Applied Bioscience

You will be introduced to the general principles of biology, chemistry, microbiology and ecology. You will also develop basic analytical skills by undertaking experimental work in the laboratory.

You will learn about the function of various forms of life, including microbes, plants and animals, including their anatomy, physiology, biochemical pathways and genetics. You will also further develop your understanding of bioanalytical techniques used in the bioscience industry.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 25 students per group, 50 hours per term
• Seminars - 25 students per group, 20 hours per term
• Tutorial - 25 students per group, 10 hours per term
• Project Supervision - 25 students per group, 50 hours per term
• Practical class or workshop - 25 students per group, 30 hours per term
• Independent Study - 25 students per group,300 hours per term

How long is a BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience course?

The Applied Bioscience course can be successfully completed in 4 years. This is to include time for independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed eachyear:

Year 1

• 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 - 2 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment
• 2 practical skills assessments

Year 2

• 5 written exams, typically for1.5 - 2hours
• 4 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment

Year 3

• 5 written exams, typically for 2.5 - 3hours
• 4 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 dissertation

Year 4

• 3 written exams, typically for2.5 - 3hours
• 2 written assignments, including essays
• 2 oral assessments
• 2 practical skills assessments

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Independent Study

In addition to scheduled class time and practical classes, you are expected to read widely from the provided reading lists, conduct your own research and meet with your peers to undertake allocated group work, complete tutorial assignments, and work on assessments. Together, the scheduled teaching activities and independent study equates to approximately 40 hours-per-week.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The teaching staff includes research-active individuals in a wider-range of disciplines (environmental science, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology) as well as academics who are registered with professional bodies such as the Institute of Biomedical Sciencesand the Royal Society of Biology. This allows us to provide you with a course which is highly relevant to prospective employers, enhancing your employability prospects.

Study Abroad

The course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad under the Study Abroad programme: this takes place in the final year of study as part of a 12-week research project in a European country such as Germany, Spain, Portugal or Italy.

Job Prospects

You will find Bioscientists working all over the world in a diverse range of settings including research and development laboratories (for example microbiology, marine science and immunology), biotechnology companies, classrooms, sales representatives and the food and drink industry.

Is Applied Bioscience a good career choice?

On completion of the course you will have a wide-range of career options in the field of biosciences. Many of our graduates find employment within private or public sector research. This could be within university, government, NHS, commercial or charity-funded laboratories.

Previous BSc Applied Bioscience graduates of Robert Gordon University have also gone on to pursue the following careers:

• Forensic analysis
• Environmental consultancy
• Scientific publishing
• Secondary school teaching.

You may also decide to continue your studies and specialise with a Master’s degree, or develop your research skills with a PhD.