Biology

Biology involves the study of life at all levels, from the molecular biology of virus replication to the study of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Biology also touches on many aspects of contemporary life, from drug design and investigating the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s disease, to the migration and conservation of marine mammals – all of which can be studied at St Andrews.

Courses

Undergraduate - 2020 entry

Biology	BSc (Hons)
Biology	MBiol (Hons)
Animal Behaviour	BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry	BSc (Hons)
Biochemistry	MBiochem (Hons)
Cell Biology	BSc (Hons)
Ecology and Conservation	BSc (Hons)
Evolutionary Biology	BSc (Hons)
Marine Biology	BSc (Hons)
Marine Biology	MMarBiol (Hons)
Molecular Biology	BSc (Hons)
Neuroscience	BSc (Hons)
Sustainable Aquaculture	UGCert
Sustainable Development	BSc (Hons)
Sustainable Development	MA (Hons)
Zoology	BSc (Hons)
FE-HE Pathway to Science	Pathway to BSc (Hons)
Gateway to Science	Gateway Programme

Joint degree options

The Biology BSc programme can be taken with another subject as part of a joint degree or a "with" degree.

International Foundation programmes - 2020 entry

International Foundation programmes prepare international students for undergraduate study in the UK and at the University of St Andrews in particular.

Science	September Foundation
Science	January Foundation

Postgraduate - 2020 entry

Taught

Animal Behaviour	MSc
Marine Ecosystem Management	MSc
Marine Mammal Science	MSc
Statistical Ecology	PGDip/MSc
Sustainable Aquaculture - Distance Learning	PGDip/MSc
Sustainable Aquaculture - Distance Learning	PG Certificate
Sustainable Aquaculture - Distance Learning	modular

PhDs

Please contact a supervisor in your research area to inquire about PhD opportunities.

Discover the School of Biology

Watch current students and staff discuss the teaching facilities, research opportunities and student life at the School of Biology.

Visit St Andrews

Undergraduates

If you are interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students.

Upcoming visiting days:

Wednesday 1 April 2020
Wednesday 8 April 2020
Wednesday 15 April 2020

Visit us

Postgraduates

Upcoming visiting days:

Wednesday 11 March 2020

Biology research areas

Research in Biology at St Andrews is organised into three major interdisciplinary centres. These encompass the full spectrum of biological science research, spanning investigation on the properties and behaviour of individual molecules to planetary environmental dynamics.

Research in biological sciences is supported by world-class research-led teaching and has wider impact on policy, public engagement and the economy.

Researchers from the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex (BSRC) perform highly innovative, multi-disciplinary research in 11 broad areas of biomedical research. They employ state-of-the-art techniques to address key questions at the leading edge of the biomedical and biological sciences. The ethos of the BSRC is to break down barriers between scientific disciplines and conduct world-class research on the broad theme of infection and immunity.

The BSRC occupies a modern, purpose built laboratory space. Large multi-group laboratories are focused on structural biology, molecular microbiology, virology, chemical biology and molecular medicine. In addition, there are state-of-the-art facilities for mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography including crystallisation robotics, EPR, NMR and imaging. Two new high-containment-level laboratories have been built and equipped, allowing research on pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Find out more about current BSRC projects

BSRC supervisors for postgraduate research:
- Dr Catherine Adamson: molecular biology of HIV and retroviruses.
- Dr Marcus Bischoff: developmental genetics and imaging of morphogenesis.
- Dr Catherine Botting: mass spectrometry and proteomics.
- Dr Peter Coote: mode of action and application of novel antimicrobials.
- Professor David Evans: positive strand RNA virus biology.
- Dr Helder Ferreira: chromatin remodelling and telomere maintenance.
- Dr Tracey Gloster: structure and function of carbohydrate processing enzymes.
- Rafael Guimaraes da Silva: mechanisms of enzyme reactions.
- Professor Frank Gunn-Moore: molecular development and survival of mammalian neurons.
- Dr David Hughes: molecular and cellular biology of virus-host interactions.
- Professor John Jones: plant-parasitic nematodes.
- Dr Stuart MacNeill: chromosomal DNA replication and genome stability.
- Dr Michael Nevels: human cytomegalovirus and other DNA viruses.
- Dr Carlos Penedo-Esteiro: single-molecule dynamics of biomolecular interactions.
- Dr Christos Pliotas: gating mechanisms of ion channels and transporters.
- Dr Rona Ramsay: mitochondria and flavoproteins: function and regulation.
- Professor Richard Randall: viruses and innate immunity.
- Professor Martin Ryan: picornavirus replication and translational virology.
- Dr Uli Schwarz-Linek: structure and function of bacterial virulence proteins.
- Dr Judith Sleeman: structure and dynamics of the mammalian cell nucleus.
- Professor Terry Smith: molecular parasitology.
- Dr Ildiko Somorjai: regeneration biology.
- Professor Garry Taylor: structural biology of infection and immunity.
- Dr Jens Tilsner: interactions of plant RNA viruses.
- Professor Lesley Torrance: molecular biology of plant virus-host-vector interactions.
- Professor Malcolm White: DNA repair and the CRISPR system.
The Centre for Biological Diversity (CBD) is an interdisciplinary group of researchers across St Andrews focused on the measurement, origin and consequences of biological variation. The centre’s objective is to advance scientific understanding of the diversity of life and contribute pro-actively to policy that protects biological diversity.

The CBD has excellent facilities for ecological and evolutionary research on small animals (including birds, insects and fish) and on plants. For larger animal work, Edinburgh Zoo’s Living Links – a field station and research centre for the study of primates – is only an hour’s drive away. Established links to the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (as well as the local St Andrews Botanic Garden), and the nearby James Hutton Institute provide scope for larger-scale experimental projects.

Find out more about current CBD projects

CBD supervisors for postgraduate research:
- Professor Richard Abbott: plant evolution.
- Dr Nathan Bailey: evolutionary biology; behaviour and speciation in insects.
- Professor Ian Boyd: marine mammal ecology and behaviour.
- Professor Andrew Brierley: ecology and biology of zooplankton.
- Professor Will Cresswell: behavioural ecology and conservation ecology of birds.
- Dr Maria Dornelas: macroecology and biodiversity patterns.
- Dr David Ferrier: evolutionary developmental biology.
- Professor Oscar Gaggiotti: ecology, population genetics, evolution and conservation biology.
- Dr Andy Gardner: social evolution theory.
- Professor Ailsa Hall: environmental and physiological factors affecting marine mammal health and survival.
- Dr Susan Healy: animal cognition in the wild.
- Dr Sascha Hooker: ecology and behaviour of marine mammals.
- Professor Vincent Janik: acoustic communication and behaviour in marine mammals.
- Professor Ian Johnston: muscle growth and adaptation in teleost fish.
- Professor Kevin Laland: social learning, cultural evolution and niche construction.
- Professor Anne Magurran: fish behaviour and evolution.
- Dr Iain Matthews: fish and arthropod behaviour and biodiversity.
- Dr Bernie McConnell: movement and behaviour of marine mammals.
- Professor Thomas Meagher: plant evolutionary biology.
- Professor Patrick Miller: acoustic communication and behavioural ecology.
- Dr Michael Morrissey: modelling evolutionary dynamics.
- Dr Simon Northridge: interactions between people, fishing and the environment.
- Dr Patrick Pomeroy: behavioural ecology of marine mammals.
- Dr Luke Rendell: the evolution of learning, behaviour and communication.
- Professor Michael Ritchie: behaviour, genetics and speciation.
- Dr Christian Rutz: evolution, ecology and social dynamics of animal tool use.
- Dr David Shuker: insect behavioural ecology and evolution.
- Dr V Anne Smith: complex biological networks.
- Professor Christopher Todd: marine ecology.
- Professor Patricia Willmer: social insect ecology and animal-plant interactions.
The Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) is an interdisciplinary research institute studying the marine environment which forms a key focus for research excellence in marine-related science. Research interests range from the deep oceans to the coasts, and from the people who use and interact with the sea, to the biological and physical processes that make the oceans function.

SOI is ideally placed on the seashore adjacent to sandy beaches and rocky coasts. It is positioned close to grey and common seal colonies and areas where bottlenose dolphins feed each summer. The institute also hosts the largest seal experimental facility in Europe and houses a modern aquarium and well-equipped laboratories for molecular, developmental and physiological studies of marine systems.

Find out more about current SOI projects.

SOI supervisors for postgraduate research:
- Dr Lars Boehme: oceanography using animal-borne sensors.
- Professor Andrew Brierley: ecology and biology of zooplankton.
- Dr Maria Dornelas: macroecology and biodiversity patterns.
- Professor Michael Fedak: ecology, physiology and life history of marine mammals.
- Dr David Ferrier: evolutionary developmental biology.
- Professor Oscar Gaggiotti: ecology, population genetics, evolution and conservation biology.
- Dr Alisa Hall: environmental and physiological factors affecting marine mammal health and survival.
- Professor Philip Hammond: population dynamics, ecology and foraging behaviour of seals and cetaceans.
- Professor John Harwood: population and conservation biology.
- Dr Neil Hazon: osmoregulatory function in fish.
- Dr Sonja Heinrich: marine mammal ecology and conservation.
- Dr Sascha Hooker: ecology and behaviour of marine mammals.
- Professor Vincent Janik: acoustic communication and behaviour in marine mammals.
- Dr Mark Johnson: sound production, foraging, locomotion, and echolocation in marine mammals.
- Professor Ian Johnston: muscle growth and adaptation in teleost fish.
- Professor Kevin Laland: social learning, cultural evolution and niche construction.
- Professor Anne Magurran: fish behaviour and evolution.
- Dr Bernie McConnell: marine mammal interactions.
- Dr Patrick Miller: acoustic communication and behavioural ecology.
- Dr Simon Northridge: interactions between people, fishing and the environment.
- Professor David Paterson: ecology and dynamics of coastal ecosystems.
- Dr Paddy Pomeroy: behavioural ecology of marine mammals.
- Dr Luke Rendell: evolution of learning, behaviour and communication.
- Dr Sophie Smout: predator life history and trophic interactions.
- Dr Ildiko Somorjai: regeneration biology.
- Dr David Thompson: foraging, diving behaviour, population dynamics, seals, sea lions, fur seals.
- Professor Christopher Todd: marine ecology.
- Professor Peter Tyack: behaviour and acoustic communication in cetaceans.
- Dr Michael Webster: behavioural ecology, social learning, evolution, functions and mechanisms of animal grouping behaviour

Careers for graduates in biology

After studying Biology at St Andrews, students are well prepared to become the next generation of scientists and managers. They will be able to deliver research and scientific expertise in academic, industry, governments and non-governmental organisations.

A degree in Biology also provides students with transferable skills applicable to a wide range of scientific and non-scientific careers.

Graduates have gone on to find success in a wide variety of careers in research, industry and business. For example:

professional biologists in biological research, conservation, higher education, and the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries
researchers and advisers in government
journalists
advisers, researchers and managers in the National Health Service
teachers
forensic scientists
management consultants
marketing and advertising experts.

See recent graduate employment case studies.

Many recent Biology PhD graduates have continued their academic careers working as postdoctoral researchers in laboratories worldwide, including research groups at prestigious universities.

PhD graduates have found employment with varied organisations, such as:

Physiological Society
Royal Society of Chemistry
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Wellcome Trust
Havor Conservation Trust.

Biology PhD graduates have also secured posts in areas as diverse as higher education management, teaching, publishing and journalism, the charitable sector, the food and biotechnology industries, the police and the BBC.

Funding opportunities

There is a range of funding opportunities available to prospective undergraduates, postgraduates and PhD students.

Undergraduate

St Andrews offers a number of funding opportunities for undergraduate study.

Undergraduate scholarships

Taught postgraduate students

Funding is available for postgraduate taught study.

Postgraduate taught scholarships

PhD students

The School receives support from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). UK and EU nationals holding a good first degree may apply for these research council studentships.

Funding for PhD students

Awards

REF 2014

In the UK Research Excellence Framework 2014, Biology at St Andrews was ranked second in the UK based on the impact of its research.

University league tables

The School of Biology was ranked first in Scotland by the Guardian University Guide 2020 and was ranked fifth in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2020.

Contact

School of Biology
University of St Andrews
Biomedical Sciences Research Complex
North Haugh
St Andrews
KY16 9ST

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3401
Email: biology@st-andrews.ac.uk

Biology website Biology research portal

Subjects