BSc in
BSc (Hons) in Applied Biological Sciences University of Stirling
Introduction
Overview
Scotland is internationally recognised for its crucial contributions in drug discovery and development, medical technologies, stem cells, bio-manufacturing and bioinformatics.
We’ve worked with Forth Valley College and business to develop a fully integrated degree course in Applied Biological Sciences. Our course is making a difference by solving the problem of skills shortages in life sciences. We’ll give you technical expertise and proficiency in the vital practical and research skills sought-after by employers.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 We're 2nd in Scotland for Biology (National Student Survey 2022)
#2 100% of research from Biological and Environmental Sciences was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact (REF 2021)
#3 Our staff have diverse research backgrounds and work with employers to deliver a career-focused, up-to-date curriculum
Curriculum
Your study will begin with fundamental science and laboratory skills before focusing on the cellular and molecular aspects of biological sciences.
Your final year will focus on proteomic and genomic aspects of biological sciences, plus your research project. Our research-led teaching, together with the experience and insight gained by your work placements, will make you work-ready for a modern career in biosciences.
Course details
We deliver this course with our partner, Forth Valley College, which gives you a shared learning approach and combines both our knowledge and expertise. Together with employers, we deliver the most up-to-date and business-relevant curriculum.
This course offers interdisciplinary training in areas that are key to contemporary biological science, including animal, plant biology and biotechnology. This course will ensure you have life science awareness, strong technical expertise and are proficient in vital 'hand skills' (practical and research skills), that are heavily sought-after by employers.
Forth Valley College’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) provision is amongst the strongest and most comprehensive to be found at colleges from across the UK. The College has close links with industry, in order to provide you with the skills required by employers. Learner engagement and satisfaction are also major strengths for the College.
Years 1 and 2 will be delivered by Forth Valley College at their Falkirk Campus, with some key subject tutorials delivered at the University of Stirling. During the first 2 years, the focus is on the acquisition of fundamental biological laboratory skills, giving you an understanding of the science that underpins them. All modules will have an applied and practical skills focus. Much of the teaching will be done in small classes at Forth Valley College, with others at the University of Stirling, including a module in statistics, focused practical laboratory sessions and opportunities to undertake project work in Year 2.
From Year 3 onwards, you will be taught at the University of Stirling campus for the remainder of the course. Modules will focus largely on the cellular and molecular aspects of biological sciences including immunology and microbiology.
An industrial placement module will give you valuable insight into how the biosciences industries work, as well as giving you hands-on experience in the workplace.
Your final year will focus on advanced cellular and molecular biology, proteomic/genomic tools and experimental design together with an extended research dissertation carried out in academics’ laboratories. Research-led teaching is the key to deep learning and understanding. This approach, together with business placements, enables you to apply the skills that you develop to modern biosciences careers. We offer a wide range of research topics for your dissertation projects, from environmental and applied microbiology to infectious disease research.
You'll have full access to all of the University and College’s facilities and will be fully enrolled within both institutions.
Sabine Matallana-Surget, Ph.D.
Course Coordinator
Biological and Environmental Sciences
University of Stirling
Stirling FK9 4LA
+44 (0)1786 467774
Fiona Jackson
Curriculum Manager
Forth Valley College
Grangemouth Road,
Falkirk
+44 0845 634 4444