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Universities United Kingdom University of Leicester Courses MBiolSci Biological Sciences (Genetics)

MBiolSci Biological Sciences (Genetics)
at University of Leicester

Leicester, United Kingdom

Tuition Fee £ 21,750
Country Rank#23
Duration48 Months
Score IELTS: 6.5

Program Overview

Genetics covers many aspects of society including human health, forensic science, food production, environmental quality, species conservation, ethics and law. On this course you will learn how genetic engineering, molecular and developmental genetics, human genetics and evolutionary genetics all contribute to a greater understanding of the discipline. You will gain a balanced understanding of modern genetics focusing on the organisation, inheritance, expression and evolution of genes in organisms ranging from bacteria to Homo sapiens.

You will work alongside leading geneticists who are investigating some of the most important questions in genetic research in order to gain insight into the mechanisms of life and evolution. Geneticists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover how genes work across the biological sciences. You will also gain a broad understanding of fundamental biological processes, while developing analytical skills and gaining experience in handling complex information. By studying genetics alongside options in other biological sciences, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and gain a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Genetics) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.

The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Biological Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

What's the difference?

At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as both BSc (three years) and MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of 23 different courses to choose from.

Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.

It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.

Course Content
Year 1

Modules
- The Molecules of Life: An Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology
- From Individuals to Populations: An Introduction to Genetics
- Multicellular Organisation: An Introduction to Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
- 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 modules
- Genomes
- Research Topic
- Bioinformatics
Option modules
Overall, you must choose at least one module from those marked *

Choose two option modules from:
- Molecular Cell Biology*
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Physiology of Excitable Cells
- Principles of Microbiology
- Global Change Biology and Conservation
- Medical Microbiology
Then choose three option module from:
- Genes, Development and Inheritance*
- Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
- Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
- 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

Core modules
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Human Genetics
Option modules
Overall, you must choose at least one of those modules marked *.

Choose three option modules from:
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics*
- Genes and Development*
- Conservation and Ecological Genetics*
- Human and Environmental Microbiomics
- Microbial Pathogenesis
- Neuroscience Futures
- Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
- Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Current and Future Therapeutics
- Behavioural Ecology
Then choose one pair of option modules from:
- Analytical Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list above
- Steered Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list above
- 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)
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.
Entry Requirement
- 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.
Fees & Scholarships
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).
Career Prospect
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.

Cost Of Studying At University of Leicester

Interest rates as low as 8.9% ^*

250K+

Students Assisted

800Cr+

Loan Amount Disbursed

5000+

Loans Sanctioned

Check Loan Eligibility

MBiolSci Biological Sciences (Genetics) at University of Leicester