Biological Sciences

University of Leeds

Studying the molecular and cellular aspects of life is at the heart of our Biological Sciences degree. Understanding how cells respond to and influence their environment drives the most exciting discoveries in molecular and cellular biology. How do mutations cause inherited disorders and cancer? How do viruses replicate within cells? What is the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance? During your degree, you’ll be taught by world-leading researchers at the forefront of tackling global challenges such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ageing, antibiotic resistance and emerging viruses. Biological Sciences is our most flexible and interdisciplinary degree, which enables you to build a broad knowledge base in your first year, with opportunities to specialise in chosen themes in subsequent years of the course.This 3 year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. You would study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.Course highlightsChoose one of the following three themes to specialise in after your first year: molecular medicine, infection and disease or genome biology and disease.Weekly research-focused practical classes in the first two year of your degree will provide extensive hands-on experience in the laboratory, with the option to experience working in a research lab in your final year.Our teaching is research-led at every stage of your degree, ensuring that you engage with cutting-edge scientific developments and techniques from the start of your studies through to your final-year projectsA wide choice of research-led advanced topic lectures in your final year cover specialist topics in cell and molecular biology, exposing you to the latest techniques and cutting-edge research.Amass unique and vital experience through an exciting industrial placement or study abroad opportunity.Development of a range of transferable skills such as data analysis, interpretation and critical appraisal which will equip you for a wide range of career options when you graduate.Extensive wellbeing and employability support from dedicated faculty teams.Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.The ongoing expansion of biosciences creates varied employment prospects and career opportunities.Flexible degreesBiological Sciences is a broad-based degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.All our School of Molecular and Cellular Biology degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biotechnology and Enterprise or Microbiology, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.Biological science or biology?Unsure of the difference between biological sciences and biology?FacilitiesThe School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is an international research hub with outstanding facilities for structural biology, biophysics, cell biology and imaging. This is underpinned by a recent £17 million investment by the University and a large grant portfolio from major external funders (the Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, BBSRC and MRC). These facilities underpin our research-led teaching and allow us to offer final year projects at the frontier of modern research. Recently refurbished teaching labs and dedicated computer clusters will allow you to develop your practical and computational skills during the first two years of your course. The Faculty Student Opportunity Team provide expert