Jack Elphinstone
Biology, BSc
Introduction
Our programme starts with a foundation in animal, plant and marine biology. You can then specialise in the areas that interest you most, taking advantage of the breadth of courses available in biological sciences. Common areas of specialisation include conservation ecology, disease biology, physiology, behaviour and evolution.
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
- C100
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Our Biology degree, accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, provides you with a broad and deep understanding of the science of living things, from molecules and cells to organisms and populations, communities and biomes. Crucially, the programme allows you to specialise in the areas that are of most interest to you. We offer a flexible degree that allows students to study a very broad range of life-science subjects.
As you progress through your degree, you’ll carry out experiments in the laboratory, study organisms in the field and analyse data using specialised software and analytical techniques. You will also carry out and present your own research, perhaps even publishing it, as some of our undergraduates do. As well as hard science skills, we make sure that you have plenty of opportunities to develop allied skills that employer’s value highly including:
- communicating science to the public
- developing strong working relationships with staff from external organisations
- meeting renowned scientists
- working in local schools
- organising events, and
- developing your own products with our business innovation team.
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.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat You'll Study
Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years. In addition, the following opportunities are offered to you as part of your degree:
- Residential field courses in the Cairngorms, Shetland, Spain or at our own field station at The Lighthouse on the Black Isle
- A wide range of laboratory practical sessions that introduce you to established and recently developed techniques.
- Gradual development of your computer-based analytical skills throughout your 4 years.
- Development of communication creative skills e.g. making movies, presenting to an audience and exploring innovative ways to reach the science community and the public.
Other highlights and opportunities that are open to you, but are not compulsory include:
- A tracking and trailing field course in the South African bush
- Regular meetings with leading scientists from across the UK
- Placements with scientific research establishments and non-scientific organisations
- Teaching placements at local schools
- Study abroad in your second year via our partnerships with institutions in the USA, Canada, Australia, China and numerous countries in Europe.
We also have an enviable range of research areas, which you can take advantage of during your time with us. During your final honour’s year, you will carry out your own research with the assistance and supervision of our academic staff.
- Year 1
-
In year one you take eight courses, including five Biology courses and an additional non-credit bearing skills course aimed at improving your employment prospects. This leaves a choice of three 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, 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)
-
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.
- 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.
- Ecology and Environmental Science (BI1511)
-
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)
-
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.
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
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST) (BI2018)
-
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.
- Comparative Physiology 1 (BI2524)
-
15 Credit Points
Have you ever wondered how your body functions? Imagine it as a complex machine, where each part plays a critical role. Physiology is the science that explores how these parts work and interact to ensure the organism functions optimally.This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of animal physiology, focusing on the similarities and differences in various animals across the tree of life. Through engaging lectures, you will gain a theoretical understanding of the processes that underpin cellular, tissue, and organ functions and their communication.Hands-on practicals are designed to help you apply these concepts and develop laboratory skills. By studying examples from different animal phyla, you will appreciate the universal processes fundamental to all animals and recognise the unique adaptations within different groups.Assessments are structured to consolidate and apply your knowledge, allowing you to delve deeper into a topic of interest through a group poster project and develop transferrable skills essential for your future career.
- Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
-
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.
- Fundamentals in Marine Biology (BI25Z5)
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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.
- 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.
Optional Courses
Plus select 15 credit points from first half-session courses of choice.
- Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
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15 Credit Points
This is a residential field course that uses the University of Aberdeen Lighthouse Field Station up in Cromarty to introduce a range of terrestrial, coastal and marine habitats, and the techniques that are being used to study and manage the diverse species in these ecosystems.
The field course provides an insight into how scientific research and long-term monitoring underpins our understanding and management of biodiversity, and the different organisations responsible for stewardship and conservation across the UK. The course explores how natural and anthropogenic environmental change can influence different coastal ecosystems, and the challenges of managing those ecosystems where there are a range of practitioners, stake-holders and end-users with different and potential conflicting priorities.
Importantly, the course provides “real world” experience of ecological fieldwork, with a focus on how to design, plan and safely execute monitoring programmes for a range of different species and habitats.
Dates for 2024/2025 are 18/05/2025 to 23/05/2025
- 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.
Dates for 2024/2025 are 19th May 2025 to 24th May 2025
- Marine Field Ecology (BI25F9)
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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 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 2024–2516–23 May 2025 (Friday to Friday)
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.
- Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour (BI25FA)
-
15 Credit Points
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 2024-2025 are Friday 16th to Thursday 22nd May 2025.
- The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
-
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 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.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.
- 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.
- Comparative Physiology 2 (BI3013)
-
15 Credit Points
This course continues the focus on comparative animal physiology, following from Comparative Physiology 1, and goes into the more complex systems. These include energy balance & thermogenesis, reproduction, respiration, defence & immunology, and osmoregulation.. The course aims to consolidate your integrated understanding of physiology ranging from cells to tissues to organs across the Animal Kingdom.Extended laboratory practicals provide an opportunity to apply your understanding of physiological mechanisms to design and carry out experiments. You will also develop advanced skills by troubleshooting and interpreting data.Assignments are structured to build confidence and competence in explaining complex ideas and presenting information to different types of audiences (e.g., scientists or the general public). Emphasis is placed on understanding and utilizing physiological concepts rather than factual recall.
Optional Courses
Plus 60 credit points from courses of choice, at least 30 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (ie BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) at level 3.
Choose one of the following courses in term 1:
- Ecological Genomics (BI3312) OR Population Ecology (EK3303)
Plus one of the following courses in term 2:
- Plant Environment Interactions (PL3505) OR Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3515)
- 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.
- Population Ecology (EK3303)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to primarily introduce the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those populations which are managed for conservation or sustainable exploitation.
- Ecological Genomics (BI3312)
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15 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 explore the origins and the meaning of this field of research, and will showcase the applications of different approaches to analyse sequence data, outlining how experimental work in this discipline is designed and executed. You will fully appreciate the great power of “omics” approaches in the context of a continuously evolving technological landscape.
- Animal Evolution and Biodiversity (ZO3515)
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15 Credit Points
This course emphasises how evolution has shaped the spatial and temporal patterns of animal biodiversity, 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 and how this influences patterns of genetic diversity and affects biodiversity.
In practical sessions, you gain insight into the microevolutionary processes that can shape genetic variation in natural populations and some tools used to study the evolution of biodiversity.
Through a poster presentation you gain specialised knowledge and experience communicating complex ideas and synthesizing information about the latest developments in evolutionary biology.
Through written assignments you will consider how evolutionary processes shape biodiversity in Scotland and how we can maintain this biodiversity through effective stewardship, conservation and management.
- 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)
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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
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 (ie., 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 & 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 & 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 & 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; presentations; grant proposals; business plans; movie production and innovative product designs
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course
- 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 Biology?
- You will benefit from the extraordinary breadth of teaching and research we have to offer and can get involved in everything from advanced molecular research in the laboratory to pioneering field work in the mountains, deep sea and tropics.
- You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work, and a compulsory final year research project.
- You can work within one of our research groups, carrying out cutting-edge research in an area of biology that attracts you. Our researchers work on birds, mammals, invertebrates in terrestrial and marine environments and plants in all environments from alpine to the tropics.
- You will gain invaluable experience from attending at least one of our highly rated residential field courses in the Cairngorms, Shetland, Yorkshire, Spain or at our own field centre at The Lighthouse (Sea Mammal Research Centre) situated on the Cromarty Firth at the top of the Black Isle. You may also take advantage of our Tracking and Trailing Biodiversity field course in Ngala Nature Reserve in South Africa.
- At our regular career’s events, you will have the opportunity to listen to and meet prospective employers from outside the university, giving you excellent opportunities to get a fulfilling and challenging job in a biological field.
- Our programme is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology. You will receive one year of free membership of the Royal Society of Biology in the final year of your degree, opening up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.
What Our Students Say
Holly Pfeiffer United Kingdom
Tanya Rowand United Kingdom
Charlotte Patterson United States of America
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
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
* 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: BBC*
Minimum: BCC*
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.
- 2026 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, Mathematics and one of Chemistry or Physics.
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.
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.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £18,800 |
| Home Students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £1,820 |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £9,535 |
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.
Biology courses are designed to provide a broad set of specialist and generic skills leading to employment in universities, research institutes, government agencies, environmental consultancies, environmental charities, the National Health Service, and commercial enterprises in aquaculture, animal nutrition, and animal health.
Career Opportunities
- Biology Teacher
- Conservation Scientist
- Ecologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Field Botanist
- Lecturer
- Production Scientist
- Research Technician
- Researcher
Industry Links
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:
- Exposure to policy-makers, practitioners, regulatory professionals and experts.
- Our curriculum is informed by an employer advisory board which provides insight into changing employer requirements.
- 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
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Eve Baxter
Kim Forward
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr John Baird
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
Lighthouse Field Station
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.
Nature on our doorstep
Our geographical location means that Aberdeen is a great place to study nature. Beaches, dunes, estuaries, wide rivers and open sea are all a short walk from campus. And a short drive or bus journey will take you to forests, moorland, and mountains.
Science Teaching Hub
Our state-of-the-art Science Teaching Hub provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX