Biology

In Years 1 and 2 you will take core modules in:

• Cell Biology, Physiology, Genes and Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity


• Practical Skills in the Natural Sciences and Quantitative Techniques


• Year 2 field course in ecology and identification skills


• Additional modules in other disciplines. The majority of students select from the core modules offered in Ecosystem, Environmental and Aquatic Sciences

In Year 3 you will take a core module in:

• Plant Ecology and Physiology

You will also take five modules from the following options: Animal Ecology, Marine Biology, Animal Cell Biology, Microbiology, Animal Physiology, Population & Community Ecology.

In your final year you will undertake an independent research project and study between four or six advanced modules from a range of options which currently include:

• Immunology and Disease


• Molecular Techniques


• Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics


• The Evolution of Sex


• Proteomics


• Cell Birth, Life and Death


• Conservation Biology


• Conservation Management


• Conservation Genetics


• Tropical Ecology


• Community Ecology and Conservation Applications


• Population Ecology and Conservation Applications


• Statistics Using R

You can also choose to go on the ecology and animal biology field course to southern France during the vacation between Year 3 and Year 4.

A research project is a major component of the final year course. The variety of project topics offered to students reflects the active research interests of academic staff in Biological and Environmental Sciences, but you are also encouraged to develop your own ideas during the project. Some students organise projects with other research organisations, usually when they have already established a relationship with the organisation during vacation work.

In recent years, students on the Biology course have completed projects within the broad disciplines of Animal Behaviour, Plant Physiology and Ecology, Animal Ecology, Molecular Cell Biology, Parasitology, Molecular and Population Genetics.

The 10-day field course in ecology and animal biology takes place in the Cévennes in France, a rugged mountain landscape of exceptional natural beauty and tremendous biodiversity. The organisms that live there include over 2,300 flowering plant species, 2,000 invertebrate species and 300 vertebrate species. Notable among these are wild boar, otters, vultures, and grey wolves. The region exemplifies the deep historical connection between humans and the natural world, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. During the field trip students learn various techniques in field sampling, identification, experimental design, data analysis and presentation.

Please note that costs for travel, food and accommodation for a 2nd-year compulsory field course in Scotland and any optional overseas field classes in 3rd or 4th year have to be paid by students.