(Full time) 2021 start
Neuroscience MBiol, BSc
Overview
Studying neuroscience at the University of Leeds covers all major areas of neuroscience, from the molecular to the clinical/pathological, studying questions such as “what is consciousness?” and “how do we form and store memories?”
The programme has been praised by external examiners: “The course provides students with a comprehensive range of specialist knowledge and skills along with generic skills. It provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to pursue a career in neuroscience but also supplies the skills essential for the world of work.”
Neuroscience studies the brain and the nerves that make up the nervous system. The brain controls all bodily activities, ranging from heart rate and sexual function to emotion, learning and memory. In fact, the brain is what makes us human.
In our undergraduate degree, you’ll study the disorders of the nervous system which underlie many current public health problems, such as neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s for example) and chronic pain.
Course highlights:
A wide range of research-led optional modules including cellular cardiology, introduction to toxicology, chemotherapy and introduction to genetics.
Practical work provides extensive hands-on experience in labs, such as making single neuronal recordings in snail brains.
Carry out an independant research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the transferable skills that will set you apart in the graduate job market.
Flexible degrees
All our degrees are flexible, meaning there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in pharmacology, human physiology and medical sciences. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Accreditation
This programme has 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 and innovators 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.
This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Neuroscience (Industrial); Mbiol Neuroscience; MBiol Neuroscience (Industrial); MBiol Neuroscience (International).
Course content
Year 1
You will be Introduced to a range of topics that will kick start your understanding of neuroscience. These include the foundations of biomedical sciences, biology of the mind and an introduction to pharmacology.
The practical laboratory classes complement the lecture-based learning and teaching and help develop a range of practical skills and laboratory techniques relevant to neuroscience.
All of our biomedical science degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in pharmacology, human physiology and medical sciences. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Year 2
You will focus on the structure and function of the brain and spinal cord, methods by which brain cells communicate and process signals, the means by which the brain controls the organ systems of the body and the drugs used to treat disorders of the brain.
You will carry out a series of practicals involving making single neuronal recordings in snail brains, which is very positively reviewed by our external examiners as a unique opportunity to do such experiments.
At the end of Year 2 you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
You’ll conduct an independent or group research project under the supervision of one of our world-class scientists applying all the skills you have developed during your degree. This can be literature-based, computer-based or laboratory-based, working alongside professional research scientists in specialised laboratories, including confocal microscopy, culture facilities and electrophysiology rigs.
Alongside this, choose from a wide range of advanced, research-based topics, taught by researchers who are world experts in the subject and will share their current knowledge and understanding with you. These research-led modules cover topics as diverse as neurodegeneration, synaptic plasticity, autism and psychopharmacology; Examples include:
Can endogenous neural stem cells be manipulated for therapeutic benefit?
Insulin resistance in the dorsal vagal complex of the brain.
Neurogenetics: risk factors, animal models or potential new treatments.
Application of neurophysiological control ideas to automation and rehab-robotics.
Commercial growth of a company through scientific communication.
Integrated Masters (MBiol)
Our integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a foundation knowledge and skills.
Year 4 (MBiol)
Your extended research project will focus on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to your area of interest that will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research as well as setting you apart in the general graduate job market.
Examples of previous research projects include:
Microglial conditioned media as a model of neuro-inflammation.
Co-administration of two compounds modulates neurogenesis within the spinal cord.
Inhibition in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb and its modification by learning.
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.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
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 latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and 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 also undertake private study.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year will include nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are also 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
MBiol:
A-level: AAA
Including Biology or Chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following:
Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, PE and physics.
Science-related subjects: geography, psychology, use of maths and statistics.
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.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).
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
BSc:
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D45M0P0 to D39M6P0 including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science. Will also consider (depending on subject content):Biochemical Sciences
Biological and Health Science
Biological Sciences
Biosciences
Combined Sciences
Life and Biological Science
Physical Sciences
MBiol:
We do not accept Access to HE. -
BTEC
BSc:
BTEC extended diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).BTEC diploma entry requirements: DD plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).
Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A-levels and at least one of these should be Biology or Chemistry (plus another science or science-related subject depending on the BTEC subject).
MBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualification. -
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/D3-D3/D3/M1 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.MBiol:
D3/D3/D3 including D3 in Biology or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).
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International Baccalaureate
BSc:
35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.MBiol:
35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science-related subject at higher level. -
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science related subject at higher level.MBiol:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science related 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. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.MBiol:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.We accept the following:
Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
Science-related subjects: geography, PE, psychology, use of maths and statistics.
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
Were committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative 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 alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
BSc – A level: BBB
MBiol – A Level: ABB
Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
Access to Leeds: Pass
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: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.
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
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
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 faculty student opportunity team, 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.
This degree provides an ideal introduction if you wish to pursue a career in scientific research or other careers based in medicine, and also provides an excellent education for careers in teaching and graduate training schemes and research in neuroscience.
Typical graduate careers include:
Academic Researcher
Pharmaceutical drug development
Clinical Research Associate
Clinical Scientist
Physician Associate
Medical communications
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
Clinical Trials Associate
Medical researcher
PhD Neuroscience
Graduate medicine
Recruitment consultant
Careers support
We have a dedicated student opportunity 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 student-alumni networking event, 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 NHS Ecological consultancies, 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 taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.
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.
Combined study and working abroad
Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.
Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.