BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences

We deliver this course with our partner, Forth Valley College, which gives you a shared learning approach and combines both our knowledge and expertise. Together with employers, we deliver the most up-to-date and business-relevant curriculum.

Course structure

This course offers interdisciplinary training in areas that are key to contemporary biological science, including animal, plant biology and biotechnology. This course will ensure you have life science awareness, strong technical expertise and are proficient in vital 'hand skills' (practical and research skills), that are heavily sought-after by employers.

Forth Valley College’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) provision is amongst the strongest and most comprehensive to be found at colleges from across the UK. The College has close links with industry, in order to provide you with the skills required by employers. Learner engagement and satisfaction are also major strengths for the College.

Years 1 and 2 will be delivered by Forth Valley College at their Falkirk Campus, with some key subject tutorials delivered at the University of Stirling. During the first 2 years, the focus is on the acquisition of fundamental biological laboratory skills, giving you an understanding of the science that underpins them. All modules will have an applied and practical skills focus. Much of the teaching will be done in small classes at Forth Valley College, with others at the University of Stirling, including a module in statistics, focused practical laboratory sessions and opportunities to undertake project work in Year 2.

From Year 3 onwards, you will be taught at the University of Stirling campus for the remainder of the course. Modules will focus largely on the cellular and molecular aspects of biological sciences including immunology and microbiology.

An industrial placement module will give you valuable insight into how the biosciences industries work, as well as giving you hands-on experience in the workplace.

Your final year will focus on advanced cellular and molecular biology, proteomic/genomic tools and experimental design together with an extended research dissertation carried out in academics’ laboratories. Research-led teaching is the key to deep learning and understanding. This approach, together with business placements, enables you to apply the skills that you develop to modern biosciences careers. We offer a wide range of research topics for your dissertation projects, from environmental and applied microbiology to infectious disease research.

You'll have full access to all of the University and College’s facilities and will be fully enrolled within both institutions.

My experience of the Industrial Placement Module was overwhelmingly positive. I now have a much better understanding of what it's like to work in the science industry. I have gained many new practical and personal skills and have a clearer idea of what career path I may want to follow.’
Dominic Quinn, BSc (Hons) Applied Biological Sciences

‘There were so many opportunities to develop my practical skills within a laboratory environment which will surely prove to be beneficial to me in the future. All modules gave a full spectrum of knowledge which will put the solid foundation for building my career.

Charlotte Rachel Curtis, BSc Applied Biological Sciences 

Year 1 (at Forth Valley College)

• Applied Sciences: Graded Unit 1
• Laboratory Skills for Science Industries
• Fundamental Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills
• Statistics for Science 1
• Human Body Structure and Function
• Biochemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills
• Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction
• Microbiology: Theory and Laboratory Skills
• DNA and Genetics
• Cell Biology: Theory and Laboratory Skills
• Biotechnology: An Introduction

Year 2 (at Forth Valley College)

• DNA Molecular Techniques
• Microbiological Techniques
• Immunological Techniques
• Protein Structure and Function
• Applied Biological Sciences: Graded Unit 2
• Mathematics for Science 1
• Animal Biology
• Plant Biology
• Quality and Health & Safety Systems in Science Industries
• Animal and Plant Cell Culture: An Introduction
• Instrumental Techniques
• Ecology and Ecosystems

Years 3 and 4 (at University of Stirling)

In the final two years students are taught at the University of Stirling. See information about modules in years 3 and 4 below.

What jobs can you get with an Applied Biological Sciences degree?

Many of our graduates find employment within the NHS and other healthcare providers, in jobs such as virology, haematology, microbiology, biochemistry, and many others.

In addition, you’ll be well skilled for employment within University research laboratories, or to embark on a research career in areas such as food security, development of sustainable fuels, novel treatments for diseases, microbiology and environmental sciences. 

Life Sciences contribute over £3.2 billion to the Scottish economy every year (Scottish Enterprise, 2016) and is a key, growing sector in the UK and worldwide economies. This degree will give you the practical knowledge and techniques you need to be readily employable as a life science graduate in this sector.