Biological Sciences (Immunology)

Immunology is a rapidly evolving subject at the forefront of advances in science and medicine. It looks at the ways in which animals react to infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, as well as to tumours and organ transplantation.

It describes how immune responses are initiated, developed and regulated and is fundamental to the treatment of important disorders including allergy, autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies. Immunology is also central to the understanding of resistance and susceptibility to infectious diseases, transplantation science and to vaccine development.

This integrated programme aims to provide students with:

• an advanced knowledge and understanding of the immune system

• the ability to apply that knowledge to medical, veterinary, biological and biotechnological problems

• hands-on research experience

Understanding immunology is important for working in a range of medical and infectious diseases contexts, and for development of suitable therapies and novel biotechnological advances.

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.