Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biological Sciences

at Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Campus United Kingdom

Since the 1990s Heriot-Watt University has had an internationally renowned research group in Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine. This group includes Jonathan Sherratt, Andy White and Kevin Painter; all of whom are leading researchers in mathematical biology with strong international reputations.

Building on the strength of this research group we are excited to be launching a brand new MSc Programme in Mathematical Biology Ecology and Medicine. The programme includes high level and high quality courses that will provide a comprehensive training in mathematical modelling of problems in the life sciences, in mathematical techniques to study these models, and in the use of data to both inform and test the models.

During the summer you will do an extended project on a cutting-edge research topic that is aligned with our research interests. These include work on wound healing, pattern formation in developmental biology, epidemics, cancer, semi-arid ecosystems, and evolution. The programme will open up for you a wide range of career paths and possibilities for future study.

Our BSc Biological Sciences degree is a broad-based course with a diverse range of topics. In Levels three and four you’ll be able to select from courses ranging from molecular biology and genomics, to marine and environmental topics. Which means you can choose your courses based on your particular interests. Overall, this biology degree aims to provide a flexible package of knowledge and practical skills in the biological sciences. Giving you the chance to maximise your potential and enjoy a successful career – whether it’s in academia, industry or commerce.

This programme combines the core principles and techniques of international finance. It develops student knowledge and understanding of academic finance and of the financial sector, including theory, empirical research and practical issues. It is designed for those who wish to pursue a professional career which calls for familiarity with the financial world.

The programme is also designed to provide the knowledge base and the analytical and research skills necessary for doctoral study in finance. Many graduates pursue careers in the financial sector, some within Edinburgh, a major centre for fund management, and home to two of the world’s largest banks.

The programme enables students to understand core theories and concepts in finance; understand and use a range analytical techniques, for example the analysis of a company's financial statements or the application of models to value financial assets; evaluate methods of empirical research and empirical findings; develop practical knowledge of financial markets and institutions and financial decisions within companies; carry out original research via a dissertation; and develop transferable skills, particularly in analytical techniques, communication and teamwork, relevant to employment in the financial sector or in academic research.

This degree combines material from the Mathematics and Actuarial Science courses, together with specialist actuarial and statistical skills. It also takes a wide-ranging approach to other areas of advanced mathematics. Year one focuses on core topics in algebra, calculus and statistics, along with an introduction to finance and economics. Year two builds upon this by introducing topics in actuarial science. The third and final years offer a range of options – allowing you to choose a combination which best suits your interests.

Modern civil engineering professionals often require an extensive understanding of construction management due to the strategic benefits it can bring to both individuals and project teams.

As the industry becomes more competitive, organisations and their clients are increasingly demanding the combined time, cost and quality assurances that good project management practice provides. Furthermore, the industry now recognises that there is a need for engineers to gain specialist technical knowledge which compliments their academic and professional background.

The course uses experience from our internationally recognised Construction Project Management course and combines it with our high-profile Civil Engineering postgraduate course to provide a broad and valuable education. As a result, our recent graduates have been employed by a range of both national and international employers.

Data Scientist has been dubbed the 'sexiest job title' (Harvard Business Review, 2012) with IBM predicting a 28% growth of jobs by 2020. The UK government has set out their strategy for the UK to be a world leader in data science to enable the growth of the UK economy. Data Scientists require a combination of statistical analytical skills, the ability to process large volumes of data efficiently, c.f. Big Data, and then to generate visualisations to explain the results.

This two year programme offers an opportunity for graduates looking to transition to a new career path in Data Science, yet coming from a background outside Computing. Whether your experience lies in Science, Technology, Mathematics or the Arts, this pathway programme is a rare opportunity to become well-versed in the advanced, challenging field of Data Science.

Entry to the actuarial profession is by a demanding series of examinations, but the rewards after qualifying are great. The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in the UK has four levels of examinations to qualify. The first level, the Core Principles (CS, CM and CB) subjects, are taught in our BSc or MSc in Actuarial Science and lead to exemptions from subjects CS1, CS2, CM1, CM2, CB1 and CB2.

Our MSc in Actuarial Management is an established and successful programme covering the more advanced actuarial subjects.

Students will typically study CP1, CP2, CP3 and up to three SP subjects (two SP subjects are needed to satisfy the profession's requirements).

Taking our MSc in Actuarial Management is a great way to speed your progress to this most prestigious of careers - it's designed to take you almost all of the way to qualification.

Chemistry is a dynamic and exciting subject which makes many important contributions to the world. It is a major contributor to the Scottish and UK economies and as such is a secure career pathway. Chemistry plays a crucial role in developing new medicines, materials and energy sources using greener methods for a better future.

At Heriot-Watt University, we make sure the theory we teach is linked to these practical applications so that when our students graduate they are ready to address the biggest of global challenges.

The courses on BSc Chemistry include extensive laboratory work throughout. They provide students with hands-on experience and opportunities to link theoretical knowledge from lectures to the real world. As a result, our students develop practical lab experience as well as much needed teamwork, problem solving and communication skills.

The MSc in International Fashion Marketing provides students with a contextualised knowledge of international marketing that prepares them to meet the marketing challenges facing the fashion industry today.

There are eight taught courses, divided equally over two semesters, followed by an international fashion marketing dissertation in semester 3.  Part-time students register for two courses per semester and progress to the dissertation at the end of their second year. Assessment is specifically designed to develop professional career readiness and includes …

Mandatory courses deliver core international marketing concepts (International Strategic Marketing, Contemporary Consumers in Fashion, Marketing Metrics, Branding and Communication in Fashion, Research Philosophy and Practice) as well as specialist marketing knowledge (Fashion Product Development and Fashion Buying and Merchandising).

In Semester 2 students have the choice of a marketing course option in either Sustainable Marketing or Social Media Marketing reflecting vital fashion industry trends.

In Semester 3 the International Fashion Marketing dissertation is the capstone course where students 'deep-dive' into their chosen area of research. Students will demonstrate their mastery of the subject area by developing new insight from analysis of valuable primary research.

Business Management at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 10 in the UK in the Guardian University League Tables 2018. It also achieved the 7th highest level of student satisfaction in the UK in the National Student Survey 2018.

This accelerated degree, MA (Hons) International Business Management, puts specialist business theory through a real-world filter. It develops the knowledge and interpersonal skills you will need to thrive in the positions, organisations and industries of the future. Our respected faculty use their industry experience and research-led knowledge to bring courses to life with a dynamic mix of lectures, tutorials, interactive workshops and case study-informed learning.

As your studies progress through Years 1, 2 and 3 of this accelerated MA (Hons) programme you will study an increasing number of specialist business management courses. In addition to specialist business knowledge, you will develop important transferable skills, such as: critical thinking, problem solving, communication and team working, as well as creativity, confidence and research abilities – these skills will help you succeed in your career and personal life.