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Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen - UCAS

Course summary

Our programme focuses on both the molecular and organismal aspects of biology, bringing together practical lab and field based teaching with cell biology, genetics, evolutionary genomics, ecology and physiology. You will have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest, choosing a focus in animal, plant or environmental science. Studying Biological Sciences helps you develop a broad understanding of the nature of living things, from molecules and cells, organisms and populations, to communities and biomes. Your courses will give you an excellent foundation in the theory and practical elements behind the study of life and provide you with the technical skills to pursue your own interests through your project work. 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.

Modules

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment method

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 they learn on the course; Written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses. Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
C901
Institution code:
A20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Animal Care (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course. For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33) and Ecology & Ecosystems (H93A34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course. For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Animal Care (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course AND Statistics for Science (H8XT 33) or Aberdeen University Online Statistics Course (BI2021). For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Applied Biological Sciences (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units.

International applicants

When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/find-a-degree.php


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)78TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above.
PTE Academic59Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted.
Trinity ISEPassPass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills.
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year)
Cambridge English AdvancedCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.
Cambridge English ProficiencyCOverall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169.

To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
75%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
International £24800 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
EU £24800 Year 1
Scotland £1820 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

EU/International Applicants: When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country, and arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs.

Sponsorship information

View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.

Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen - UCAS