Key information
- UCAS code
- C120
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BSc (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems.
You’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including:
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Plant Science
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular biology
Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges such as:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity loss
- Emerging diseases
- Food science development
- Sustainable resource management
You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.
Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.
As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills. You’ll also understand the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and public health.
This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors.
Your student experience
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active biologists and academics from the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences which sits within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS).
EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and experts are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.
The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences is well known for its strong research focus in various areas of biological sciences. Research activities encompass both fundamental and applied research, addressing critical issues in the field and making significant contributions to scientific knowledge. This degree is aligned with our research objectives to advance our understanding of the natural world, address global challenges, and contribute to scientific advancements that benefit society.
Go Global
With Go Global, Heriot-Watt's global student programme, you can carry your studies to new places and experience new cultures, expanding your horizons on the way. You'll discover what it means to be a true global citizen and emerge prepared for wherever your career journey will take you.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Year 1
Mandatory September
- Introductory Biology 1
- Practical Skills in Biology
- Shaping Tomorrow Together A
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
Mandatory January
- Biology Practical
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Shaping Tomorrow Together B
Year 2
Mandatory September
- Metabolism in Human Nutrition
- Research Methods in Biology
Optional September
- Human Physiology
- Science and Exploitation of Plants
- Management in a Global Context
- Introduction to Psychology 1
- Employability and Professional Skills
Mandatory January
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Cell and Molecular Biology
Optional January
- The Biosphere
- Animal Biology
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Global Challenges 1
Year 3
Optional September
- Food Microbiology and Health
- Practical Marine Biology
- Marine Biodiversity
- Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry
- Geology and Soil Properties
- Introduction to Process Technology
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pathobiology of Human Disease
- Concepts in Beverage Science
- Biotechnology
Mandatory January
- Global Research Skills
Optional January
- Principles of Drug Discovery & Development
- Marine Environmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Microbiology
- Global Environmental Change
- Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Physiology
- Biological Psychology
- Bioprocessing
- Applied Studies in Human Health
- Operations Management
Mandatory September
- Biology Advanced Laboratory Skills
Year 4
Mandatory September
- Honours Research Project - Execution
Optional September
- Scientific Management of Marine Environments
- Marine Biological Survey and Analysis
- Receptor Signalling in Health and Disease
- Stressors and Sustainability
- Advanced Molecular Microbiology
- Microorganisms in Human Health and Drug Discovery
- Toxicology
Mandatory January
- Honours Research Project - Dissemination
Optional January
- Molecular Plant Health
- Immunology
- Management of Marine Protected Areas and Built Structures
- Human Diseases and Therapeutic Interventions for Biologists
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Genomics and Proteomics in Human Health
- Marine Fisheries Biology
Programme Video
Biology Video
Heriot-Watt first appealed to me because of its location. The University also has a good reputation within science and engineering and graduate employment
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,535 |
| International | £25,008 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
- A-Levels BBC- ABB. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
- HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.
Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
Minimum entry requirements *
- Highers BBBC (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
- A-Levels BCC. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject.
- HNC C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)
- or are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.
Year 2
- Advanced Highers BB including Biology, plus Higher AABB.
- A-Levels ABB. Must include Biology.
- International Baccalaureate 32 points. Must include Biology at Higher Level 6.
- BTEC Extended Diploma DDM. Must be in a relevant science subject including Biology.
- HNC B in graded unit with 120 SCQF credit points. HNC must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.
- HND BB in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology at SCQF Level 6.
Year 3
- HND AB / BA in graded units. HND must include sufficient Biology and be in a relevant subject area, e.g. Biology / Applied Biology / Human Biology / Environmental Biology.
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements.
Why Heriot-Watt
We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.
We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.
Employability
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Natural and social science professionals
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
Student life
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