Biology and Earth Sciences BSc

From understanding how molecules and cells work to the study of entire ecosystems, Biology covers all aspects of the natural world. A joint degree with Earth Sciences, this programme will also help you to understand the changing environment of our dynamic planet.

Normally modules available for joint degree programmes are the same as the single honours degree. However, the Biology and Earth Science BSc (Hons) degree has a specifically tailored set of available modules, which is described below.

All other aspects of the programme, including teaching format, are the same as those listed on the Biology BSc and Environmental Earth Sciences BSc webpages.

For more information on joint honours degrees email admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Entry requirements

The University offers different entry requirements, depending on your background. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.

• Standard entry grades:

  AAAB, Including Biology (or Human Biology) and one other subject from the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

  Minimum entry grades:

  AABB, Including Biology (or Human Biology) and one other subject from the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

  Gateway entry grades:

  Applicants who have narrowly missed the minimum entry grades, but meet the University's contextual criteria, may be interested in one of the University’s Gateway programmes.

• Standard entry grades:

  AAB, Including Biology and one other subject from the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

  Minimum entry grades:

  ABB, Including Biology and one other subject from the following: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

• Standard entry grades:

  36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL6 in one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

  Minimum entry grades:

  36 (HL 6,5,5), including HL6 in Biology and HL5 in one of the following subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics.

General entry requirements

All applicants must have attained the following qualifications, or equivalent, in addition to the specific entry requirements for individual programmes.

• SQA National 5 (B) in English and one SQA National 5 (B) from the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Geography
  • Applications of Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

• GCSE (5) in English language or English literature, and one GCSE (5) from the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology.

Other qualifications

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry on to our programmes. Please see our entry requirements for more information.

More information on how to apply via other entry routes or accreditation of prior learning and experience can be found on the University’s entry requirements web page.

Do I need to have studied this subject before?

Students must have studied Biology (or Human Biology) at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level or equivalent. Most students who enrol on this course have not studied Earth Sciences at school, and choose Earth Sciences based on a love of the environment, the outdoors, and science. Preference will be given to candidates offering strong science qualifications over and above the stated minimum requirements.

International applicants

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.

Careers

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.