Molecular Biology with a Year in Industry BSc

at University of Sheffield

A selection of modules are available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. 

Choose a year to see modules for a level of study:

First year
In your first year, you'll spend six hours in the lab each week learning the practical skills and knowledge that every bioscientist needs, including how to establish bacterial cultures, assess bioenergetics and perform gene cloning. Analysis classes will equip you with the skills you'll use outside the lab, from interacting with your data to interpreting your findings. Your lectures will give you a broad understanding of the molecular biosciences, allowing you to explore what you're most interested in.

Core modules:

• Biochemistry 1
• Molecular & Cell Biology
• Microbiology 1
• Genetics 1
• Skills in Molecular Bioscience

Second year

In your second year, you'll begin learning more advanced scientific techniques, both in the lab and in lectures, with topics including experimental design, genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and protein purification. You'll continue to take analysis classes to develop your data handling skills further and you can choose to study modules that allow you to work in teams to come up with pioneering science enterprise ideas to launch a virtual business.

Core modules:

• Genes, genomes and chromosomes
• Skills in Molecular Biology II

Third year

You'll spend your third year on a work placement in industry. Previous students have found placements within industry, charities or government at organisations that include AstraZeneca, Pfizer and GSK.

Fourth year

In your final year, you'll complete an extended research project alongside your chosen specialist modules. This will reflect an area of molecular bioscience that interests you. Depending on your interests and career goals, you can choose a project from: experimental science, clinical diagnostics, industrial biotechnology, molecular systems and computing, science communication or education and outreach.

Core modules:

• Literature Review
• Research Project

The A Level entry requirements for this course are:

• ABB
• including Biology and a second science
• A Levels + additional qualifications ABB, including Biology and a second science + B in a relevant EPQ; ABB, including Biology and a second science + A in Core Maths
• International Baccalaureate 33, with 5 in Higher Level Biology and a second science
• BTEC Extended Diploma RQF: DDD in Applied Science or Forensic Science, including modules in Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis, and no more than one of the following: Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis, Forensic Fire Investigation or Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation
• Scottish Highers + 2 Advanced Highers AABBB + AB, including Biology and a second science
• Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels B + AB in Biology and a second science
• Access to HE Diploma 60 credits overall in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction (to include Chemistry and Biology units) and 15 credits at Merit + interview

Routes for mature students

Other requirements

• Second science subjects include Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology
• GCSE Maths grade 6/B

English language requirements 
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

Home students
£9,250

Overseas students
£25,670

Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider

Biosciences graduates have a growing range of career options available to them. Whether you want to work in industry, join a Top 100 graduate employer, or continue your studies, employers seek out our graduates because of their ability to communicate complex ideas to a range of audiences, handle data, and work to deadlines, independently and as part of a team.

A research career is a popular path, with our graduates choosing to work within higher education, for public bodies, or in research and development at institutions around the world. Others are interested in industrial research, joining pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer goods companies like Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Reckitt.

Many of our graduates pursue careers in healthcare, joining the NHS, private healthcare providers, or charities; working in analytical labs or specialised healthcare sectors. A number of students progress into postgraduate medicine, or begin training to become Physician Associates.

Further study in areas including veterinary science, physiotherapy and teaching, or taking the next step onto a PhD is another popular route. 

A biosciences degree from the University of Sheffield can even take you into roles in marketing, teaching, human resources, IT, science communication and beyond. Each year our graduates apply their transferable skills and begin careers in these areas with Top 100 employers like GSK, Google and Aldi.