MSci Developmental Biology

at University of Manchester

Course content for year 1

You will gain a broad introduction to biological sciences, covering key concepts such as:

• biochemistry
• genetics
• biodiversity
• anatomy
• physiology
• molecular biology
   

Year 1 also provides an introduction to the essential data handling and laboratory skills required for all biological scientists.
 

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Academic Tutorials Year 1
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• From Molecules to Cells
• Introduction to Laboratory Science
• Introduction to Experimental Biology - Molecular & Cellular Biology
• Biodiversity
• Genes, Evolution and Development
• Writing and Referencing Skills (online unit)
• Body Systems

Course content for year 2

You will continue your studies in greater depth and begin to specialise. You will also undertake a dissertation.
 

In the Research Skills unit, you have the opportunity to carry out techniques that are widely used in current biological science research.
 

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Academic Tutorials Year 2
• Developmental Biology RSM
• Molecular and Cellular Biology EDM
• Genome Maintenance & Regulation
• The Dynamic Cell
• Principles of Developmental Biology
• Organismal Genetics
• Science Communication
• Cell Metabolism & Metabolic Control
• Cell Membrane Structure & Function
   

Course content for year 3

You will take two papers and six lecture units specific to developmental biology.
 

You will prepare for the papers through tutorials with current BSc students.
 

The remaining 40 credits will come from the following MSci units:

• Research Project Proposals (10 credits)
• Bioinformatics Tools and Resources (10 credits)
• Experimental Skills (20 credits)
   

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• Academic Tutorials Year 3
• Comparative Developmental Biol (L)
• Advanced Developmental Biology (E)
• MSci Project Literature Review and Research Proposal
• MSci Bioinformatics Tools and Resources
• MSci Experimental Skills Module
• Computational Approaches to Biology
• Post-Genome Biology (L)
• Biochemical Basis of Disease (E)
• Advanced Immunology (E)

Course content for year 4

You will undertake a 120-credit research project over a period of six to seven months in research laboratories or a field station run by University staff to complete the work needed for your MSci award.
 

Course units for year 4

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
 

Title

• MSci Research Project

A-level

• Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
• We require grades A*AA-ABB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences ). You must have a minimum of grades AB in at least two Core Sciences and pass the practical assessments in these subjects.
• If your grades are AAB or higher, with grade A in one Core Science, we will accept a grade A in Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science.
• Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels; Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology.
• Your offer will be based on the above criteria as well as your predicted grades and past performance.
• General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the offer.
   

AS-level

• AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
   

Unit grade information

• The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
   

GCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
• Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. 
   

International Baccalaureate

• 36-33 points overall with 6, 6, 6 to 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry.
   

English language
 

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.  The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
 

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;

• IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6 , or;

• An acceptable equivalent qualification.
   

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic Department for clarification.
 

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
 

Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2022 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £26,000 per annum.

The significant research skills and experience you will gain in the Year 4 MSci research project will pave the way for a PhD, as well as preparing you for work in both industry and academia.
 

As Developmental Biology is not a vocational degree leading straight to a fixed career path, those graduates who decide against further study often spend their first year after graduation in entry-level jobs, building up relevant work experience to enter professional and managerial roles in a range of sectors. Many subsequently move on to exciting and high-level jobs in the UK and all over the world.