Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc
University Of Leicester, United Kingdom
First Year Course Fee
USD 29,145
Course Accredited By
NA
The basic principle of biochemistry is that the processes of living things are ultimately explicable in terms of the properties and interactions of the molecules from which they are made. Biochemists study molecular processes in all types of organisms - and how errors in these processes can cause disease.
- In your first year, you will focus on understanding of the fundamental biological processes that occur in cells, including DNA and protein synthesis, as well as the metabolic reactions that sustain cells and organisms. In your second and final years you will develop a greater understanding of how molecular processes are exquisitely controlled to ensure that the right process occurs in the right location – and at the right time. This control is essential to the correct functioning of cells, and the body as a whole, and errors can lead to disastrous consequences. One example of this is in cancer formation, where genetic mutations lead to loss of control of proteins that govern when cells replicate. You will learn how our knowledge of these molecular processes is leading to breakthroughs in disease treatment, through targeting and inactivating key molecules in defective pathways.
- Moreover, much of our understanding of molecules, their interactions with each other, and effective therapeutic drug design, now comes from studying molecular structures at the atomic level. Opportunities to learn how we use and generate molecular structures are embedded throughout the course and this is the focus of a final year module, which benefits from the expert knowledge of academic staff associated with the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology.
- On this course you will develop a range of skills that are valued by employers, including practical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining experience in handling complex information. You will also develop transferable skills in time-management, meeting deadlines, giving oral presentations and working in teams to achieve a goal. By studying biochemistry alongside options in other biological sciences specialisms, you will be able to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and become a valuable and powerful asset in scientific environments and in many other walks of life.
- This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Biological Sciences (Biochemistry).
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 2023
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.
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)
- Biodiversity and Behaviour: An Introduction to Zoology
Year 2
Core modules
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Research Topic
- Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
Option modules
Choose two option modules from:
- Genomes
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Physiology of Excitable Cells
- Principles of Microbiology
- Global Change Biology and Conservation
- Medical Microbiology
Then choose three option modules from (at least one must be from those marked *):
- Bioinformatics
- Protein Control in Cellular Regulation
- Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
- Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
- Genes, Development and Inheritance
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
- Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
- Behavioural Neurobiology
- Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
- A Field Guide to Evolution
Final Year
Core modules
- Structural Biology
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
Option modules
- Overall, you must choose at least one module from those marked
Choose one option module from:
- Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- Human Genetics
- Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
- Comparative Neurobiology
- Microbial Biotechnology
- 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:
- Current and Future Therapeutics
- Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
- Human and Environmental Microbiomics
- Neuroscience Futures
- Genes and Development
- Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
- Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
- Conservation and Ecological Genetics
- Behavioural Ecology
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.
UK Students
- Starting in 2022
- £9,250 in your first year. Tuition fees are subject to government regulations and may change in future years
- Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,250 for that year
- Year in Industry: your fee will be 15% of the full-time tuition fee that applies in that year
- If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
- Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
- The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
- You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.