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Biological/Biomedical Sciences

Structure and overview

The College of Life Sciences offers a range of BSc degree programmes that emphasise different aspects of the life sciences: organisms and their environment (Biological Sciences), human health (Biomedical Sciences) and molecular structures and mechanisms.

Why
Teaching & Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Fees/Funding
Your Application

Why study Life Sciences at Dundee?

As a place to study life sciences we achieve consistently high ratings, and the internationally-recognised research strengths of the College of Life Sciences are reflected in our research-led teaching and a wide range of research training opportunities for life sciences graduates.

Research-led teaching

Leading scientists are involved both in the planning and teaching of our courses, and we have up-to-date and well-equipped facilities for practical work.

Undertaking an Honours research project will provide you with an opportunity to experience work as part of a real research team.

"Research-informed teaching is vital to the quality of learning, and future career opportunities for undergraduate students. It benefits students by stimulating and exciting them about continuing positive and influential research."
Sian Foch Gatrell, final year student

What's so good about Life Sciences at Dundee?

An excellent reputation

Our research is rated 1st in Europe for biology and biochemistry, and 4th for molecular biology and genetics (By Thomson Scientific), and we are ranked 85th in the World's Top Universities for life sciences by the QS World University Rankings 2011.

Our excellent reputation also extends to the quality of our teaching. In the 2010 National Student Survey we were ranked No. 1 in the UK for student satisfaction in anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, with 100% of our students saying they were satisfied with the quality of their course. In biochemistry and biological sciences we were ranked No. 1 in Scotland.

Flexibility and choice

The curriculum is highly flexible and permits you to keep most degree options open until halfway through Level 2. Even at the end of Level 3 you may still have at least two degree options open to you. Rather than being committed to the degree for which you entered, you will be able to defer your final decision until you are in a position to choose in the light of experience.

Students also have opportunities on most of our degree programmes to take a subject outside the Life Sciences in the early years - e.g. Environmental Science, Geography, Psychology, IT, Mathematics or a foreign language.

Transferable skills

Throughout the duration of your degree programme you will take modules specially designed to help you recognise and develop the skills needed for success in your studies and future employment.

Degree pathways

The diagram below shows the various degree pathways that you can take. To read about this in further detail, please visit the 'teaching & assessment' section of this webpage.

Entry with Highers

LEVEL 1
Core theory and practical modules + subjects from other Colleges e.g. Languages

Entry with Advanced Highers
or A Levels

LEVEL 2
SEMESTER 1
Core Theory + Practical + Outside Subject
SEMESTER 2
Choose from: Biomedical, Biomolecular or Biological modules + outside subject

LEVEL 3
Choose to specialise in the subjects that excite you in Biomedical Science or Biological Sciences

GRADUATE
BSc
Bachelor of Science (Ordinary Degree) Biomedical Science or Biological Sciences

Opt to have a year in industry or study abroad

LEVEL 4
Research projects + specialist units on current research in Life Sciences

GRADUATE
BSc Hons
in specialist subject (see lists) or joint subjects e.g. BSc Hons Biomedical Sci BSc Hons Biological Sciences

LEVEL 5
Extended research projects Research seminars in your chosen area Research skills and planning

GRADUATE
MSci or
MBiol
in a specialist subject

Degrees Available

BSc Anatomical Sciences
BSc Anatomical and Physiological Sciences
BSc Biochemistry
BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Biomedical Sciences
BSc Forensic Anthropology (different entry requirements)
BSc Microbiology
BSc Molecular Biology

Degree with a year in industry

BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery

Teaching & Assessment

Our courses are taught by staff based in the College of Life Sciences.

How you will be taught

We use a variety of teaching methods, with lectures and practicals forming the core. In addition, we use workshops, tutorials, computer-aided learning, and field excursions, as appropriate to each module.

What you will study

All life sciences degree programmes share common core modules in the early years that provide a general introduction to the life sciences through an integrated programme of lectures, tutorials, practical work and field excursions.

All our Honours degrees are also available as 3 year options for applicants who already have appropriate qualifications at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) level 7 - the equivalent of the A2 year of A-Levels or the Scottish Baccalaureate. To benefit from the best academic progression, applicants with these qualifications will be made offers for the 3 year Honours degree and will start the programme at SCQF 8 (Level 2). Once you have been accepted onto the course, your current knowledge base and skill set will be assessed, so that we can recommend appropriate modules for the first semester.

Typical degree programme

Levels 1 and 2

You will take courses covering the breadth of the biological and chemical sciences, as a core foundation for future studies. Our teaching emphasises practical skills, including labs, fieldwork and problem solving, set in the context of a core knowledge which covers the biological and chemical sciences from molecules to communities, via microbiology, cell biology, comparative physiology, biochemistry, genetics, population and community biology, all of which are a means to teach principles which apply across the subject.

In addition, you will be developing your problem solving abilities, and many transferable skills: researching scientific publications, making presentations and developing your analytical skills.

Both levels include the option for study of modules outside the College of Life Sciences, which we encourage. See our BSc degree structure and overview and our MA degree structure and overview to learn more about these additional modules.

For both three year and four year routes, our aim is to train you as a scientist by the end of SCQF 8 (Level 2), with an emphasis on core knowledge, practical experience and problem-solving skills to prepare you for the research-led specialist teaching in Levels 3 and above.

Level 3

Level 3 (equivalent to SCQF 9) is based around two themes, the Biological Sciences and the Biomedical Sciences.

The Biological Sciences theme supports your development as a broader life scientist, and allows you to focus on current areas of research excellence in the College - many of these use the same principles and technologies to study different problems and, as the year progresses, you will be choosing which areas interest you more, and therefore which of several degree streams is best for you.

These include:

The Biomedical Sciences theme prepares you for degrees in subjects in which subject-specific knowledge has a stronger role, while still being within the research excellence of the University, and which are focussed more on the human condition:

At the end of Level 3, you may leave with a non-Honours degree in Biological or Biomedical Sciences, an excellent foundation for many careers.

Between Levels 3 and 4, you have the opportunity to take a year out of Dundee, either studying abroad, or on a full-time work placement. Both of these can give you a 'real world' perspective on your studies, while further developing your CV.

Level 4

Level 4 (equivalent to SCQF 10) continues the specialisation of Level 3, focussing strongly on your degree choice, and with a significant laboratory and skills element, through the Honours project and seminars and presentations. Because the Honours year is that much more challenging, entry to Level 4 from Level 3 requires a minimum grade average.

At the end of Level 4, you will either graduate with an Honours degree in a named single subject, or a more general Honours degree in Biological Sciences or Biomedical Sciences.

Specialisation in two subjects will be recognised in your degree title, for example BSc Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology and Physiological Sciences). The title of your degree will reflect the specialist subject(s) you have studied and the project undertaken.

Integrated Masters (Level 5)

We are currently developing the Level 5 curriculum, which will provide an opportunity for extensive development of your research and analytical skills in the subject area you feel most passionate about.

This level, the Integrated Masters, may consist of an extensive research project, coupled with in-depth analytical seminars and research training, which will prepare you for the world of biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, both in and out of the academic world; or it may focus on the specialist knowledge in e.g. anatomical or forensic sciences, that will prepare you to be a practitioner on graduation.

If you want to do the Masters year, you will need to achieve high scores throughout your studies, as progression into this part of the course will be competitive.

Transferable Skills

Throughout your scientific studies you will be developing transferable skills.

At Levels 1 to 3 you will be taught transferable skills, either embedded within the 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.

How you will be assessed

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.

Careers

A degree from the College of Life Sciences offers excellent job prospects after graduation. The University has one of the highest graduate employment rates in the UK.

To find out more about career options, please visit the individual course webpages.

Further study

Many Life Science graduates choose to continue their studies. We offer a wide range of postgraduate level courses in the Life Sciences, in addition to many research opportunities.

Karrie Melville graduated in 2002. She writes: "After my first degree, I was offered a place to study for a PhD. I graduated with my PhD in 2006. Whilst writing up, I was employed by the University of Dundee as a Microbiology Lead Author for an online learning programme, for a fixed term of 24months.

"After this, I chose to leave academia and entered industry in 2007, to develop lateral flow devices for BBI Dundee. I then left this job for a better role at Neogen Europe where I now lead a small team of scientists."

Entry Requirements

These are minimum indicative entry requirements, not a guaranteed entry level. You will get an individual offer from us following our review of your application. Please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Your application for entry will be judged based on the highest level qualifications you have or are taking, e.g. students offering A-Levels or Scottish Baccalaureate will be made an offer based on entry to the 3 year Honours degree as this offers the best academic progression.

4 year Honours degree (Level 1 / SCQF 7 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Higher	ABBB
GCE A-Level	not available
ILC Higher	ABBB
IB Diploma	30 points (including 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects	Biology and Chemistry (Higher, ILC Higher, IB Higher Level) Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, ILC Ordinary Level at C or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)
EU & International	Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

3 year Honours degree (Level 2 / SCQF 8 entry)

Qualification	Grade
SQA Advanced Higher	AB (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 Chemistry (AH or A-Level or IB Higher level). Mathematics (Standard Grade at 3, Intermediate 2 at C, GCSE at C, or IB Subsidiary Level at 4)

Other Qualifications

Qualification	Grade
SQA	A relevant HNC with grade A in the graded unit with appropriate Science units, and 120 SCQF credits (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with grade AA in the graded units with appropriate Science units (Level 2 entry)
Scottish Baccalaureate	Distinction with AB at AH Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics at SG (grade 3) or Intermediate 2 (grade C) (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access to Science Programmes	Relevant science subjects with AAA grades to include Chemistry and Biology/Human Biology at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL	A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry) A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science modules (Level 2 entry)
Advanced Diploma	Grade A with ASL-A Level Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE C (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate	Pass with A-Levels in Biology and Chemistry at AB. Mathematics at GCSE grade C (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category	Fees for students starting September 2012	Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
Students from the rest of the UK	£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.	University of Dundee Bursaries School Academic Scholarships Other Scholarships
EU students	£1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.	Other Scholarships
Overseas students (non-EU)	£10,500 per year.	Sir James Black Scholarship Other Scholarships

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree	UCAS Codes
BSc Anatomical Sciences	B110
BSc Anatomical and Physiological Sciences	B120
BSc Biochemistry	C700
BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery	F151
BSc Biological Sciences	C100
BSc Biomedical Sciences	B900
BSc Forensic Anthropology (different entry requirements)	FL46
BSc Microbiology	C500
BSc Molecular Biology	C720
BSc Molecular Genetics	C431
BSc Neuroscience	B140
BSc Pharmacology	B210
BSc Physiological Sciences	B100
BSc Sports Biomedicine	CB69
Degree with a year in industry
BSc Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery	F154

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
Fees and Funding
English Language Requirements
International Student Support

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.

Do you have an enquiring mind?
Do you have good analytical skills and problem-solving ability?
Are you self-motivated and able to work independently?
Are you a good team player?
Do you have good communication skills?

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.

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

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)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk