BSc (Hons) in Cell Biology
University of Stirling
Key Information
Campus location
Stirling, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
48 months
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* For up to date fee information, please see website
Introduction
Overview
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.
Top reasons to study with us
#1 We're 2nd in Scotland for student satisfaction in Biology (National Student Survey 2023)
#2 All research (100%) from Biological and Environmental Sciences was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact (REF 2021)
#3 Our contacts with science and conservation organisations will give you real-world career knowledge
Curriculum
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.
Course details
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: Animal Physiology; Microbiology; and Animal Cell Biology. You’ll also select additional modules such as: Advanced Marine Biology, Infectious Diseases, 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 include: Molecular Techniques, Synthetic Biology, Biological Control Mechanisms and your Dissertation Project.
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