Bioscience BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

This BSc (Hons) Bioscience offers skills and practical experience in subjects including biology, biochemistry, genomics, laboratory practice and instrumentation, and focuses on recent advances in a range of scientific fields. 

You will learn a range of laboratory techniques used in disciplines such as microbiology, biochemistry, chemistry for biology, molecular biology and genomics. On completion of the degree you will have acquired the experience and skills required for employment in industries such as biotechnology, the food and drink sector, microbiology, environmental analysis and scientific research.

Special features

• High importance is given to practical skills and data handling
• You will gain valuable experience of laboratory practice in chemistry, biology and instrumentation used in industry
• BSc (Hons) Bioscience prepares you for employment in a wide range of scientific disciplines

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BCC or above, must include 2 science subjects (Higher Maths being desirable) OR
• 2 A levels at grade C or above, including one science subject
• You must have a minimum National 5, Standard Grade Credit, Intermediate 2 or equivalent in Chemistry and Maths
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Alternatively, the completion of:

• an appropriate Access to Science course OR
• Foundation Apprenticeship Food and Drink Technologies Plus 2 Scottish Highers in science (chemistry or biology) and English, with minimum National 5 Maths OR
• Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills) Plus 1 Scottish Higher in Science at grade C or above and minimum National 5 Chemistry
• Applicants with other qualifications or experience may be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry to year two or three of the degree:

• Direct entry to year two may be possible on successful completion of the HNC Applied Sciences (minimum 120 points required), with a B grade in the Graded Unit; other related HNCs will be considered on an individual basis
• Direct entry to year three may be possible on successful completion of the HND Applied Sciences from other institutions, preferably with an A grade in the Graded Unit; applicants with a B grade may be considered on an individual basis, as will those with other related HNDs

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

• NC Applied Sciences Level 6

Year 1 - CertHE

Core modules are:

• Principles of biology
• Fundamental chemistry 
• Science laboratory skills
• Collecting and analysing data
• Scientific techniques

Options include: 

• Ecological principles: Biodiversity and identification skills, anatomy and physiology

Year 2 - DipHE

Core modules are:

• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Chemistry for bioscience
• Principles of instrumentation
• Microbiology
• Advanced science lab skills
• Advanced science techniques

Year 3 - BSc

Core modules are:

• Applications in bioscience
• Developmental biology
• Research skills and project
• Introduction to data science and modelling

Options include:

• Environmental monitoring
• Microbial ecology
• Climate change

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

Core modules are:

• Recent advances in bioscience 1 
• Recent advances in bioscience 2
• Omics analysis and systems biology

Option module:

• Engaging with external agencies (includes work placement)
• Sustainable energy  and waste minimisation

You must also complete a dissertation which is delivered over the whole final year.

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term-time address in Scotland, studying full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes.  Students will get an automatic scholarship of £4,000 per annum and the 4th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

You will be required to attend weekly practical laboratory sessions at your study location.