Program Overview

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Biology BSc

The Biology BSc program at the University of Leeds is a three-year full-time course that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of biology, from genes to ecosystems. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in biology or related fields.

Course Overview

The course covers a wide range of topics, including the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group of organisms, and the role of organisms in ecological processes. Students will also learn about the fundamental processes of life, including the molecular basis of life, and will develop practical skills in laboratory and field settings.

Year 1

In the first year, students will take compulsory modules that provide a foundation in biology, including:

• Living Planet (20 credits)
• The Basis of Life (20 credits)
• Laboratory & Experimental Skills (20 credits)
• Unlocking Scientific Success (20 credits)
• Introduction to Genetics (10 credits)
• Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course (10 credits)
• Using Biology to Feed the World (10 credits)

Students will also choose optional modules from a range of topics, including:

• Introduction to Immunology (10 credits)
• Biology of the Mind (10 credits)
• Exploring Whole Organism Biology (10 credits)
• The Microbial World (10 credits)
• Discovery Modules (up to 10 credits)

Year 2

In the second year, students will take compulsory modules that build on the foundation established in the first year, including:

• How Plants Live (20 credits)
• Developing Scientific Excellence (20 credits)
• Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour (20 credits)

Students will also choose optional modules from a range of topics, including:

• Animal Physiology (20 credits)
• Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course (20 credits)
• Omics and Big Data Biology (20 credits)
• Mediterranean Ecology Field Course (20 credits)
• Human Populations and Disease (20 credits)
• Population, Community and Conservation Ecology (20 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
• Parasitology (10 credits)
• Bioinformatics for Biologists (10 credits)
• Food Security and Sustainability (10 credits)
• Discovery Modules (up to 20 credits)

Year 3

In the third year, students will take compulsory modules that provide advanced training in biology, including:

• Biology Research Projects (40 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Plant Science & Food Security (20 credits)

Students will also choose optional modules from a range of topics, including:

• Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Evolution (20 credits)
• Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) (20 credits)
• Sustainable Innovations in Animal Science (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Ecology (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Conservation Science (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics (20 credits)
• Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications (20 credits)
• Evolution and Population Genetics (10 credits)
• Animal Developmental Biology (10 credits)
• Social Biology (10 credits)
• Discovery Modules (up to 20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practicals, with a focus on student-centered learning and active engagement. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their skills through independent research projects and field courses.

Assessment

Assessment will be through a variety of methods, 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 for this program is AAB, including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. Students will also need to have a grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Alternative Qualifications

The program also accepts alternative qualifications, including:

• Access to HE Diploma: Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D39M6P0 including distinctions in biology and mathematics or chemistry.
• BTEC: Applicants with BTEC Extended Diploma are required to have A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead.
• Cambridge Pre-U: D3/D3/M1 including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject.
• International Baccalaureate: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at higher level including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject.
• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher level): H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level.
• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject.

Fees

The tuition fee for UK students is ｣9,790 per year, while the tuition fee for international students is ｣32,750 per year.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Biology BSc program will be well-equipped to pursue a career in biology or related fields, including academic research, environmental consultancy, marine biology, secondary school teaching, medical writing, and clinical science.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

The program offers opportunities for study abroad and work placements, which can provide students with valuable experience and skills in a range of settings.

Related Courses

Related courses include:

• Ecology and Conservation Biology BSc
• Genetics BSc
• Zoology BSc
• Biology MBiol, BSc
• Ecology and Conservation Biology MBiol, BSc
• Genetics MBiol, BSc
• Zoology MBiol, BSc

Field Courses

The program offers a range of field courses, including:

• Biodiversity in UK habitats
• Mediterranean ecology
• South African wildlife
• Urban ecology

These field courses provide students with hands-on experience and training in field research techniques, species identification, and conservation strategies.