From genes to behaviour and evolution to ecology, studying Biology at Leeds will provide you with a holistic understanding of the whole topic. Personalise your degree to match your needs as you progress; will you choose to pursue human biology, conservation, immunology, genetic engineering or any one of the other study areas the University of Leeds has to offer?
Biology has vital applications in current key global challenges. An ever-growing world population and a changing climate puts immense pressures on the environment, threatens endangered species and reduces agricultural production. With your degree, you will be at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions to these issues.
Be part of the revolution in genomics, gene modification and biotechnology currently transforming the world. Equipped with the skills and knowledge of the fundamental biological processes, you will help drive forward science-based solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues.
The MBiol, BSc offers students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge plus the exceptional experience of advanced research. The initial two years of the programme follows the existing BSc Biology programme. The year 3 will be similar to that for students enrolled on the 3 year BSc programme but the 40 credit research project will focus on preparation for the final year. The fourth year of the programme is research focused, comprising a 90 credit research project and 30 credits of advanced research training. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, problem solving and data analysis, taught in the context of the subject. The extended individual project allows students to develop their research skills in greater depth and produce a report containing significant new data that could contribute to a research publication.
Year 1
You will be provided with the foundation for your degree programme, incorporating core elements of genetics, organismal biology, molecular and cellular biology. In addition, skills modules will cover statistics, study skills, laboratory techniques and a residential field course.
Modules cover globally relevant topics including sustainable agriculture, marine biology, conservation of tropical forests, genome engineering with CRISPR Cas technologies and intracellular signalling. Choose from an extensive range of optional modules including immunology, virology or even learning a new language in a discovery module.
Practical skills include the core techniques for genetic engineering, from isolating DNA, amplification by PCR, molecular cloning and recombinant protein expression and purification, you will cover the essential techniques used routinely in research labs and industry. You’ll also develop key field skills to begin your research journey and have the option of a residential field course.
Field Courses, Faculty of Biological Sciences
At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable degree courses.
Year 2
Year 2 of the course is flexible, with core modules covering a broad range of biological concepts, leaving you to choose modules related to your interests and aspirations. You’ll advance your understanding, analytical expertise and study skills with core modules covering human, animal and plant biology.
In the core skills module, you will gain transferable skills including problem-solving, data analysis, teamwork and communication skills. Small group tutorials will support the rest of your studies through developing presentation skills, producing high-quality written work and learning to effectively use scientific literature. Your skills module will also provide training in statistics and experimental design, preparing you for projects later in the course.
Tailor your degree with a range of optional modules that include topics in ecology, human genetics, g
enomics, microbiology and field courses. You will choose at least 40 credits of Biology options and up to 20 credits of other modules of your choice, including discovery modules. For example, the Omics and Big Data Biology module covers state-of-the-art skills in analysing the outputs from high throughput research techniques in biology, including sequencing and proteomics approaches that are revolutionising research and medicine.
Another option is population, community and conservation ecology. This module studies the dynamics of biological populations including interactions between species and the environment, investigating the properties of ecological communities. Importantly, the course also covers the application of these principles to population management and conversation, with practical examples. You can even visit the University Farm, home to the new £11 million National Pig Centre as part of an option module where you'll learn about animal nutrition and behaviour. Field Courses, Faculty of Biological Sciences. You'll also have the opportunity to choose field course modules in Mediterranean ecology in Spain and urban ecology in the heart of Leeds.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad or combined study and work abroad . This adds an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
In year 3 core modules include the final year project, which lets you choose a topic closely aligned to your interests, and a module that investigates food security and the roles that plant science can play in developing sustainable solutions. In addition, you can select modules to suit your career ambitions and interests from module groupings which cover:
- Ecology and conservation which includes a series of research-led advanced topics modules in addition to opportunities for field study
- Zoology investigates animal behaviour and nutrition, with additional opportunities to study evolution or field work
- Genetics includes the latest research in human genetics and the applications of genetics to biotechnology and medicine. Teaching from clinical geneticists at St James hospital provides in depth knowledge of chromosomal abnormalities and their diagnosis or select the evolution module to discover current models for how species adapt and change.
Our advanced topics modules cover animal behaviour, conservation science, ecology, evolution and human genetics, and allow you to develop real depth of knowledge in your favourite areas of biology.
Year 3 MBiol project
The project provides essential preparation for your year 4 extended research project. The emphasis in this year is placed on project design and planning, as well as providing the hands-on specialist practical skills that will be essential in the final year, either in the lab or the field depending on your chosen topic.
Year 4 (MBiol)
Your extended research project is the pinnacle of your MBiol studies and can be field or lab-based. Most of year 4 is devoted to you allowing you to work alongside our experts to explore a specific topic in biology. This helps to develop high-level research and professional skills that will serve you well in your future career.
Alongside this you will study a range of Masters-level optional including modules in the area of bioscience and conservation.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1128 | Living Planet | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY1212 | Using Biology to Feed the World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1308 | Unlocking Scientific Success | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
| BLGY1330 | Laboratory and Experimental Skills | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Candidates are required to study 10 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY1203 | Field Course: investigating UK habitats | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY1239 | Exploring Whole Organism Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may study 10 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMSC1200 | Biology of the Mind | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR1202 | The Microbial World | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR1221 | Introduction to Immunology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Alternatively, candidates may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules.
Alternatively, candidates may choose to study 10 credits of discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2220 | Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2305 | Developing Scientific Excellence | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study 20-40 credits from the following optional 20 credit modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL2114 | Omics and Big Data Biology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2146 | Animal Physiology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2265 | Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2297 | Mediterranean Ecology Field Course | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates may only take one field course option. It is not possible to take both BLGY2297 and BLGY2265.
Candidates will be required to study 20-40 credits from the following optional 20 credit modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2155 | Population, Community and Conservation Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2266 | Human Populations and Disease | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| MICR2211 | Medical Microbiology | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may study up to 20 credits from the following optional 10 credit modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY2202 | Bioinformatics for Biologists | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY2224 | Food Security and Sustainability | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Alternatively, candidates may choose to study up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
Alternatively, candidates may choose to study up to 20 credits of discovery modules
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL8001 | Training in the Workplace | 120 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.
Please note that 120 credits should be spread evenly across semester 1 and semester 2 with no more than 70 credits in one semester.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3334 | Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| BLGY3397 | Advanced Research Skills and Experience | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to choose one of the following pathways: Zoology, Genetics or Ecology
Zoology: Candidates will be required to study 40-60 credits of the following optional modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3135 | Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3225 | Sustainable Innovations in Animal Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Ecology: Candidates will be required to study 40-60 credits of the following optional modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3133 | Advanced Topics in Ecology | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3247 | Advanced Topics in Conservation Science | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Genetics: Candidates will be required to study 40-60 credits of the following optional modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3111 | Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3153 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates on all pathways may choose up to 20 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY3222 | Social Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3223 | Animal Developmental Biology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Alternatively, candidates may choose up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 120 credits.
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLGY5381M | Extended Research Project | 90 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL5201M | Advanced Biomolecular Technologies | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BIOL5209M | Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5102M | Community Ecology | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5119M | Introduction to GIS | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5121M | Advanced Statistics | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5134M | Sustainable Diets and Protein Production | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5138M | Global Challenges in Food Security | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5188M | Population Dynamics | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| BLGY5230M | Conservation Decision Science | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5231M | Equitable Sustainability | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5235M | Crop Science & Plant Biotechnology | 30 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5238M | Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-food Systems | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| BLGY5239M | Sustainable Futures: Agriculture in Practice | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 30/04/2025 16:00:25
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