Why St Andrews?
Care
The School of Biology leads new students gently into the new challenges of University study. In First year each student is allocated a demonstrator in practical classes who will be there each week to guide through the skills and knowledge required and give weekly feedback on progress. In addition, each student has an Adviser of Studies has an open door policy.
Future employment and postgraduate degrees
Students studying Biology at the University of St Andrews progress to a wide variety of careers and further study. Normally around 40% of our students succeed in their applications to progess to PhD or Masters programmes and a further 30-40% engage in graduate employment destinations.
Why four years?
Whilst many school leavers are confident of the subjects they wish to study at University many are not. The advantage of the University of St Andrews is that each student has the opportunity to study one or two other subjects before finally deciding on their degree program of choice. In addition the first year gives each student the chance to settle into student life and gain a broad base to his or her education. Many employers recognize now the advantages of inter-disciplinary studies and the ability to think across fields of understanding and study. The structure of University of St Andrews degree produces students who have that edge in the recruitment market.
Rankings
The University of St Andrews ranks very highly in the various newspaper rankings, for Biology it is normally top in Scotland and always in the top ten in the UK. For example, the Guardian ranked the School of Biology top in Scotland and fifth in the UK in 2011.
More about Biology at St Andrews...
Introduction to Biology Degrees at St Andrews
The School of Biology offers a wide breadth of Biology degrees from Marine Biology through to Neuroscience and to Molecular Biology. Additionally we offer joint degrees with Psychology, Chemistry, Languages and Mathematics or Statistics.
Importantly, because of our degree structure at St. Andrews you do not need to decide what 'brand' of Biologist you are until your third year!
You can read more about our degree structure on the next tab ...
...or select from the list on the right
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Degree Structure
Normally, undergraduate degrees in the School of Biology take four years.
In the first year you start studying Biology and meantime you have the fantastic opportunity to develop another subject or two. For example students often study Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Psychology or Maths alongside Biology before specialising in Biology at second or even third year.
Semester 1: Biology I
+2 modules from another subject
Semester 2: Biology II
+2 modules from another subject
1st Year
At least two of the following modules:
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell Structure & Function, Comparative Physiology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoology
2nd Year
Broad-based Core Modules
followed by a choice of Specialised Modules and a Research Project
3d & 4th Years (Honours)
Exceptionally students are admitted directly to second year, but this is an exception as we feel one of the real advantages of a Scottish degree is the broad-base and the opportunity take time to adapt to University life and study.
You can read more about what you will learn on the next tab...
...or select from the list on the right
to browse a specific degree programme in more detail:
What will I learn?
The School of Biology offers two modules in first year and five in second year.
In first year the modules introduce you to core material relevant to all degree programmes in areas such as animal and plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology and genetics.
In the second year you choose modules that will best prepare you for your intended degree (or group of possible degrees).
In third year you specialize in the degree programme of your choice.
Then in fourth year you have the opportunity to select from an extremely wide range of small group specialized modules taught by academics teaching to their research strengths and at the forefront of their discipline.
You can read more about how you will learn...
...or select from the list on the right
to browse a specific degree programme in more detail:
How will I learn?
Lectures
Most modules in your first three years involve lectures; this is a new experience for most students.
Experience a second year lecture by viewing a video online
Practical classes
The School of Biology believes that practical laboratory and field skills are integral to all Biology teaching. Initially in First year you are led through weekly practical classes learning the wide range of skills required of a Biologist. Each student is provided with excellent teaching microscopes and taught in state of the art teaching laboratories.
Field trips
Students studying Biology will regularly be out in the field gathering data from the very outset and where better to experience ecology or marine biology than in St Andrews on the shores of the east coast.
In later years, students have the opportunity to explore further afield in places such as Iceland, Indonesia and Antartica
Research projects
The final year research project is for many students the climax of their Honours degree. The School of Biology offers a year-long 60 credit module where each student is afforded time to research within a research group either in the laboratory or in the field overseen by their project supervisor.
Study Abroad
At Honours level you may have the opportunity to carry out some of your studies abroad. The School of Biology conducts exchanges with European universities under the Erasmus scheme, and currently has partners in Finland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. We also have a partner institution in Australia, and opportunity to study at universities in Canada and the USA under the University’s North American Exchange programme.
You can read about entrance requirements on the next tab...
...or select from the list on the right
to browse a specific degree programme in more detail:
Entrance Requirements
The likely minimum grades currently required are:
SQA Highers: AAAB including at least 2, and preferably 3,
from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
GCE A-Levels: AAB including 2
from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
International Baccalaureate: 35 Points
Preference will be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications.
Please note:
- Obtaining these grades may not guarantee you a place.
- Currently we do not conduct interviews however we do consider all aspects of every application, including the personal statement.
Read more about 'Why St Andrews?' ...
...or select from the list on the right
to browse a specific degree programme in more detail: