(Full time) 2019 start
Biological Sciences MBiol, BSc
Overview
As new techniques for studying and manipulating molecules and cells (e.g. cryo-electron microscopy and gene editing) are rapidly increasing our understanding of living organisms, this is a very exciting time to study an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences.
Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds, is an interdisciplinary degree and brings together subjects including molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and cell biology, giving you the knowledge and skills vital in battling global challenges such as cancer, infectious diseases, ageing and food security.
You’ll develop both broad and specialist knowledge, with access to the latest discoveries by research academics at Leeds and beyond. Core modules will equip you with an understanding of human disease genomics, genetic engineering, the mechanisms of disease and cell communication.
You’ll be introduced to a range of ‘advanced topics’, specialist topics in cell and molecular biology which have an impact on societal issues sophisticated research and diagnostic techniques and you will undertake an extended research project.
Our integrated Masters offers you an additional year of specialist laboratory and research training which will help further prepare you for higher level study or employment as a professional scientist.
Course highlights:
Specialise in one of four pathways: molecular medicine; infection and disease; genome biology and disease or plants and agriculture, after a broad first year.
Practical work extensive hands-on experience in with practical labs and fieldwork.
Develop a range of transferable skills such as data analysis, interpretation and critical appraisal which will equip you for a wide range of career options when you graduate.
Studying Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds:
Switch degrees: You can swap onto a related degree course if your interests develop after completing the first year due to our common core modules
Research opportunities: We offer undergraduate with the chance to undertake a research project in the third year; summer research internships with a bursary and opportunities through the Laidlaw scholarship programme
Expertise: You’ll become part of an established, highly-respected, community of bioscientists, learning from leaders in their fields whose research directly influences their teaching.
Travel and Work: You can take a study abroad or industrial work placement after your second year of study to enhance your CV and employability.
Accreditation: Our MBiol and BSc with Industrial Placement Year courses have been awarded advanced accreditation by the Royal Society for Biology.
Biological Science or Biology?
Unsure of the difference between Biology and Biological Sciences? Check our guide to help you decide which is right for you.
Accreditation
Our BSc with Industrial Placement Year and MBiol courses have been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced degree accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders of the future. The advanced accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
Course content
Year 1 of this course is designed to give you a broad and thorough grounding in cell and molecular biosciences. This approach enables you to decide which theme to choose in Year 2.
Year 1 covers an introduction to cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular physiology, genetics and immunology. This provides a broad understanding of life at the molecular and cellular level. You’ll also have the opportunity to select from a range of optional and discovery modules to broaden your studies.
In your practical classes you’ll undertake a wide range of laboratory techniques for studying microorganisms and cellular components such as proteins and DNA. Through practicals you’ll develop your ability to design experiments, produce, analyse, interpret and present accurate and robust experimental data. Tutorials will train you to find and use scientific information to answer questions and solve problems, and communicate your knowledge in a variety of formats such as essays, posters and oral presentations. At the end of Year 1, there are opportunities to transfer between the Biological Sciences, Microbiology and Biology courses (including Genetics).
In Year 2, you’ll continue to cover core topics in molecular and cellular biology, building on your learning in Year 1. You’ll study genomics and genetic engineering, and further explore the intricacies of cell structure, function and communication, applying this knowledge to help you understand disease processes. In addition, one of the unique features of our course is that you’ll choose one of the following four themes, this will allow you to focus your studies in an area of interest over the remaining years of your course.
Molecular Medicine - focuses on the actions of molecules, both as therapeutic agents (drugs) and as toxic substances.
Infection and Disease - concentrates on areas such as virology, parasitology and immunology.
Genome biology and disease –focuses on the study of human genetics, bioinformatics, and human reproduction
Plants and Agriculture – focuses on plant physiology, sustainable food production, and the role of pests in agriculture.
Practical classes will take the form of projects on topics relating to your lecture material in which you’ll integrate and extend the skills and techniques learnt during Year 1. For example, you will use molecular biology techniques including site-directed mutagenesis to explore expression levels of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in E.coli and use a fluorescence-based reporter system to study the effects of growth factors on cell division. Tutorials with a range of specialist tutors will develop your data analysis and interpretation skills, together with other skills such as researching new topics from the scientific literature.
At the end of your second year you’ll have the option of taking a Study Year Abroad or Industrial Placement Year – a great way of enhancing your experience and your CV.
In Year 3 your main focus will be on undertaking an independent research project, which can be laboratory, literature or computer based (eg bioinformatics, a sought-after skill for modern bioscientists), and is completed under the supervision of one of our world class scientists. Alongside this you’ll continue to develop a broad range of skills through the subject-specific skills module, as well as study advanced topic modules for which you’ll be able to choose from a range of topics at the cutting-edge of research.
Integrated Masters (MBiol)
Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc, and provide foundation knowledge and skills. Transfer from the BSc course at the end of Year 2 is available subject to performance and availability.
With a greater focus on research, the MBiol will offer you research preparation modules in Year 3 as well as Masters level modules and an extended research project in your fourth year.
In Year 3, you’ll undertake a practical project which aims to introduce you to increasingly sophisticated techniques and research facilities in preparation for your research project. You’ll also undertake a literature review of your proposed project area, with the support of your supervisor. Alongside this, you’ll undertake an advanced skills module and study current topics aligned with your choice of theme.
In Year 4, you’ll spend approximately six months working on your research project in your supervisor’s laboratory, alongside a skills module which aims to prepare you for life as a professional scientist.
Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and employment outcomes for our students.
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will undertake private study, supported by on-line resources.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes eight to nine hours of lectures, six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - AAB
BSc:
A-level: AAA - AAB
Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
MBiol:
A-level: AAA
Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
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Access to HE Diploma
D45 M0 P0 – D39 M6 P0.
Overall pass with 60 credits and a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, with distinctions in at least 39 graded level 3 credits including Biology and Chemistry units (15 units in each), and a merit in all the remaining graded credits.
We accept Access courses in Applied Science. We will also consider (depending on subject content):
•Biochemical Sciences
•Biological and Envionmental Science
•Biological and Health Science
•Biological Sciences
•Biosciences
•Combined Sciences
•Environmental Science
•Life and Biological Science
•Life Science
•Medical and Health Science Professions
•Natural Sciences
•Physical & Natural Sciences.MBiol:
We do not accept Access to HE.
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BTEC
BSc:
Applicants with BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma qualifications are required to have A2 level Biology. Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A2 levels and at least one of these should be biology. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science. Offers would be grade A in the A2 level science subject and Distinctions in the BTEC qualification. An offer will be made dependent on the BTEC subject and module choices.MBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualifications. -
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
MBiol:
D3/D3/D3 including D3 in Biology plus one other science or science-related subject.
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International Baccalaureate
BSc:
35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
MBiol:
35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level.
MBiol:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including H2 in Biology and another science or science-related subject at higher level. -
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
MBiol:Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £22,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships
Career opportunities
As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.
Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.
Our graduates have, for many years, experienced high employment rates and a high proportion quickly gain employment upon graduation. With the expansion of the biosciences comes the generation of new and varied career opportunities. Some of our graduates go on to further study at Masters or PhD level.
Other career routes include graduate medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health sector laboratories, university and government-funded institutes and health, medical, policymaking and government organisations.
Our alumni can be found in roles such as:
- Research scientist
- Bioscientist
- Transgenic technologist
- Biotechnology specialist
- Global head of research and development
- Chief scientific executive officer
- Phlebotomist
- Director of computational sciences.
With graduates going into various positions, including:
- Science writer
- Lab technician
- Data analyst
- Medical sales executive.
Careers support
Dedicated employability team
We have a dedicated employability team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual Faculty Graduate Panel, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield Health, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Industrial placements are typically taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.
Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.