Introduction
Enhance your undergraduate degree with a year's placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
This programme is studied on campus.
Physiology is the study of how the body works. More than any other of the biological sciences, it involves using an understanding of biological process at the most basic level to explain how a whole organ or an entire body functions. It is this integrated aspect that puts Physiology at the centre of the biological and medical sciences.
Physiological studies of normal biological function provide the basis for understanding the abnormal function observed in human and animal disease and for developing new therapeutic treatments. The scope of physiology ranges from investigation of molecular actions in single cells to studying the way our body systems control our ability to think, eat, sleep and perform exercise. To achieve this, Physiologists must also use the related disciplines of anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and immunology.
In your fourth year you will undertake a year's industrial placement and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc. Placements vary considerably but in general terms, you will be placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where you will obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement your degree programme and enhance your employability.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSci
- Duration
- 60 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- B121
What You'll Study
A degree in Physiology 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
-
Year 1
In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (SM1001) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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 1 (CM1020) - 15 Credit Points
-
This course covers the foundations of chemistry that underpin the life sciences at a molecular level. The course aims to consolidate a general background in chemistry by putting chemical concepts into a life sciences context. The basic concepts of chemistry will be covered, along with organic molecules, acids and bases, and the basic principles behind the driving forces of reactions.
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.
- The Cell (SM1501) - 15 Credit Points
-
- cells are the fundamental unit of life – without them life could not exist, and as such understanding how they function is crucial to our understanding of biology and medical science;
- this course provides theoretical knowledge in a diverse range of topics covering the fascinating world of cells, from molecules like DNA, to how different cell types function within our bodies;
- all practical classes are research based and will provide theoretical knowledge and skills training in many areas of molecular and cell biology;
- employability skills will also be explored through a highly interactive session run by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (CM1512) - 15 Credit Points
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Chemistry plays an important role in the life sciences, explaining the shapes and properties of biomolecules, and helping to provide an understanding of how biological processes work at a molecular level.
The shapes and function of important biomolecules will be covered. Organic molecule reaction mechanisms will give insight into how different types of molecules can be synthesised. The energetics and importance of equilibrium in driving reactions will be covered.
Methods of chemical analysis and measurement introduce other important topics linking the chemical and life sciences.
Workshops and labs complement lectures by consolidating learning and developing problem-solving and hands-on practical skills.
- Professional Skills Part 1 (PD1001)
-
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
This course, which is prescribed for level 1 students and optional for level 2 students and above, is studied entirely online and covers topics relating to careers and employability, equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing. During the course you will learn about the Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, how they are relevant to you and the opportunities available to develop your skills and attributes alongside your University studies. You will also gain an understanding of equality and diversity and health, safety and wellbeing issues. Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’ (non-completion will be recorded as ‘Not Achieved’). The course takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks and it will be available to you throughout the academic year.
Optional Courses
- Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice
- Year 2
-
Year 2
In year 2 Human Physiology courses commence. Parallel recommended courses include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, combined with courses delivering key skills applicable to Physiology.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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;
- analytical, professional, 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) - 15 Credit Points
-
- the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and reproductive systems are covered using a variety of innovative teaching methods;
- you will participate 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 apply knowledge to clinical scenarios, and begin developing fundamental skills critically required in the final years of the degree;
- informal teaching sessions allow one-to-one staff-student interaction and encourage discussion in a non-threatening environment;
- a low stakes in-course mock exam is included to prepare you for the high stakes degree exam
- Energy for Life (BI25M7) - 15 Credit Points
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- 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) - 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
-
Year 3
Courses taken in year 3 enhance your understanding of the major physiological systems within the mammalian body and provide detailed insights into specific areas of mainstream physiology.
Compulsory Courses
- Integrative Physiology (PY3002) - 30 Credit Points
-
- this course integrates advanced physiological knowledge using examples from four different organ systems to help explain how these systems interact in health and disease;
- use of real-life clinical examples, diagnostic test data and a literature-based research project facilitates an enquiry and interest-based learning experience;
- with an aging population and ever-increasing number of people with complex diseases, you will appreciate why understanding how organs interact is the key to improving the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders;
- state-of-the-art practical classes measuring physiological functions delivers hands-on science and clinically-related skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge-based practice
- Working Out: Placement & Career Skills (BT3006) - 5 Credit Points
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- A pre-requisite for all students intending to apply for a year’s industrial placement.
- This course covers the skills necessary to complete placement applications by exploring CV preparation, writing covering letters, completing application forms, identification of your skill sets and good interview technique.
- The course will prepare you for the workplace by making you aware of general employability skills and by helping you identify your own transferable skills.
- Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (BM3501) - 15 Credit Points
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- cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Using teaching informed by high-quality research this course provides a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology;
- you will learn how the knowledge of physiological processes is directed into identifying drugs targets for disease, which will improve your understanding of drug discovery;
- insight into the molecular and cellular action of drugs in the cardiovascular system will prepare you for your final year research project;
- wider transferable skills include problem solving, data interpretation and training in the ethical and safety aspects of recruiting human subjects in research.
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (BM3502) - 15 Credit Points
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- during this course, you will start to appreciate why the diagnosis and treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders is both an art and a science;
- students will use real-life examples from case studies to help develop and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding;
- practical classes will enhance students understanding of why developing new neuropharmaceuticals is challenging and will improve their laboratory and analytical skills;
- this course will help students understand why multidisciplinary teams are essential in improving our understanding and treatment of neurological and psychological disorders;
- this course will improve your problem-solving, scientific writing, practical and data handling skills
- Epithelial Physiology (PY3803) - 15 Credit Points
-
- This advanced course explores the essential role of epithelial cells in renal, gastrointestinal and respiratory function;
- You will gain valuable practical experience and understanding of the electrophysiological techniques required for study of epithelial transport;
- You will develop your writing, data analysis and reporting skills with the production of a detailed practical report;
- You will hone your critical analysis skills for the interpretation of published scientific material;
- You will prepare a presentation on a selected scientific paper, deliver it during a class-led symposium on cutting edge epithelial physiology research
- Neuroscience Research Topics (BM3804) - 15 Credit Points
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- the course outlines structural and functional alterations occurring in neuronal tissue during development, in the adult and in disease states;
- the course aims to identify and explain the mechanisms underlying these events and to provide an understanding of their functional consequences by building on the expertise of neuroscience researchers;
- you will gain cutting edge, in depth knowledge of nervous system development, function and the pathology of specific disease states affecting the nervous system;
- wider transferrable skills will be gained, such as scientific writing, problem solving, and practical assessment of nervous system function, thus developing graduate attributes and skills for employability
Optional Courses
- Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice
- Year 4
-
Year 4
You will spend year 4 on placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment.
Compulsory Courses
- Industrial Placement (BT5007) - 120 Credit Points
-
- an industrial placement allows students to experience workplace culture and makes them more effective employees following graduation;
- placements vary considerably but in general terms, students are placed in an industrial, commercial or research environment where they obtain a breadth of practical experience to complement their degree programme;
- students are employed by their host company and can expect to work a normal 40 hour week, possibly on a number of projects, over a full calendar year;
- tutorial assistance from a member of the University academic staff is available via email and / or telephone throughout the year
- Year 5
-
Year 5
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of physiology. 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 (BM4004) - 30 Credit Points
-
- the core professional knowledge you need, to be able to contribute to research-level biomedical science, especially in fields of pharmacology and physiology;
- active research scientists explain the latest developments in our understanding of brain function in health and disease, hormone and steroid signalling systems, epithelial biology and cellular homeostasis;
- small group practical classes in working laboratories introduce core research and data analysis techniques;
- research scientists present in depth material on core research techniques – transgenic animals, genome editing, biological imaging, patch clamp analysis and ‘omic’ technologies
- Staying Alive - Adaptation in Physiological Systems (BM4009) - 15 Credit Points
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- this course integrates knowledge of physiological systems within the context of physiological adaptation to the environment;
- you will understand advanced physiological concepts which regulate every aspect of human survival and the life cycle;
- our bodies also adapt to disease and you will examine the physiological changes which occur throughout several major clinical conditions including diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease;
- the ability to measure important physiological parameters will also be taught in interactive practical classes;
- advanced problem solving in tutorials will provide you with the skills required to tackle complex physiological problems at a research level
- Physiology Project (PY4501) - 60 Credit Points
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- Final year Honours projects offer 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 a opening to follow your interests working with staff and leading researchers
- Projects form 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 novel, yet-to-be published research projects can be career-defining, and provides experience to prepare you for the future.
Optional Courses
- Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302) or The Science of Ageing - From Cradle to Grave (BM4301)
- Developmental Neuroscience (PY4302) - 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
- The Science of Ageing - from Cradle to Grave (BM4301) - 15 Credit Points
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- this course integrates advanced physiological concepts across the continuum of life;
- fundamental biomedical scientists meet with advanced clinical practitioners to facilitate an enquiry and interest based learning experience;
- with an aging population and ever increasing number of children with complex health challenges, you will be prepared to progress along a range of careers threads and understand the dynamic interplay between individuals and their changing physiological, psychological, pharmacological and biochemical needs for lifelong health and wellbeing;
- state of the art practical classes deliver hands on science and clinical skills to develop professional preparation and knowledge based practice
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
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 5 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
Learning Methods
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
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.
Further Information
- View detailed learning and assessment information for this programme
-
How the programme is taught
The typical time spent in scheduled learning activities (lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals), independent self-study or placement is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
How the programme is assessed
The typical percentage of assessment methods broken down by written examination, coursework or practical exams is shown for each year of the programme based on the most popular course choices selected by students.
Year 1
Learning Method
scheduled: 28%
independent: 72%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 39%
coursework: 56%
practical: 5%
Year 2
Learning Method
scheduled: 34%
independent: 66%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 41%
coursework: 56%
practical: 3%
Year 3
Learning Method
scheduled: 23%
independent: 77%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 66%
coursework: 34%
practical: 0%
Year 4
Learning Method
scheduled: 0%
independent: 0%
placement: 100%
Assessment
written: 0%
coursework: 80%
practical: 20%
Year 5
Learning Method
scheduled: 44%
independent: 56%
placement: 0%
Assessment
written: 36%
coursework: 64%
practical: 0%
Why Study Physiology?
- You will spend the fourth year of your degree in paid employment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.
- The programme provides you with the scientific content of pre-clinical medicine plus the opportunity to study cellular processes from this whole-body perspective.
- We are located within the Institute of Medical Sciences which allows a high degree of integration on this programme, both in research and teaching, between the medically related sciences.
- Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have made major advances in physiological sciences. These include the co-discovery of insulin and the discovery that the brain produces its own morphine-like substances – the enkephalins and endorphins.
- You will acquire core skills and knowledge vital to the modern workplace which will also provide you with the ideal training for progress to graduate programmes in medical research, medicine, dentistry and other healthcare professions.
- You will receive training in both specialist and employment-related skills.
- The University of Aberdeen is ranked 5th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology, Guardian League Tables 2019
- The University of Aberdeen was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
- The University of Aberdeen is a World Top 160 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019)
- The University of Aberdeen is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020
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
- 2019 Entry
-
SQA Highers - AAAB*
A Levels - ABB*
IB - 34 points, 6 at HL*
ILC - 5H with 4 at H2 and 1 at H3, with H2 and H3 from Chemistry and Biology, OR AAABB including AB from Chemistry and Biology. The grading within band B must be at B2 or above.**Including good performance in Chemistry and Biology.
Advanced Entry - Advanced Highers AAB or A Levels AAB, or IB 36 points (6 at HL), including Biology and Chemistry, one of which must be an A-grade.
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 - 54 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
Fee Waiver
For international students (all non-EU students) the tuition fee charged upon entry will apply to all years of study; however, most international students will be eligible for a fee waiver in their final year via the International Undergraduate Scholarship.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU | £1,820 |
| All Students | |
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Students Admitted in 2019/20 | |
| International Students | £19,300 |
| Students Admitted in 2019/20 |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in 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 InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
A degree in Physiology has wide applications. Many students will continue in research posts, where the intensive project work in the Honours year provides particularly valuable experience. Students also go on to pursue postgraduate studies in medicine and dentistry. Others will go on to a more vocational medical related MSc in, for example, Physiotherapy or Dietetics. Alternatively, some students use the communication and analytical skills embedded in the programme to apply for non-science jobs in industry.
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
- 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
A Physiologist by trade, Prof. McEwan has interests within the broad field of membrane transport – particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. He has been working for the University of Aberdeen for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching at all levels.
- Other Experts
- Dr Graeme Nixon
- Dr Derek Scott
- Dr Alison Jack
- Professor Mirela Delibegovic
- Programme Coordinator
- Professor Gordon McEwan
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
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.
Foresterhill Health Campus
The Foresterhill Health Campus is one of the largest clinical complexes in Europe which includes the Medical School, large teaching hospital, the Institute of Medical Sciences and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.
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.
Unistats
Unistats 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 Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX