Content

Biology involves the study of life at all levels of organisation, from the molecular biology of virus replication to the study of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Biology also touches on many aspects of contemporary life, from drug design and investigating the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s disease, to the migration and conservation of marine and terrestrial species.?

In the first three years of your degree, you will cover the fundamental aspects of biology and begin to focus on advanced core material in your chosen area. In third year, there is a shift from core, broad-themed modules to more specialised modules that allow students to prepare for their Honours degree.

In your fourth year, students typically undertake a year-long research placement, often away from St?Andrews, in a research institute or in industry, along with an experimental design online module.

The fifth and final year of the Masters degree involves highly specialised taught courses in your chosen speciality.

Entry Requirements

2027 entry requirements

Standard entry:
4 Highers at AAAB including Biology (or Human Biology) and Maths, Chemistry or Physics plus English at National 5 at B.

Widening access entry:
4 Highers at AABB including Biology (or Human Biology) and Maths, Chemistry or Physics plus English at National 5 at B. (You may gain entry to the Gateway programme with 4 Highers at BBBB).

Entry into second year is possible with Advanced Higher Biology and Maths, Chemistry or Physics at AB or BA plus Highers at AAAB.