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Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) at University of Leicester - UCAS

Course summary

Unpicking the biochemical processes that make all living things (and viruses) tick is the first step to understanding the mechanisms that define life. Welcome to the fascinating and diverse world of biochemistry. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study. 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 subsequent 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 the 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 third 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. The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project in one of six specialist areas. The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Medical Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields. 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.

Modules

For more information on this course and a full list of modules, visit the course information page on our website

Assessment method

For more information on the methods of assessment on this course, visit the course information page on our website


How to apply

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

Application codes

Course code:
C703
Institution code:
L34
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Contact the Admissions Team at [email protected] with details of the course you are studying including modules taken, previous qualifications obtained with grades (at GCSE and A-level or equivalents) and the reason for your transfer request.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the programme of study and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous examination results.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://le.ac.uk/courses/biological-sciences-biochemistry-mbiolsci/2024


English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required. 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.

For further details of our English Language requirements please see our website

https://le.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
50%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
85%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

The tuition fee for home students is reviewed annually and for the academic year 2024/5 it is £9,250. The fees for following years have not yet been decided but are likely to increase each year in line with inflation, subject to government regulations. The inflation rate used will be RPIX, which includes all the items in the Retail Price Index, excluding mortgage payments. For your information, the inflation rate used by the Government when increasing the tuition fee from £9,000 to £9,250 was 2.8%. Fees for international students can be found on the individual course pages. https://le.ac.uk/courses For further information about fees and funding please see the following page of the University website: https://le.ac.uk/student-life/undergraduates/fees-funding

Provider information

Visit our website

Our COVID-19 information

University of Leicester
University Road
Leicester
LE1 7RH


Clearing contact details

Clearing Line

01163736000

Course Clearing information

Additional information

Thursday 15 August 7 am to 9 pm Friday 16 August 8 am to 7 pm Saturday 17 August 10 am to 4 pm Sunday 18 August 10 am to 4 pm From Monday 19 August open Monday to Friday 9-5 (Closed Monday 26 August)


Course contact details

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Biological Sciences (Biochemistry) at University of Leicester - UCAS