Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) BSc
3-4 years
There are complex relationships between molecules, cells and systems that require precise control to allow optimum function within living organisms. Alterations in these relationships can lead to disease and an understanding of such events can provide the foundation for the use of drugs to treat disease.
Course information
Typical offer ABB
UK fee £9,535
UCAS code B1B2
International fee £24,500
Institute code L34
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
- Course description
- Entry requirements
- Fees and funding
- Careers and employability
- Sustainable Development Goals
Course description
Course description
Physiology is the study of study of the functions and mechanisms within living systems from the ionic level up to the whole animal. To maintain healthy function, all of these aspects must operate optimally, including adapting to changes in the internal or external environment. This course will develop your understanding from the ionic level through to the integration of whole systems to sustain life. This will provide a foundation for understanding how often subtle changes can underlie disease, how we are able to treat disease and how future generations of scientists may develop improved and new treatments.
You will also study pharmacology, which allows us to understand how molecules from outside or inside the body interact with their molecular targets to influence their behaviour. This is key to our understanding of how drugs are used therapeutically and also how they can be abused, for example, for recreational purposes or to seek sporting advantage.
The course is delivered in modules, allowing you some flexibility to focus on areas that align with your developing interests.
Over the programme, in addition to subject-specific knowledge, you will gain important transferable skills that will make you an attractive prospect for future employers.
This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology).
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting (in part) the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
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
Sustainable Development Goals
Course structure
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)
- 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
- 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
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)
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
Most of your teaching will be delivered through lectures. Individual lecture styles vary considerably, depending on the topic – and the lecturer! In tutorials, a small group of students meets with a member of staff for an hour to discuss and explore topics, or solve problems as a group. Some tutorials will require you to research a particular topic beforehand.
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 and short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second and final year exams. Coursework may 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, a field journal 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, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.
A significant part of your final year 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, financial, housing, career or social issues. You will also have access to the University's student welfare services.
Independent learning
In addition to 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 (Physiology with Pharmacology) | Qualification BSc | Duration 3 years full-time | UCAS Code B1B2 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) with Year Abroad | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code B1B2 | Availability How to apply |
| Course Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) with Year in Industry | Qualification BSc | Duration 4 years full-time | UCAS Code B1B2 | Availability How to apply |
Data about this course
I love how flexible my course is, I’m free to pursue all of my passions.