Year 1

In year one you take eight courses, including five foundation Biology courses and a course in Chemistry. This leaves a choice of two further courses which would normally contribute towards enhanced study.

Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

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’.

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Frontiers in Biological Sciences (BI1009)

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. 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

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Diversity of Life 1 (BI1012)

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 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.

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The Cell (SM1501)

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 session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise

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Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)

15 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.

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Diversity of Life 2 (BI1512)

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. • 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 .

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Optional Courses

Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Year two consists of eight courses, including a skills course in Life Sciences. This leaves a choice of two further courses for enhanced study.

Compulsory Courses

Genes and Evolution (BI2017)

15 Credit Points

• 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

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Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)

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 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%).

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Ecology (BI2020)

15 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. A series of tutorials will allow you develop critical thinking as you explore specific themes in more detail. You will also consider issues around experimental design.

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Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)

15 Credit Points

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.

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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.

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Fundamentals in Marine Biology (BI25Z5)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces the biology of the open oceans, shelf seas, coastal waters, estuaries and shores. The focus is mainly on the diversity of lifeforms in different marine environments and the adaptations of these organisms to their living conditions, taking account of the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment. The course also aims to develop skills in marine biological research methods, data analysis, reading scientific articles, critical thinking, and scientific writing. The knowledge and skills developed through these activities provide a strong foundation for further study of the functioning of marine ecosystems and the impacts of humans on them.

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Optional Courses

Choose one of the following field courses:

• Plants and Their Habitats in Northern Scotland (BI15F1)
• Marine and Fish Population Ecology (BI25F5)
• Parasitology (BI25F3)
• Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
• Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology (BI25F1)
• Field Biology (BI25F6)
• Littoral and Sublittoral Marine Biology Field Course (ZO25F1)

Plus select 15 credit points from first half-session courses of choice.

Plants and Their Habitats in Northern Scotland (BI15F1)

15 Credit Points

The week-long residential course is based at the University’s Bettyhill field station 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Marine and Fish Population Ecology (BI25F5)

15 Credit Points

Residential field course in Shetland designed to provide you with training in ship-based applied marine biology and ecology based at the North Atlantic Fisheries College, Scalloway. We will use the college trawler, Atlantia, for sampling fish species using trawls. In addition, oceanographic conditions, plankton samples and benthic core sampling will all be undertaken and all analysis will be done using the R statistical language with the data collected by students. We will also visit local fish/shellfish farms and the bird sanctuary at Sumburgh Head. Bed and Breakfast accommodation will be provided in Bridge-end Outdoor Centre situated in a coastal area.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Parasitology (BI25F3)

15 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)

15 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology (BI25F1)

15 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Field Biology (BI25F6)

15 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Littoral and Sublittoral Marine Biology Field Course (ZO25F1)

15 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.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change due to the ongoing Covid-19 government guidelines

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Year 3

In year 3 you have the opportunity to follow a more focused curriculum or maintain breadth in the programme. Additional courses are selected from the range of courses offered in biological sciences.

Compulsory Courses

Statistical Analysis of Biological Data (BI3010)

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.

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Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3011)

15 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.

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Gateway to Honours Project (BI3511)

This 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.

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Optional Courses

Choose one of the following 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 at level 3.

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.

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Environmental Physiology (ZO3513)

15 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.

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Year 4

In year 4, the Honours year, you will carry out a research project as well as writing an extended essay and completing four courses of your choosing.

The research project can be undertaken in any of the biological disciplines and can be field, laboratory or computer-based or sometimes a combination. Most students carry out their research in our laboratories or field sites, but many students work with local scientific institutes, research groups or even partner organisations outside Scotland. You will graduate with a skillset, derived from laboratory and field teaching, which focuses on established and, cutting-edge techniques.

Compulsory Courses

SBS Honours Project (BI4016)

45 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.

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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 at level 4.