Cell Biology BSc (Hons)
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Bachelor's degree
In St Andrews
Description
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Type
Bachelor's degree
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Location
St andrews (Scotland)
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Duration
4 Years
The BSc (Hons) in Cell Biology involves advanced study of the molecular structures and biochemical processes essential to cell function. It provides the basis for understanding the physiology and development of animals and plants, as well as many aspects of pathology. The course includes modules that emphasise structure and function in the cells of animals, plants, and microbes, in addition to how cells interact as they form tissues and embryos.
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About this course
The BSc in Cell Biology is a four-year course run by the School of Biology. Students are provided with high-tech equipment, laboratories and expertise to facilitate learning and to develop the skillset of a modern cell biologist.
In the first two years of your degree you will be introduced to core material relevant to all Biology degree programmes such as animal and plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology and genetics.
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 fourth year students continue specific research in their chosen area through student-led, inquiry-based learning as well as a final research project.
Alongside Cell Biology, in the first year of your studies, you will be required to study an additional two subjects. In the second year you will usually carry on at least one of these subjects, sometimes two.
Graduates with a Cell Biology degree are in high demand and are keenly sought after by institutions including the government, universities, research centres and major companies.
Biology graduates have found success in a wide variety of careers including:
researchers in academia and the pharmaceutical, biomedical industries
researchers and advisers in government
journalists
advisers, researchers and managers in the National Health Service
teachers
forensic scientists
management consultants
marketing and advertising experts.
SQA Highers
AAAB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and one other science from the following:
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics.
GCE A-Levels
AAB, including Biology (or Human Biology) and one other science from the following:
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics.
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Subjects
- Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cellular structures
- Cellular Biology
- Ecological
- Prokaryotic
- Cell Systems
- Biochemistry
- DNA
Course programme
In the first two years of your degree (known as sub-honours) you will take the required modules in Cell Biology alongside modules in at least one other subject.
Typically, you will take core Cell Biology modules during your first two years, and advanced modules during your third and fourth year (known as Honours).
1st Year
In first year, modules introduce you to core subject material relevant to all Biology degree programmes. Both of the following modules are compulsory.
- Biology 1: provides an introduction to molecular and cellular biology. It covers cell diversity and the origins of life, cellular structures and fundamental processes.
- Biology 2: provides an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and addresses key elements of organismal and ecological aspects of life.
In second year, modules are chosen which will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees) and new topics are introduced in some second-year modules such as evolutionary biology and ecology. Students intending to study Cell Biology at Honours level must take the following modules:
- Cell Biology: introduces the concept of ‘a cell’, moving on to discuss different types of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
- Cell Systems: explores how cells interact with one another to form complex tissues and organisms.
- Research Methods in Biology: this module will help you develop essential academic and transferable skills, with major emphasis on problem solving. This is achieved through a combination of interactive lectures, independent data-handling workshops and group work on a mini research project.
and one of:
- Applied Molecular Biology: examines case studies to provide examples of how molecular biology techniques are applied in research to address real-life questions and problems.
- Biochemistry: a number of central metabolic pathways and their control are studied in detail, alongside examples of their importance in disease and recent metabolomic studies.
- Molecular Biology: provides an introduction to modern molecular biology. Lectures will cover fundamental biological processes such as transcription, translation, DNA replication and repair - as well as touch on the genomics revolution and how this has influenced the field.
In third year, you will continue to specialise in Cell Biology via a wide range of modules covering core topics. Modules that have been offered in previous years include:
- Bioenergetics
- Gene Regulation
- Infection and Disease
- Membranes and Cell Communication
- Protein Structure and Function.
In fourth year, you will study your chosen subject area at a deeper scientific level and will also have the opportunity to select from a wide range of small, group-specialised modules. These modules are taught by academics at the forefront of their discipline.
In this year, students also undertake a substantial final-year research project. This research project is designed to develop skills in experimental design and problem-solving, the evaluation and interpretation of data, and communication skills. The project is selected and supervised by a member of academic staff and occupies half of the year.
The sub-honours modules listed here are the compulsory modules that students must take in order to graduate in this subject. However, most students at St Andrews take additional modules, either in their primary subject or from other subjects they are interested in. For Honours level, students choose from a range of Honours modules, some of which are listed above.
Additional information
Cell Biology BSc (Hons)