Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) (Hons) Heriot-Watt University

Overview

Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology) (Hons) from Heriot-Watt University will provide you with the knowledge and subject-specific skills relevant to the practice of modern biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the foundations of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, integrating concepts of related areas such as physiology, microbiology, biotechnology, and genetics.  

You’ll develop your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. You’ll learn about scientific concepts, evaluate research findings, and present innovative solutions to complex biological problems using a range of media. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.  

Hands-on laboratory work is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data.

As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication skills, and practical presentation skills. You’ll also understand the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and public health.  

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to understand the impact that biochemistry, and cell and molecular biology has on our daily lives, and you’ll become a confident graduate ready to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors. 

Your learning environment  

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular) is taught though a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and field work, allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You will be assessed by coursework and examinations and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.  

During your studies, you’ll have access to our high-specification laboratories, the latest technologies and industry-standard equipment.  

Some examples of our facilities and equipment include:  

• Biology teaching lab, including an audio-visual system to see demonstrations on plasma screens around the room.  
• Plant growth rooms for the study of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering of cereal plants.  
• Our research laboratories have equipment to support a range of project activities linked to the cellular, molecular and microbiological sciences, including facilities for cell culture, genome editing, bioimaging and bioinformatics work.  
• We have access to state-of-the-art sequencing technologies in the form of nanopore sequencers, allowing whole genome sequencing of different organisms and species identification from environmental and other DNA samples. This enhances research into a range of microbial and plant microbiomes.  
• Our John Muir Aquarium is a flexible, multi-room space that allows for simulation of natural marine conditions. 
• The Research Vessel Serpula is a custom-built vessel equipped for scientific and diving work and is in Oban. 

Customise your learning 

You’ll take eight mandatory courses in year one where you will be introduced to principles and practical skills in biology, and principles of mathematics and chemistry. You’ll also take a course designed to inspire awareness of the contribution of your discipline to tackling global challenges and its connection to other disciplines. You’ll work in teams, learn to cope with complexity, gain core study skills, and thrive on ambiguity.  

In year two, you’ll take four mandatory courses which will enhance your research sills, and be introduced to metabolism in human nutrition, microbiology, and cell and molecular biology. You can customise your learning by choosing four courses from a range of biology and non-biological courses. Biology options include physiology, plant and animal biology, and the biosphere. A management course is also an option in semester one.   

You can transfer between our biology degrees until the end of year two, allowing you time at university to make final decisions on your area of specialism and degree of choice. 

You’ll take five mandatory courses in year three, which will increase your research skills, and build your knowledge of food microbiology, biotechnology, human disease, and molecular biology. Optional courses include applied aspects of human health, fundamental principles of sport and exercise physiology, marine environmental biology, and medical microbiology. You’ll choose your three optional courses in semester two.  

You’ll conduct your research project in year four and take three further courses in receptor signalling in health and disease, immunology, and molecular toxicology. You can customise your final-year learning by choosing three optional courses ranging from microbial molecular ecology, microorganisms, genomics and proteomics, stress responses, and plant health. 

Industry  

We work closely with industry to ensure our course content is up-to-date and reflects the current and emerging needs of industry and employers. You’ll gain the right blend of knowledge, practical skills, and soft skills to set you up for life after graduation.