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Medical Biosciences (Microbiology) MBiolSci

University Of Leicester, United Kingdom
Medical Biosciences (Microbiology) MBiolSci
Next enrollment cycle January 2024 See all cycles
First Year Fee KES 4,330,334
Course Accredited By N/A
4 Years On Campus Undergraduate Degree

Do you want to know more about infectious diseases, which are responsible for a third of all deaths and are a major cause of death in infants and young children? This four-year MBiolSci in Medical Biosciences (Microbiology) will give you a thorough understanding of the range, type, structure and physiology of infectious organisms that cause disease in humans; including the major microbial diseases.

  • You will appreciate how such organisms infect the human body, understand how microbes can promote both health and disease, and how infections are prevented, managed or cured. This course will allow you to learn from both research and clinical scientists so that you can understand the management of infectious disease in clinical environments.
  • The first three years are identical to the Medical Microbiology BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas.
  • The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Medical Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

What's the difference?

  • At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as both BSc (three years) and MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of 23 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.

Scholarship

  • Citizens of Change 100 Scholarship - Anyone holding an offer of a place at Leicester - 50% fee reduction in first year
  • Science and Engineering International Merit Scholarship - International-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree in the University of Leicester College of Science and Engineering - £3,000 or £5,000 per year
  • Family Loyalty Discount - Any child, sibling or spouse of a Leicester student or graduate - 10% fee discount
  • Media, Communications and Sociology International Merit Scholarship - International-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree in the University of Leicester School of Media, Communications and Sociology - £3,000 or £5,000 per year
  • Music scholarships - Talented musicians/singers at Grade 6 or above - £500
  • Sports scholarships - Students who compete at regional, national or international level - Facilities, coaching and financial support
  • ULSB International Merit Scholarship - Students applying for a degree in the University of Leicester School of Business, starting September 2022 or later - £3,000 per year

Enrollment Cycles

  • January 2024

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

  • A-levels: AAB - ABB, including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted
  • EPQ with A-levels: ABB-BBB EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
    GCSE: At least Grade C/4 in both English and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths or 4 in SL Maths, or 5 in Maths Studies required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.
  • Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.
  • BTEC Nationals: Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences
  • Other national and international qualifications considered.
  • Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.

Selection Process

  • When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.
  • Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of Biological Sciences.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
  • International Qualifications

Year 1
Modules

  • The Molecules of Life: An Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (double module)
  • The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology (double module)
  • From Individuals to Populations: An Introduction to Genetics
  • Multicellular Organisation: An Introduction to Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience (double module)
  • Medical Bioscience

Year 2

Core modules

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Research Topic
  • Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology OR Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

  • Genomes
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Physiology of Excitable Cells
  • Principles of Microbiology
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Global Change Biology and Conservation

Then choose three option modules from:

  • Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis 
  • Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Genes, Development and Inheritance
  • Bioinformatics
  • Behavioural Neurobiology 
  • Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
  • Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
  • Protein Control in Cellular Regulation

Year 3

Core modules

  • Molecular and Cellular Immunology
  • Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology

Option modules

  • Overall, you must choose at least two modules from those marked 

Choose one option module from:

  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Evolutionary Genetics
  • Human Genetics
  • Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
  • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
  • Conservation Biology
  • Comparative Neurobiology
  • Structural Biology
  • Subtropical Physiology and Ecology

Then choose one pair of option modules from:

  • Experimental Research Project A plus Experimental Research Project B (double module)
  • Education Research Project A plus Education Research Project B (double module)
  • Field Research Project A (Operation Wallacea) plus Experimental Research Project B (double module)
  • Analytical Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list below
  • Steered Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list below

Finally, choose two option modules from:

  • Human and Environmental Microbiomics
  • Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
  • Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Neuroscience Futures
  • Genes and Development
  • Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
  • Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
  • Current and Future Therapeutics

Final Year

  • In your final year, you will conduct a research project within one of six themes. Which project you choose determines which additional modules you study.

Option 1: Cancer Cell Biology

  • Introduction to Molecular Techniques
  • Research Methods in Cell Biology
  • Research Methods in Cancer Biology
  • Advanced Topics in Cancer Biology
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Cancer Cell Biology)

Option 2: Molecular Genetics

  • Introduction to Techniques in Molecular Genetics and Data Analysis
  • Experimental Design and Application of Molecular Genetic Techniques to Research
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Molecular Genetics)

Option 3: Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics

  • Molecular Pathology and Cell Biology of Cancer
  • Molecular Methods and Experimental Design
  • Cancer Therapeutics
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Cancer Molecular Pathology and Therapeutics)

Option 4: Chronic Disease and Immunity

  • Theory and Techniques in Chronic Disease and Immunity
  • Immunity and Inflammation
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Chronic Disease and Immunity)

Option 5: Infection and Immunity

  • Theory and Techniques in Infection and Immunity
  • Infection and Immunity
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Infection and Immunity)

Option 6: Neuroscience and Behaviour

  • Advanced Research Methods: Evaluating, Planning and Analysing Research
  • Professional Research Skills: Finding Your Path in the World of Research
  • MBiolSci Research Project (Neuroscience/Psychology/Behaviour)

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)

  • If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years. 

Interested in this course?

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