BSc Biology
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Biology, a psychology and russian studies degree focusing on the study of life across molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological levels. Core topics include Research Methods. The course spans four years full time and includes opportunities to study advanced topics in biochemistry, evolution, and quantitative ecology. The first year covers foundational concepts through Biology 1 and Biology 2, introducing cellular structures, evolution, and organismal diversity. The second year expands into specialized subjects with compulsory and optional modules such as Animal Behaviour, Applied Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Invertebrate Zoology. Students examine cellular systems, ecology, evolutionary biology, and molecular biology alongside practical training in Research Methods in Biology. Later stages include advanced modules like Advanced Biochemistry, Evolution, Genes, Cells and Development, and Quantitative Ecology.
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: AAB, including Biology and one other science from the following: Chemistry Mathematics Physics. IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Chemistry Mathematics Physics.
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 84%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 1%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 25%
- South East: 10%
- Scotland: 40%
- Northern Ireland: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 90 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 81%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
- Foundation course: 2%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Modules
- Advanced Biochemistry
- Animal Behaviour: A Quantitative Approach
- Evolution
- Genes, Cells and Development
- Protein Structure and Function
- Quantitative Ecology
- Biology 1
- Biology 2
- Animal Behaviour
- Applied Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cell Systems
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Molecular Biology
- Research Methods in Biology
- The Oceans
- Vertebrate Zoology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £42,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology at University of St Andrews do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology at University of St Andrews?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 195 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology at University of St Andrews accredited?
Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Does BSc Biology at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biology at University of St Andrews?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 1% left higher education.