Biological Sciences

Description

This programme offers you the opportunity to take common first-year subjects without committing yourself to any particular specialisation. The first year units cover all the major areas of biology and will give you a sound grounding in mathematics, statistics, IT and computing, physics and chemistry. You will find the latter units especially valuable if you do not have A-levels in these subjects.

At the end of the first year you may, if you wish, transfer to one of the specialised programmes of Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Plant Biology, Cellular & Molecular Biochemistry or Ecology, or you may wish to remain on the C100 programme which allows you to choose any of the second year units offered by the School.

At the end of the second year, most students do prefer to transfer to a specialised programme. But, if you choose to remain registered for C100, you may again choose any of the wide range of third year units on offer. The only compulsory element is the Research Project, which is undertaken by all final year students, for which you carry out experimental work in one of the research laboratories within the School or in one of the affiliated Institutes.

In both the second and third years you also have 20 credits of free choice which allows you to select from a huge range of units offered by BIO and other Schools within the University.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10560 Year (EEA)
• EUR 17480 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU £9,000; International £14,900

• English

Course Content

Year 1

You will receive an introduction to biological sciences and essential scientific methods and techniques, as well as a relevant grounding in mathematics, statistics, physics and chemistry which will be valuable if you do not have A levels in these subjects.

Year 2

At the end of the first year you may, if you wish, transfer to one of our specialised degree programmes (eg Biology with Science Communication or Cell Biology), or you may wish to remain on this programme which allows you to choose almost any of the second year modules offered by the School. You also have the option of selecting a module from a different School within the Faculty of Science, or a language module, to complement your studies, subject to the approval of the School.

Please note that the Year Abroad and Year in Industry options are taken between years 2 and 3.

Year 3

At the end of the second year, you can again transfer to a specialised programme or remain on the biological sciences degree, choosing almost any of the wide range of third year modules on offer. You can also take either the Research Project, for which you carry out experimental work in a research laboratory within the School, in one of the affiliated Institutes or in the field, or Analyses in Biology,an analytical or theoretical project alternative
to the laboratory or field based projects.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 78

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• A Level: ABB to include Biology
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points including 3 HL Subjects at Grade 5 including Biology
• Scottish Highers: AABBB including Biology and one other science subject.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB including Biology.
• Other Sciences at Advanced Higher level would confer an advantage
• Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB at higher level including Biology and at least two other science subjects
• Access Course: See below
• HND: Please contact university for further information
• European Baccalaureate:75% overall, including 7.5 in Biology

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

A2-level Biology is required for this course. In addition to this, applicants are asked to have two other A2-level subjects. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE Grade B in Mathematics and Grade C in English Language is required.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 credits in Biology.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics at Grade B and English Language at Grade C.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.