Program Overview

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Biological Sciences BSc

The University of Leeds offers a comprehensive Biological Sciences BSc program, providing students with a broad understanding of the molecular and cellular aspects of life. This three-year full-time course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in biological sciences.

Course Overview

The Biological Sciences BSc program is a flexible and interdisciplinary degree that enables students to build a broad knowledge base in their first year, with opportunities to specialize in chosen themes in subsequent years. The course covers a wide range of topics, including microbiology, genetics, immunology, biochemistry, and cell biology, as they relate to biomedicine.

Year 1

In the first year, students will study compulsory modules, including:

• Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits)
• Introductory Skills in Microbiology (20 credits)
• Basis of Life (20 credits)
• Introduction to Microbiology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Genetics (10 credits)
• Introduction to Immunology (10 credits)

Optional modules in the first year include:

• Short Introduction to Human Body Systems (10 credits)
• The Diversity of Life (10 credits)
• Living Planet (20 credits)
• Discovery Modules (up to 10 credits)

Year 2

In the second year, students will build upon their core modules, focusing on advanced topics such as omics and big data biology. They will choose to focus their studies in one of three themes: Infection and Disease, Genome Biology and Disease, or Molecular Medicine.

Compulsory modules for all themes include:

• Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits)
• Omics and Big Data Biology (20 credits)
• Intermediate Skills in the Biological Sciences (20 credits)

Theme-specific compulsory modules include:

• Infection and Disease: Medical Microbiology (20 credits), Medical Immunology (10 credits), Molecular Virology (10 credits)
• Genome Biology and Disease: Human Populations and Disease (20 credits)
• Molecular Medicine: Molecular Pharmacology (10 credits), Molecular Virology (10 credits), Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology (20 credits)

Optional modules for each theme are also available.

Year 3

In the final year, students will conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a world-class scientist, applying all the skills they have developed during their degree. Alongside this, they will select lecture modules that align with their chosen theme and develop skills in the critical review of microbiology research and in the presentation of scientific findings.

Compulsory modules include:

• Molecular and Cellular Biology Research Project (40 credits)
• Advanced Skills in the Biosciences (20 credits)

Theme-specific compulsory modules include:

• Infection and Disease: Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (20 credits), Advanced Topics in Microbiology 1 (20 credits), Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 (20 credits)
• Genome Biology and Disease: Reproductive Medical Science (20 credits), Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics (20 credits)
• Molecular Medicine: Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology (20 credits), Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 (20 credits), Cancer Biology (20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practicals, with a focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills. Independent study is an important part of the course, and students will be supported in becoming independent learners through regular meetings with their personal tutor.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used, including 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

The typical A-level offer is AAB, including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Alternative qualifications, such as Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, and International Baccalaureate, are also accepted.

Fees

The tuition fee for UK students is Ł9,790, while international students pay Ł32,750 per year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biological Sciences BSc program have a wide range of career opportunities, including research scientist, research technician, junior account executive, corporate audit, and teaching. The course also provides a strong foundation for further study, such as a graduate entry degree in medicine or dentistry.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, or to take a placement year module with organizations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas.

Related Courses

Related courses offered by the University of Leeds include Biochemistry BSc, Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) BSc, Microbiology BSc, Biochemistry MBiol, BSc, Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) MBiol, BSc, Biological Sciences MBiol, BSc, and Microbiology MBiol, BSc.