The BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience course at Robert Gordon University is a highly practical course that will provide you with the essential knowledge and laboratory skills for a career in bioscience.
As a Bioscientist you will work on solving the biggest challenges currently faced by people and the planet; fighting disease, protecting the environment and feeding our growing population.
As a graduate, you will be suitably qualified to enter a range of professions due to the study of a wide-variety of topics including microbiology, biotechnology, bioanalysis, molecular biology and genetics, plant biology and environmental science.
Applied Bioscience students will study plants, animals and microorganisms, examining how they function at both the cellular and whole-organism level. Subjects include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Students will also learn about ecology and examine challenges for biodiversity and societies globally, including climate change and public health. The applications of bioscience to society and industry is also a key aspect of the learning experience on the course, including applications of synthetic biology and bioinformatics to bioscience, regulations governing the bioscience industry and developing skills in communicating bioscience to the public.
In state-of-the-art laboratory facilities you will gain valuable hands-on experience, from microbiology to bioanalytical work and cell culture; skills which are essential to any Bioscientist. The course also covers aspects of ethics in science as well as the communication of science to the public - a government priority.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You will study the application of bioscience to industry, including regulations and procedures governing industry; the use of bioscientific databases and data mining in bioinformatics; and examine reducing disease risk in public health. You will develop skills in communicating science to different sectors.
Year 4
In your final year you will develop skills in experimental design and statistical analysis before undertaking an individual research project independently. You will also examine emerging areas of the bioscience industry, such as biotechnology, omics and synthetic biology.
Our sustainability commitment
As a school of applied science it is of fundamental importance that all our curricula provide the knowledge, skills, attributes, values and agency that empower our students to make positive and responsible contributions to society, and innovative solutions that benefit our planet’s future. We aim to create sustainability champions for each of our courses who will facilitate discussion at a course level and engage with students, with a view to enriching our provision through the co-creation of events and enhancements. We are committed to embedding sustainability throughout our teaching and learning so our students not only consider sustainability in their studies and daily lives, but also throughout the careers they undertake once they graduate from RGU.
This course is committed to United Nation's Sustainability Goals 2, 3, 4 and 6. Find out more on the United Nations website.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationActivity Summary
- Lectures - 25 students per group, 50 hours per term
- Seminars - 25 students per group, 20 hours per term
- Tutorial - 25 students per group, 10 hours per term
- Project Supervision - 25 students per group, 50 hours per term
- Practical class or workshop - 25 students per group, 30 hours per term
- Independent Study - 25 students per group, 300 hours per term
How long is a BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience course?
The Applied Bioscience course can be successfully completed in 4 years. This is to include time for independent study and coursework preparation, tutorials, lectures and other activities.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 - 2 hours
- 3 written assignments, including essays
- 1 oral assessment
- 2 practical skills assessments
Year 2
- 5 written exams, typically for 1.5 - 2 hours
- 4 written assignments, including essays
- 1 oral assessment
Year 3
- 5 written exams, typically for 2.5 - 3 hours
- 4 written assignments, including essays
- 1 oral assessment
- 1 dissertation
Year 4
- 3 written exams, typically for 2.5 - 3 hours
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 2 oral assessments
- 2 practical skills assessments
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Independent Study
In addition to scheduled class time and practical classes, you are expected to read widely from the provided reading lists, conduct your own research and meet with your peers to undertake allocated group work, complete tutorial assignments, and work on assessments. Together, the scheduled teaching activities and independent study equates to approximately 40 hours-per-week.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The teaching staff includes research-active individuals in a wider-range of disciplines (environmental science, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology) as well as academics who are registered with professional bodies such as the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Royal Society of Biology. This allows us to provide you with a course which is highly relevant to prospective employers, enhancing your employability prospects.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Study Abroad
The course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad under the Study Abroad programme: this takes place in the final year of study as part of a 12-week research project in a European country such as Germany, Spain, Portugal or Italy.
Job Prospects
You will find Bioscientists working all over the world in a diverse range of settings including research and development laboratories (for example microbiology, marine science and immunology), biotechnology companies, classrooms, sales representatives and the food and drink industry.
Is Applied Bioscience a good career choice?
On completion of the course you will have a wide-range of career options in the field of biosciences. Many of our graduates find employment within private or public sector research. This could be within university, government, NHS, commercial or charity-funded laboratories.
Previous BSc Applied Bioscience graduates of Robert Gordon University have also gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Forensic analysis
- Environmental consultancy
- Scientific publishing
- Secondary school teaching.
You may also decide to continue your studies and specialise with a Master’s degree, or develop your research skills with a PhD.
What is needed for a BSc (Hons) Applied Bioscience course?
Standard Entry Requirements
- SQA Higher: BBCC to include Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher
- GCE A Level: CCC to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics or Enviromental Science) are required at GCSE Grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Enviromental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at O3 or above if not held at Higher level.
- IB Diploma: 26 to include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level grade 4. Standard Level Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry or Physics) are required at Standard Level grade 4 if not held at Higher Level.
Year 2 Entry
- SQA Advanced Higher: BB to include Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher level.
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Biology or Chemistry at grade B. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics or Environmental Science) are required at GCSE Grade 4/C or above if not held at A Level.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
- SQA Higher: BCC/CCCC to include Biology/Human Biology or Chemistry. Biology, English, Maths and one further science (Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science or Health and Food Technology) are required at National 5 grade C if not held at Higher
Alternative Qualifications
We welcome applications from those with equivalent qualifications to those stated, including SVQs/NVQs, access programmes, Foundation Apprenticeships and overseas qualifications. Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HNC from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6930 |
| Year 2 | £6930 | |
| Year 3 | £6930 | |
| Year 4 | £6930 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £17400 |
| Year 2 | £17400 | |
| Year 3 | £17400 | |
| Year 4 | £17400 | |
Academic Year 2023-2024
Scottish Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1820 |
| Year 2 | £1820 | |
| Year 3 | £1820 | |
| Year 4 | £1820 | |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
EU Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6750 |
| Year 2 | £6750 | |
| Year 3 | £6750 | |
| Year 4 | £6750 | |
International Students
Full Time
| On Campus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 4 years | Year 1 | £16730 |
| Year 2 | £16730 | |
| Year 3 | £16730 | |
| Year 4 | £16730 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.