Biological Sciences

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, microbial, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems. 

During your studies, you’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including ecology, zoology, plant science, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.  

Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, emerging diseases, food science development and sustainable resource management 

By developing your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be able to evaluate research findings to present innovative solutions to complex biological problems. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives. 
Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research 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. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.  

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

This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors.

Our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to offer a single point of entry for Biological Sciences. During year one and two of your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your interests. In your third and fourth years, you can further customise your learning by either continuing on our broad, multidisciplinary Biological Sciences programme, or by homing in on your interests and following a specialist curriculum. Based on your area of study, you will graduate with one of four degree awards: BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc (Hons) Cell and Molecular Biology or BSc (Hons) Human Health.

Heriot-Watt is 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). As Scotland’s top producer of CEOs (Novuna, 2025), their programmes focus on giving you real-world experience and strong industry links to help you kick-start your career success story. You'll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service with guidance on CV tailoring, careers fairs and job applications.

They guarantee accommodation for students on their safe, green parkland campus, with all energy and Wi-Fi bills included. For students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Heriot-Watt provides a free semester of accommodation to help you with the costs of starting university.

You’ll also be living and studying in a top 2 UK student-friendly city (QS Best Cities, 2026) – Edinburgh. With a vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green spaces, it's a great city to be a student.

At Heriot-Watt University, you can choose to study flexibly with a 3-year honours degree, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years while still enjoying the full student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and support from your Personal Tutor. This can save you both time and tuition fees while allowing you to graduate at the same time as students across the rest of the UK.

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