BSc Biological Sciences (Neuroscience)

Year 1
Year 1 is a shared programme across our Biological Sciences degree programmes. This will ensure that you build firm knowledge- and skill-based foundations on which to specialise as you move through the years towards graduation. 

 

Modules

• 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: An Introduction to Zoology

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year 2

Year 2 is a mixture of core and optional modules that will allow specialisation and present a range of options that will complement your core interests.

 

Core modules

• Physiology of Excitable Cells
• Research Topic
• Behavioural Neurobiology      

Option modules
Overall, from the two lists of option modules below, you must choose at least one module from those marked *.

 

Choose two option modules from:

• Physiology and Pharmacology *
• Genomes
• Principles of Microbiology
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Global Change Biology and Conservation
• Medical Microbiology

 

Then choose three option modules from:

• Bioinformatics *
• Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
• Genes, Development and Inheritance
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
• A Field Guide to Evolution
• Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
• Protein Control in Cellular Regulation

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

 

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)

If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

 

Final Year

Your final year of study (or penultimate year if you choose to study for the MBiolSci) will build on your knowledge and skills, providing a focus on areas aligned with your speciality. During this year, you will also have the opportunity to undertake your own research project. 

 

Core modules

• Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
• Neuroscience Futures

Option modules
Overall, from the two lists of option modules below, you must choose two or three of those modules marked *.

 

Choose one option module from:

• Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology*
• Comparative Neurobiology*
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
• Molecular and Cellular Immunology
• Human Genetics
• Microbial Biotechnology
• Structural Biology
• Subtropical Physiology and Ecology

Then choose one pair of option modules from:

• Experimental Research Project A plus Experimental Research Project B (double module)
• Education Research Project A plus Education Research Project B (double module)
• Field Research Project A (Operation Wallacea) plus Experimental Research Project B (double module)
• Analytical Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list below
• Steered Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list below

Finally, choose two option modules from:

• Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour*
• Current and Future Therapeutics*
• Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
• Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
• Human and Environmental Microbiomics
• Genes and Development
• Conservation and Ecological Genetics
• Behavioural Ecology

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

• A-levels: AAB - 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: ABB-BBB + EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
• GCSE: At least Grade C/4 in both English 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. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths or 4 in SL Maths, or 5 in Maths Studies required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE. Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.
• BTEC Nationals: Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences
   

Selection Process
When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

 

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of Biological Sciences.

 

English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

 

International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
• Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year
• Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

Additional costs

You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £21,750 per year
• Year Abroad: £5,437.50, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
• Year in Industry: £3,262.50, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

 

From 2022 onwards, EU nationals will pay the International fee. If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

Our 'Careers After Biological Sciences' series of lectures features Leicester graduates giving insights into their career experiences and good advice for finding jobs.

 

In the summer vacation between Years 2 and 3, a range of internal research placements are available in research labs, giving you the chance to develop your scientific skills.

 

We run bespoke bioscience careers events in the summer term each year, based on what our students tell us about their career intentions.

 

As a student in the School of Biological Sciences, you are welcome to attend seminars in any department, presented by national and international experts in the biosciences. This allows you to enhance your knowledge and get useful insights into current topics.