Biological Sciences (Cell Biology)

Modern cell biology is a dynamic discipline that combines the interests and techniques of many scientific fields including genetics, developmental biology and biochemistry.

Applications of cell biology

Cell biologists investigate the basic structural and functional units of life: the cells that compose all living organisms. They aim to understand:

• cellular structure

• composition and regulation

• the organelles that cells contain

• cell growth

• nuclear and cellular division

• cell death

On our cell biology programme you will explore these areas and learn about topics such as how to analyse genomic data, how cells communicate, and about cell cycle control.

Understanding how cells work is fundamental to many areas of biology and is of particular importance to biomedical fields such as cancer research and the development of diseases.

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.