (coming up with ideas) and understanding how science and enterprise align.

A series of on-campus workshops and off-campus visits will introduce you to ideas and processes outside academia as well as inside. The course will give you insights on innovation, invention and enterprise, which will be extremely useful whichever career path you take.

Using the information and understanding gained, you will generate ideas and possibly inventions.

You will demonstrate competence in core components of enterprise by producing a professional business canvass.

You will reflect on the diversity of organisations and their approach to enterprise by creating a reflective journal.

*Please note that the sessions for this course are scheduled on a Wednesday, including 4 fortnightly full day (09:00 – 17:00) field trips*

Students will write a scientific document and a document aimed at a public audience and present their work to a mixed audience of specialists and non-specialists. Students will submit their public written document for publication. Skills in communicating complex ideas in clear and simple language will be developed. Students will also take advantage through the academic year of opportunities to communicate science to a public audience e.g. in radio and TV interviews – these will be assessed formatively.