Venues

Gilmorehill Campus

Content

Year 1
You will be given a general introduction to all aspects of modern biology and encouraged to acquire general scientific skills.

Year 2
In semester 1, you will develop your knowledge of fundamental aspects of biology. In semester 2, you will be introduced to specialist subject areas according to your interests (animal biology; biomolecular sciences; human biology; infection biology).

You will also be able to study other subjects outside biology.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.

Years 3, 4 and 5
If you progress to Honours (years 3 and 4) fieldwork becomes an important component of your study mix. Specific topics you may study include invertebrate and vertebrate biology; ecology; molecular ecology; animal physiology; parasite biology; and marine biology. There are also courses on experimental design, data collection and analysis.

A major component of your final year is an independent research project. This project will give you the chance to research something new, and the results sometimes contribute to scientific publications.

Entry Requirements

2026 entry requirements
Standard entry: 5 Highers at AAAAA (by end S6 with min ABBB after S5) including Biology or Chemistry.

Entry to year 2 may be possible with 3 Advanced Highers at AAA including Biology and Chemistry plus Highers above.

Widening access entry: 4 Highers at AABB/BBBB (by end S6) including Biology or Chemistry. Completion of pre-entry programme is necessary.