Biological Sciences MBiolSci
4-5 years
From the simplest to the most complex organisms, from molecules to the evolution of species and medicine, the living world is endlessly complex and fascinating. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.
Course information
Typical offer ABB
UK fee £9,535
UCAS code C103
International fee £24,500
Institute code L34
- Course description
- Entry requirements
- Fees and funding
- Careers and employability
- Related courses
- Sustainable Development Goals
Course description
Course description
As the knowledge base in the biological sciences grows and becomes relevant to so many other physical and social sciences and subjects, the ability to think broadly about biology and to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines is a valuable and powerful asset in both scientific environments and in many other walks of life.
This is the most flexible of all our biological sciences degrees. Packed with exciting subjects and transferable employability skills, you will get the maximum choice of topics to choose from in Years 2 and 3. This means that you can learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the full range of biological sciences or you can focus on just the parts that you develop a passion for; you can even see these mechanisms in action on field trips. The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying Biological Sciences are valued by researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.
The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences 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.
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 BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of 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.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Careers and employability
Related courses
Sustainable Development Goals
Course structure
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
- Year 3
- Final Year
Year 1
Year 1
In your first year of study, you'll take classes with students from different subjects within Biological Sciences. You'll study modules that cover a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology and zoology. This knowledge will introduce the fundamental principles of Biology, which will help you find the area you’re interested in, so you can focus on it in your second year.
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
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
Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
Year 3
Final Year
Why Leicester?
Our history of genetic achievements include the invention of DNA fingerprinting and the genetic identification of the remains of King Richard III. More recently, we have brand-new cryo-EM facilities and have leading research into antibiotic resistance.
With a high staff to student ratio, we ensure that every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work.
Our standard of teaching and support is reflected in our NSS 2024 results. We scored 90% and above in subjects aligned to Biological Sciences for questions regarding teaching, approachability of staff and introducing new subjects (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data). View the NSS questions all students were asked for individual themes.
Teaching and learning
Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of practicals, tutorials and lectures.
All of our Biological Sciences courses are practical degrees with strong emphasis on lab work and fieldwork.
Your first year exams will mostly be multiple choice or short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second and final year exams. Coursework will include practical lab work, a lab write-up or report, a practical skills test, essays, online multiple choice assessments, a data handling exercise, solo or group presentations or critical evaluation of a scientific paper. At the end of each semester in Years 1 and 2 you will be able to judge your overall performance and review exam and coursework results, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.
A significant part of your final years will be spent on an individual research study which will form the basis of your dissertation.
You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they are academic, career or other issues.
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.
Academic support
Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:
- study and exam skills
- academic writing
- presentations
- dissertations
- numerical data skills
- referencing sources
Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.
Teaching staff
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | UCAS Code | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Biological Sciences | Qualification MBiolSci | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code C103 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad | Qualification MBiolSci | Duration 5 years full-time | UCAS Code C103 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry | Qualification MBiolSci | Duration 5 years full-time | UCAS Code C103 | Availability How to apply |
