BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

at Edinburgh Napier University

Our biological science courses give you the option to study the areas of biology which interest you the most.

Our dynamic teaching staff have a wealth of experience in teaching and research and area currently active in their research and this help to shape the course. You'll benefit from international research conducted across the biological sciences and will have the opportunity to conduct your own research project.

The applied nature of this course develops skills that make you more employable including team working, problem solving, research, communication and IT. As well as specialist analytical and numerical skills, you will be able to collect biological data and communicate scientific information.

The skills you will gain prepare you for work in a number of areas. You can also continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD and further academic study.

Popular modules

Year 1

• Foundation in Science
• Life on Earth
• Comparative anatomy and physiology
• Scientific enquiry
• Introductory Microbiology
• Cell biology

Year 2

• Genes and Inheritance
• Trimester 1
• Select 2 option modules from:
• Biochemistry
• Applied Microbiology 
• Ecology and Sustainability 
• Practical Skills in Biodiversity and Ecology
• Physiology, Adaptation and Disease
• Trimester 2
• Select 2 option modules from:
• Symbiosis
• Animal Behaviour
• Clinical Care of Exotic Species
• Year 3
• Research Methods
• Trimester 1
• Select 2 option modules from:
• Habitat Assessment and GIS
• Ecology Field Studies 
• Molecular Biology and the Cell
• Immunology
• Food Microbiology and Biotechnology
• Trimester 2
• Select 3 option modules from:
• Applied and Environmental Microbiology 
• Infection and Immunity
• Molecular Medicine
• Pathobiology and Therapeutics
• Conservation Biology
• Freshwater Biology
• Marine Biology
• Terrestrial Field Ecology

Year 4

• Professional Practice
• Trimester 1
• Select 2 option modules from:
• Advances in Animal Behaviour
• Current Topics in Ecology
• Research Methods in Biomedicine
• Trends in Biomedical Sciences
• Microbial Biotechnology
• Fish and Fisheries Biology
• Trimester 2
• Research project

Undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees 

IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test
80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English
56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge B2 First (formerly Cambridge English First (FCE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced (CAE))
169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each component

Trinity Integrated Skills Test (ISE)
ISEII, ISEIII, ISEIV with a pass in each component

LanguageCert English language qualification
B2 Communicator Test with overall 39 or above, and 25 or above in all skills

Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study. Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by mainland EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here. For EU students who commenced their studies prior to 1 August 2022 or hold pre or settled status in the UK, fees will remain the same as Scottish Students.

If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details. 

                   
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2022 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here

A Biological Sciences degree gives you a breadth of knowledge applicable to careers ranging from teaching to laboratory research.  The flexible nature of this programme is a particularly good preparation for those who are considering a career in school teaching or general biology.

You'll be qualified for work in industrial research and development, production, quality control, sales and marketing and consultancy.
The emphasis on research in this course equips you with the knowledge and skills required to continue on to postgraduate study, including possible PhD study and a further academic career.