BSc (Hons) Cell Biology

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Cell Biology focuses on the fundamental unit of life, taking you on an exploration of the cellular and subcellular worlds that underpin modern biology. Cell Biology is key to understanding how organisms develop, how they respond to their environment and how the diseased state differs from the healthy state.

Recent advances in cell biology are enabling cell biologists to:

• understand the basis of diseases in humans, animals and plants
• develop novel treatments and therapies for diseases
• explore the processes associated with ageing
• improve the quality and quantity of important food crops
• develop novel and sustainable fuels
• assess the impacts of environmental changes on biological systems

Our course offers you unique and flexible interdisciplinary training from staff whose knowledge is constantly refreshed by their active research work.

As you study, you will develop a thorough understanding of Cell Biology that will give you the choice to progress to more advanced and specialised topics. You will be given the support and encouragement to develop your passion and ideas for your research project where previous Stirling students have excelled in producing high-quality work. We will also make sure you will have the skills and work-placement experience to kick-start your career in Cell Biology.

In Semesters 1-4, you’ll study the following core module options: Cell Biology; Physiology; Evolution and Genetics; Statistics; and Biodiversity. In addition, you’ll study laboratory skills in the Biological and Environmental Sciences and Quantitative Techniques. You’ll also take additional modules in other disciplines of your choice, usually from modules offered in Biological or Environmental Sciences or Aquatic Sciences.

Semesters 5-6 include modules in: Enzymes and their Applications; Animal Physiology; Microbiology; and Animal Cell Biology. You’ll also select additional modules such as: Changing Oceans, Applied Immunology, Behavioural Ecology, Plant Ecology and/or Applied Biological Sciences Placement.

In Semesters 7-8, you’ll work on an independent research project and a number of advanced modules which currently include: Molecular Techniques, Omics and Systems Biology, Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetics and Biological Control Mechanisms..

Research project topics will be offered to you that reflect the active research interests of academic staff but you’re also supported in developing your own ideas. Some students have organised projects with other research organisations, usually when they have already established a relationship with the organisation during vacation work.

Examples of recent high-quality student work include:

• Expressing genes involved in Golgi secretion
• Study of immunoglobulin M and monoclonal antibodies from Cod
• PCR analysis of marine microorganisms in a changing climate
• Why and how the fly immune system degenerates as flies age

What jobs can you get with a Cell Biology degree?

Our Cell Biology graduates may follow careers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and biomedical, biotechnology, and agricultural industries. Other career paths can include the civil service, forensic science, teaching, the food industry, and government and industrial research laboratories.

Many students will go on to further study, such as a Masters degree or a PhD.