Biological Sciences

Our academic staff collaborate to produce courses that provide both breadth and depth of subject knowledge.

Full entry requirements

Biological Sciences at Leicester

Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester has an international reputation based on our research strengths, with 85% of our research being recognised as internationally significant in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), and teaching excellence as evidenced by rankings in the Guardian, Sunday Times and the NSS. 

The University is renowned for the discovery of DNA fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys which has generated a multimillion pound industry and had profound effects in the spheres of health and criminal justice.

The School offers six variations of the degree in Biological Sciences. You may follow a broad course, to graduate with the degree in Biological Sciences itself (C100) or by appropriate course choices, follow one of the specialised degree streams.

All the programmes have a common First Year, which covers the breadth of the subject, giving you a strong basis for choosing your Second Year modules. All students undertake an individual research project in the Final Year, supported by a core module in research skills in the Second Year. Specialisation in your Final Year, along with the research project will allow you to study aspects of the subject that interest you, taught by the friendly staff who are active researchers in those fields.

Why Choose Biological Sciences at Leicester?

Places: 160
Applications: 1,078
National Student Survey: 100% of students satisfied overall with their course.
Position in 2013 Subject League Tables: Guardian 4th
Employability: ranked 10th (of 86) in the Times 2012 Good University Guide for Graduate Opportunities.
Example Jobs: Biomedical Scientist; Healthcare Assistant; Healthcare Support Worker; Laboratory Analyst; Laboratory Technician; Learning Support Assistant; Microbiologist; Psychiatric Support Worker; Research Assistant; Senior Pharmacy Technician; Science Teacher; Territory Sales Executive.
Example Employers: Advantage Healthcare; Kingston NHS Trust Hospital; Leicester Royal Infirmary; Loughborough Grammar School; Mattioli Woods plc; National Trust; NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust; Santander; St Luke’s Hospice; The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust; University of Cambridge.
Example Postgraduate Courses: BDS Dentistry; Medicine; MRes Cell Physiology and Pharmacology; MSc Blood Sciences; MSc Human Disease and Therapy; MSc Infection and Immunity; MSc Molecular Genetics; MSc Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research; MSc Oncology; PGCE (postgraduate teacher training); PhD Biochemistry; PhD Biology; PhD Cardiovascular Sciences; PhD Evolutionary Genetics; PhD Molecular Cell Biology; PhD Neurology.
Example jobs and employers information comes from the University’s ‘Where Did They Go?’ survey, and shows destinations of 2010/11 graduates six months after graduation.

The School was ranked top for biological sciences (C100) and physiology with pharmacology (B1B2) in the 2012 National Student Survey and 4th in the UK for biosciences in the Guardian 2013 University Guide. In 2005 the School was awarded the status of a Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning.

Particular commendation has been made of the enthusiasm of the teaching staff and the links between teaching and research. The School is nationally recognised for the high quality of its research: in the last Research Assessment Exercise, 85% of our research activity was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally significant. This linkage is vital for providing teaching that is at the forefront of current knowledge and final year projects that are research-focused.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Student learning is by means of a wide range of approaches. Traditional lectures are used to impart core information but these are supported by a variety of activities including tutorials, practical classes, seminars and field work. From the outset, students are encouraged and supported in their development as independent learners.

We also use a range of approaches to assessment. Most modules have a written examination but are also assessed through coursework, including essays, practical reports, oral presentations and data handling exercises. All students also undertake a Final Year research project, which, with its strong emphasis on independent study, forms an important part of your academic and intellectual development.

Course Opportunities

After your Second Year, you have the opportunity to study abroad in the USA or at another European university under the Erasmus scheme or transfer to a four-year sandwich degree, working in a related industry. These programmes are coordinated by the School and offer valuable experience and academic development.

Skills Gained

You will develop a critical approach to learning with a strong emphasis on team-work, ICT and communication skills. You will also use a wide range of practical techniques and gain experience in the design and performance of experimental procedures, including data acquisition, analysis and presentation.

Graduate Opportunities

Our graduate employment record is around 90% six months after graduation. Graduates enter a wide range of employment. About half of all graduates undertake further training mainly on doctoral research or MSc programmes though an increasing proportion embark on graduate-entry medical degrees. Many of those going directly into the workplace find positions closely related to their degree specialisms, for example recent employment positions have included: conservationist; oncology assistant; aquatic ecologist; safety pharmacologist; pharmaceutical representative; medical laboratory technician and quality control analyst. Some use the generic skills they have acquired to enter non-biological professions in business or management.

We run a Study and Communications Skills module and during the Second Year we organise a Careers Day, with employers delivering skills sessions and offering networking opportunities.

Full entry requirements

Opportunities to Visit and Further Information

Choosing where and what to study at university is an important decision for you. We believe it is important to give you the opportunity to talk to our admissions team, so you can find out whether our programmes are the right choice for you.

International students can progress directly on to these courses from the International Foundation Year in Science.

For details of open days or for more information about the School and our courses please contact:

Admissions Secretary
0116 252 3323/2907
Fax: 0116 252 5659
biolsci_admiss@le.ac.uk
www.le.ac.uk/bs

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