(Full time) 2019 start
Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) MBiol, BSc
Overview
Biotechnology with Enterprise allows us to harness biological systems and processes to help tackle many of the great challenges facing our world, such as maintaining food security, designing biofuels and development of novel medical treatments. This innovative degree will teach you the processes required to take a product from laboratory bench to the marketplace.
Offered in partnership with the Leeds University Business School, this exciting degree offers both an understanding of disciplines underpinning advances in biotechnology, and the essentials of business, commerce and entrepreneurship.
You’ll develop an in-depth knowledge of cellular and molecular life sciences, and learn how this can be applied to real world problems, together with the entrepreneurial skills to turn your ideas into reality. You will experience independent project work in both biotechnology and enterprise during your degree.
You don’t need any prior knowledge of business or enterprise for this course.
Our integrated Mastersoffers you an additional year of specialist training. You’ll be introduced to advanced enterprise topics and undertake a significant research project.
Course highlights
Become part of the University student enterprise community, offering you opportunities to network with entrepreneurs.
Start your own business with support from Spark.
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 Biotechnology with Enterprise 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
Wide Range of Modules: We can offer an exceptional range of 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 learn from both a world-leading life sciences faculty and from one of the most respected and influential business schools in the UK.
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 provides an introduction to core themes related to biotechnology, including molecular and cell biology, microbiology, genetics and immunology, giving you a broad understanding of life at the molecular and cellular level. Alongside these modules, you will study the processes involved in setting up and running a business. Optional modules are also available to broaden your business awareness. Business modules place considerable emphasis on group exercises, allowing you to develop your team-working and negotiation skills.
In your biotechnology 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 science in a variety of formats such as essays, posters and oral presentations.
In Year 2, you will continue to study biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, and your continued skills development will be supported through modules that integrate regular tutorials, laboratory practicals and data handling exercises. Practical classes will take the form of projects relating to areas of specific interest to biotechnologists, including using site-directed mutagenesis to explore expression levels of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in E.coli and collaborating with medicinal chemistry students on a drug discovery project.
At the end of your second year you’ll have the option of taking a Study Year Abroad, an Industrial Placement Year, or a Year in Enterprise.
You will continue to develop your understanding of business practice and will undertake a module in New Business Planning in preparation for your independent enterprise consultancy project in Year 3. In addition to this project, and a business dissertation, you will also undertake a research project in biotechnology which can be laboratory, literature or computer based (e.g. bioinformatics, a sought-after skill for modern bioscientists). Both projects will be supported by expert tutors from the relevant subject area.
Alongside your projects, you will study ‘advanced topic’ modules, where you can choose from a range of biotechnology topics at the cutting edge of research. You’ll continue to develop a broad range of subject-specific and transferable skills through the skills module, as in previous years.
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.
In Year 3, you will undertake a biotechnology practical project, which aims to introduce you to increasingly sophisticated techniques and research facilities, alongside your Enterprise Consultancy Project . You’ll also carry out a literature review of your proposed Year 4 biotechnology project area, with the support of your supervisor. You’ll undertake an advanced skills module and study a range of current topics aligned with your scientific interests.
In Year 4, you will 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, and a Masters-level enterprise module.
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, workshops 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 online resources.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes four to eight hours of lectures, six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
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 pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health sector laboratories, university and government-funded institutes and health, medical, policymaking and government organisations, teaching, graduate medicine, and dentistry.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- Research Technician
- Clinical Research Associate
- Medical Sales Representative
- Business Development Support
- Finance Analyst.
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.
- GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Calgary
- Rohm & Haas (UK) Ltd. West Yorkshire
- UCB, Slough
- Great Ormond Street Hospital