BSc Hons Biology with Teaching (International)
ApplyKey facts
Open to eligible International Study Centre students only
Ranked: Top 10 for Biological Sciences (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
Study with us
- combine biology with the teaching methods and practice to prepare you to be a biology teacher in secondary schools
- curriculum specifically designed for international students
- learn with Scotland’s largest provider of Initial Teacher Education
Why this course?
A biomedical scientist is a scientist trained in biology, particularly in the context of medicine. These scientists work to gain knowledge on the fundamental principles of the biology of organisms and how the human body works.
You'll understand the causes and treatment of disease and infection. In addition to your biology studies, you will also study pedagogy and aspects of education, and the combination of both will prepare and equip you to become a biology teacher in secondary schools.
What you'll study
In Year 1, you'll study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases and Bio-organic chemistry. These are all underpinned by the "Being a Biomolecular Scientist" class which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics.
In Year 2 to will gain an introduction to each of the four main biomedical science disciplines - biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology again supported by the "Being a Biomolecular Scientist” class which develops various skills gained in Year 1.
In Year 3, you’ll take specialist classes in the four biomedical sciences disciplines including Biomedical Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Haematology and Immunodiagnostics and Cell and Molecular Pathology. You'll also learn about laboratory methods and ethics, data collection and presentation.
In Year 4, you will take classes that develop the pedagogy of teaching in the School of Education.
Learning & teaching
You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning.
Most laboratory classes, include numeracy and statistical skills. Communication skills are taught throughout the course. Information retrieval, interpretation and research skills are gained through project work which also develops team-working skills.
Assessment
Assessment methods include written examinations, essays, oral presentations, practical tests, computer-aided learning (CAL) exercises and project work.
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1
This class aims to give students:
- the foundation practical skills required for a biological biochemistry
- the foundation practical skills based around 'health and the body'
- foundation presentation skills
Cells & their molecules
The aims of this class are to:
- provide Foundation level knowledge relating to basic functions of cells
- set out principles of biological action and function that will be encountered through all four years
- expose students to the basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms used throughout their degree with particular focus on oral communication and presentation
Bio-Organic Chemistry
The aims of this class are to:
- understand nucleotide/nucleic acid molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of nucleic acid chemical and biological potential
- understand amino acid/protein molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of protein chemical and biological potential
- understand monosaccharide/polysaccharide molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation as the foundation of carbohydrate chemical and biological potential
- understand the chemistry, stereochemistry and biological roles of polyketide/polyisoprene natural products and their biosynthetic origins
Organisms & Disease
From this class, students will gain:
- foundation level knowledge relating to basic evolution, species diversity, development, homeostasis, and infectious disease
- principles of biological action and function that will be encountered through all four years
- learn about methods of teaching, learning and assessment used throughout the degree, with particular focus on finding, citing and using information, and teamwork
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2
The aims of this class are to:
- give students the fundamental practical skills required for a biochemist
- give students the fundamental practical skills required for an immunologist
- give students the fundamental practical skills required for a microbiologist
- give students the fundamental practical skills required for a pharmacologist
- give students fundamental skills in presentation and teamwork
Introduction to Immunology
By studying this class, students will be able to demonstrate:
- an understanding of how immune cells recognise antigens
- an understanding of key concepts in induction of acquired immunity
- an understanding of effector mechanism of the immune system
- an understanding of helpful immune responses
- an understanding of harmful immune responses
Introduction to Biochemistry
The aims of this class are:
- to understand gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression
- to understand how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics
- to understand the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
- to appreciate the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states
- to understand the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
Introduction to Pharmacology
This class aims to:
- develop understanding of systems biology and homeostasis
- develop understanding of the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems
- develop understanding of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- develop understanding of the hepatic and renal systems
- develop understanding of the endocrine and reproductive systems
Introduction to Microbiology
The aims of this class are to help students to:
- understand the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes
- appreciate physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms
- understand the role and control of microorganisms in disease
- learn how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciate the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3
The aims of this module are to:
- give you generic practical skills in biomolecular science
- further develop your practical skills in specific biomedical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histopathology and serology that align with the module choices of the degree programme
- enhance your report writing and presentation skills
Elective
You'll select 80 credits from the following classes:
Biomedical Biochemistry
The aims of this module are:
- to understand and appreciate the key features of cellular signalling and associated molecular mechanisms that regulates gene transcription
- to learn the key features of membrane and organelle trafficking
- to understand the basis of molecular and cellular toxicity underlying tissue/organ dysfunction and organism pathologies
- to gain knowledge in the genomic basis of eukaryotic/human disorders and disease
- to understand and appreciate the biochemical approaches that underpin drug discovery
Biomedical Microbiology
The aims of this module are to:
- understand the difference between taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of microorganisms
- gain knowledge on the principles that underpin bacterial, fungal and viral identification
- become familiar with the structure, function and growth characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa and apply that knowledge to their role in disease development
- describe the distinguishing features, pathogenic properties, epidemiology, treatment and control of medically important bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa
Fundamental Immunology
The aims of this module are:
- to provide you with an understanding of how pathogens are recognised
- to give you an appreciation of how immune cells are activated
- to teach you about the cytotoxic mechanisms used by immune cells
- to demonstrate how the immune system is regulated
- to give you knowledge in what immunological memory is and how it functions
Biomedical Immunology
The aims of this class are:
- to give students an understanding of Immunodiagnostic: Principles of immunoassays: homogeneous and heterogeneous immunoassays, Examples of clinical immunoassays
- to give students an understanding of hypersensitivity
- to give students an understanding of Immunopathology and Immunity to infections
- to give students an understanding of mucosal immunology
- to give students an understanding of immunopharmacology
Fundamental Biochemistry
The aims of this class are to:
- demonstrate an appreciation of the key features of protein structure, properties and interactions
- know the principles underlying successful protein purification
- demonstrate an appreciation of the key principles of enzymology
- understand protein structure-function relationship
- understand the properties, function and localisation of the major cellular macromolecules
Fundamental Microbiology
The aims of this class are to:
- understand the basis of gene regulation in microorganisms and how this influence bacterial physiology
- describe the key mechanisms that drive evolution of microorganisms
- demonstrate an understanding of the principles of mathematical modelling in predicting microbial growth and death
- describe the basis of microbial form and function and how bioinformatics are fundamental to microbiology
Fundamental Pharmacology
The aims of this class are:
- to develop understanding of how drugs act at receptors and how these actions can be quantified
- to develop understanding of the major cell signalling mechanisms in cells
- to develop understanding of the properties and distribution of adrenoceptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- to develop understanding of the properties and functions of eicosanoids and autacoids and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- to develop understanding of the properties and distribution of GABA and glutamate receptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
Biomedical Pharmacology
The aims of this class are:
- to develop understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology
- to develop understanding of respiratory disease
- to develop understanding of chronic inflammatory diseases
- to develop understanding of liver and kidney dysfunction
- to develop understanding of haematopoietic-linked diseases
Haematology, Immunohaematology, Immunodiagnostics
The aims of this module are to:
- introduce haematology & immunohaematology
- familiarise you with the intermediate concepts of the immune system & aspects of clinical & laboratory practice
- this will include material delivered by the Scottish Blood Transfusion service
Educational Studies; Professional Values 1
This class will explore the theoretical underpinnings of education: its nature and purpose, its ethical and political significance in terms of social justice, equality and the environment, and the expression of these ideas in policy and legislation.
Professional Learning Through Enquiry 1
Professional Learning through Enquiry aims to develop students as enquiring, self-reflective practitioners who are able to work collaboratively to develop skills, knowledge and expertise in an area of professional practice that will benefit children and young people throughout Scotland and beyond.
Professional Skills; Curriculum and Pedagogy Biology 1
The class will provide active and collaborative opportunities for students to explore how to plan discrete, integrated, and interdisciplinary curricular learning with a particular focus on the teaching of biology and general science.
Placement Learning: Community
This module aims to provide students an opportunity to engage with their peers and learners of STEM in a variety of situations on and off campus. This will give them a real life context in which they can relate their ideas learned in their mathematics curriculum and pedagogy classes.
Learning on Placement
This module aims to give students an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in STEM pedagogical methods gained on this as well as other course modules to help learners in a variety of situations and institutions.
Entry requirements
| International students | This programme is only available to international students who have undertaken the Foundation Programme for Science at the International Study Centre at the University of Strathclyde. |
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Additional information
Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme required is required for Year 4.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| International | £22,450 |
|---|---|
| University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my studies?
International Students
We have a number of scholarships available to international students. Take a look at our scholarship search to find out more.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Careers
Graduates will have developed the skills required to teach biology in secondary schools.
Graduates will also have developed skills applicable to creating, setting up and demonstrating experiments commonly carried out in secondary school bioscience labs.
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in Glasgow
Apply
This degree programme is only available to eligible students progressing from the International Study Centre.
For further information on how to apply, please contact the International Study Centre.