Biological Sciences (Genetics) BSc

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
• The Cell: An Introduction to Cell Biology and Microbiology
• From Individuals to Populations: An Introduction to Genetics
• Multicellular Organisation: An Introduction to Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
• Biodiversity and Behaviour: An Introduction to Zoology

Year 2

Core modules

• Genomes
• Research Topic
• Bioinformatics
• Option modules
• Overall, you must choose at least one module from those marked 

Choose two option modules from:

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

Then choose three option module from:

• Genes, Development and Inheritance
• Contemporary Techniques in Biological Data Analysis
• Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology
• Immunology and Eukaryotic Microbiology (with science enterprise trip)
• Behavioural Neurobiology 
• Neurobiology and Animal Behaviour
• A Field Guide to Evolution
• Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids
• Protein Control in Cellular Regulation

Final Year

Core modules

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Human Genetics

Option modules

• Overall, you must choose at least one of those modules marked .

Choose three option modules from:

• Microbial Pathogenesis and Genomics
• Genes and Development
• Conservation and Ecological Genetics
• Human and Environmental Microbiomics
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Neuroscience Futures
• Physiology, Pharmacology and Behaviour
• Cellular Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
• Current and Future Therapeutics
• Behavioural Ecology

Then choose one pair of option modules from:

• Analytical Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list above
• Steered Research Project (double module) plus one additional option module from the list above
• 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)

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.
• The third year option module Behavioural Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £450 and is not included in your tuition fee.