Societies, Sports and Support

Your time as a student here at Edinburgh is more than your classes and studies. We encourage our students to take part in activities that we hope enriches their time with us, some examples are coming along to a ceilidh, joining a society or participating in sports. Of course, we have a dedicated student support team too, who are here to do just that: support students.

We have a number of School-associated societies whose main passion is Biological Sciences or a specific area of biology. They run different events throughout the year that you can go along to and find out interesting things about biology and science in general, meet others from your courses, share advice, and have fun! Societies are run by our current students so they really reflect the interests of our student body.

Student Societies

Joining a sports club will give you the opportunity to train, compete and socialise with other members. From archery and athletics to trampolining and Taekwondo, we offer a vast selection of sports clubs for you to choose from. The Sports Union is made up of more than 60 sports clubs, catering for all types of activity and ability level, from complete beginner to elite.

Sports clubs

Intramural sport is a great way to take part and compete in team sport with your course mates and friends, without having to commit to a training regime.

Find out more about intramural sport

You will be supported by a combination of academic and dedicated student experience and administrative staff who will be able to direct you to appropriate support for challenges which may occur during your studies, whether this is directly related to your learning and teaching skills or rising from life situations. You will also have access to a variety of peer-to-peer learning networks.

In the School of Biological Sciences we have a Biology Teaching Organisation (BTO). The staff in this team manage all aspects of the administration and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate taught teaching. Our aim is to support your academic journey from application through to graduation day and beyond. Our office in the James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) at King's Buildings is usually open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Within the Biology Teaching Organisation we have a team of Student Advisers. The team provide general support and guidance to students who are encountering difficulties with any aspect of University life. Where appropriate they will liaise with other University Support Services, so they are able to provide the best possible support and advice for you. They can also help with a wide range of administrative and practical issues to do with your degree programme.

My Student Adviser

As a first year student, you will be encouraged to take advantage of the School’s BioPALs scheme, which consists of student leaders (usually senior students) who are trained to support and facilitate study sessions for those in earlier years.

These sessions support the core biological sciences courses in year 1 as well as exploring other useful topics such as finding an internship or looking for a flat. They are optional, but our students find them extremely valuable. They also provide an opportunity to get to know others in the School, both in first year, but also students in later year groups.

BioPALS

If you choose to study with us, over the summer we will ask you to complete two short workshops on Maths and Chemistry. These workshops have been designed to help with the transition into university, identifying any gaps in your knowledge and to help you get ready for the start of semester 1 teaching. These are mainly an opportunity to brush up on core topics, and to feel confident with starting the next stage of your journey.