Michael Gallagher
Introduction
Are you interested in biology and think a career in research might be for you?
This programme is studied on campus.
This undergraduate Masters programme gives you a broad training in the biosciences, with the option to specialise in any one of our sub-disciplines. The additional year helps you to develop your research skills during an extended laboratory or field-based project.
This programme allows you to choose courses from the broad range of subjects offered to our undergraduate students, while ensuring that you take advantage of our core knowledge and skills-based courses that all students take.
The MSci is aimed at applicants who wish to graduate with a qualification that goes beyond the traditional Honours degree. You will learn how to write a grant proposal, develop skills in communicating science to the public, and carry out two independent research projects.
You carry out your research under the supervision of an academic in the school and produce a scientific document, prepared for publication. In your taught courses you can learn how to use the latest molecular and statistical techniques and apply them to your research.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSci
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- C900
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 years to follow.
- Year 1
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Year 1
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009) - 15 Credit Points
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Eleven themes, critical to our understanding of the living world are explored in engaging lectures. Some topics explore evolutionary innovations, others the resilience of life. Throughout the course, we introduce the science that underpins current understanding of biology.
Practical sessions and activities develop your study and laboratory skills, and provide a foundation for a successful transition into university study.
Regular assignments, online tests, practical reports and reading assignments, structure your activities and help you progress through the course material.
Weekly guest lectures about current research helps you to see how basic biological concepts are applied to real world problems.
- Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012) - 15 Credit Points
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A walk through the evolutionary tree of life, examining the amazing diversity of major groups of organisms from plants through fungi to 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.
You will be assessed by a combination of short online pre-lab tests to help you prepare for practicals, laboratory reports, on which you will get detailed feedback to help you develop your skills, and an exam.
- Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511) - 15 Credit Points
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This course will take you on a journey through the physical workings of the Earth, the interactions between species and their environments and then on to the effects humans are having on the planet, potential solutions 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 their everyday lives.
A range of ‘wet’ and computer-based practicals enhance the classroom teaching and develop generic scientific skills.
- Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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.
- Practical activities provide hands on experience of materials demonstrating the features of amphibians, fish, birds and mammals.
- You will be assessed by a combination of laboratory reports, on which you will get detailed feedback to help you develop your skills, and an exam.
- The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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 session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise
Optional Courses
- Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice
- Year 2
-
Year 2
Compulsory Courses
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018) - 15 Credit Points
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The course will help you consolidate and develop skills in experimental design, sampling, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of data. You will be encouraged to seek to improve your academic writing and develop other transferable skills.
Each week, there is one 1-hour introductory lecture. In two 2-hour sessions when will work through a series of computer-based data tasks, using relevant and realistic biological and environmental themes.
Teaching is informal and friendly. During sessions, staff will chat to you about your progress and provide help where necessary.
Assessments are two online multiple-choice tests (each 25%) and an individual project (50%).
Optional Courses
Select at least one of the following:
- Genes and Evolution (BI2017)
- Ecology (BI2020)
Select at least one of the following:
- Principles of Animal Physiology (BI2510)
- Plants, People and Environment (BI25P4)
Plus, select 45 to 75 credit points from courses of choice, with a minimum of 30 credits from courses with BI codes
- Genes and Evolution (BI2017) - 15 Credit Points
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- look at how instructions in genes are transformed by natural selection to produce the diversity of life on Earth;
- learn how species evolve, how we determine evolutionary relationships;
- why populations change, understand why humans (and other organisms) must carry genetic diseases;
- meet enthusiastic staff; each teach about areas we are expert on;
- take 3 Genes & Evolution Practicals to gain hands on experience of approaches used by researchers to map genes, estimate rates of evolution, and determine evolutionary relationships;
- keep up to speed with in-course tests, understand basic statistics, see why mutations are not the only evolutionary currency
- Ecology (BI2020) - 15 Credit Points
-
A range of practical and workshop classes will enable you to consider information from lectures in more detail and develop ideas.
A range of types of continuous assessment allow you to consolidate learning throughout the semester.
Weekly opportunities to practice writing skills needed for the exam and regular feedback provided on writing exercises.
Detailed feedback on practical assignments will help you develop essential scientific writing skills
You will use Peerwise to write multiple choice questions, requiring thorough engagement with taught material and developing an extensive set of questions for use in revision
- Principles of Animal Physiology (BI2510) - 15 Credit Points
-
Physiology is the study of the normal functions of living systems. This course will introduce you to the basics of invertebrate and vertebrate physiology.
Lectures will guide you through the various body systems and their interactions that maintain homeostasis in animals. Associated practicals allow you to explore particular systems in further detail and to develop relevant lab skills.
Through the study of examples from across different phyla, you will gain an appreciation of processes fundamental to all animals, and of differences across groups.
- Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4) - 15 Credit Points
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A course in which several researchers explore both core and emerging issues in the plant sciences, focusing in particular on the inter-dependence of plants, people and environment. Students are encouraged to develop a range of important generic and applied skills, through lectures, practicals and seminars. Two practicals and one seminar contribute 50% of the course mark. An exam contributes 50% of the overall course grade and consists a choice of multiple-choice questions and short, structured questions.
- Year 3
-
Year 3
Compulsory Courses
- Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010) - 15 Credit Points
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Review of basics of probability theory, data exploration and analysis using the linear modelling framework; depending on the option taken - fundamentals of using geographic information systems (GIS); bioinformatics and their application; statistical computing with R; capturing data; experimental design.
- Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3011) - 15 Credit Points
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In lectures you are guided through the theory of evolution, complementing your other biological sciences courses and helping you make sense of the diversity in the living world.
In practical sessions on microevolution and phylogenetics, you gain insight into the processes of evolution and the tools used to study them.
Through talks and poster presentations you gain specialised knowledge and experience communicating complex ideas and synthesizing information from multiple sources.
With focus on the fundamental importance of evolution for our understanding of the natural world, you learn about the interactions between science and society and how science progresses.
Optional Courses
Select at least one of the following:
- Plant Environment Interaction (PL3505)
- Environmental Physiology (ZO3513)
Plus, select 60 to 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 30 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (ie, the course codes BI, EK, EV, PL, ZO)
- Plant Environment Interactions (PL3505) - 15 Credit Points
-
Lectures, workshops and an excursion provide a diverse set of learning opportunities relating to plant physiology and adaptations to the environment.
A literature-based research exercise forms the continuous assessment part of this course, in which you choose a plant adaptation to investigate in detail in terms of physiological adaptations to natural conditions. The exercise develops specialist knowledge and your capacity for creative, independent and critical thinking, problem identification and problem solving. Participation in the oral presentations of the projects helps you to develop confidence and oral communication skills.
- Environmental Physiology (ZO3513) - 15 Credit Points
-
By exploring how animals adapt to their environments within-life and during evolution, you gain an overview of the integrated nature of physiology, from molecules to whole organism. Learning is rooted in staff’s research interests. You explore diverse aspects of physiological adaptation through individual and group work. In groups, you research animal adaptations to extreme environments- present a scientific poster, developing skills in communication and team work. In an assessed practical you perform quantitative PCR, a keystone life sciences method for gene expression analysis. You develop skills in concise scientific writing through essays developed around reading primary research papers.
- Year 4
-
Year 4
Compulsory Courses
- Grant Proposal (BI4015) - 15 Credit Points
-
Under the supervision of an academic, you develop a research proposal suitable for submission to a funding organization.
The exercise of defining a researchable question, outlining the methodology, and writing an argument as to why the research should be funded provides excellent training for students interested in pursuing a career in science.
During regular meetings with the course coordinators you develop your skills in record keeping, oral communication, and critical appraisal.
From feedback on your draft proposal you will gain experience in refining a written argument and in presenting documents professionally.
- SBS Honours Project (Semester 1) (BI4016) - 45 Credit Points
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This independent research project develops your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as well as important generic skills, including presentation and time management.
Projects are field-, lab- and/or desk-based, developed on a topic of your interest under the direction of a supervisor.
Training in skills needed to perform your project is provided by world-leading researchers and their teams.
Workshops and drop-in sessions provide training in data analysis and thesis production.
This skill set will be appropriate for advanced study in the field of biological science or other careers where the generic skills that you will develop are highly valued.
- Grant Proposal - Semester 2 (BI4515) - 15 Credit Points
-
Under the supervision of an academic, you develop a research proposal suitable for submission to a funding organization.
The exercise of defining a researchable question, outlining the methodology, and writing an argument as to why the research should be funded provides excellent training for students interested in pursuing a career in science.
During regular meetings with the course coordinators you develop your skills in record keeping, oral communication, and critical appraisal.
From feedback on your draft proposal you will gain experience in refining a written argument and in presenting documents professionally.
Optional Courses
- Select 60 credit points from second half-session courses of choice, at least 30 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (ie, the course codes BI, EK, EV, FY, PL, ZO) at level 4
- Year 5
-
Year 5
Level 5 is the unique year in this programme, during which students will develop as independent researchers, with enhanced practical and scientific writing skills.
Compulsory Courses
- Research Project for Msci Biological Sciences (BI5002) - 75 Credit Points
-
Under the supervision of an academic you conduct independent research and produce a thesis in the form of a peer-reviewed manuscript.
This project develops your skills in scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as well as useful generic skills, including time management.
Projects are field-, lab- and/or desk-based, developed on a topic of your interest under the direction of a supervisor.
This skill set will be useful both for future careers and further study in the field of biological science or other careers making use of these generic skills.
- Public Communication of Science (BI5004) - 15 Credit Points
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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 and at science festivals – these will be assessed formatively.
During peer-review sessions students will gain experience in evaluating communication documents and in providing critical and constructive comments.
Optional Courses
- Select 30 credit points from courses of choice from the Level 5 options that are available in the School of Biological Science
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
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 in any of our degree programmes. Study Abroad is encouraged for students in their second year; we have established partnerships with institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, China and numerous countries in Europe.
Learning Methods
- 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.
Further Information
- View detailed learning and assessment information for this programme
-
How the programme is taught
The typical time spent in scheduled learning activities (lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals), independent self-study or placement is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
How the programme is assessed
The typical percentage of assessment methods broken down by written examination, coursework or practical exams is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
Year 1
Learning Method
scheduled: 32%
independent: 68%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 57%
coursework: 38%
practical: 5%
Year 2
Learning Method
scheduled: 34%
independent: 66%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 50%
coursework: 39%
practical: 11%
Year 3
Learning Method
scheduled: 32%
independent: 68%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 55%
coursework: 41%
practical: 4%
Year 4
Learning Method
scheduled: 13%
independent: 87%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 22%
coursework: 71%
practical: 7%
Year 5
Learning Method
scheduled: 22%
independent: 78%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 0%
coursework: 77%
practical: 23%
Why Study Biological Sciences?
- Your research projects can be carried out within the University or abroad: previous projects include studying wolves in Germany and plant life in the Swiss Alps.
- Your final year of study includes input from research groups outside the university, allowing you to meet potential employers or gain insight into different research methods.
- You will graduate with an enhanced skill set, which includes the ability to apply for grant income and to engage with the public by publishing in popular science journals.
- The programme has considerable flexibility in course choice and you benefit from the breadth of expertise within the School.
- There are opportunities to work with Government bioscience research institutes located in Aberdeen.
- Career preparation to become a professional biologist is given high priority.
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
- 2019 Entry
-
SQA Highers - AAAB*
A Levels - ABB*
IB - 34 points, 6 at HL*
ILC - 5H with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3, with H2 and H3 from Chemistry and Biology, OR AAABB including AB from Chemistry and Biology. The grading within band B must be at B2 or above.**Including good performance in Chemistry and Biology.
Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers AAB or A Levels AAB, or IB 36 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be an A-grade.
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 - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee Waiver
For international students (all non-EU students) the tuition fee charged upon entry will apply to all years of study; however, most international students will be eligible for a fee waiver in their final year via the International Undergraduate Scholarship (2019 entry only).
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU | £1,820 |
| All Students | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Students Admitted in 2019/20 | |
| International Students | £19,300 |
| Students Admitted in 2019/20 |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Our courses are designed to provide a broad set of specialist and generic skills. A considerable number of graduates continue their education by reading for higher degrees either in the UK or abroad. MSci graduates are very well prepared to move onto a PhD programme or a professional post in a biology-related field.
Graduates often find full-time employment in a wide range of careers. Typical employers include universities, research institutes, government agencies (e.g. SEPA, SNH), environmental consultancies, charities including WWF & RSPB, the National Health Service, libraries and commercial enterprises in aquaculture, animal nutrition, and animal health.
One of the great advantages of having a biology degree from the University of Aberdeen is that it provides you with a very broad range of skills to offer employers. Not only do we train students in scientific methodology in the laboratory and in the field, we incorporate what we call 'graduate attributes' into the whole curriculum. Employers now expect an impressive list of skills, knowledge and experience in their graduate recruits and we aim to help you acquire these.
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 into changing requirements of employers.
- You can take advantage of our collaborators' facilities and expertise for your research projects or placement.
What our Alumni Say
Donya Davidson
Our Experts
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Fantastic facilities support our teaching and research, both on- and off-campus.
Teaching laboratories
Students in all degree programmes carry out practical experiments in our recently redesigned teaching laboratories.
Research facilities
Our research facilities on campus include animal holding facilities, greenhouses, fresh and salt-water aquaria, an insectarium, molecular and analytical laboratories, and a state of the art genomics lab.
Field Centres
We have three field centres in Scotland that support our marine, ecology and conservation work. You have the opportunity to spend time at each of these during residential field courses
Unistats
Unistats draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX