Ecological and Environmental Sciences

Here are the courses that you will take if you would like to go on to study a degree within the ecological and environmental sciences at undergraduate level, including exploring ecosystems, environmental change and the Earth’s processes.

During Teaching Block 1, all students study the same courses. During this teaching block, you’ll also have time to settle into life abroad, explore the University and the city of Edinburgh, and get used to studying at university level. This is your chance to build strong foundations in scientific knowledge, academic English and learning skills, while developing confidence and independence as a student in a new country.

Molecules & Cells

Explore how life works at the smallest scales. You'll learn about biological molecules, cell structure, and the processes that keep living things alive, with a focus on how this knowledge is used in biotechnology and medicine. You'll develop practical skills in molecular biology and biochemistry, data analysis and safe lab techniques while building confidence in group work and scientific communication.

Organic & Biological Chemistry

Build a strong foundation in chemistry for life sciences. You’ll study the structure of matter, bonding, and carbon-based compounds;  and see how chemistry explains biological systems and real-world challenges in health, medicine and sustainability. The course includes hands-on lab work and training in scientific method, calculations, and report writing.

AND

Scientific English Academic Language and Literacies

This course supports your academic success across all subjects. You’ll practice and develop academic communication skills, and build effective strategies for reading and engaging with different types of scientific academic texts. We’ll help you build the critical thinking and communication skills, along with your confidence in expressing yourself through speaking and writing, needed for success on the second part of this programme.  

This course has two levels. You will assigned a level depending on your Secure English Language Test (SELT). You'll study at this level throughout Teaching Blocks 1 and 2.

Entry: You’ll take this course, which includes extra in-class hours each week, if you haven’t met the English language requirements for your chosen degree programme.

OR

Plus: You’ll take this course if you have met the English language requirements for your chosen degree programme.  

As a Plus student, you’ll also study a modern language, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish or Japanese* at beginner’s level, with one of our experienced language teachers across Teaching Block 1 and 2. 

*Please note the specific language availability might be subject to change depending on cohort numbers


In Teaching Block 2, you'll begin to specialise, depending on your chosen undergraduate destination and interests. You’ll study subjects that deepen your knowledge and skills in ecological and environmental sciences, preparing you for the specific degree programme you hope to join.

You’ll still receive support from your teachers and continue developing your academic English, but now with a stronger focus on your chosen field. This is your opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the first term, challenge yourself with new scientific ideas, and take your next step towards university-level study in science.

You'll choose between ONE of the following courses:

Maths, Data & Research Skills for Life Sciences

Develop the mathematical skills needed for ecological and environmental sciences. You'll practise unit conversions, statistics, and data analysis using real scientific data, with support from our teachers. Through hands-on computing and collaborative problem solving, you’ll build confidence using numbers in science and understand why data matters in health and research.

OR

Maths, Data & Research Skills for Physical Sciences

Build the quantitative skills needed for chemistry and related degrees. You’ll study algebra, calculus, modelling and statistics, and learn how to apply them to scientific problems. You’ll gain practical experience using software and programming tools for data analysis, while learning how research and maths go hand-in-hand in the physical sciences.

And you'll take ONE of the following courses:

Comparative Biology & Healthy Ecosystems

Explore how humans, animals, and the environment are connected through a One Health lens. You'll study organ systems, ecosystems, and biodiversity to understand how life functions and how health is affected by change. You’ll build skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and lab techniques while developing confidence in applying biological knowledge to global challenges.


You'll also work on a group research project*, giving you the chance to apply your learning, collaborate with others, and experience what it's like to do real scientific research at university.  

OR

Integrated Physical, Organic & Inorganic Chemistry

Deepen your knowledge of chemistry across three subfields. You'll study how reactions work, how elements behave, and how chemists design new compounds. This course builds on your learning in Organic & Biological Chemistry, with more advanced lab work and real-world applications. You'll gain experience in analysing chemical data, working safely in the lab, and thinking like a university-level chemist.

You'll also work on a group research project*, giving you the chance to apply your learning, collaborate with others, and experience what it's like to do real scientific research at university. 

AND

You'll continue your assigned Languages and Literacies courses from Teaching Block 1 in addition to your two new science courses.

*STEM Research Collaborator 2027 – Open Digital Badge

Students who complete the group research project within the BCBES International Foundation Programme will receive a University of Edinburgh Open Digital Badge: STEM Research Collaborator 2027. This badge formally recognises your achievement in collaborative scientific research, including lab skills, data analysis, and academic communication.


Issued via the University’s Badged Open Digital Badge platform, this micro-credential is designed to be shareable on your CV, LinkedIn profile, personal statement, or online portfolio, giving future universities or employers clear evidence of the research skills you've gained. The badge includes verified metadata outlining the criteria, learning outcomes, and your role in the project — making it a valuable asset for students applying to competitive science and medical degrees.


Badge Earners | Learning Technology | Information Services


Please note: The BCBES IFP does not provide a route to all Geoscience Degrees.

Progression to Undergraduate Level

During Teaching Block 1 of our Programme, we will help you apply to undergraduate level study - either at the University of Edinburgh's School of Geosciences or another UK institution.

You can explore more about the School of Geosciences on their website via the link below:

Earn a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)

By completing our programme, you’ll earn a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) — a formal university qualification at SCQF Level 7 — and be ready to progress into the first year of an undergraduate degree.

Progression to Undergraduate Level

During Teaching Block 1 of our Programme, we will help you apply to undergraduate level study for progression to the University of Edinburgh's School of Geosciences or another UK institution.

You can explore more about the University's School of Geosciences on their website via the link below:

Please note: The BCBES IFP does not provide a route to all Geoscience Degrees.

IFP Entry Requirements and How to Apply

You can check to see if you'd be eligible for this pathway of the programme via the below link:

IFP Eligibility and Entry Requirements >

Find out how to apply to the IFP BCBES/STEM Pathway via the link below:

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