Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic areas of modern biology and takes a 'finding solutions' approach. This approach considers how the fundamental knowledge derived from biological sciences can be applied to industrial and biomedical applications to make new products or new technologies that are useful to society, including:

new drugs and vaccines to combat diseases

new enzymes for health care

bio-control agents in the field

biosensors to monitor environmental pollution

synthetic biology applications for industrial biotechnology and nanotechnology

Areas of study

On this programme you will explore biological areas such as:

microbial biotechnology

genetic and cloning technologies

drug design

plant cell technology

synthetic biology

stem cells

biological production methods

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 a flexible learning experience. With 12 different biological sciences subject areas, you can tailor your programme to your preferred career path. Regardless of your initial application choice, you will have the opportunity to explore aspects of each of our programmes in the early years and can 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. This will prepare you to be a part of the next generation of scientific thinkers who apply their skills in various contexts.

Programme benefits

Study on a flexible programme. Explore different areas of biological sciences before specialising in the later years of your degree programme.

You will learn in state-of-the-art laboratories, interactive computing studio facilities, and collaborative lecture theatres, ensuring a dynamic and immersive study experience.

Experience hands-on learning with fieldwork at local sites such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.

Gain key skills valued by employers such as communication, collaboration, problem solving and data analysis.

Complete an independent research project in one of our academic research laboratories in your final year.