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
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) play a crucial role in many of the Earth's physical and biological processes. They help to purify our waste water and clean up pollution, and humans have used them for thousands of years in the production of foods and drinks – but some types can cause new and devastating diseases. Microorganisms are the oldest inhabitants of the Earth, yet we have only discovered a small fraction of all the microbes that exist. Now microbiology is at the forefront of a technical revolution: incredibly sensitive molecular tools, coupled with sophisticated computer informatics, provide powerful new approaches to unlocking the secrets of life.
On this course you will work alongside leading microbiologists who are investigating some of the most important questions in microbiology research in order to gain insight into the microbial world and develop broad appreciation of the biology and uses of organisms of microscopic size, the role of microbes in health and disease, and of the mammalian immune response to infection. Microbiologists study these processes in all types of organisms and discover how errors in them can cause disease, and they help discover the impact of microbes 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 microbiology 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 (Microbiology) 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.
UCAS code: C503
More Info: click here
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
Year 2
Core modules
Principles of Microbiology
Research Topic
Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology OR Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
Option modules
Choose one option module from:
Genomes
Physiology and Pharmacology
Physiology of Excitable Cells
Molecular Cell Biology
Global Change Biology and Conservation
Medical Microbiology
Then choose three option modules from:
Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
Genes, Development and Inheritance
Bioinformatics
Behavioural Neurobiology
Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
A Field Guide to Evolution
Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
Protein Control in Cellular Regulation
Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.
Year 3
Core module
Microbial Biotechnology
Option modules
Overall, you must choose at least two modules from those marked *.
Choose two option modules from:
Molecular and Cellular Immunology*
Evolutionary Genetics
Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
Human Genetics
Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Comparative Neurobiology
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 two option modules from:
Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics*
Human and Environmental Microbiomics*
Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
Neuroscience Futures
Genes and Development
Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
Conservation and Ecological Genetics
Behavioural Ecology
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)
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.
OSHC - $12276 GBP / per year
