in 1925 he went to glasgow university to study sciences, specialising in chemistry and botany. he graduated ma (1929) bsc (1930). after a period of practical experience, in 1932 he entered moray house college of education in edinburgh and gained his diploma in education in 1933. he then returned to glasgow university as a postgraduate, receiving his doctorate (phd) in summer of 1934. he then found immediate employment as assistant science master at his alma mater, falkirk high school, teaching botany, geography and chemistry.