Biological, Chemical, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences (BCBES) Pathway

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 1 (SEALL 1)

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.

Entry level: 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 level: 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 take an additional modern language.

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 either life and environmental sciences or chemical and physical sciences, preparing you for the specific degree programme you hope to join.

You’ll still receive support from your tutors 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.

Biological, Biomedical & Environmental Sciences Stream

This stream is for students who want to study life and health sciences. You'll explore the biology of living systems — from cells to ecosystems — and develop the scientific and mathematical skills needed for degrees like Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Environmental Sciences. Ideal if you're curious about life, health, or the planet.

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.  

Maths, Data & Research Skills for Life Sciences

Develop the mathematical skills needed for biological, biomedical, and environmental sciences. You'll practise unit conversions, statistics, and data analysis using real scientific data, with support from our MathsHub and tutors. 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.

Scientific English Academic Language and Literacies 2 (SEALL 2)

Build on the skills you developed in Teaching Block 1 as you continue to grow your confidence in academic English. You’ll practise writing, reading and speaking about scientific topics, using materials that match your chosen stream. This course helps you become a more independent learner and supports your success in the other subjects you study, and in your future degree. This course will build on the skills you’ve been developing in SEALL 1 to help you develop key academic skills for successful undergraduate study.
 

*STEM Research Collaborator 2026 – 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 2026. 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

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 1 (SEALL 1)

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.

Entry level: 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 level: 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 take an additional modern language.

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 either life and environmental sciences or chemical and physical sciences, preparing you for the specific degree programme you hope to join.

You’ll still receive support from your tutors 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.

Chemical & Biochemical Sciences Stream

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.  

Maths, Data & Research Skills for Physical Sciences

Build the quantitative skills needed for chemistry, physics 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.

Scientific English Academic Language and Literacies 2 (SEALL 2)

Build on the skills you developed in Teaching Block 1 as you continue to grow your confidence in academic English. You’ll practise writing, reading and speaking about scientific topics, using materials that match your chosen stream. This course helps you become a more independent learner and supports your success in the other subjects you study,  and in your future degree. This course will build on the skills you’ve been developing in SEALL 1 to help you develop key academic skills for successful undergraduate study.

*STEM Research Collaborator 2026 – 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 2026. 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