Job cuts are being planned for Dundee University staff who teach science.
A letter has gone out to employees in the college of life sciences and the college of medicine to explain that senior academics have been carrying out a review of all parts of the curricula involving basic science.
It states that core early years content can be delivered by 14 full-time equivalent staff.
“We are aware that around 28 full-time equivalent staff from across the colleges are already contributing to elements of teaching in these early years, so it is clear that some rationalisation of teaching provision will be needed,” the letter says.
Board meetings will be held at both colleges within the next two weeks and plans will be made to consult with staff on the new structure.
“We appreciate that this process is already causing anxiety, and are keen that there is clarity around the future for staff potentially affected.
“The university is committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies if at all possible.
“We also recognise that whilst change is necessary to achieve transformation, it can be difficult for individuals.
“The university has therefore provided for a generous voluntary severance scheme which some may wish to take advantage of,” the letter says.
The university confirmed earlier this year that it wants to cut as many as 120 academic posts as a cost-cutting measure. The university court is due to hold a further discussion on the proposals next week.
The STUC conference held at Caird Hall this week unanimously backed a call from academics union UCU Scotland to support their campaign against job cuts at the university.
Dundee branch president Janice Aitken said: “The proposals to decimate academic staff numbers are misguided and risk the quality of student experience.
“Staff numbers in some areas are already very low, with workloads and workplace stress escalating.”
The STUC motion also supported a lobby of university court by staff and students. An online petition against the proposals has now attracted more than 1,000 signatures.