The Biological Sciences BSc programme in a designated subject is a three-year degree. You will study a range of biology subjects in first and second years, and in third year you will concentrate entirely on your degree subject.

You will gain fundamental skills that are applicable in a wide range of careers.

Programme structure

There are five degree programmes to choose from within the biological sciences.

Animal Biology

This degree provides an introduction to the principles and problems of whole animal biology. You can choose to spend the whole of third year studying zoology or, if you wish, you can opt to spend the second half of the year studying marine and freshwater biology. This involves aspects of the biology of aquatic organisms, with special emphasis on their application to management of aquatic environments and aquaculture.

Biomolecular Sciences

You will study the molecular basis of living systems. You will see how complex phenomena in multi-cellular organisms like the organisation of cells, tissues and even behaviour are a result of the function of molecules, and how disease and modern medicine relate to molecular function and dysfunction.

Human Biology

You will study the anatomy of the human body, how living organisms work and the study of drugs: what they do and how they do it. The programme aims to explain the underlying processes and mechanisms that operate in structures from single cells to the whole animal.

Infection Biology

You will study the spectrum of infectious diseases, immune responses and the biochemistry and molecular biology of microorganisms and parasites. The final year is run jointly with the Microbiology, Parasitology and Virology degree programmes.

Sports Science

You will study human performance in sport and exercise, with three main strands of physiology, psychology and biomechanics. This is a scientific degree which studies the interactions of genetics and lifestyle rather than teaching coaching or sports techniques.

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Career prospects

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed. 

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results may be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer. 

A-levels: AAB including one, preferably two, science subjects. AS Level in either Biology or Chemistry. All Biology students study a minimum level of Chemistry in first year.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships