Biology, BSc

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.

What 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.

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

Optional Courses

Plus 45 credit points from courses of choice.

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

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.

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 Scholarship

What Our Students Say

Jack Elphinstone

Jack Elphinstone

Jack Elphinstone

The fantastic range of biology courses offered at the university ultimately solidified my choice to study here. I also remember visiting the university when I was very young and being captivated by the exhibits in the Zoology museum.

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

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.


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 information
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

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.

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

Biodiversity Field Course

Our Biodiversity Field Course introduces our students to a range of terrestrial, coastal and marine habitats, and the techniques that are being used to study and manage these diverse systems.

What our Alumni Say

Eve Baxter

Eve Baxter

Eve Baxter

Graduated 2020

Studying a biological science subject at the University of Aberdeen has been one of those experiences I will never forget. The lecturers all have a wide array of knowledge in their specialised area, so you’re not short of answers to any questions you have. Being a student at the University of Aberdeen I feel valued and have been given the perfect platform to pursue a career in any biological field.

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

Image for Lighthouse Field Station
Lighthouse Field Station

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.

Image for Nature on our doorstep
Nature on our doorstep

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.

Image for Science Teaching Hub
Science Teaching Hub

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 more

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