BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology
About this course
BSc in Molecular and Cellular Biology, a biology degree examining living processes at the molecular and cellular levels across various organisms. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year covers foundational concepts through Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1, Introduction to Medical Sciences, Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2, and The Cell. The second year explores human cell physiology and metabolic processes with Physiology of Human Cells, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences, Physiology of Human Organ Systems, Microbes, Infection & Immunity, Energy for Life, and Research Skills for Medical Sciences. The third year builds advanced knowledge through The Molecular Biology of The Cell, The Molecular Control of Cell Function, Genetics, and Frontiers of Molecular Medical Sciences. The final year focuses on advanced research and specialisation via Honours Biochemistry - Option 2, Honours Genetics - Option 1, Honours Advanced Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences Honours Research Project, Medical Science Data Analysis Paper, and Medical Science General Essay Paper.
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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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology (C720) at the University of Aberdeen for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is BBC at A level.
What students say
Based on about 5 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 97%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 30%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- 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, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 75%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1
- Introduction to Medical Sciences
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2
- The Cell
- Physiology of Human Cells (BI20B2)
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (BI20M3)
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (BI25B2)
- Microbes, Infection & Immunity (BI25M5)
- Energy for Life (BI25M7)
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences
- The Molecular Biology of The Cell
- The Molecular Control of Cell Function
- Genetics
- Frontiers of Molecular Medical Sciences
- Honours Biochemistry - Option 2
- Honours Genetics - Option 1
- Honours Advanced Molecular Biology
- Medical Sciences Honours Research Project
- Medical Science Data Analysis Paper
- Medical Science General Essay Paper
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology 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 £1,000 more than the UK median for Genetics.
What do graduates of BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Aberdeen?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
Does BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Molecular and Cellular Biology at University of Aberdeen?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.