Academic CentreThe aim of the implementation of bachelor's studies in biology is to provide academic education in biology and practical skills in research work. To raise the general level of education of the students by preparing academically educated specialists who are able to independently conduct research and solve theoretical questions in biology, its sub-branches, as well as in branches of science related to biology.
As part of the program, students study courses that include the basics, principles, structure and methodology of biology. The history of the development of biology and current issues are not separated as a separate course, but integrated into the study courses.
At the start of their studies, students take General Biology courses such as Introduction to Cell Biology, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Fundamentals of Genetics, Introduction to Botany, Zoology and Ecology, as well as Biochemistry, Plant, Human and Animal Anatomy and Physiology. While continuing the studies, courses are taken according to the chosen sub-field of biology. The program also includes an interdisciplinary aspect: "Physics for Natural Sciences", "Mathematics for Biologists", "Introduction to Earth Sciences", "Chemistry", "Organic Chemistry".
Graduates of the program can work in universities, research institutes, various nature protection institutions, company laboratories related to biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology, environmental companies, breeding and testing stations, medical-veterinary medical institutions, museums, non-governmental organizations. After studying at the master's degree, the job opportunities are significantly wider.
The opportunity to study in a master's degree or in second-level professional higher education study programs designed for studies after obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Competition criteria for persons who have acquired secondary education from 2004:
Version 1: CE in Latvian language; CE in English or CE in French, or CE in German; CE in mathematics*; CE in biology is taken into account only in cases when it has been taken; average score of all CEs passed by the person.
Version 2: CE in Latvian language; CE in English or CE in French, or CE in German; CE in mathematics*; CE in biology; average score of all CEs passed by the person.
* For persons who have completed secondary education before 2008, the centralized examination (CE) in mathematics may be replaced by the annual grade in mathematics indicated in the secondary education document (or the average grade in algebra and geometry)
Competition criteria for persons who have completed secondary education up to 2004 (excluding), as well as for those who have acquired secondary education abroad, or persons with special needs:
annual average grade in Latvian language and literature
annual grade in biology or mathematics (or average grade in algebra and geometry)
annual average grade in mandatory subjects
Special conditions: the secondary education document must have a passing (not lower than 4) annual grade in physics, chemistry and mathematics (algebra, geometry);
Additional points: The participants of UL School of Young Chemists in 2023, who have received a certificate, obtain additional 20 points;
Advantages: to the 1st–3rd stage and diploma winners of Latvian National or International Biology Olympiads in 2022 and 2023, or to the 1st–3rd stage winners of the 45th Scientific Research Conference of Latvian Secondary School Students in the field of biology in 2022 and 2023.