Biological Sciences, BSc

Course content

A set of core modules in Year 1 will allow you to develop your skills in research and analysis and introducing you to the disciplines of immunology, microbiology, genetics and cell biology. You'll gain an understanding of the chemistry underpinning biological processes, the different types of cell and how they come together in human tissues, organs and body systems, as well as how they are affected by disease. You'll also choose an optional module on a specialist topic from agriculture to pharmacology, which may help you choose your specialism for the next two years.

Year 2 gives you the chance to build on this knowledge within a specialist area of your choice: infection and disease, molecular medicine, plants and agriculture or molecular zoology. Each pathway comes with compulsory modules and some also give you a choice of optional modules. Your broader learning will be supported by core modules on bacterial genomics, cell signalling, genetic engineering and disease.

By the time you enter your final year, you'll be in a position to apply your research skills to an independent project: working with our world-class scientists, you'll explore a specific topic in depth. You'll also take further specialised modules on your chosen pathway, learning from the cutting-edge research being conducted by our academics.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA - AAB

  Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

  Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

  GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

  • Career opportunities

    Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.

    With the growth of biosciences, new and varied career opportunities are continually emerging for graduates. 96% of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after graduation. Some of our graduates pursue further study at Masters or PhD level, while others have progressed to graduate medicine courses, dentistry, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health sector laboratories, universities, government-funded institutes and health, medical, policymaking and government organisations.

    Recent graduate destinations have included:

    Careers support

    We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    Industrial placements are typically taken between your second and final year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.

    Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

  • Related courses

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