BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation Year

at University of Leicester

Foundation Year

 

Modules

• Foundations of Biological Sciences
• Introduction to Medical Sciences
• Exploring Psychology
• Biological Sciences: Molecules to Systems

 

You will also develop the core study skills necessary for successful university level study, including problem solving, team working, research techniques, report writing skills, presentation skills, information handling and IT skills.

 

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 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 the third year of the BSc - which will be your fourth year at Leicester - 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 four 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 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 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.

GCSEs: English and Maths at grade C /4 or above.
A-levels: CCC to include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or Psychology.
BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM, plus five GCSEs at BBBCC/55544 including two relevant science subjects at B/5. Core science accepted. Healthcare related subjects considered on a case-by-case basis.
Access to HE Diploma: Pass Diploma with 45 credits at level three, including 15 at distinction and 15 at merit. Core science accepted. Healthcare related subjects considered on a case-by-case basis.

 

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.

UK Students

Starting in 2022

• £9,250 in your first year. The tuition fee you pay may increase annually in line with inflation and is subject to government regulations.

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 for the BSc in Biological Science

• The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
• The third year option module Suptropical Physiology and Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £1,500 and is not included in your tuition fee.
• The third year option module Behavioural Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £450 and is not included in your tuition fee.

International Students

Starting in 2022

• £21,750 per year

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).

 

Additional costs

• The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
• 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.
• The third year option module Subtropical Physiology and Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £1,500 and is not included in your tuition fee.
• The third year option module Behavioural Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £450 and is not included in your tuition fee.

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.