MBiolSci Biological Sciences with Year Abroad

Year 1

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

Core module

• Research Topic

Option modules
Choose three option modules from:

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

Then choose four option modules from:

• Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis 
• Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
• Genes, Development and Inheritance
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
• Bioinformatics
• Behavioural Neurobiology
• Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
• 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 or fourth 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.

 

Year Abroad
We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 or between Years 3 and 4 of your degree.

 

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

 

Year in Industry
An industrial placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of laboratory work - and will normally be a paid position, more than offsetting the additional cost of the extra year.

 

Industrial placements are limited and are awarded through a competitive selection process, based on your performance during the course so far. Previous students have worked for pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Oxford Biomedica and GlaxoSmithKline, and in research institutions such as the Animal Health Institute and Kew Gardens.

 

A year in industry still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.

 

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 3

Option modules
Choose two option modules from:

• 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

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 three option modules from:

• Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
• Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
• Human and Environmental Microbiomics
• Neuroscience Futures
• Genes and Development
• Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
• Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
• Current and Future Therapeutics
• 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.

 

Final Year

In your final year, you will conduct a research project within one of six themes. Which project you choose determines which additional modules you study.

 

Option 1: Cancer Cell Biology

• Introduction to Molecular Techniques
• Research Methods in Cell Biology
• Research Methods in Cancer Biology
• Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology
• MBiolSci Research Project (Cancer Cell Biology)

Option 2: Molecular Genetics

• Introduction to Techniques in Molecular Genetics and Data Analysis
• Experimental Design and Application of Molecular Genetic Techniques to Research
• MBiolSci Research Project (Molecular Genetics)

Option 3: Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics

• Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology of Cancer
• Molecular Methods and Experimental Design
• Cancer Therapeutics
• MBiolSci Research Project (Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics)

Option 4: Chronic Disease and Immunity

• Theory and Techniques in Chronic Disease and Immunity
• Immunity and Inflammation
• MBiolSci Research Project (Chronic Disease and Immunity)

Option 5: Infection and Immunity

• Theory and Techniques in Infection and Immunity
• Infection and Immunity
• MBiolSci Research Project (Infection and Immunity)

Option 6: Neuroscience and Behaviour 

• Advanced Research Methods: Evaluating, Planning and Analysing Research
• Professional Research Skills: Finding Your Path in the World of Research
• MBiolSci Research Project (Neuroscience/Psychology/Behaviour)

Option 7: Bioinformatics

• Gene and genome analysis
• Proteins
• Bioinformatics Programming and Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics
• Independent Research Project

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 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

Please note that you will need to buy a Casio FX83GT calculator (approximately £6). This is not 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.