Pre-University: Insights into the Life Sciences

Students will explore different areas of the Life Sciences, such as Biology, Chemistry, Genetics and Immunology and work with science specialists to learn about different Life Science careers.

Are you thinking about studying a science subject at university?

This course is specifically designed for 16-18 year olds in their final or penultimate year of school who are considering pursuing an undergraduate degree in the Life Sciences. During this 2-week programme, students will have the opportunity to explore different areas of the Life Sciences, such as Biology, Chemistry, Genetics and Immunology. 

Students will work with science specialists and learn about different Life Science careers and develop key skills for undergraduate study.

The course will also include visits to other science organisations and give you the chance to meet and speak with scientists studying and working at the University of Edinburgh.

Course teacher

Emily Watts, Andrea Moore and Jayne Quoiani

Eligibility

Students must be in their penultimate or final year of high school and aged 16-18 years.

Students should not have any previous undergraduate learning experience and should have completed general science, biology or chemistry up to GCSE/SQA National 5/IB MYP or secondary school certificate/diploma, or equivalent.  If you are unsure, then please contact col.admissions@ed.ac.uk.

Language requirements

Applicants should meet the minimum English language requirements in order to fully benefit from, and engage with, Summer School courses. Your English language ability must be equivalent to, or above, 6.5 IELTS overall with 5.5 in each component.

Device requirements

Course materials will be delivered via the University of Edinburgh's Virtual Learning Environment. To access these materials, you will require a suitable device, such as a laptop or tablet. 

Teaching location

Holyrood Campus

Dates

30 June - 11 July 2025

Length

2 weeks

Course fee

£4995

Application deadline

Tuesday 20 May 2025, 17:00 (BST)

 


Emily Watts is a STEM teaching fellow at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Open Learning where she helps to deliver courses with a focus on Biology. Emily has over 10 years of teaching experience in science education at secondary and college levels, teaching Biology, Chemistry and Physics before heading back to university to gain her masters. She is motivated about making science accessible and fun to all. Emily studied her undergraduate degree at Bangor University before moving to South Devon to complete her PGCE. After leaving the traditional teaching environment, she did a MSc and an MPhil at the University of Edinburgh with a year abroad studying in France and Spain. Her research was focused on Infectious Disease and One Health, with a specific project on virulence factors during Salmonella infections in cattle. Currently at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Open Learning, Emily designs curriculum and teaches summer STEM courses.

 

Andrea Moore is one of the STEM teaching fellows at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Open learning, where she works with students delivering STEM courses. Andrea has over 13 years of experience in chemistry education, having taught chemistry at secondary and college levels internationally before joining the university. She is passionate about making chemistry accessible and engaging for all students.

Andrea received her degree in chemistry from the University of Glasgow and studied her PGDE at Strathclyde University, also in Glasgow. Her research focused on developing new methodologies in organic synthesis and spectroscopy.

At the University of Edinburgh, Andrea designs curriculum, teaches short courses and summer STEM courses, and mentors' students in STEM research projects. She aims to foster an inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore chemistry and all aspects of STEM

 

Jayne Quoiani is Head of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Centre for Open Learning. She has a research background in molecular biology and human genetics and has worked in the areas of cancer biology and biomedical research.  She has worked for the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK and the Roslin Institute. For the past 20 years, she has been working in science education and has authored several educational books for Oxford University Press for international learners.  Her work has been recognised through national awards and publications for what it does to reveal contemporary research.

She is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to build their confidence in science and helping break down the typical stereotypes associated with science & scientists.  She does this through developing innovative, research-revealing learning experiences that are focused around practical, hands-on investigations. 


The course aims to introduce the Life Sciences to students who are considering university study. Students will explore how the Life Sciences play a major role in helping us solve problems, in areas such as disease, through learning about real-life research, carrying out science investigations, meeting scientists and discussing some of the biggest questions facing science today.

Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the knowledge and theory across Life Sciences and an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of scientific research. Students will develop new skills, improve on existing ones, and begin their journey to becoming a professional scientist.

The Life Sciences involve the scientific study of living organisms such as humans, other animals, plants and microorganisms. It is a globally important area of science, solving global real-world problems that are facing humans, plants, animals and the planet today.

This course will bring together different Life Science disciplines. Students will explore aspects of life from the perspectives of:

  • Biochemistry: where they will gain deeper insight into the processes of life at a molecular level.
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology: where they will investigate the molecular basis of life.
  • Biodiversity & One Health: where they will explore the relationship between microorganisms, animals, humans and the environment.

Students will have the opportunity to develop their scientific skills through:

  • using the scientific method
  • designing and carrying out scientific investigations
  • interpreting and critically analysing scientific data
  • using scientific equipment and technology
  • working collaboratively with peers
  • communicating scientific research

Course Structure:

The structure of this course is designed to provide students with an immersive experience, giving them a taster of undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique Edinburgh-based summer school opportunity.

Classes will combine mini-lectures, tutorial discussions, workshop activities and laboratory practical sessions. Students will also get expert advice and support in developing their academic language and literacy skills and will receive information on how to apply to a UK university from our University Admissions team.

To successfully complete this course and achieve all learning outcomes students should attend all in-person sessions, actively engage with all learning, work with peers in a collaborative manner and take responsibility for their own personal organisation and study. Teachers will support students to be successful by providing a supportive learning environment in which they shall share regular, meaningful feedback which students should reflect on and use at a future opportunity.

We aim to make visits to other science organisations accessible to everyone. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know in the application form.


Class times

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 - 12:00

Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00

 

View our Sample Timetable for an idea of what to expect


On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Describe how the life sciences contribute to solving real-world global problems.
  • Explain the interdisciplinary nature of science.
  • Critically analyse and draw conclusions from scientific data.
  • Design and plan a considered scientific investigation, in a group and under the supervision of the course teacher.
  • Summarise and communicate a scientific investigation.

The Pre-University courses are based at the University of Edinburgh’s Holyrood campus. This campus sits just off the Royal Mile, which connects Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Caste. The campus houses a library, cafe and several study spaces and is surrounded by a number of cafes and grocery stores where you can buy lunch. It is also just around the corner from the Pleasance Sports Complex and Gym which you will have the opportunity to visit as part of the programme.

The Holyrood campus is approximately 20 minutes from the accommodation. You will be expected to walk to and from campus each day. The weather in Edinburgh can be changeable - so make sure to pack a rain coat and umbrella!


Applications open at 09:00 (GMT) on Friday 10 January 2025.


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