biology phd edinburgh

The Matthews Lab

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October 2023. Stephen and Emma's paper published in PNAS . Read the paper here and the explainer here

May 2023. BBSRC fund a £880k collaborative project with Liam Morrison and Frank Venter on the risk of trypanosome coinfections in Africa

September 2022: Frank wins best poster at the Parafrap EMBO meeting at Les Embiez

August 2022: Keith wins the Alice and C. C. Wang prize for molecular parasitology from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biolog y. Read his interview here

June 2022: Mabel wins the Ker Memorial prize and her paper is published in ' Nature communications '

August 2021: Emma's scRNA analysis of the slender-stumpy transition (with Richard McCulloch , Thomas Otto and Federico Rojas) accepted in Nature Communications .

August 2021: Desi and Robbie's paper, with Robin Allshire on trypanosoma chromatin factors accepted in Genome Research .

July 2021: Guys paper on monomorphism, trypanosome nomenclature and disease features published in Microbial Genomics .

January 2021: £2.5M Investigator award from the Wellcome Trust to support our work on trypanosome quorum sensing

August 2020: read coverage of our sheep vaccination technology here .

April 2020: Keith elected Fellow of the Royal Society ( 2020)

March 2020: Mathieu's paper accepted in eLife

June 2019: Balazs's paper on glycosome repositioning (with Derrick Robinson and Markus Engstler) accepted in Mbio

November 2018: Federico's paper on trypanosome quorum sensing published in 'Cell'

May 2018: Keith elected Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences

September 2017: Our collaborative group receives £2M from the Wellcome Trust to study immune evasion by livestock

October 2017. £7M award for the the NIHR TIBA (Tackling Infections for the Benefit of Africa) programme

September 2017: Eleanor's paper on interspecies quorum sensing published in "Nature Microbiology'. Readcube access here .

May 2017: Eleanor wins the 2017 Ker memorial prize for the 'best PhD thesis on Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh'.

March 2017- Well done Eva for her paper acceptance in PLOS Pathogens!

November 2016 Delighted to be awarded a Royal Society GCRF grant on pathogen control in sheep in developing countries

June 2016: Our review on Drug Resistance in Eukaryotic Microroganisms published in 'Nature Microbiology'

November 2015: Keith wins Sanofi-Institut Pasteur mid career international award in biomedical research. See the video here

August 2015: Our paper, with Mick Urbaniak and Mike Ferguson , accepted in J Cell Biology.

March 2015: Delighted that Kirsty McWilliam will join us for a PhD from September

December 2014: Balazs wins BBSRC 'Excellence with Impact' award in the School of Biological Sciences.

September 2014: Lindsay wins Institute poster prize at the SBS graduate symposium

April 2014: Keith to become Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator

March 2014: Thank you to everyone who supported Keith for the SBS Firewalk. The team raised £4000 to assist Undergraduate bursaries. Some images are here

January 2014: Paula's HTS screen for stumpy inducers accepted in ' Eukaryotic Cell '

November 2013: Our paper on stumpy formation published in 'Nature' : read here

August 2013: Balazs and Irene's paper (with Naomi Dyer and Alvaro Acosta-Serrano ) accepted in PLoS Pathogens

Feb 2013: Stephanie's paper (with Peter Simmonds ) accepted in J Cell Science

May 2012: Paula, Balazs Nick and Keith's review published in ' Nature Reviews Microbiology'

February 2012: Tom Little's commentary published in Nature Medicine

November 2011: Pegine and Paul's paper accepted in Nucleic Acids Research.

October 2011: Adam's paper published in PLoS Pathogens and highlighted by the BBSRC Food Security programme , Wellcome Trust blog and University of Edinburgh pod cast

Aprl 2011 : Paula's paper published in (and cover featured) in Cell Host and Microbe .

March 2011 : Keith's review on Vector Borne Parasites published in " Science "

September 2010: Stephanie wins "School of Biological Sciences Best Poster" prize at the graduate symposium.

May 2010: Balazs and Irene's paper accepted in ' Genes and Development '

Sam's paper published in " Nature "

Wellcome Trust News feed on Sam's paper: Read here

Sam wins the Ker Memorial Prize for 'outstanding research work undertaken in the field of infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh'

Balazs wins the "Cellular Microbiology" Prize for best poster at the Gordon Research Conference on Host-Parasite Interactions 2008: Read here

Keith awarded the C.A. Wright Medal by the British Society for Parasitology

Introduction

What are african trypanosomes and why do we study them.

Trypanosomes are very ancient and interesting organisms: they are among the earliest branching eukaryotes. Fundamental discoveries have been made in these parasites which have had major impact on what we know about all cells. They also are unique in many respects, an example of the “differently evolved”.

Trypanosomes as a tractable model for developmental processes.

We are interested in how trypanosomes control their life cycle, which governs the spread of disease. This is very accessible to molecular cell biology: different stages can be cultured in vitro, they can be genetically transformed, gene transcripts can be ablated by RNA interference and differentiation between life stages is simple and reproducible. Also the genome sequence of these parasites has now been completed, revealing that ~60% of  trypanosome genes are not found in other organisms. It is these genes that may provide the keys to understanding the unique and interesting biology of trypanosomes.

The life cycle of trypanosomes

Trypanosomes survive free in the bloodstream of mammalian hosts. Here they proliferate as slender forms. However, as parasite density increases they differentiate to so-called stumpy forms using an inter-cellular communication system similar to quorum sensing observed in some microbial communities. Stumpy forms do not divide and are pre-adapted for survival and differentiation when taken up in the bloodmeal of a tsetse fly. Stumpy forms are pivotal in the transmission of trypanosomes, being more robust than slender forms and competent to differentiate. What defines the differentiation-competence of stumpy forms is one of our major research questions, and we have identified several key molecules that are important in this differentiation competence. One family of these are PAD proteins , responsible for helping the trypanosome to detect its uptake in a tsetse bloodmeal.

The life cycle of African Trypanosomes in the mammalian bloodstream and tsetse fly (from MacGregor, Szoor, Savill & Matthews; Nature Reviews Microbiology 10, 431-438 (2012)

Once stumpy forms enter the tsetse fly midgut they differentiate into procyclic forms. This differentiation can be carried out in vitro and is completely synchronous. This is a great advantage for studies at the molecular and cellular level, because it enables the analyses of large numbers of parasites at the molecular level, and direct translation of this information into what is happening in individual cells. Using this synchronous differentiation model we have been able to map the major events of differentiation, with the aim to identify their underlying controls. How the programme of developmental events is controlled and co-ordinated is a second major research theme in our laboratory.

Stumpy forms isolated at peak parasitaemia

Understanding the life cycle control of trypanosomes has the potential to provide routes to preventing transmission of the disease. It also represents a model for eukaryotic cell differentiation  in an organism that diverged far earlier than all other eukaryotic experimental models. This has the potential to identify conserved processes fundamental in eukaryotic cell biology. For example, cell type differentiation often involves progression of a proliferative cell (e.g. a stem cell) into cell-cycle arrest, this being followed by cell specialization via differentiation. The trypanosome life cycle follows a similar path: proliferative cells (bloodstream slender forms) undergo cell cycle arrest in response to an autocrine signal, after which the arrested cells (stumpy forms) differentiate in response to environmental cues to produce a new differentiated (but proliferative) cell type (procyclic cells).

A video highlighting our research work recognised by the Sanofi-Institut Pasteur prix for Tropical Medicine can be viewed here

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PhD Study with Edinburgh Neuroscience

Edinburgh Neuroscience currently has about 250 PhD students working on a wide variety of neuroscience-related projects that cover health and disease across the life course, from early development to old age. Our PhD students are an integral part of our dynamic neuroscience community and we are keen to recruit motivated and collaborative students.  There are a variety of PhD opportunities, advertised throughout the year and, in addition to the numerous individual PhD projects offered via our research centres, we have two PhD programmes.

EdNeuro.PhD is our PhD portal

To find out more about studying for a PhD with Edinburgh Neuroscience, currently available funded studentships and how to apply, please visit our dedicated PhD portal  EdNeuro.PhD

Visit EdNeuro.PhD for all our PhD training information

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SPRINT-MND/MS PhD Programme . Led by Edinburgh Neuroscience, Scottish PhD Research & Innovation Network Traineeships in MND/MS’ is a PhD programme in partnership with the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews and promotes research into all aspects of motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.

Wellcome Trust 4 year PhD in translational Neuroscience . Our flagship PhD programme  ‘Translational Neuroscience: Lifecourse influences on human brain health’ is a ‘ training to translate ’ programme for non -clinical students that addresses a current global need by focussing on the advancement of knowledge, expertise and skills in clinical translation, drawing on unique Edinburgh research strengths in diseases across the life-course to achieve this goal.

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This article was published on 2024-02-26

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PhD projects in Astrobiology

About astrobiology.

We investigate life in extreme environments, how life adapts to single and multiple extremes, how life adapts to conditions in the planetary crust and we investigate the habitability of other planetary bodies. Our work involved field, laboratory and theoretical approaches. Please contact us about current opportunities.

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Available PhD projects

A list of current PhD projects in Astrobiology is shown below. Click on each project to find out more about the project, its supervisor(s) and its research area(s).

• Habitability of Extraterrestrial Environments
• Life in Extreme Environments
• Living Rocks and Dead Ringers: Stromatolites and their Impostors on Earth and Mars
• True and false signatures of habitability and life on exoplanets

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Mathematical Biology

• Nonlinear Dynamics and Asymptotics
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Stochastic and computational methods applied to biology

Stochastic Modelling of Biological Systems

Due to recent experimental progress, the field of mathematical biology is rapidly growing. There are plenty of biological systems where mathematical models and analysis are needed. Closely interacting with experimentalists, the PhD candidate would formulate and analyze models of cancer progression, virus dynamics, bacterial evolution, and possibly other systems related to molecular motor motion or the origins of life. The project starts with first building and exploring simple model systems, and continues with their study by computer simulations and analytical methods. Knowledge of the biological background is not necessary at the beginning, but one will eventually learn some biology in order to do relevant research. Informal enquiries can be made to Tibor Antal ( [email protected] ).

Probability Models of Cancer Growth

Biology is a fast growing area for applications of probability. Since still in its infancy, there are many unexplored areas and open problems. In particular, there is a great interest in stochastic models of cancers. This PhD project would focus on understanding the most basic and fundamental models of tumor progression. These models include branching processes, other models borrowed from population genetics, or spatial Poisson processes. The work has a light numerical aspect to it, but would focus more on finding exact solutions, and establishing limit theorems. No knowledge of biology is required. Informal enquiries can be made to Tibor Antal ( [email protected] ).

Modelling of cellular adhesion in close collaboration with experimental biologists

All the multicellular organisms, including us, humans, are in the end just a pile of cells. But why we are not falling apart?  Our team studies cell-cell adhesion from an intracellular perspective. This is a vibrant current area of research, where most labs currently study tissue properties from the macroscopic level (tissue tension, etc), but not from the intracellular level. For cells to stick together, a particular protein must be delivered to its biologically relevant locations along the cell boundary (in order to "glue" nearby cells together) and distributed in such a way that the tissue has desired biological properties. How does this work? Is the outcome robust? We study these processes in close collaboration with the experimental biology lab of Natalia Bulgakova at U. Sheffield, with maths modelling guiding the experiments and vice versa. Maths techniques that we use include PDEs, ODEs, and Stochastic modelling. No previous knowledge of biology is required at the beginning of the project, but the student will learn about the relevant bio processes as the project progresses. The results of this highly interdisciplinary project will be of interest to both maths and bio communities. Informal enquiries can be made to Lyuba Chumakova ( [email protected] ).

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Research and Postgraduate Level Options

There are opportunities for visiting postgraduate level students and visiting research students to study here in Edinburgh. Available opportunities vary in each college/school.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS):

Option 1 - postgraduate taught exchange.

You can study with us here on exchange as a postgraduate level taught student.

This option is only possible for those students whose home institutions have an exchange agreement with the University of Edinburgh in the relevant field of postgraduate study. Successful applicants will be contacted and advised about the application process and course selection process. Please note our postgraduate taught exchange option is only available for a single semester.

Option 2 - Fee-paying postgraduate taught study

You may be able to study with us as a fee-paying postgraduate taught student (for example, if we do not hold any exchange agreement with your home institition for postgraduate level study). Please note that the fee-paying postgraduate taught study option is also only available for a single semester.

If you are interested in studying as a visiting postgraduate taught student within the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences then please see their website for more information:

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences

Option 3 - Fee-paying research study 

You may be able to undertake a short period of undergraduate or postgraduate level research in the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences.

First, you will need to develop a research proposal and identify an academic in an appropriate subject area who will supervise you as a visiting research student.

When you can confirm your supervisor and your research proposal has been accepted then the CAHSS Visiting Student Office will provide you with an application form.

Please see the following website for more information about research options in CAHSS:

College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences -Research options

Option 4 – Erasmus traineeships

Undergraduate and postgraduate level students from Erasmus programme countries may also be interested in reading about our Erasmus traineeship opportunities.

Erasmus Traineeships

College of Science and Engineering(SCE/CSE):

This option is only possible for those students whose home institutions have an exchange agreement with the University of Edinburgh in the relevant field of postgraduate study. Successful applicants will be contacted and advised about the application process and course selection process. Please note that the postgraduate taught exchange option is only available for a single semester.

Unfortunately it is currently not possible to study postgraduate taught courses in the College of Science and Engineering without an existing exchange agreement.  

Option 3 - Fee-paying research study

You may be able to undertake a short period of research here in the College of Science and Engineering. Opportunities primarily exist for visiting postgraduate research students but undergraduate level research students are considered on a case-by-case basis.

When you can confirm your supervisor and your research proposal has been accepted then you will need to contact the relevant graduate school office in order to obtain the application form, which you will need to complete. (If you wish to study at undergraduate level, please make this clear to the relevant graduate school office staff.):

College of Science and Engineering - Postgraduate research

Please note that you would be required to provide a letter of confirmation from your supervisor at Edinburgh and also a supporting letter from your supervisor at your home institution, a copy of your passport and evidence of your english language proficiency.

College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM):

For detailed information about the opportunities available in CMVM, please visit the College's website:

Visiting Students at CMVM

The cost of tuition fees is dependent on the duration of your stay in Edinburgh. The cost of your proposed course of study will be confirmed when you are made an unconditional offer.

Students coming on direct exchange agreements with the University of Edinburgh will not be charged tuition fees.

Entry requirements

Each school within the university has slightly different academic and English language entry requirements for visiting students. You will be advised of the relevant entry criteria for your School at the time of application. 

This article was published on 2024-06-24

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MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation

The greatest challenge facing conservation biologists today is the preservation of the world’s biodiversity in the face of considerable human demands on space and resources.

By combining the disciplines of wildlife biology and conservation biology, experienced staff will help you develop and apply both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to address this challenge.

This is the first and only degree in Scotland to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) .

Our graduates have gone on to work for environmental consultancies, government agencies and independent wildlife organisations nationally and internationally.

Our MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation has a 100% overall student satisfaction score (PTES,2023).

Typical entry point to this course is in September and January. Please enquire for more information.

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time  / Distance learning )

12-18 Months

Start date:

The course was very hands-on and I learned a lot of valuable practical skills. The staff were always enthusiastic, helpful, and supportive. Kirsty MacArthur MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation Graduate

I gained theoretical and practical training to pursue a career in wildlife research. The faculty were always supportive. As an international student, I would highly recommend the programme. Stephen Dias MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation Graduate

Edinburgh Napier University provided me with the tools to find a job in conservation that I love. From their practical focus to the engaging debates in class with inspirational lecturers. Isla MacLeod MSc Wildlife & Conservation Biology Graduate

MSc graduate Jenna on her job with Scottish Natural Heritage

Our research, course details.

This course has been designed in conjunction with employers and professional bodies. The main focus is on the development of practical employability skills. In recognition of the strong practical and employability focus, this is the first and only degree in Scotland to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), meaning you'll graduate with an accredited MSc.

In addition to studying relevant theory, you’ll have the opportunity to develop: • advanced analytical skills for population quantification and management • practical skills used in identifying, quantifying and assessing biodiversity • transferable skills including communication, IT (GIS, R), problem solving, research and team working

Our staff have years of experience working worldwide in wildlife conservation and consultancy and are keen to help you develop your potential. In addition, external speakers from a range of government agencies, charities and consultancies share their experiences and give insights into career options. We develop our MSc research project topics in collaboration with a wide range of conservation organisations so that your MSc research answers pressing questions and your findings can be directly applied to real-world problems.

Lead academics

The core academic team boast a wide range of skills and research interests. Staff include: 

• Patrick White   (bird and mammal ecology and conservation)
• Jay Mackinnon  (botany, environmental education, social research)
• Jason Gilchrist (behavioural ecology and biodiversity) 
• Rob Briers (conservation planning, GIS and aquatic ecology)
• Emilio Pagani-Núñez (field ecology, statistics)
• Matt Wale (marine biology, experimental design)
• Gavin Ballantyne  (pollination ecology) 
• Jennifer Dodd (freshwater ecology and restoration)
• Karen Diele (marine and coastal ecology and restoration)
• James Thorburn (marine protected areas; sharks, skates and rays)
• Mark Huxam (coastal and mangrove ecology)
• Paul Ward (population and habitat modelling)

Application guidance

The full-time and part-time programmes are accredited with the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM) and consequently carry detailed entry expectations which are likely to be met if you have a science-based Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above, preferably including aspects of  ecology/zoology/environmental management/environmental science/countryside management/botany.

If you do not meet the standard entry criteria, please  consult the  Personal Statement Guidance document (PDF)   which includes the CIEEM criteria and be sure to construct your personal statement according to the format specified. Failing to do so will result in your application being deemed ineligible. Applicants with good degrees in subjects other than ecology/zoology/environmental management/environmental science/countryside management/botany, will be considered if you demonstrate knowledge and skills gained across the CIEEM criteria described in the Personal Statement Guidance Document.

How you’ll be taught

This is a full-time course.

You'll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, field trips and independent study, supported with information on the virtual learning environment, Moodle. While the programme is predominantly based around face-to-face campus and field activity, we also use technology-enhanced learning. We have a policy of mainstreaming reasonable adjustments which makes the most common adjustments offered to disabled students in teaching/assessment available routinely to everyone.

You will have a Professional Development Tutor: an academic closely involved with this programme who will help you to steer your individual development as you progress through the course. 

As your interests and skills develop through the taught course, you will be able to design a final independent research project to suit your individual objectives.

The academic year is split into three trimesters with the taught modules running in the spring and autumn trimesters only. September-starting students will follow this route:

Trimester 1 (September - December)

Scientific Methods (ENV11109)

Humans and Wildlife (ENV11101)

Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116) and Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115) both 10 credit modules

Trimester 2 (Jan - April)

Man ag ement of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)

Biodiversity and Conservation (ENV11100)

Species Identification Skills (ENV11120) and Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119) both 10 credit modules  

Trimester 3 (May - August)

Project (ENV11117) (60 credits)

January-starting students will follow this route , which takes 16 months because there is no teaching in the summer (May-Aug) of the first year since the final Research Project module must be done after the taught modules. This can be a useful period to gain additional work or voluntary experience during your MSc:

Jan-April   

Management of Aquatic Protected Areas (ENV11112)

Species Identification Skills (ENV11120) and Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (ENV11119) both 10 credit modules 

No teaching, but this period can be used to gain additional work or voluntary experience.

Principles of Wildlife Management (ENV11116)

Case Studies in Applied Ecology (ENV11115)

both 10 credit modules

Jan-Apr 

Project (ENV11117)

(60 credits)

A link to the descriptor for each module can be found by using the module code to search on the Module Search . Note that info on the learning, teaching and assessment strategy is revealed by clicking on the ‘View Full details’ link within each descriptor.

Assessments

There are no traditional, end-of-module exams.

Instead, you will work on a variety of relevant professional tasks, both written and oral. Assessments include a zoning document, biodiversity report and development proposal. Taxonomic identification and statistical analysis are key skills which are assessed using practical tests. 

In addition, you will produce several audio-visual presentations including a research proposal pitch.

We are based at the Sighthill Campus  where we enjoy excellent well-equipped laboratory and IT facilities. In addition, the good transport network around the city allows us to visit and study a range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats within easy reach of the campus.

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Biodiversity and Conservation ( ENV11100 )

Why should we conserve biodiversity? Indeed, what is it? This module looks at levels and patterns of biodiversity and how they are measured using estimators & indices. You will use R to carry out biodiversity measurement and consider how to use such data to prioritise areas for protection. You will study aspects of conservation biology such as speciation and extinction and debate the challenges around reintroduction programmes and conservation in the face of anthropogenic pressures on biodiversity.

Further information

Case Studies in Applied Ecology ( ENV11115 )

The module will present 3 case studies within wildlife management and conservation. Case-studies will be introduced with a lecture that gives the background to a conservation/management issue and the techniques that could be utilised to provide new information. Each case-study will have computer practicals during which you will be presented with a dataset that is either from, similar to, or a subset from the appropriate case-study. Guest lecturers will then speak to you about how that approach, and related approaches are used in real world contexts. Case-studies will cover a range of management issues, and will be based on real scenarios that can be drawn from research experience of staff or drawn from the literature. Indicative areas are: assessing the impacts of predator removal on nest success of birds, assessment of space use by marine species in designing marine protected areas, and using camera-trap surveying to identify protected mammal den sites.

Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (on-campus) ( ENV11119 )

Field Methods in Wildlife Biology and Conservation (onsite) builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Species Identification Skills (onsite). This module focuses on advanced techniques used in wildlife biology and conservation by studying diverse population monitoring and ecological sampling tools. You will further develop practical skills in the field and lab settings, gaining hands-on experience with advanced research methods commonly employed in wildlife biology and conservation.

Field and Laboratory Skills ( ENV11108 )

A series of practical sessions in the field and lab will be followed by a residential field course during which students will conduct (under supervision) sampling/monitoring in terrestrial and aquatic habitats with identification and enumeration of various taxa. Habitat and species specific methods related to terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, small mammals, birds and plants will be covered. Students will be tested on the key employability skills of species identification and report writing.

Humans and Wildlife ( ENV11101 )

Topics include ecotourism, human-environment interactions, and environmental education. Aspects of urban ecology, community engagement, and social research in conservation relate directly to the challenges of land management to benefit both human and the environment, which forms one of the assessments. Agricultural ecology, and examples of human-wildlife conflict and protected area management around the world are also studied in relation to wildlife law and economics.

Management of Aquatic Protected Areas ( ENV11112 )

The module will cover the following topics: marine and freshwater protected area planning, legal and legislative frameworks for the designation of aquatic protected areas, assessing and managing water quantity and quality issues, aquatic-terrestrial linkages, landscape scale approaches and management at the catchment level, the DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses) framework for analysis of environmental state and management, catchment management plans, coastal zone management, marine spatial planning, the ecosystem approach to aquatic resource management, including fisheries and sustainable use of aquatic protected areas. You will also gain skills in the use and application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the context of managing aquatic protected areas.

Principles of Wildlife Management ( ENV11116 )

Disciplines covered initially include wildlife population dynamics and wildlife meta-populations. Practical techniques covered in detail then include mammal and bird capture techniques, and sampling design in wildlife population monitoring. We then discuss the foundation of more complex analytical techniques such as information theoretic modelling and maximum likelihood estimation in wildlife studies, and use of generalised linear modelling in wildlife studies.

Research Project ( ENV11117 )

In this module you will design and conduct an independent research project. This may be a field or lab based study, a data analysis project or a piece of qualitative research (e.g. questionnaires). This involves design, development and implementation of a programme of research in a particular field of study relevant to your interests. You will critically analyse data/information generated, and communicate the outcomes in a research paper, which will develop your skills in scientific writing. You are encouraged to develop a project which meets your constraints in terms of location, funding and interests. Projects can be undertaken independently (provided health and safety concerns are met) or in collaboration with organisations locally or around the world.As a full-time (FT) student, you will have one trimester to complete the module. If you are a part-time or distance learning student (PT/DL), you will have 2 trimesters to complete. In either case, you will first develop a project proposal and complete any necessary risk assessments and ethics approvals prior to getting under way with the actual project work. If your project idea cannot be completed in the trimester when you are due to take this module e.g. your focal species is not active at that time of year, you should consult staff as to possible options.

Scientific Methods ( ENV11109 )

This module has three strands: philosophy and practice of science; statistical analysis and the use of R; an introduction to taxonomy and species ID. Content will include the nature of the literature and scientific method including survey and experimental strategies and the need for replication and controls. Working with people and qualitative research methods involve a different set of ethical and regulatory issues which will also be discussed. Statistical and related methods for analysing and presenting data will be covered in the first half of the module together with taxonomic theory and field and lab sessions looking at a range of taxa.

Species Identification Skills (on-campus) ( ENV11120 )

This module is designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and practical experience in species identification, focusing on plants, terrestrial invertebrates, aquatic invertebrates, and birds. The module emphasises the development of practical skills required for accurate species identification, both in the field and in the laboratory. You will learn to recognise key species, understand their ecological significance, and gain proficiency in field and lab species identification.

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

RECOGNISED BY CIEEM

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer .

Entry requirements

English language, international students, admissions policies.

What are the entry requirements for Wildlife Biology and Conservation ?  

A science-based Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above, preferably including some aspects of ecology/conservation/zoology/biology/environmental management/environmental science/countryside management/botany. We will consider applicants with unrelated degrees, or related degrees at below 2:2, if you have related work/voluntary experience and your personal statement indicates efforts to gain the necessary ecological and analytical skills required to succeed, for example by taking short courses.

If you wish to apply but you do not have qualifications that meet the standard entry criteria above  then you will need to follow the  Personal Statement Guidance document (PDF) .  Be sure to construct your personal statement according to the format specified, to demonstrate what additional skills and knowledge you have developed. 

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our  minimum English language requirements  will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our  country pages  to find out if this applies to you.

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See who can apply  for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of  bursaries and scholarships  available to our students.

• Undergraduate student fees and funding information
• Postgraduate student fees and funding information
• International student fees and funding information

Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

What can you do with a wildlife and conservation biology degree?

By studying wildlife and conservation biology at Edinburgh Napier University, you will develop the practical. technical and intellectual knowledge to be able to apply your skills within the field. If you are interested in in conservation, wildlife and the environment, then this might be the right course for you. You will be able to go onto work for a range of different organisations within different sectors, including Government agencies (e.g.  Nature Scot,   Natural England,   British Columbia Fish and Wildlife ,  Forestry and Land Scotland , US National Parks Service,  Scottish Environment Protection Agency,  Scottish Government,  Defra , other national governments) · Non-governmental agencies and charities (e.g. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds,  Wildlife Trusts,   Marine Conservation Society ), Private consultancies (e.g. Jacobs, Atkins, Atmos, Echoes Ecology, RPS, LUC) and Worldwide research institutions including universities and research institutes (e.g.  Centre for Ecology and Hydrology ), showing that there are a wide range of opportunities available upon graduation.

You may be likely to work as an ecologist, ecological consultant, wildlife ranger, education officer, conservation project officer, wildlife technician, docotoral researcher, scientific adviser or a species licensing officer, as examples.

Our Alumni also visit regularly to share their work experience and advice with current students and have emphasised the importance of the skills gained from this course in their subsequent success.

In addition, by studying on a CIEEM accredited degree you will receive a free student membership of CIEEM which gives you additional access to resources, training, mentoring and networking that will help you to pursue a career in ecology or environmental management. 

Below are just some of the roles you could go into with an MSc in Wildlife and Conservation biology.

What does a conservation project officer do?

As a conservation project officer, you will be responsible for implementing and overseeing conservation projects. You will coordinate activities which are aimed at preserving wildlife and natural habitats, as well as ecosystems. This may include carrying out habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource management.

You will have strong problem solving and communication skills to work effectively within the field, and will be able to manage conservation plans, field surveys, and collaborate with government, local authorities and stakeholders.

Daily tasks and responsibilities within this role may include:

• Project planning
• Conducting fieldwork
• Report writing
• Data analysis
• Community engagement
• Policy advocacy
• Environmental education through community engagement

What does an ecological consultant do?

As an ecological consultant, you will be responsible for advising on human activities and development, and how they interact and impact the environment. You will aim to maintain sustainable development and environmental conservation through collaborative problem solving. In this role, you will be expected to be an excellent communicator and team player. You will likely work for the government, local authorities, environmental organisations or within the private sector.

• Carrying out Environmental Impact Assessments
• Site Assessments
• Protected species surveying
• Habitat Restoration
• Report Writing
• Public and Community Engagement

What does a biodiversity officer do?

As a biodiversity officer, you will be responsible for raising awareness of nature conservation and ensuring that regulations and legal requirements relating to biodiversity are adhered to within projects relating to infrastructure developments, for example. You will develop strategies and conduct field surveys in order to promote sustainable practice, meaning strong teamworking and communication skills are required. This is a dynamic role which requires fieldwork, office tasks and community engagement. You will likely work with organisations such as the government, environmental agencies or the private sector.

• Biodiversity surveying
• Conservation planning
• Education and outreach
• Policy development
• Site management
• Monitoring and evaluation

Many of the types of roles that our graduates go into are listed on the  Green Jobs for Nature  website and this might give you and idea of the types of careers that you could pursue with your MSc Wildlife Biology & Conservation.   

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Research Associate in Engineering Biology for Magnetic Control

The university of edinburgh - school of engineering / college of science & engineering / institute of bioengineering.

Fixed Term Contract - Temporary.

Full Time - 35 Hours Per Week.

We are looking for an experienced researcher to contribute to our project that seeks to develop magnetic traction technologies to assist and accelerate the process of neuronal regeneration after injury, or disease.

The Opportunity:

Until very recently nerve damage was considered to be untreatable. The realisation this is not the case has generated much excitement. This timely opportunity seeks to develop strategies to boost the ability of neurones to straddle regions of damage by exerting traction forces on growing axons. Success promises huge impact from basic science to clinical therapies. The position benefits from the rich medical research environment of the University of Edinburgh, and particularly the community within the Centre for Engineering Biology. World-class support infrastructure including the Edinburgh Genome Foundry, super-resolution/electron microscopy and -omics services will complement the well-found laboratories of the Institute for Bioengineering.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A PhD in Engineering Biology / Synthetic Biology with a strong dissemination track record (Desirable).
• Expertise in genetic manipulation of mammalian cell lines, preferably to include neurones.
• Experience of the design and construction of mammalian expression vectors.
• Familiarity with live cell microscopy and other advanced microscopy approaches.
• A go-getting attitude tempered by a deep appreciation for academic rigour.

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Dei council and dei faculty committee, biology diversity community, mit biology catalyst symposium, honors and awards, employment opportunities, faculty and research, current faculty, in memoriam, areas of research, biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology, cancer biology, cell biology, computational biology, human disease, microbiology, neurobiology, stem cell and developmental biology, core facilities, video gallery, faculty resources, undergraduate, why biology, undergraduate testimonials, major/minor requirements, general institute requirement, advanced standing exam, transfer credit, current students, subject offerings, research opportunities, biology undergraduate student association, career development, why mit biology, diversity in the graduate program, nih training grant, career outcomes, graduate testimonials, prospective students, application process, interdisciplinary and joint degree programs, living in cambridge, graduate manual: key program info, graduate teaching, career development resources, biology graduate student council, biopals program, postdoctoral, life as a postdoc, postdoc associations, postdoc testimonials, workshops for mit biology postdocs entering the academic job market, responsible conduct of research, postdoc resources, non-mit undergraduates, bernard s. and sophie g. gould mit summer research program in biology (bsg-msrp-bio), bsg-msrp-bio gould fellows, quantitative methods workshop, high school students and teachers, summer workshop for teachers, mit field trips, leah knox scholars program, additional resources, mitx biology, department calendar, ehs and facilities, graduate manual, resources for md/phd students, preliminary exam guidelines, thesis committee meetings, guidelines for graduating, mentoring students and early-career scientists, remembering stephen goldman (1962 – 2022), unusual labmates: meet tardigrades, the crafters of nature’s ultimate survival kit.

Whitehead Institute Member Siniša Hrvatin is studying tardigrades to decode the mechanisms enabling their survival in extreme environmental conditions. Learn about the biology of these microscopic “water bears” and what makes them a particularly fascinating model organism.

Shafaq zia | whitehead institute, july 23, 2024.

Tardigrades, also affectionately known as “water bears” or “moss piglets”, are remarkable microscopic organisms that have captured the imagination of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

With adults measuring anywhere from 0.2 to 1.2 millimeters in length — as big as a grain of salt — tardigrades possess the astounding ability to survive harsh environmental conditions. These resilient creatures have been found in habitats ranging from the depths of oceans and hot radioactive springs to the frigid expanses of Antarctica. It is their unparalleled adaptability that makes them invaluable as a model organism for researchers like Whitehead Institute Member Siniša Hrvatin, who’s studying physiological adaptation in animals with a focus on states that can slow down tissue damage, disease progression, and even aging.

Follow along to learn what’s behind tardigrades’ nearly indestructible nature, how researchers at Whitehead Institute — and beyond — are studying them, and what insights this work can offer into long-term organ preservation, space exploration, and more.

Big discovery of a tiny creature

In 1773, German naturalist Johann August Ephraim Goeze was analyzing moss samples under a microscope when he stumbled upon an unusual creature. Captivated by its peculiar appearance, he continued his observations and documented the discovery of Kleiner Wasserbär, translating to “little water bear”, in his  publication.  This work also featured the first-ever drawing of a tardigrade.

Since then, researchers’ understanding of this remarkable organism has evolved alongside advancements in imaging technology. Today, tardigrades are recognized as bilaterally symmetrical invertebrates with two eyes and eight chubby legs adorned with hook-like claws. Often described as a mix between nematodes and insects, these extremophiles are able to withstand freezing, intense radiation, vacuum of outer space, desiccation, chemical treatments, and possibly more.

And the best part? Despite their otherworldly appearance and surprising capabilities, tardigrades share plenty of similarities with larger, more complex organisms, including possessing a primordial brain, muscles, and even a digestive system.

The biology of an extremophile

Researchers trace the evolutionary origins of tardigrades back to panarthropods, a group that includes now-extinct worm-like organisms called lobopodians. To date, over a thousand species of tardigrades have been identified, with terrestrial species inhabiting environments like moss, leaf litter, and lichen, grassland, and deserts while aquatic ones are found in both fresh and saltwater.

Little is known about tardigrades’ diet but researchers are particularly drawn to herbivorous ones that like to munch on single-celled algae and thrive in water. There’s good reason for it: algae are inexpensive to grow in the lab with just light and basic nutrients. But it’s not just their diet that makes tardigrades an attractive model organism — they also have a short generation time (11 to 14 days), with eggs hatching within a four-day span. In fact, some species are able to reproduce without sexual reproduction through a process called parthenogenesis, during which the female egg undergoes cell division without fertilization by a male gamete.

Although genomic resources for studying tardigrades are limited to only a few species, researchers from Keio University and University of Edinburgh have successfully sequenced the genome of a moss-residing tardigrade commonly used in research called  Hypsibius exemplaris . Its genome is less than half the size of a  Drosophila melanogaster  genome, consisting of 105 million base pairs that serve as the building blocks of DNA.

In spite of their small genome — and only a few thousand cells in the body — tardigrades have a well-defined miniaturized body plan, consisting of a head and four segments, that holds valuable insights for researchers looking to decode their adaptation prowess.

Inside tardigrade research at Whitehead Institute

In 2022, as Hrvatin was setting up his lab at Whitehead Institute, a question lingered in his mind. “I was trying to find animals that can survive being frozen for long periods of time and then continue living,” he says. “But there are not that many that fit the bill.”

Then, an undergraduate student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) expressed her enthusiasm for astrobiology — the study of life across the universe — and highlighted tardigrades as a favorite among space researchers. Hrvatin was intrigued.

Up until this point, his research had centered upon two states of dormancy, or reduced metabolic activity, in animals: hibernation and a shorter, less intense torpor. But tardigrades possessed a survival mechanism unlike any other. When faced with harsh conditions like dehydration, they would expel water, retract their head and legs, and curl up in a small, dry ball, entering a state of suspended animation called crytobiosis or tun formation.

For decades, researchers hypothesized that the tun state might be responsible for tardigrades’ unparalleled ability to withstand a myriad of environmental assaults, including extremely low temperature. However, recent work has revealed that these animals utilize a separate and unique adaptation, distinct from the tun state, to survive being frozen for extended periods. In fact, preliminary evidence from a  preprint  by a team of scientists at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco illustrates unique patterns of how tardigrades survive freezing while hydrated in water.

This phenomenon is markedly different from hibernation and its cousin torpor. “Unlike animals lowering their body temperature, we’re talking about putting tardigrades at minus 180 degrees Celsius, and then thawing them,” says Hrvatin. In fact, cryobiosis is so intense that tardigrades’ metabolic activity drops to undetectable levels, rendering them virtually, but not quite, dead. The organisms can then remain in this state from months to years, only to revive as healthy when conditions become favorable once again.

Frozen in time

In 2014, a group of Japanese researchers at Tokyo’s National Institute for Polar Research undertook an intriguing experiment. They began by  thawing moss samples  collected from East Antarctica in November 1983. Then, they carefully teased apart each sample using tweezers to retrieve tardigrades that might be nestled within. Among the tardigrades the researchers found, two stood out: Sleeping Beauty 1 and Sleeping Beauty 2 who were believed to be undergoing cold induced-dormancy. Turns out, the researchers were right — within the first day of being placed in the Petri dish with water, the tardigrades began exhibiting slow movements despite having been frozen for over 30 years.

The Swiss army knife in tardigrades’ toolbox

Yet, the remarkable resilience of tardigrades continues to baffle scientists. Recently, they’ve uncovered what could be another potential weapon in the creatures’ arsenal: intrinsically disordered proteins or IDPs. Picture them as putty — a group of proteins that do not have a well-defined three-dimensional structure and can interact with other molecules to produce a range of different outcomes. Some researchers have linked these tardigrade-specific IDPs to the animals extraordinary resilience: under extreme heat, these proteins remain stable. And when desiccated, they form protective glasses that shield cells and vital enzymes from dehydration.

If confirmed, the implications of this work would extend beyond tardigrades’ survival, potentially revolutionizing dry vaccine storage and the development of drought-resistant crops.

Pausing the biological clock

This is just the tip of the iceberg — scientists have plenty more to discover about these microscopic organisms. At the Hrvatin lab, graduate student Aleksandar Markovski is working with six different species of tardigrades, with a particular focus on an aquatic species isolated from the bottom of a lake.

Markovski’s work entails conducting a range of experiments aimed at unraveling tardigrades’ mysterious biology. This includes RNA-sequencing to understand how tardigrades recover after a freeze-thaw cycle; knocking-down and knocking-in genes to investigate the function and relevance of different genes and pathways; performing electron microscopy for high-resolution visualization of cellular structures and morphological changes that may be taking place in the frozen state.

The ultimate goal of this work, Markovski says, is to extend the shelf life of humans. “Whenever someone donates an organ, it can be stored for hours on ice. Then, unless someone in close proximity is in need of that organ and is compatible, the organ has to be thrown away,” he adds. “But if you were able to freeze those organs and transplant them whenever needed, that would be revolutionary.”

Achilles heel

Tardigrades are best known for surviving in the margins of typical life, but they also share a surprising vulnerability with humans and most other organisms: climate change. Entering the tun state to withstand high temperatures requires desiccation. If the water temperature goes up before the tardigrades have had the opportunity to dry out, they’re stuck in a vulnerable state, where they can ultimately succumb to heat.

But all is not lost. Tardigrades, the first microscopic interstellar travelers capable of surviving vacuum and radiation in outer space, are also paving the path for human space exploration with a protein called  Damage suppressor  or Dsup, which binds to DNA and shields it from reactive forms of oxygen.

Researchers are drawing hope and inspiration from their unparalleled persistence, envisioning that these organisms cannot only ensure their survival but also aid humanity.

Recent Physics graduate! Scott R.

Recent physics graduate recent physics graduate scott r., about scott.

Hello! My name is Scott and I'm very excited to tutor! I just graduated SUNY Oneonta with a bachelors degree in physics with a math and biology double minor. I love science and think that it is fascinating! I know that the math and science can be very difficult sometimes and I can't wait to help out!

I was a student athlete in college as I was the captain of the swim team at Oneonta! I love to swim and had so much fun with it in college. As part of the swim team, I was an academic...

I was a student athlete in college as I was the captain of the swim team at Oneonta! I love to swim and had so much fun with it in college. As part of the swim team, I was an academic mentor and helped tutor some of my teammates with their math and science courses. I had so much fun tutoring my teammates and I always enjoyed when I saw they're grades improve!

As a math minor in college, I have taken the entire calculus sequence as well as differential equations and linear algebra, and received exemplary grades in all courses. I also was awarded mastery level for all of my high school math courses. I love working with numbers, and have a lot of fun teaching others how to solve problems and improve their analytical thinking skills.

As a physics major and biology minor, I have taken many different courses in these areas over the past four years. I am very passionate about both of these course areas, and bring my passion for these concepts into my tutoring. Science can be very difficult, but is also a wonderful and exciting topic. I can't wait to share my love for these subjects with other students and encourage them to work through the difficulties to see the beauty of science.

I can't wait to get started! Feel free to contact me to set up a lesson!

• Tutor’s lessons: In-person
• Hourly Rate: $40
• Travel policy: Within 20 miles of Canandaigua, NY 14424
• Lesson cancellation: 3 hours notice required

No background check

• Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Most popular, questions contact scott before you book., still have questions.

• Schools & departments

BSc Biological Sciences

UCAS code: C100

Duration: 4 years

Delivery: Full-time

School: Biological Sciences

College: Science and Engineering

Introducing BSc Biological Sciences

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

Our skills-based curriculum will equip you with data analysis, programming and problem-solving skills. It will teach 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.

We offer 12 different subject areas and you will specialise in one of these honours programmes as you progress through your studies.

In your first two years of study, your compulsory courses will cover aspects of all 12 subject areas we offer. This means that you will be able to choose an honours programme based on your experiences and what interests you.

What you will study

Our teaching emphasizes a skills-based, research driven curriculum. As a result, not only will you learn key concepts, you will be doing it in an investigative way, collaboratively asking and, as you learn more, answering your own questions. 

In each year you will study a mix of compulsory and optional courses allowing you to tailor your programme based on your interests and experiences. 

You will also gain practical experience through an individual research project in one of our academic research laboratories in the final year.

All Biological Sciences students study the same core courses in Year 1. These courses provide a broad base of biological knowledge. They combine fundamental skills to help you prepare for your future, including:

• computational skills
• practical skills
• collaborative skills
• analytical skills

The skills will be developed in a way that will enable you to articulate them to future employers, whatever your chosen career path.

You will learn core laboratory techniques and research skills, using practical sessions and workshops.

Fieldwork at local sites, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, provides hands-on research and enquiry opportunities. These experiences help you to develop essential aspects of scientific research, such as recording of ideas, observations, results, and conclusions. Biological sciences is a collaborative field in which you will explore questions of biology in research groups throughout the year.

You can also choose optional courses. We recommend courses in biological chemistry but optional courses can be from other academic areas across the University.

As an essential part of your studies, you will gain key skills that enhance your long-term employability such as:

• hypothesis development and experimental design
• data evaluation and analysis
• introductory programming
• communicating your ideas both orally and in writing
• student led investigative projects

Our Year 2 courses build on your learning from Year 1 with a continued focus on practical and analytical skills, while becoming progressively more specialised.

All students study the same core courses which cover topics such as:

• DNA replication and repair
• natural selection and the origin of species
• cellular metabolic processes
• regulation and control of biological systems
• programming for data analysis
• data science techniques for interpretation of biological data

You may also choose to take courses that focus on specific areas of biology such as:

• evolution of animal body plans and physiological systems across phyla
• modern plant biology
• microbial form and function

You can still choose courses from other areas of the University as optional courses.

At the end of Year 2, you will progress into your chosen biological subject specialisation, which will lead to your honours programme of choice.

You will specialise in your preferred area of biological sciences, choosing from our subject specialisations:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Plant Science

Your courses will prepare you for exploring scientific literature, analysis of scientific data and research work. You will also receive further training in laboratory skills and may take courses that concentrate on fieldwork.

You can take a combination of courses that will allow you to swap honours programme at the end of Year 3.

You will study your chosen honours programme at a deeper scientific level, and complete an individual research project in one of our academic research laboratories.

You will also take part in seminars and debates on scientific papers with staff and other students. These will develop your verbal presentation, discussion and critical appraisal skills.

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2024/25)

Where you will study

Our facilities.

In-person teaching for Biological Sciences courses takes place at the University's King's Buildings Campus. The teaching of other courses may be based in other University venues in Edinburgh.

Facilities at King's Buildings

The King's Buildings campus has over 100 years of scientific history and is the centre of science and engineering teaching at Edinburgh.

The School of Biological Sciences is based in several buildings around the campus. From the more traditional lecture theatres in the Ashworth Building to the modern lab facilities in the James Clerk Maxwell Building, we have a variety of teaching spaces, including:

• lecture theatres
• tutorial rooms
• well-equipped teaching laboratories
• collaborative learning spaces
• computing suites

Other facilities

As a student, you will have access to libraries and other study spaces across the University and its campuses. There are a variety of physical textbooks and scientific papers available to borrow, as well as a range of online resources that you can use.

In the later years of your programme, you may be involved in projects at related research institutes in the local region.

Study abroad

Study abroad opportunities are optional. These are competitive and are currently completed in Year 3.

What are my choices for going abroad?

Learning and assessment

How will i learn.

Usually, you will take 3 courses in each semester, so 6 in total over the year. Most courses use a combination of class types that you will have a mix of each week.

Depending on the optional courses you choose, your weekly timetable in Year 1 and Year 2 is likely to involve:

• lectures or discussion sessions, with preparatory material
• practical or workshop sessions
• individual study
• team projects

The timetable can vary from week to week and classes are designed to complement each other. Usually, the theory you are taught will be reflected in the workshop, tutorial or practical work, giving you a chance to apply your knowledge to real scenarios.

As well as time spent in classes, you will need to spend some time outside of class consolidating what you have learnt, preparing for lectures, workshops, practicals or tutorials, or completing coursework.

In later years, you will complete more personal study and research. In your final year you will complete an in-depth project with one of our research groups.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. The purpose of our assessments is to give you the opportunity to:

• practice the relevant skills or conceptual understanding
• get feedback
• show us you can apply the knowledge you've learnt to the questions or assignments you're given

Types of assessment could include:

• regular quizzes
• practical reports
• problem solving questions
• scientific paper analysis
• tutorial presentations

A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your assessment during the final year.

Career opportunities

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 are free to 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.

Entry requirements

Standard entry requirement.

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: AAAB (achievement by end of S5 preferred). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• 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: AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-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

Second year entry

For direct entry to second year the standard requirements must be exceeded, including the following:

• SQA Advanced Highers: AAA in one set of exams to include Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics.
• A Levels: A*AA in one set of exams in Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics or Physics.
• IB : 38 points with 766 at HL to include Biology, Chemistry, and either Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretation) or Physics at 6.

Other entry pathways

Entry to many degrees in Science & Engineering is possible via other qualifications (eg HNC/D, Access, SWAP).

• Science & Engineering applications

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that 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.*

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 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.

(*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.)

We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Any conditional offer made may require you to achieve grades above the upper grade level. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree.

Apply to one Biological Sciences programme

Please apply for only one Biological Sciences degree as we are only able to consider one application to this subject area. You will have the opportunity to switch between programmes in later years provided the required courses have been passed. For our Biological Sciences with Management programme (C1N1) you must take the compulsory business courses from year 1.

Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for BSc Biological Sciences

Additional costs

Study material.

You may have to pay additional costs of up to £150 each year for books or other compulsory study material. Many compulsory books are available in the library or as a digital copy.

Field or residential courses

As a Year 4 student, you must attend at least one field or residential course.

Some of our programmes also offer you the chance to attend a field or residential course in Year 3, but it is not compulsory.

The costs for field courses will be due to be paid in the year the course is taken.

Currently, field or residential course costs vary from (on average) £150 to £300 per course for transport and accommodation.

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

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Degrees in Biological Sciences

15 degrees in biological sciences.

• Biological Sciences (BSc) C100
• Biological Sciences (MBiol) C900
• Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) (BSc) C700
• Biological Sciences (Biotechnology) (BSc) J700
• Biological Sciences (Cell Biology) (BSc) C130
• Biological Sciences (Development, Regeneration and Stem Cells) (BSc) C140
• Biological Sciences (Ecology) (BSc) C180
• Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology) (BSc) C182
• Biological Sciences (Genetics) (BSc) C400
• Biological Sciences (Immunology) (BSc) C550
• Biological Sciences (Molecular Biology) (BSc) C720
• Biological Sciences (Molecular Genetics) (BSc) C440
• Biological Sciences (Plant Science) (BSc) C200
• Biological Sciences (Zoology) (BSc) C300
• Biological Sciences with Management (BSc) C1N1

You may also be interested in

• Biomedical Sciences (BSc) C190
• Ecological and Environmental Sciences (BSc) CF17
• Ecological and Environmental Sciences with Management (BSc) CN12
• Environmental Geoscience (BSc) F630
• Medical Sciences (BSc) B100
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (MChem) FC1R
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry (BSc) FC17
• Pharmacology (BSc) B210
• Reproductive Biology (BSc) C142
• Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry Programme - 4-year programme) (BVM&S) D102
• How to apply
• Why choose Biological Sciences

More information

Search the degree finder.