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Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc

University Of Leicester, United Kingdom
Overview Course Requirements Syllabus
Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc
Next enrollment cycle January 2024 See all cycles
First Year Fee KES 4,200,469
Course Accredited By NA
3 Years On Campus Undergraduate Degree

Microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa) play a crucial role in many of the Earth's physical and biological processes; they help to purify our waste water and clean up pollution. Mankind has used them for thousands of years in the production of foods and drinks but some types can cause new and devastating diseases

  • Microorganisms are the oldest inhabitants of the Earth, yet we have only discovered a small fraction of all the microbes that exist. Now microbiology is at the forefront of a technical revolution: incredibly sensitive molecular tools, coupled with sophisticated computer informatics, provide powerful new approaches to unlocking the secrets of life. On this course you will gain a broad appreciation of the biology of organisms of microscopic size, the role of microbes in health and disease, and of the mammalian immune response to infection.
  • This course is identical to the first three years of the MBiolSci in Biological Sciences (Microbiology).

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.

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

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

Option modules

  • Choose one option module from:
  • Genomes
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Physiology of Excitable Cells
  • Molecular Cell Biology
  • Global Change Biology and Conservation
  • Medical Microbiology
  • 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
  • A Field Guide to Evolution
  • Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
  • Protein Control in Cellular Regulation

Final Year

Core module 

  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Option modules
  • Overall, you must choose at least two modules from those marked . 

Choose two option modules from:

  • Molecular and Cellular Immunology
  • Evolutionary Genetics
  • Gene Expression: Molecular Basis and Medical Relevance
  • Human Genetics
  • Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
  • Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
  • Comparative Neurobiology
  • 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:

  • Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
  • Human and Environmental Microbiomics
  • Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
  • 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.

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