What is biological science?

Biological Sciences looks at life in all its forms. It focuses on the cellular level, from molecular and chemical processes to cell function. In other words, it’s the study of living things - how they respond to each other and the environment around them.

Why study biological science with us?

Studying a biological sciences degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers. For example, you could work in a research lab, helping to tackle some of the health or environmental challenges facing our world.

There's also a growing need for people with skills in both science and computing. Bioinformatics combines these two areas to analyse biological data. You could also go into teaching, or work in the growing pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

The benefit of studying a biology degree with us is that you can try a range of areas, and then decide which interests you the most.

We have a shared curriculum across our life sciences degrees in the first two years. This covers areas like biological, biomedical, biochemical, or plant science, and bioinformatics. This helps you develop a wide range of knowledge and skills.

In later years we then offer a range of modules that allow you to choose the specialist areas you want to focus on. You may also be able to change to a different life sciences degree if you choose to.

You have a few options to choose from with this BSc science degree. You can follow the standard route through the course, covering a wider range of topics. Or you can choose to specialise in plant sciences or bioinformatics.

What you will learn

You will start by learning key theories of biology. This will take you from the molecular level right up to full body systems and beyond.

In years one and two you'll explore core areas such as:

genetics

cell biology

biological organisation

molecular mechanisms and processes

You will also develop your practical skills. These will include lab skills, data analysis, and experiment design.

In years three and four you'll focus on more detailed aspects of biological sciences. You'll have more space to choose modules in areas that interest you, including:

drug discovery

immunology

cancer biology

data and statistical analysis

stem cells

science communication

In year four you will also take part in a research project. This will be based in one of the areas of world-class research taking place in the School of Life Sciences.

Learn from our world-leading research

The work of our world-leading life sciences researchers shapes what we teach and how we teach it. We have ranked as the top UK university for biological sciences research since 2014. This is according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

This means you'll get a good understanding of the fundamentals of the field. It also means that you will learn the latest advances and be well-prepared for life after your degree.

You can apply to work on your final year Honours project in one of our research labs here in Dundee. This gives you experience of working on projects that are trying to tackle global issues.

Preparing you for work

We commit to doing all we can to boost your career opportunities and give you the experience you need. This includes giving you core skills in data analysis and experience of working safely in labs.

We offer a range of lab-based research traineeships or industry internships. These can be in our world-leading research labs or with external providers.

You can also choose to study abroad for either a semester or a full year or take an extra year working in industry.

Professional accreditation

The Royal Society of Biology has accredited this degree. Accredited degrees contain a solid academic foundation in biological science knowledge and key skills. They also prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

Also available

With the right qualifications you may be able to enter this degree in the second year. This would reduce the length and cost of your degree.