Molecular & Cellular Biology BSc
AAB – BBB at A level, A-level Biology or Chemistry; graduates earn a median £24,500 three years on.
Typical A level offer
AAB – BBB
A-level Biology or Chemistry · 70% of entrants came with A levels · 95% stay on after year 1 · Glasgow course page, Discover Uni
Year 13 · applying
What do you need to get in?
AAB – BBBtypical A level offer
Typical offer — the grades most applicants are asked for. A contextual offer can be lower for applicants from under-represented backgrounds; none is published for this course.
Glasgow course page, read 19 September 2026 · Discover Uni entry profile
- 1A-level Biology or Chemistry
Who actually got in: 70% with A levels, 10% with the IB, 10% via Access courses. 50% arrived with 208 or more UCAS tariff points — roughly A*A*A or better. Based on 30 entrants.
UCAS tariff points — a points scale for grades: A* = 56, A = 48, so A*A*A = 160. Entrants’ totals include extra subjects.
Other qualifications2
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish Highers | AAAAAminimum from S5: ABBB | Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either). |
| IB | 34 (6,5,5) | HL Biology or Chemistry. |
Years 1–4
What do you study?
4compulsory modules in year 1
Compulsory modules this year: natural sciences 66% · mathematics & statistics 24% · transversal skills 6% · green & sustainability 4%.
Module — one course unit, usually a term or a year long; “core” means everyone takes it. One UK credit is about ten hours of study; a full year is 120 credits.
Glasgow course page · optional modules vary by year
Year 1 · 4 core · 100 credits ≈ 1,000 hours
- Biology 1A
What you learn (8)
- distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
- describe the structure and function of the cardiovascular system
- describe the structure and function of the respiratory system
- describe the structure and function of the nervous and immune systems
- explain fundamental concepts underlying ecological relationships
- interpret scientific data sets to draw valid conclusions
- critically appraise scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques safely and accurately
- Biology 1B
What you learn (12)
- describe the structure and function of major biological molecules
- describe the biochemical process of photosynthesis in plants
- describe the stages of cellular respiration
- explain patterns of genetic inheritance
- describe causes and mechanisms of genetic disease
- discuss competing theories explaining evolutionary change
- discuss recent advances in plant biotechnology
- discuss the role of biotechnology in addressing food security
- interpret scientific data presented in graphs and tables
- evaluate findings reported in scientific literature
- perform standard laboratory techniques used in biological research
- record and report experimental results accurately
- Chemistry 1
What you learn (4)
- describe fundamental facts and experimental foundations of modern chemistry
- solve basic numerical problems in chemistry contexts
- solve basic logical problems in chemistry contexts
- perform standard chemical laboratory techniques
- Science Fundamentals-1X
What you learn (6)
- explain the role of si units and appropriate approximation in calculations
- perform arithmetic and proportion calculations without a calculator
- solve linear and simultaneous equations and derive line equations
- draw molecular structures and identify types of isomerism
- explain the role of lone pairs in molecular shape and reactivity
- identify functional groups and relate them to compound names
Year 2 · 6 core · 180 credits ≈ 1,800 hours
- Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
What you learn (6)
- apply core biological theories and concepts to relevant scenarios
- describe biological processes ranging from molecular to ecosystem level
- illustrate biological concepts using examples such as ageing, genomics and immunity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data including laboratory-derived results
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Core Concepts in Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (9)
- describe the cellular and tissue organisation of selected body systems
- relate structural features of tissues to their physiological function
- explain the concept of homeostasis in human physiology
- explain how neural and endocrine systems coordinate physiological responses
- interpret biological data relating to human health and disease
- apply biological data to explain system responses in health and disease scenarios
- explain how practical techniques are applied in research and clinical practice
- communicate human biology concepts using terminology suited to the audience
- reflect on personal graduate attributes within a scientific context
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key topics in evolutionary biology, physiology, zoology and ecology
- describe principles of terrestrial and aquatic conservation
- evaluate patterns of biological diversity across species
- evaluate ecological and evolutionary processes shaping diversity
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific data collected in laboratory settings
- analyse scientific data collected in field environments
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to an audience
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
What you learn (8)
- describe key mechanisms in biochemistry
- describe fundamental concepts in genetics
- describe core principles of molecular and cellular biology
- evaluate experimental approaches for addressing scientific questions
- interpret findings from scientific literature
- analyse scientific datasets including laboratory-generated data
- solve quantitative problems relevant to biological sciences
- communicate scientific ideas clearly to others
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
What you learn (6)
- explain features of human structure and function in applied scenarios
- apply numerical and statistical methods to analyse data
- interpret data to draw evidence-based conclusions
- communicate human biology concepts using suitable terminology for the audience
- evaluate ethical and sustainable practice in biological investigation
- reflect on personal graduate skills relevant to employability
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
What you learn (6)
- describe fundamental concepts underlying microbial biology
- explain how immune components interact to prevent infection
- explain how immune system dysfunction contributes to disease
- extract relevant findings from scientific literature
- analyse laboratory-generated scientific data
- present scientific ideas clearly to an audience
Year 3 · 2 core · 120 credits ≈ 1,200 hours
- Molecular & Cellular Biology 3A
What you learn (9)
- explain key concepts in modern molecular biology
- analyse numerical or logical data in a molecular biology context
- apply fundamental laboratory techniques in molecular biology
- interpret results obtained from molecular biology experiments
- deliver a structured oral presentation of scientific work
- produce a well-organised written scientific report
- evaluate original scientific literature critically
- use search engines and databases to gather scientific information
- communicate research findings and conclusions effectively
- Molecular & Cellular Biology 3B
What you learn (9)
- explain core concepts of modern molecular biology
- analyse numerical and logical data within a molecular biology context
- apply fundamental molecular biology laboratory techniques
- interpret results generated by molecular biology techniques
- deliver a structured oral presentation of scientific work
- produce a well-structured written scientific report
- evaluate original scientific literature critically
- use digital search engines and databases to research scientific problems
- communicate research findings and conclusions effectively
Year 4 · 19 core · 460 credits ≈ 4,600 hours
- Current Topics in Biotechnology 4A option
What you learn (6)
- critically analyse scientific literature in biotechnology
- discuss strategies used to manufacture biotechnological products
- discuss various biotechnological approaches and techniques
- evaluate the advantages and limitations of biotechnological methods
- discuss environmental, medical and commercial contexts of biotechnology applications
- discuss the ethical implications of biotechnological solutions
- Cancer 4B option
What you learn (10)
- evaluate current scientific understanding of cancer biology at molecular level
- describe systems used to classify and name human tumours
- explain different biological mechanisms that cause cancer development
- explain approaches used to treat cancer
- describe causes of tumour resistance to treatment
- identify emerging molecular targets for cancer treatment
- explain how immune mechanisms influence cancer development and treatment
- analyse experimental data from cancer research studies
- evaluate findings reported in scientific research publications
- design experiments to investigate scientific research questions
- Cell Signalling and Disease 4D option
What you learn (9)
- explain the pharmacological properties of G-protein coupled receptors
- relate signal transduction pathways to normal physiological function
- relate signal transduction pathways to disease mechanisms
- describe methods used to validate molecular targets for disease treatment
- relate emerging technologies to approaches for identifying drug targets
- relate animal disease models to different drug targeting strategies
- describe novel strategies for targeting G-protein coupled receptors
- describe novel strategies for targeting phosphodiesterases and protein kinases
- describe novel strategies for targeting enzymes of the ubiquitylation system
- Core Skills in Molecular and Cellular Biology 4X core
What you learn (4)
- describe current research approaches used in molecular and cellular biology
- apply advanced molecular and cellular biology concepts to research questions
- evaluate strengths and weaknesses of common molecular biology techniques
- compare the suitability of different experimental systems for research questions
- Molecular Basis of Cardiometabolic Disease 4B option
What you learn (4)
- evaluate molecular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases
- evaluate cellular mechanisms underlying cardiometabolic diseases
- interpret experimental data on molecular regulation of health
- interpret experimental data on cellular regulation in cardiometabolic disease
- Molecular Biology for Climate Solutions 4B option
What you learn (8)
- evaluate biotechnological approaches used to improve crop performance
- assess the relevance of crop biotechnology to food security under climate change
- justify arguments on biotechnology applications using primary scientific literature
- describe current technologies applied in plant biotechnology
- discuss biotechnological methods that increase climate resilience in crops
- discuss biotechnological methods that strengthen ecosystem resilience to climate change
- present molecular climate-solution findings clearly to specialist audiences
- present molecular climate-solution findings clearly to non-specialist audiences
- Plant Molecular Biology 4Y option
What you learn (10)
- explain how gene function underlies plant growth and development
- explain how gene regulation shapes plant growth processes
- identify experimental techniques used to study gene function in plants
- identify experimental techniques used to study gene regulation in plants
- explain how genetic control of development responds to environmental factors
- interpret how plants sense stimuli affecting gene expression
- interpret how stimulus perception influences plant developmental pathways
- interpret experimental data from plant molecular biology studies
- describe cellular mechanisms controlling gene expression
- describe molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression
- Stem Cells 4D option
What you learn (6)
- explain recent advances in stem cell biology
- describe emerging techniques used in stem cell research
- evaluate primary research papers on stem cells
- critique the validity of current stem cell literature
- present scientific findings clearly to specialist audiences
- explain complex stem cell research to a non-specialist audience
- Tissue and Cell Engineering 4Y option
What you learn (5)
- discuss current research approaches in tissue and cell engineering
- analyse strengths and weaknesses of materials used in tissue engineering
- analyse strengths and weaknesses of techniques used in tissue engineering
- evaluate experimental systems for addressing tissue engineering questions
- discuss tissue-specific differences in tissue engineering construct design
- Cell Compartmentalisation 4Y option
What you learn (7)
- explain mechanisms by which cells achieve compartmentalisation
- explain why compartmentalisation supports specific biochemical functions
- interpret experimental data from primary research papers
- appraise the validity of reported experimental results
- evaluate hypotheses proposed in primary research articles
- critique conclusions drawn by researchers in published studies
- apply literature analysis to deepen subject understanding
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
What you learn (11)
- design a structured plan for a research investigation
- carry out a research project following the planned approach
- critically appraise existing scientific literature
- summarise key findings from previous studies
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific results in relation to the research question
- relate research findings to existing scientific knowledge
- propose directions for future research based on findings
- compose a coherent scientific report meeting specified guidelines
- deliver a clear oral presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an investigation to address a focused research question
- carry out an investigation using relevant literature sources
- devise a strategic plan for selecting evidence sources within a topic
- apply systematic search techniques to bibliographic databases
- combine data gathered from multiple sources
- critically evaluate data drawn from different sources
- form reasoned conclusions supported by available evidence
- produce a coherent written report in an appropriate scientific format
- design an oral presentation to communicate research findings
- deliver a clear presentation of research to an audience
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- design an outreach activity to communicate scientific findings
- deliver an outreach activity to a non-specialist audience
- evaluate the effectiveness of an outreach activity
- critically appraise published research papers in the subject field
- summarise key findings from scientific literature
- collect scientific data using appropriate methods
- analyse scientific data using suitable techniques
- interpret scientific data to draw conclusions
- compose a coherent written research report
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
What you learn (10)
- summarise existing research literature on a topic
- evaluate the quality and relevance of prior research
- analyse scientific data to identify patterns and trends
- interpret scientific data to draw valid conclusions
- evaluate the reliability and significance of scientific data
- produce a coherent written report following specified guidelines
- deliver a structured oral presentation of research findings to peers
- explain the scientific principles and methods applied during the internship
- explain the relevance of the internship project to the workplace
- reflect on how the internship contributed to personal development
- Mitochondrial Biology 4C option
What you learn (8)
- describe the key stages and mechanisms of mitochondrial biogenesis
- explain how mitochondria contribute to apoptosis signalling pathways
- explain the mitochondrial mechanisms involved in cellular ageing
- describe the molecular basis of major diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction
- evaluate the components and mechanisms of mitochondrial protein homeostasis
- assess the processes controlling mitochondrial protein turnover
- examine the interaction between redox signalling and mitochondrial function
- discuss how phosphorylation signalling influences mitochondrial activity
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 1) 4Y option
What you learn (11)
- organise raw data into formats suitable for statistical analysis
- use R software to visualise datasets
- apply R packages to analyse datasets
- carry out descriptive and inferential statistical tests on data
- evaluate the appropriateness and assumptions of statistical tests
- explain the reasoning behind selecting a statistical test
- apply model selection criteria to choose appropriate statistical models
- present statistical and graphical results in a written scientific report
- critique experimental design and statistical methods in published research
- describe the algebraic structure underlying general linear models
- interpret output generated by statistical tests
- Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 2) 4E option
What you learn (13)
- organise raw data into a structured format suitable for analysis
- use R software to create visual representations of datasets
- apply R packages to analyse statistical datasets
- perform descriptive statistical calculations on biological data
- perform inferential statistical tests on biological data
- evaluate the suitability and assumptions of statistical tests used
- explain the criteria for selecting an appropriate statistical test
- apply model selection methods to a given dataset
- present statistical findings and visualisations in a scientific report
- critique the experimental design used in published life science studies
- critique the statistical methods used in published life science studies
- describe the algebraic structure underlying general linear models
- interpret the output generated by statistical tests
- Molecular and Cellular Microbiology 4Y option
What you learn (6)
- evaluate molecular mechanisms used by pathogens to infect host cells
- describe strategies pathogens use to persist within host organisms
- describe how pathogens spread between different hosts
- examine alterations to host cell structures caused by infectious agents
- assess possible targets for developing drugs against pathogens
- analyse data drawn from current molecular microbiology research
- Biological Mechanisms of Ageing 4Y option
What you learn (5)
- analyse primary research studies on ageing theories and mechanisms
- critically evaluate primary research papers on the biology of ageing
- present a critique of ageing research in written form for a scientific audience
- present a critique of ageing research orally for a scientific audience
- produce a media presentation explaining an ageing research topic to a general audience
“What you learn” restates each module’s published learning outcomes in our own words, as short skill statements in the same form as the GCSE and A level curriculum, with the help of an AI model; fields of knowledge follow the twelve fields of the knowledge sphere. The university’s module page, linked from each title, is the authoritative description.
After graduating
Where does it lead?
£24,500median pay three years after graduating
Lower quarter£20k
Median£25k
Upper quarter£29k
Median — the middle earner: half earned more, half less. Pay is for graduates of this subject at this university who finished in 2016-18, not adjusted for inflation; based on 185 graduates.
Discover Uni dataset (HESA and Office for Students, CC BY 4.0, contains HESA data); earnings from the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data (Department for Education) · aggregation level 13, 14, 12, 22
Half of graduates earned between £19,500 and £29,000. Five years on, the median is £29,500. 90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing; 50% of those in work were in professional or managerial jobs.
All outcome figures7
| Measure | Value | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Continue after year 15% left | 95% | 30 |
| In work or study, 15 months on5% studying | 90% | 25 |
| Professional or managerial job | 50% | 20 |
| Pay 15 months on, median | £26,000 | 35 |
| Pay 3 years on, median | £24,500 | 185 |
| Pay 5 years on, median | £29,500 | 205 |
National Student Survey 2025-26
What do students say?
90%agreed the course was good overall (question 26)
NSS — a yearly survey of final-year students at every UK university; 50% of this course’s final year answered. Small groups can swing a lot year to year.
National Student Survey, via Discover Uni · 10 students answered
Highest: 100% agreed on question 3; lowest: 27% on question 13.
All questions26
| Question | Agree |
|---|---|
| Question 1 | 91% |
| Question 2 | 73% |
| Question 3 | 100% |
| Question 4 | 100% |
| Question 5 | 91% |
| Question 6 | 100% |
| Question 7 | 82% |
| Question 8 | 64% |
| Question 9 | 73% |
| Question 10 | 73% |
| Question 11 | 73% |
| Question 12 | 73% |
| Question 13 | 27% |
| Question 14 | 64% |
| Question 15 | 91% |
| Question 16 | 91% |
| Question 17 | 73% |
| Question 18 | 73% |
| Question 19 | 80% |
| Question 20 | 100% |
| Question 21 | 91% |
| Question 22 | 100% |
| Question 23 | 73% |
| Question 24 | 55% |
| Question 25 | 89% |
| Question 26 | 90% |
Question texts are published by the Office for Students; the dataset carries only the question numbers.
Modules, entry requirements and fees are facts read from University of Glasgow’s course page on 2026-09-19 and may change; the university’s page is authoritative. Descriptions are not reproduced. Outcome figures are from the Discover Uni dataset. University of Glasgow is a trade mark of the university; sch.today is independent of it.