MA Biological Sciences
About this course
Biological sciences is one of the broadest and most important disciplines in science, encompassing the study of life from its molecular foundations to the dynamics of entire ecosystems. It addresses questions that range from how genes control development and behaviour to how species evolve, how populations interact, and how living systems respond to environmental change. The discipline is central to our understanding of health and disease, biodiversity and conservation, food production, and the response to global environmental challenges. At the University of Aberdeen, you will study biological sciences over four years full-time, developing a programme that spans both the molecular and the organismal aspects of the discipline. You will engage with cell biology, genetics, evolutionary genomics, ecology, physiology, and the tools and methods of modern biological research, including practical laboratory and fieldwork that puts theory into context. As the programme progresses, you have the opportunity to specialise in animal science, plant science, or environmental science, allowing you to develop depth in the area that most interests you. The programme includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study at a partner institution in a different country and to encounter different scientific cultures and research environments. The typical entry tariff is 136 UCAS points. Graduates of biological sciences programmes go on to a wide range of careers in research, healthcare, the life sciences industry, conservation, environmental management, education, and science communication. The laboratory and analytical skills developed through the programme are valued in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical laboratories, environmental consultancies, government agencies, and research institutions. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study at MSc or PhD level, specialising in areas such as ecology, molecular biology, conservation genetics, or evolutionary biology.
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