Heather George

Interested in wildlife and natural ecosystems, the relationship between the natural world and people, the impacts of climate change and other environmental problems?
If you answered yes to the above question, an Ecology degree at Aberdeen will enable you to explore the science of all these topics, taught by experts who are actively involved in ecological research and its applications to environmental management and nature conservation. It will also provide you with opportunities to gain practical field experience in Scotland and abroad, on field trips, expeditions and through doing your own research project.
Our graduates have proven that an Aberdeen Ecology degree gives students a great start for careers in which they can make a difference to the world, working in wildlife research, nature conservation, environmental protection, environmental education and science communication.
Each year you take a selection of compulsory courses and optional courses that can be chosen from those on offer across the Institute. The first two years lay a foundation for the more specialised third and fourth years.
You will take eight courses in year 1. You also choose four courses from across the university, e.g. Cell Biology, Chemistry, Geography, interdisciplinary Sixth Century courses, or a language.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
15 Credit Points
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.
Plus select 30 credit points from first-half session courses of choice, and 15 credit points from second half-session courses of choice.
Core courses in year 2 include Biological Enhanced Skills Training, Ecology and Topics in Plant and Soil Biology. You choose five further courses; options available include Genes and Evolution, Ocean Biology, Conservation Biology, Animal Physiology, Sixth Century Courses and other courses across the university. You will also take a field trip, choosing between animal ecology in Yorkshire, the North-East Scottish coast or Mediterranean ecosystems in Spain.
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.
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.
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.
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. Students are encouraged to develop a range of important generic and applied skills, through lectures, practicals and seminars. One practical and two seminars contribute 60% of the course mark. An online assessment contributes 40% of the overall course grade and consists of short, structured questions.
15 Credit Points
In a digital era of GPS navigators and many online map tools (e.g. Google Maps), there is an increase demand for professionals able to understand and manipulate geographical data and use these to monitor processes at various scales. The course provides a solid background in the acquisition of geographical data, both onshore and offshore with classic field-based and remote sensing techniques. It covers the creation and interpretation of maps and looks at the history of remote sensing and its science as well as providing the essential basis to understanding what a Geographical Information System is.
Plus 30 credit points from courses of choice.
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
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 23rd May 2025
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.
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.
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
There are four core courses in year 3; Statistical Analysis of Biological Data, Ecosystem Processes, Animal Population Ecology and Advanced Community Ecology. You also choose four from a range of courses including Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Animal Behaviour, Conservation in Practice, Life History Evolution, Environmental Physiology and Sustainable Resource Management. You may take a field course in Field Ecology Skills, Mediterranean ecosystems or Conservation Issues in Scotland.
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.
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.
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.
15 Credit Points
The field course is non-residential and involves day trips from Aberdeen to local sites. You will learn about and practice a range of methodologies, approaches and techniques used by ecological consultants and people working for conservation organisations to determine the presence/absence of various animal species, estimates of population size and mapping vegetation. Techniques will include; Habitat Survey (plants; Phase 1 / UKHab), creating a habitat map using GIS, bird identification and census techniques, freshwater invertebrate sampling, surveys of mammal populations (e.g. bats, badgers, otters, red squirrels) and camera trapping.
Dates for 2024/2025 are 19/5/25 - 29/5/25
15 Credit Points
This course covers the practical aspects of remote sensing and GIS. It is entirely hands on, and students learn through a series of exercises that becomes progressively more challenging and more specific to different geographical disciplines. By the end of the course students will be familiar with key remote sensing and GIS software and will have learned their fundamental tools. These are highly demanded skills in the job market at present, so this course is strategic for those students potentially interested in a job where these types of tools are employed.
15 Credit Points
This course examines the role terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems play in modulating global fluxes of energy and matter. It explores physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern ecosystem dynamics.
This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on organisms’ roles in regulating ecosystem processes and interactions of greenhouse gas exchange between the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface.
By integrating insights from various disciplines, you gain understanding of how ecosystems differ in composition, structure, and function.
Plus further 45 credit points from courses of choice, at least 15 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (ie BI, EV, EK FY, PL, ZO) at level 3
In your Honours year you will carry out a research project and write an extended essay, each on a topic that you select to match your interests from a wide range offered. We encourage students to undertake their project in collaboration with an external ecological/conservation organisation and to undertake fieldwork during the summer. You will also choose four advanced courses from a wide range available and can opt to take any field trip that you have not taken before if places are available.
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:
Select a further 75 credit points from courses of choice, at least 45 of which must be from courses delivered by the School of Biological Sciences (i.e. BI, EK, EV, PL, or ZO courses) at level 4.
NOTE: A graduating curriculum for the Honours programme must include 90 credit points from Level 4 courses.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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 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 ScholarshipThe 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 access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. 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: 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.
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 | £9,535 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
EU / International students | £24,800 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions | |
Home Students | £1,820 |
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 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.
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.
Our Ecology degree provides you with academic training and transferable skills relevant to both specialist employment in ecology and the wider biology graduate job market. Our graduates have gone on to develop specialist careers in ecological research, nature conservation, local government, environmental protection, forestry, ecological consultancy, environmental law, outdoor education and the media. Very helpful information on careers in ecology is available in the booklet ‘Rooting for a Career in Ecology and Environmental Management?’
We have strong local, national and international links to industry, government bodies, charities and other research institutions. You will benefit 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. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fantastic facilities support our teaching and research, both on and off campus.
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 provides students with a digitally focussed environment including advanced analytical tools, research-grade equipment and flexible laboratory spaces.
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