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2024/25 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Biological Sciences (For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Programme overview

Programme code
BSBIOS/BLS-R
UCAS code
C701
Duration
3 Years
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Dr Andrew Tuplin
Contact address
A.K.Tuplin@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
360
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
Biosciences

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2024. For students who entered the programme before September 2024, you can find the details of your programme: BSc Biological Sciences


Biological sciences is an interdisciplinary program that provides you the opportunity to study the molecular and cellular aspects of life that underpin how cells respond to and influence their environment. Your course will focus on areas of biological sciences that underpin our understanding of life on earth and are fundamental to tackling global challenges such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ageing, antibiotic resistance and emerging viruses. Biological Sciences is our most flexible and interdisciplinary degree, enabling you to build a broad knowledge base in your first year, with opportunities to tailor your studies and specialise in themes such as Molecular Medicine; Infection and Disease; or Genome Biology and Disease in subsequent years of the course.

In your first year you will learn about the fundamental processes and molecular basis of life, that underpin biological processes in all living organisms. Through further compulsory modules you will gain essential foundational knowledge in modern microbiology, genetics and immunology. The skills modules will build your practical, numeracy and problem-solving skills, and develop your understanding of the lecture material. By choosing from a range of optional modules will have the opportunity to add flexibility to these foundational areas of biological sciences.

In your second year you will build upon your year one core modules, but with a focus on advanced topics such as omics and big data biology and how diseases disrupt cellular structure and function. You will have the opportunity to focus your studies in one of three themes over the remaining years of the course:

Molecular medicine – focuses on the molecular and cellular basis of human diseases, such as cancer.

Infection and disease – focus on virology and bacteriology to understand current and emerging infections.

Genome biology and disease – includes bioinformatics and human genetics and aims to understand the role played by genes in human health.

Through more extended projects, the second-year skills modules provide the opportunity to utilise multiple experimental approaches and take greater responsibility for your work.

In year 3 you will conduct an independent research project under the supervision of one of our world-leading scientists, applying all the skills you have developed during your degree. This can be laboratory-based, literature-based, or computer-based. Alongside this, you will select from a range of advanced lecture modules that align with your chosen theme and develop skills in the critical review of biological sciences research and the presentation of scientific findings to scientific and non-specialist audiences.

Through the development of a range of transferable skills such as data analysis, interpretation and critical appraisal, team working and presentational skills the program provides excellent graduate employability amongst top employers, both within and beyond scientific research.

This 3-year BSc can be converted into a 4-year integrated Masters (MBiol), subject to suitable academic performance and availability. In years 3 and 4 you would receive additional specialist training, study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project. In addition, students have the opportunity to spend a year working in industry, or take a study year abroad. These would take place between years two and three of the degree programme.

Year 1

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL1110Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)PFP
BLGY1237Introduction to Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
FOBS1135The Basis of Life20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR1210Introductory Skills in Microbiology20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)PFP
MICR1211Introductory Microbiology20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR1221Introduction to Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 20 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY1124The Diversity of Life10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY1128Living Planet20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BMSC1112Short Introduction to human body systems10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Discovery Modules

Alternatively, candidates can select BLGY1124 or BMSC1112, and enrol on a 10 credit discovery module

Year 2

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Candidates will be required to study 120 credits

Compulsory Modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2114Omics and Big Data Biology20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL2210Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2211Human Diseases10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2301Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2114Omics and Big Data Biology20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL2210Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2211Human Diseases10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2301Intermediate Skills for Biological Sciences40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional Modules

Candidates must select 30 additional credits of modules by following one of the themes listed below:
Candidates must select all the modules marked as compulsory for their chosen theme.

THEME 1: INFECTION AND DISEASE
Candidates must select 20 credits from the following compulsory modules:
a) Either BLGY2106 or MICR2121; b) MICR2221 is compulsory

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

THEME 1: INFECTION AND DISEASE
Candidates will be required to select 10 credits from the following options:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2220Medical Bacteriology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2222Medical Virology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above, normally in Semester 2.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2220Medical Bacteriology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2222Medical Virology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

Theme 2: Molecular Medicine
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC2125Molecular Pharmacology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

THEME 2: MOLECULAR MEDICINE
Candidates must select at least two of the following modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC2125Molecular Pharmacology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above in Semester 1 or 2.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

THEME 3: GENOME BIOLOGY AND DISEASE:
Candidates must select the following compulsory modules.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Theme 3: Genome Biology and Disease
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

THEME 3: GENOME BIOLOGY AND DISEASE:
Candidates will be required to select a minimum of 10 credits from the following options.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above, in Semester 1.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester one

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two:

Medical Microbiology - 20 Credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates must seek advice from the programme manager in order to select a coherent programme of modules which satisfies the pre-requisites for their chosen level 3 specialisms.

Candidates who wish to study a modern foreign language module as part of their degree programme should discuss this with the programme leader.

Optional Modules

For their remaining credits candidates must select one of the themes listed below. Candidates must select all the modules marked as compulsory for their chosen theme, and follow instructions for selecting the correct combination of optional modules.

THEME 1: INFECTION AND DISEASE
Candidates must select 20 credits from the following compulsory modules:
a) Either BLGY2106 or MICR2121; b) MICR2221 is compulsory

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

THEME 1: INFECTION AND DISEASE
Candidates will be required to select 10 credits from the following options:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2220Medical Bacteriology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2222Medical Virology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above, normally in Semester 2.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2220Medical Bacteriology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2222Medical Virology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

Theme 2: Molecular Medicine
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC2125Molecular Pharmacology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

THEME 2: MOLECULAR MEDICINE
Candidates must select at least two of the following modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC2125Molecular Pharmacology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above in Semester 1 or 2.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

THEME 3: GENOME BIOLOGY AND DISEASE:
Candidates must select the following compulsory modules.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Theme 3: Genome Biology and Disease
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

THEME 3: GENOME BIOLOGY AND DISEASE:
Candidates will be required to select a minimum of 10 credits from the following options.

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Students may select a Discovery module instead of one of the options above, in Semester 1.

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester one

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY2106Parasitology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Alternatively, candidates can select 10 credits of options from the above and a 10 credit Discovery module

Candidates will be required to select 20 credits of the following optional modules in semester two:

Medical Microbiology - 20 Credits

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2120Cell Biology of Disease10Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Discovery Modules

Discovery Modules

Year 3

(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

We are currently refreshing our courses to make sure students have the best possible experience. Full module details for year 3 are not yet available. Before you enter year 3 full details of modules for that year will be provided.

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL3305Advanced Skills in the Biosciences20Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
BIOL3396Molecular & Cellular Biology Research Projects40Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)PFP

Optional Modules

For their remaining credits candidates must select modules following the theme they chose in year two of the programme. Candidates must select all the modules marked as compulsory for their chosen theme, and follow instructions for selecting the correct combination of optional modules.

Theme 1: Infection and Disease
Candidates must select the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL3114Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR3201Advanced Topics in Microbiology 120Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR3202Advanced Topics in Microbiology 220Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Theme 2: Molecular Medicine
Candidates must select the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL3114Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL3215Cancer Biology20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR3202Advanced Topics in Microbiology 220Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Theme 3: Genome biology and disease
Candidates must select the following compulsory modules

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BLGY3153Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics20Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MEDM3221Reproductive Medical Science20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Candidates must select 20 credits of the following options in semester two

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
BIOL3215Cancer Biology20Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR3202Advanced Topics in Microbiology 220Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Last updated: 27/02/2025 11:52:34

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