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

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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 RAE, and teaching excellence, as evaluated by the Quality Assurance Agency. The University is renowned for the discovery of DNA fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys which has generated a multi-million pound industry and has 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?

National Student Survey Ranking: 4th out of 18 with 93% of students satisfied with their course.
Research Rating: 90%
Position in 2012 Subject League Tables: Sunday Times 3rd, Guardian 4th, Independent 6th, Times 10th.
Places: 110
Applications: 425

The School is nationally recognised for the high quality of its teaching and research. In the national reviews our teaching was rated as excellent and, in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 85% of our research activity was world-leading, internationally excellent, or internationally significant.

Particular commendation has been made of the enthusiasm of the teaching staff and the links between teaching and research.

In 2005 the School was awarded the status of a Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning. The School was ranked top for physiology in the 2009 National Student Survey and 3rd in the UK for biosciences in the Guardian 2011 University Guide.

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. External reviewers reported that students are ‘clearly encouraged to develop their own thought processes in a genuinely supportive environment.’

Methods of assessment are likewise varied. 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 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. The QAA review of our teaching reported that graduates entering employment are well prepared through the development of transferable skills.

Graduate Opportunities

Our graduate employment record is around 90% six months after graduation and approaching 98% after 18 months. Graduates enter a wide range of employment. About 40% of graduates follow further training in Biology, mainly on doctoral research or MSc programmes; 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.

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.

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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