Biological Sciences (Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells) (BSc)

Introducing BSc Biological Sciences (Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells)

During the development of a complex adult organism, cells become progressively more specialised. These specialised cells must form in the right place and at the right time. This programme focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that cells use to achieve this.

This is a revolutionary area of science. By manipulating and mutating genes, introducing new genes into embryos and suppressing gene expression, scientists are starting to comprehend the way genes control development. This can be exploited for disease therapy or for industrial applications.

Areas of study

You will study a range of topics, including:

• basic anatomy and embryology
• human genetics
• sex determination
• stem cell biology

We aim to understand the molecular and genetic mechanisms by which the properties of developing organisms are controlled.

Flexibility

Biological Sciences explores the study of living organisms, covering everything from the interactions of animals in their environment to how genes are expressed.

We offer 12 different biological sciences subject areas, including development, regeneration and stem cells. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and choose to specialise in whichever one interests you.

Our skills based curriculum will equip you with data analysis, programming and problem-solving skills, as well as teaching you effective communication, and independent thinking, preparing you to be a part of the next generation of scientific thinkers who apply their skills in various contexts.

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AABB (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 5 Dec 2024 to lower entry requirements from AAAB.)
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB: 37 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. (Revised 5 Dec 2024 to lower entry requirements from AABB by end of S6.)
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: Biology and Chemistry, both at B or above. You must have a grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Applications of Mathematics or Physics. Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry are recommended. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics or Physics at B. We accept Higher Applications of Mathematics at C in place of National 5 Mathematics at B.
• A Levels: Biology and Chemistry, both at B or above. You must have a grade A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. GCSEs: Mathematics or Physics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: Biology and Chemistry at 5. SL: Mathematics: Analysis and approaches, Mathematics: Applications and interpretation, or Physics at 6 and English at 5.

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

The skills you will gain from a Biological Sciences degree are transferable and highly valued across many career pathways. They include:

• problem-solving
• analytical and quantitative reasoning skills
• presentation and communication
• group working and collaboration
• time management

Our Careers Service is available to help you throughout your time with us and for 2 years after the end date of your course.

We have a dedicated School Careers Consultant who runs drop-ins for students and can help with things like CV and application writing and preparation for interviews. We also run a series of workshops during your studies including 'finding work experience' and 'preparing for placement' that you can attend.

Our graduates

Biological Sciences students go on to work or study in a range of different fields, within and outside of science. This can include:

• further academic research - Master's degree, PhD
• practical research - lab technician, industrial roles, field assistant, conservation
• professional qualifications - teaching, medicine, veterinary medicine, law
• science policy - government, NGOs, charities
• science communication - journalism, publishing, media relations, outreach
• other - finance, management

Previous graduates have secured roles in both research and industry and have been employed by a variety of different organisations.

The career path you choose is up to you and will depend on your experiences, skills, values, and interests.