Program Overview

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Biological Sciences MBiolSci

Course Description

From the simplest to the most complex organisms, from molecules to the evolution of species and medicine, the living world is endlessly complex and fascinating. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

Entry Requirements

• A-levels: ABB, including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted.
• EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
• Level 3 Core Maths with A-levels: BBB + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level). A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
• GCSE: At least Grade 4/C in both English Language and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).
• Access to HE Diploma: Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction.
• International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 at HL and grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language and Maths at GCSE.
• BTEC Nationals: Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.
• T Levels: Distinction in Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician).

Fees and Funding

UK Students

• £9,535 in your first year.
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,430 for that year
• Year in Industry: your fee will be £1,905 for that year

International Students

• £24,500 per year
• Year Abroad: £6,125, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
• Year in Industry: £3,675, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

Careers and Employability

Our degrees prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities.

You will get excellent training in analytical thinking, data-analysis, problem-solving, the communication of complex concepts, and in how to apply scientific methodology to projects.

This unique transferable skills set means that University of Leicester Biological Sciences graduates are highly desirable to employers.

Related Courses

• Biological Sciences
• Biological Sciences (Biochemistry)
• Biological Sciences (Genetics)
• Biological Sciences (Microbiology)
• Biological Sciences (Neuroscience)
• Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology)

Sustainable Development Goals

We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 3: Health and well-being
• Goal 13: Climate action
• Goal 14: Life below water
• Goal 15: Life on land

Course Structure

Year 1

• The Molecules of Life: An Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (double module)
• The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology (double module)
• From Individuals to Populations: An Introduction to Genetics
• Multicellular Organisation: An Introduction to Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (double module)
• Biodiversity and Behaviour

Year 2

• Research Skills 1
• Research Skills 2
• Option modules:
  • Genomes
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Physiology of Excitable Cells
  • Principles of Microbiology
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Global Change Biology and Conservation
  • Introduction to Python programming for Bioscientists
  • Medical Microbiology

Year 3

• Option modules:
  • Evolutionary Genetics
  • Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
  • Molecular and Cellular Immunology
  • Human Genetics
  • Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
  • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
  • Comparative Neurobiology
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Structural Biology
  • Subtropical Physiology and Ecology
  • Biodiversity in Practice
  • Introduction to Astrobiology and the Origins of Life
  • Sustainability Enterprise Partnership Project

Final Year

• Core Laboratory Techniques
• MBiolSci Research Project

Teaching and Learning

Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of practicals, tutorials and lectures.

All of our Biological Sciences courses are practical degrees with strong emphasis on lab work and fieldwork.

Your first year exams will mostly be multiple choice or short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second and final year exams. Coursework will include practical lab work, a lab write-up or report, a practical skills test, essays, online multiple choice assessments, a data handling exercise, solo or group presentations or critical evaluation of a scientific paper. At the end of each semester in Years 1 and 2 you will be able to judge your overall performance and review exam and coursework results, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.

A significant part of your final years will be spent on an individual research study which will form the basis of your dissertation.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they are academic, career or other issues.

Independent Learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Academic Support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

• study and exam skills
• academic writing
• presentations
• dissertations
• numerical data skills
• referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching Staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.