Biologists are currently working on problems that critically affect our lives such as cancer, AIDS and other diseases, biological control of pests, bioremediation of polluted environments, increased food production, biodiversity, conservation biology and global warming. This knowledge is fundamental to effective management of the world's resources in such a way that we can improve our health and the quality of our lives and those of future generations. While Dundee’s research strengths are in molecular and cellular biology, the applications apply to the whole organism, be in plant or animal, so the early years for all our degrees focus on developing the well-rounded scientist.
The Biological Sciences degree provides a broadly-based programme of study for those students who wish to study a wide range of different aspects of the life sciences, focused on the molecular and cellular as applied to the organism, or who wish to delay their subject specialisation until they have gained experience of a variety of different subject areas. The core modules in this degree programme emphasise mainly the general biological sciences, . Students are encouraged either to specialise later in their studies and study for a more specifically named degree, or maintain a broad learning experience, to graduate in Biological Sciences.
Students on the Biological Sciences degree programme participate with all our students in a number of field visits that take advantage of our unique proximity to an unrivalled variety of natural habitats, from sandy shores to mountain tops. They are encouraged to see the importance of both field- and laboratory-based research in the development of a properly rounded biologist. There are also opportunities to study abroad, for example on the Transatlantic Student Exchange Scheme. The programme of Honours research projects benefits from our links with outside bodies such as the Scottish Crop Research Institute and the Game Conservancy Trust.
Biology impinges on almost every aspect of our lives, and there is an enormous range of job opportunities for biological scientists in, for example, agriculture, aquaculture, biotechnology, education, environmental health, healthcare, bioremediation and the food and water industries. Many go on to careers in research or use their scientific training for careers in management, publishing, regulatory affairs, patent documentation and the media.
We use a variety of teaching methods, with lectures and laboratory-based practicals forming the core. In addition, we use workshops, tutorials, computer-aided learning, and field excursions, as appropriate to each module.
All modules are assessed by a combination of in-course and end-of-course procedures. Regular in-course assessments (e.g. practical reports, computer-based exercises, essays and data processing exercises) provide feedback on your progress and help you prepare for end-of-module examinations. On-line assignments are used extensively at Levels 1 and 2, with access via a PC on or off campus. Peer assessment operates in many team projects.
There are regular meetings of staff-student liaison committees. While this provides a forum for formal contact, there is also opportunity for informal contact between you and academic staff, whom you will find friendly and approachable.
Programme Progression
Level 1
All Life Sciences degree programmes share the same core modules at Level 1 that provide a general introduction to the life sciences through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions.
Level 2
Level 2 begins to introduce the various subject areas within the life sciences, in which you might subsequently specialise, but remains broadly-based and multidisciplinary. There are opportunities to study in the USA or Canada at Level 2, through the Transatlantic Student Exchange scheme.
Level 3
At Level 3 you specialise much more in your chosen degree subject: by this time you will have chosen whether you are following the Biomedical Sciences route, with its focus on the human, and more a directly focussed use of your increasing knowledge; or the Biological Sciences route, which by now is leading towards the general research approach, focussed around the world-class research across the bisociences, which characterise Dundee Many students take advantage of opportunities for summer work placements, normally between Levels 3 and 4, which are available as externally-funded competitive placements, or as voluntary laboratory work.
Level 4
Your studies at Level 4 will be at the level of current research in your chosen subject area and involve extensive use of scientific literature and the opportunity to attend a regular programme of seminars given by invited speakers from Britain and abroad. You choose a research project from an extensive list of options. This can be a laboratory-based project in the laboratories of one of the leading research groups in the field; it can be a field-based project, taking advantage of the location of Dundee within easy reach of a very wide variety of natural habitats; it can be a library- or computer-based project involving web design, analysis or review of scientific data, or a school-based science education project.
Two broadly-based degree programmes, Biological Sciences and Biomedical Sciences, provide an opportunity for you to graduate with a life science degree that does not involve an excessive degree of specialisation..
Transferable Skills
Throughout your scientific studies you will be developing transferable skills. Throughout Levels 1 to 3 you will taught transferable skills, either embedded within our core curriculum, or as part of the pastoral and academic tutorial system. Your degree programme will involve a combination of independent learning and team work, through which you will develop your skills in information processing, use of computers, problem-solving, experimental design, analysis and critical evaluation of scientific literature, report writing, making presentations, communication and time management. These are important elements of all of our degree programmes, and they will help to ensure that you have the skills to make you attractive to a wide range of employers.
Biological / Biomedical / Biomolecular Sciences Degree Structure and Overview
See the full structure of the BSc Biological / Biomedical / Biomolecular Sciences degrees as well as further general information.
2011 Entry Requirements
All Life Sciences degrees have the same entry requirements except Forensic Anthropology (please visit the Forensic Anthropology webpage for further details). These are minimum indicative entry requirements, not a guaranteed entry level. You will get an individual offer from us foll,owing our review of your application.
| 2011 Entry Requirements | |
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SQA Higher |
BBBB |
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GCE A-Level |
BCC |
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ILC Higher |
BBBB |
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IB Diploma |
30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level) |
|
Essential Subjects |
Biology or Chemistry (H or A-Level) |
|
Advanced Entry (to Level 2) |
|
|
SQA Advanced Higher |
BB (AH) + BB (H) in other subjects |
|
GCE A-Level |
ABB |
|
IB Diploma |
34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level) |
|
Essential Subjects |
Biology and/or Chemistry, preferably both, at AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). |
|
Other Qualifications |
|
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EDEXCEL |
A relevant HNC with Merits in appropriate Science modules (Level 1 entry) |
|
BTEC |
A relevant National Diploma in an appropriate Science at DMM (Level 1 entry) |
|
SQA |
A relevant HNC with grade B in the graded unit (Level 1 entry) |
|
Scottish Baccalaureate |
Pass with CC at AH including Biology or Chemistry. Mathematics and Chemistry at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 1 entry) |
|
Advanced Diploma |
Grade C with ASL-A Level Biology or Chemistry B. Mathematics and Chemistry GCSE C. (Level 1 entry) |
|
Welsh Baccalaureate |
Pass with A-Levels in Biology or Chemistry and another subject at BC. Mathematics and Chemistry at GCSE grade C (Level 1 entry) |
|
SWAP Access to Science Programmes |
Relevant science subjects with ABB grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry) |
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Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website. |
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Your Application
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
Your personal statement should demonstrate an interest in the subject you are applying for and a commitment to the study of that subject. How did your interest in the subject arise, and do you have a particular career path in mind?
You should comment on your participation in both school/college/work and extracurricular activities and on the extent to which they have aided in your personal development and the acquisition of skills that will be of value to you as a life sciences student.
If you are planning a gap year, comment on the intended activity and the benefits that you think you are likely to gain from the experience.
Tips for your application
Give careful consideration to both the style and content of your personal statement as it can be an indicator of your ability to communicate as well as providing an account of your personal achievements and skills.
Advanced Entry Honours Degree
It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.
Contact
Diana Davidson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland
Telephone: 01382 384 029 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 029 (from outside the UK)
