Introduction
Exclusive 2024 Enrolment: Open to applications for upcoming academic year only
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BSc
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- CC71
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Human Embryology and Developmental Biology is the study of the fascinating process in humans and animals that turns a single fertilised egg into a whole new individual with all the many specialised cell types.
Developmental Biology is the modern synthesis of biological and medical sciences that looks at how the tissues and organs of our bodies are built.
This degree programme will provide a broad and multifaceted training in modern biology, ranging from traditional morphology and experimental embryology to the latest molecular and bioinformatics approaches in genetics, cell biology, stem cell biology and biotechnology.
Research in Developmental Biology is central to the search for cures for many human genetic diseases, including cancer, and is at the forefront of recent advances in modern medicine, which includes stem cell maintenance regeneration and tissue repair.
5 year MSci degree
This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Find out more.
What You'll Study
A degree in Human Embryology & Developmental Biology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
- Year 1
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In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences (including a first taster of Developmental Biology and a closer look at the cell) and Chemistry for Life Sciences. You will also take courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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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’.
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (CM1020)
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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.
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001)
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15 Credit Points
- Topics covered in this course span medical science through the ages; from ancient civilizations to the modern day science of genomics and synthetic biology.
- Alongside lecture material, in depth practical classes will cover biomedical measurement techniques, forensic science and a research-based mini project.
- Overall, this course is a journey through some of the key milestones that underpin the discipline of medical science we see today.
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512)
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15 Credit Points
Chemistry plays a vital role in the life sciences, explaining the properties of biomolecules and how biological processes work at a molecular level. Organic reaction mechanisms give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised and methods of chemical analysis introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences. The relationship between energy, entropy and equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered and the course concludes with a survey of the molecules of life – proteins, enzymes and sugars.
Laboratory classes complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
- 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.
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
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In year 2 introduce the broad foundation for Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, in addition you will be taught core research skills and complete a project on a developmental disease or embryological topic of your choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
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15 Credit Points
- Physiology is the science of understanding life. It allows you to explore and understand why your body does what it does and how it does it;
- This introductory physiology course explores living processes at the level of cells and molecules;
- The course lays down many of the fundamental concepts of physiology required to appreciate advanced study of many of the medical science disciplines;
- You will gain practical experience and understanding of electrophysiological techniques required for the study of electrically excitable tissues, like nerves and muscle;
- You will also gain valuable experience in the key skill of writing formal scientific reports
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
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15 Credit Points
- this course will provide a comprehensive understanding of how genetic information is stored, how it is accessed by the cell to form functional proteins and how the release of this information is controlled to produce a healthy human child;
- understanding this process is essential to understanding the basis of human disease and the course will examine how genetic differences affect disease susceptibility;
- this popular, comprehensive and cutting edge course will equip students with the essential knowledge, skills and confidence in molecular biology required to progress on all courses undertaken in the School of Medical Sciences
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2001)
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15 Credit Points
- this course is the cornerstone to all the advanced science courses in later years and provides you with key skills for success in science;
- feedback from employers drove the course design to give specific and focused science skills to enhance your employability;
- numerical, analytical, data interpretation, experimental design and problem solving skills are core elements that are essential for any graduate career portfolio;
- this course and the additional specifically developed online resources have been commended by employers and students alike.
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
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15 Credit Points
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The Physiology of Human Organ Systems course aims to develop and integrated understanding of human organ structure and function through:
• innovative teaching approaches covering the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems
• participation in practical classes where students act as subjects and investigators. These will reinforce lecture material, develop scientific acumen and build team working skills
• focussed and interactive problem solving sessions applying knowledge to clinical scenarios, and developing fundamental skills critically required in the final years of the degree;
• informal teaching sessions where one-to-one staff-student interactions encourage discussion in a non-threatening environment
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- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
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15 Credit Points
- understanding the fundamental workings of cells is important to a wide range of scientific disciplines;
- this course integrates the key metabolic and biochemical processes that underpin human, animal and plant life in relation to health and disease;
- this core knowledge prepares you for more advanced study in all areas of life sciences and has wide ranging applications;
- you will also participate in an award winning practical series focussed on drug discovery which will build essential employability skills in experimental design, data analysis and practical laboratory skills
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (SM2501)
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15 Credit Points
- this course cultivates literature research skills, building confidence in team-working and communication through scientific writing and seminar presentation;
- it encourages student-led learning and organisation in researching a topic on human health or disease of your own choice, with tutors providing guidance;
- you will learn to use online and library resources to search for information from primary research articles and relay that information in the form of a written report and a Powerpoint presentation to peers and academic tutors;
- these are all fundamental skills for scientific researchers, but are also transferrable talents for many other career pathways
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
-
In year 3 you are provided with an in depth study of Embryology, Birth Defects and Developmental Biology.
Compulsory Courses
- Human Embryonic Development (AN3301)
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15 Credit Points
- this course provides a broad overview of the fundamental processes underpinning transformation of a single fertilised egg into a fully functioning individual;
- you will gain in depth and cutting edge knowledge on the major patterning and morphogenetic processes essential for establishing the body plan, major organ systems and causes of birth differences;
- this core knowledge is directly relevant and will prepare you for more advanced studies in all areas of Life Sciences, including Anatomy, Developmental Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience;
- wide transferable and employability skills, including problem solving and presentation practice, are a core component of the course
- Embryo to Organs (DB3504)
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30 Credit Points
- This course takes us back to the very beginning of embryonic development and explores the fascinating process of how the fertilised egg develops into the complex multicellular embryo and also studies the business end of embryogenesis – turning a bundle of cells into a functioning baby;
- This includes looking at germ layer formation, the cellular processes driving morphogenesis as well as the tools and methods are used to study early embryos;
- The course also addresses development of the major organ systems – where do the lungs, the pancreas, the liver, the blood, the heart etc. come from? How does the nervous system develop?;
- We show that the processes are not ‘magic’. There are accessible principles, systems and molecules that enable us to begin to understand how tissue development happens;
- The course will investigate the roles of stem cells in embryology, adult life and cancer.
- Principles of Developmental and Reproductive Biology (DB3006)
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15 Credit Points
- course covers many of the core concepts and processes which are essential for advanced study in Biomedical and related sciences;
- you will gain cutting edge, in depth and focussed knowledge of embryological techniques, tools and their practical applications, and the fundamental principles of reproductive biology delivered in a research-driven environment;
- this course will prepare you for advanced study of developmental biology and human embryology;
- practicals are designed to provide a 3D understanding of embryology as well as an in-depth study of a model organism, providing transferrable skills as problem solving and web page/blog design,further developing graduate attributes and employability
- Genetics (GN3502)
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30 Credit Points
- this is a comprehensive course, providing an essential foundation for all advanced studies in Genetics, Chromosome Biology and Molecular Biology;
- the principles of molecular genetics and population genetics will be covered, with an emphasis on their application to the understanding of human biology. The teaching material will integrate information arising from the recent explosion of genome sequence data, equipping students with the necessary skills to engage with this rapidly developing field;
- a wide range of transferable skills are embedded within the course, including problem-solving, critical analysis of research materials, essay writing and subject-specific laboratory and computational skills;
- Frontiers of Molecular Medical Sciences (SM3001)
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30 Credit Points
- • This course covers many of the core technologies that are essential for advanced research in molecular medical sciences and will demonstrate how they have allowed us to push the boundaries of medicine beyond anything we could possibly have imagined just a few years ago• You will gain in-depth and focussed knowledge of core experimental approaches and technologies and their practical applications• Most especially, you will see how these cutting edge technologies are allowing us to develop treatments and deliver hope to those suffering from previously-incurable genetic disorders • (Hopefully), you will see the incredible future and opportunities this subject offers for the development of treatments for any number of unmet medical needs, and the potential benefits to humanity waiting to be tapped into (in your future careers!) • You will acquire core practical laboratory skills• This course will prepare you for advanced study of molecular medical sciences• Wider transferrable skills such as creativity, independent research, analytical thinking, problem-solving and advanced laboratory techniques are interwoven strands aimed at developing graduate attributes and employability
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 4
-
In your Honours year the focus of taught courses is on special aspects of Developmental Biology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Molecules Membranes and Cells (Stem Cells and Regeneration) (BM4010)
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30 Credit Points
- stem cells and regenerative biology are the future of medicine. This course provides the core knowledge needed by research-level biomedical scientists, especially in fields of developmental biology, anatomy, and stem cell biology;
- the University’s leading stem cell researchers provide a comprehensive overview of the current horizons of stem cell technology, from embryonic stem cells, through induced pluripotency (iPS cells) to the use and manipulation of adult stem cells;
- gene therapy and human reproductive biology (including IVF) are taught to research level;
- research scientists present in-depth material on core research techniques – transgenic animals, genome editing, biological imaging and ‘omic’ technologies
- Evolution and Development (DB4002)
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15 Credit Points
- This is an advanced course that explores developmental processes from an evolutionary perspective; the theory and practice of evolutionary biology as applied to developmental systems will be covered, focussing on a range of developmentally important events, including evolution of the brain, eye, bone, limb, and human-specific traits; the course provides experience of problem-solving, critical analysis of research material, written presentation skills and subject-specific computational skills
- Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302)
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15 Credit Points
- ever wondered where your brain comes from?;
- this course merges cutting edge developmental biology, neuroscience, and cellular physiology to describe how the nervous system arises and gets wired up;
- the bewildering arrays of cells in the nervous system interconnect in highly specific ways. Here you will learn what dictates neuronal cell fate, how neurons find appropriate partners and how cells communicate to generate behaviour;
- in addition to lectures from dynamic researchers this course will hone core skills for basic scientists and medics through group presentation work, independent library research and scientific writing
- Medical Sciences Honours Research Project (SM4501)
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60 Credit Points
- Final year Honours project offers an excellent opportunity to carry out cutting-edge literature or lab-based scientific research.
- With projects from disciplines throughout the School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition to choose from, this is an opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers.
- The project forms the zenith of your degree and fosters development of the skills and knowledge gained throughout your degree, as well as heightening analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- The opportunity to be part of a novel, yet-to-be published research project can be career-defining and provides experience to prepare you for the future.
- Medical Science Data Analysis Paper (SM4901)
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Data Analysis examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.
- Medical Science General Essay Paper (SM4902)
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General Essay examination paper exclusively for students taking Medical Science degree programmes.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Aberdeen Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by MyAberdeen, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of 'educational voting' handsets in class, remote control 'clickers' that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Human Embryology and Developmental Biology?
- You will be trained in embryology, reproductive biology (including fertility/IVF science), stem cell technology, tissue regeneration, and the causes of, and cures for, human birth defects.
- You will benefit from access to excellent facilities and receive hands-on laboratory training.
- Teaching is delivered by world-leading researchers who are at the forefront of current research in developmental biology and stem cell technology.
- Emphasis is put on medically-relevant developmental genetics and stem cell technology.
- The majority of the Model Organisms used to study developmental biology are used by staff in the state-of-the-art Institute of Medical Sciences, using cutting edge techniques which genome editing as well as gene misexpression technologies.
- Feedback from students consistently ranks the degree programme as excellent, which is reflected in the high number of 1st Class passes obtained by our students.
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
- 2024 Entry
-
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.
- 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: 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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
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.
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
The Human Embryology and Developmental Biology degree offers particularly good prospects for research careers in academia, industry and hospitals because of its broad training in medically-relevant modern biology with many transferable skills.
Many of our graduates follow their degree with PhD research in a wide range of laboratories. Others move in to positions in hospital research, fertility sciences, diagnostic laboratories, research institutes and in administrative capacities in the civil service, pharmaceutical and related industries.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Professor Martin Collinson
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Neil Vargesson
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
Library facilities
A dedicated Medical Library on the Foresterhill Health Campus and the fantastic facilities in the Sir Duncan Rice Library at King’s College, are complemented by online access to the key medical and health sciences journals and textbooks.
The Institute of Medical Sciences
Focused on developing future effective therapies, the Institute of Medical Sciences houses nearly 400 researchers and support staff working on cutting-edge biomedical subjects aimed at understanding the human body's response to infection and disease.
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.
Find out moreDiscover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX