School of Biological Sciences Highlights
Our short film highlights the benefits for students who choose to study with us and the superb facilities available on and off campus.
Our programme focuses on both the molecular and organismal aspects of biology, bringing together practical lab and field based teaching with cell biology, genetics, evolutionary genomics, ecology and physiology. You will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest, choosing a focus in animal, plant or environmental science.
Studying Biological Sciences helps you develop a broad understanding of the nature of living things, from molecules and cells, organisms and populations, to communities and biomes.
Your courses will give you an excellent foundation in the theory and practical elements behind the study of life and provide you with the technical skills to pursue your own interests through your project work.
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, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
View detailed information about this course15 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. The course will be delivered using a blended learning approach and can be taken by students who will be on campus in first semester, or those who may choose to stay at home
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
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 exercises based on practicals, on which you will get feedback to help you develop your skills, and online tests, each based on a particular section of the course, which will be spread throughout the course.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course15 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. • 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 .
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
15 Credit Points
This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level and is suitable for students with different backgrounds including little or no previous study of chemistry. The basic concepts of quantitative chemistry will be covered, along with the different types of organic molecules, acids and bases, and the principles of kinetics and thermodynamics. The relevance of the course materials to life science is emphasised throughout.
Laboratory classes introduce important practical techniques, with experiments that reinforce and complement the taught material.
The course will allow students to continue with other chemistry courses as part of their enhanced study by providing discipline breadth.
View detailed information about this coursePlus 30 credit points from courses of choice
15 Credit Points
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 are one 1-2 recorded introductory lectures to help you prepare for the computer practicals. In two 2-hour sessions you 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 tests (each 25%) and an individual project (50%).
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This course builds on themes from introductory ecology courses. 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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.
View detailed information about this course15 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. Students are encouraged to develop a range of important generic and applied skills, through lectures, practicals and seminars. Two practicals and two seminars contribute 60% of the course mark. An exam contributes 40% of the overall course grade and consists of short, structured questions.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
A series of lectures and practical labs and computer workshops will introduce you to the fundamental principles of genetics and molecular biology.
By approaching the subject with an evolutionary perspective that is informed by genome analysis, you will be exposed to modern analysis techniques and the central dogma of molecular biology as applied to genetics.
By exploring a topic through a bioethical perspective, you will gain a better understanding of your own views and the complexity of ethics related to genetics.
View detailed information about this course
Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Plus one of the following field courses:
15 Credit Points
The week-long residential course is based in the far north of Scotland. The location is stunning and, for many students, a new experience of unfamiliar plant communities.
Most of the time is spent in the field visiting a wide range of habitats and learning how to identify the species found. The emphasis is on recognising key features of plant species and how to use plant guides to identify them: these transferrable skills can be used to help identify plants all round the world.
In 2021/22 this course will run from 28th May - 4th June 2022.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is a residential field course designed to provide you with training in field identification and sampling techniques based in Kelvinside Academy John Duff Lodge, Corgarff, Strathdon. Group based project work provides skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
In 2021/22 this course will run from 13th-19th May 2022.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Residential field course designed to provide you with training in field identification and sampling techniques in Cromarty.
Group based project work provides skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
Hard work throughout the days is rewarded through the development of deep understanding and the enjoyment of spending time with peers and staff.
Due to demand, in 2021/22 this course will run twice, on 15th - 20th May 2022 (provisional) and on 30th May - 7th June 2022.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Residential field course designed to introduce you to the main groups of parasitic invertebrates and protozoa in our indigenous wildlife and provide you with training in field identification and sampling techniques.
Field work provides opportunities to observe, identify and collect host and intermediate host species, and training in field identification and sampling techniques.
Lab work provides for the morphological and molecular identification of parasites, and experiments on parasite physiology and manipulation of host behaviour.
Group based project work provides skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
We aim to pack as much experience into this course as we can in 6 days, so we work long and quite intensive days to allow you to develop deep understanding of parasitology, but there is always time at the end of the day to unwind with peers and staff in the excellent social facilities and to enjoy the unique environment of the Isle of Cumbrae.
In 2021/22 this course will run from 20th-27th May 2022 inclusive.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
During day trips from Aberdeen, you will learn and practice a variety of techniques for sampling and identifying organisms in the field.
We will take opportunities to interact with scientists from NGOs and research institutes, who will give instruction on techniques and provide overviews on the remits and opportunities within their organisations.
Group based project work provides skills in team working, data collection, analysis and presentation.
You will develop skills in biological recording by maintaining a detailed record of the field activities in a field notebook.
By visiting and working in a variety of environments you will become familiar with common species, the ecological characteristics of local habitats and have opportunities to apply your classroom learning to the field.
BI25F6 will run from 30th May - 3rd June 2022.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This is a marine biological field course to the Millport Field Centre on the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde. The centre, run by the Field Studies Council, is located on an island which is a ten-minute ferry crossing from the mainland terminal at Largs. The island and has a variety of types of shore and depths offshore ranging to over 100 m within a few kilometres of the field centre. The marine biota is correspondingly varied. Being within the enclosed waters of the Firth of Clyde it is comparatively sheltered and safe. The centre provides modern accommodation and classrooms for lectures/seminars and labwork to process field samples. The centre also has a small research vessel, which provides an opportunity for students to experience working at sea in the sheltered waters around the island, and to see oceanographic and navigational instruments and sublittoral sampling devices first hand. There is a long history of marine biological research and teaching at Millport (a marine station was first established in 1885) and students will follow in the footsteps of generations of marine biologists in learning about littoral (shore) and sublittoral marine organisms and the methods used to study them in the field.
Details of the course content may be affected by weather and tides, but it is expected that the course will include profiling and semi-quantitative biological survey of two rocky shores of contrasting degree of wave exposure; profiling, quantitative biological survey and basic granulometric analysis of a sandy shore; sampling and examination of sublittoral benthos from a research vessel with a beam trawl and Day grab; plankton sampling by different methods; and a short group project run over one and half days.
Due to the demand for BI25F8 the course will run twice with half the students going from 27 May 2022 - 02 June 2022 and another set going from 29th May - 4th June 2022.
Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines
View detailed information about this courseLab Skills in Biosciences (BI3509)
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. A set of online tests structured around the exercises and the lecture content allow you to demonstrate your achievement of course learning outcomes. With a group of students, you complete tasks and strengthen your understanding of applications of statistics.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This course emphasises how evolution has shaped the patterns of biodiversity we see around us, and how we can use molecular genetic tools to gain a better understanding of what biodiversity means and how we can measure it. 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, you gain insight into the processes of evolution and some tools used to study biodiversity. Through a poster presentation you gain specialised knowledge and experience communicating complex ideas and synthesizing information.
View detailed information about this courseThis non-credit bearing course will facilitate your preparation for your Honours project.
Lectures and workshops 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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
Ecological Genomics is a young and dynamic field where ecology intersects with high-throughput sequencing technologies. This technological revolution has opened exciting potential to address long-standing problems in ecology and evolution from a genome-wide perspective. This course will showcase the applications of different sequencing approaches and outlining how experimental work in this discipline is designed, executed and analysed. You will fully appreciate the great power of “omics” approaches in the context of a continuously evolving technological landscape.
View detailed information about this courseSelect at least one of the following optional courses.
Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice
15 Credit Points
Lectures, labs and an excursion provide a diverse set of learning opportunities relating to plant physiology and adaptations of plants to the environment.
Students choose a plant adaptation to investigate in detail in terms of physiological adaptations to a natural environment and in lab condition. Investigative work help to develop specialist knowledge and a capacity for creative, independent and critical thinking, problem identification and problem solving. Participation in the oral presentations of the projects helps students to develop confidence and oral communication skills.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
By exploring how animals adapt to their environments you learn the integrated nature of physiology, from molecules to whole organisms. Learning is rooted in staff’s research interests. You explore 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 PCR and gel electrophoresis, a keystone life sciences method. You develop communication skills in (i) concise scientific writing through short essays developed around reading primary research papers and (ii) a pop-sci article for a general audience. By exploring how animals adapt to their environments you learn the integrated nature of physiology, from molecules to whole organisms. Learning is rooted in staff’s research interests. You explore 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 PCR and gel electrophoresis, a keystone life sciences method. You develop communication skills in (i) concise scientific writing through short essays developed around reading primary research papers and (ii) a pop-sci article for a general audience.
View detailed information about this course45 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this coursePlus 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences at level 4.
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.
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.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
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.
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
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.
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.
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.
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee category | Cost |
---|---|
RUK | £9,250 |
Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year | |
EU / International students | £22,800 |
Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year | |
Home Students | £1,820 |
Tuition Fees for 2022/23 Academic Year |
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.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
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.
For more information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/careers or email careers@abdn.ac.uk.
Graduates find employment in a wide range of careers including universities, research institutes, government agencies (eg SEPA, SNH), environmental consultancies, charities (including WWF and RSPB), the NHS, libraries and commercial enterprises in aquaculture, animal nutrition, and animal health.
Recent graduate employers include:
We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions. You will benefit from these links in several ways:
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:
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.
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.
We have our own research and teaching facility, The Lighthouse Field Station which is situated on the Cromarty Firth. In 2020 the station celebrated 30 years of teaching and research on the ecology of seals, dolphins and seabirds.
Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub will provide students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
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