BSc Biological Sciences
About this course
BSc in Biological Sciences, focusing on both molecular and organismal aspects of living systems across a four-year undergraduate curriculum. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students undertake practical laboratory and field-based instruction while selecting a specialisation in animal, plant, or environmental science.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 99%
- Assessment and feedback: 97%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 100%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 100%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 160 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 3%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 1%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 71%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 25%
- Other HE qualification: 75%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Frontiers in Biological Sciences
- Diversity of Life 1
- Ecology and Environmental Science
- Diversity of Life 2
- The Cell
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1
- Biological Enhanced Skills Training (BEST)
- Introduction to Genetics
- Ecology
- Comparative Physiology 1
- Plants, People, and the Environment (BI25P4)
- Coastal Biodiversity (BI25F2)
- Field Biology (BI25F6)
- Marine Field Ecology (BI25F9)
- The Living Landscape (BI25FB)
- Field Skills in Ecology and Animal Behaviour (BI25FA)
- Building Skills and Experience for Career Success
- Statistical Analysis of Biological Data
- Ecological Genomics
- Gateway to Honours Project
- Lab Skills in Biosciences (BI35F4)
- Animal Evolution and Biodiversity
- Plant - Environment Interactions
- Comparative Physiology 2
- SBS Honours Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £41,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 178 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.