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Old Aberdeen Campus

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First Year: All Ecologists take eight courses normally including Ecology and Environmental Science, Organismal Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and a tutorial course in Biological Sciences. This leaves a choice of four further courses which contribute to enhanced study; options include subjects such as Chemistry, Land Management, Geography and new interdisciplinary courses. Students take a one-week field course on Plant Ecology at Bettyhill, Sutherland.

Second Year: Core courses in second year cover Community Ecology, Animal and Plant Diversity and Function, and Scientific Skills for biologists. Additional optional courses include Conservation Biology, Ocean Biology, Genes and Evolution, Microbiology and a wide range of interdisciplinary courses. Students take an Animal Ecology field trip in Yorkshire or on the North-east Scottish coast.

Third Year (Junior Honours): Third year courses are in Animal Population Ecology; Plant Ecology; Ecosystem Processes and in Core Skills for Biologists. Students can also choose from Plant Biogeography and Conservation; Animal Evolution and Biodiversity; Animal Behaviour; Plant/Animal Interactions; Plant/Environment Interactions; Aquatic Biology and Conservation; Tropical Ecology; Tropical Conservation; Marine Ecology and Ecosystems and Environmental Analysis. Students have the opportunity to go on an overseas ecology field trip during the summer before or after their third year.

Fourth Year (Senior Honours): Students carry out independent research project in Ecology, often in collaboration with an external organisation or as part of an overseas expedition and undertake an extended essay on a subject of their choice. Alongside these we provide core scientific skills training including a team building course and careers workshops. There is then a choice of advanced courses in Behavioural Ecology; Wildlife Management; Nature Conservation; Conservation and Global Change; Ecological and Environmental Modelling; Marine Ecology; Tropical Forest Management; Molecular Ecology and Bioethics.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements:

Standard entry:
4 Highers at BBBB including 2 maths or science subjects plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5.

For second year entry you would require the above plus 2 Advanced Highers at AB including Biology.

Widening access entry:
3 Highers at BBC including 2 maths or science subjects plus English, Maths and Chemistry or Physics at National 5.

1 Foundation Apprenticeship is accepted in place of a non-essential Higher.