2023/24 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue
MBiol, BSc Biology (Integrated Masters)
Programme code: | MBBS-BLGY | UCAS code: | C109 |
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Duration: | 4 Years | Method of Attendance: | Full Time |
Programme manager: | Dr Chris West | Contact address: | c.e.west@leeds.ac.uk |
Total credits: 480
Entry requirements:
A-level: AAA, including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject (Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics or Science-related subjects: PE, computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, psychology, science in society, statistics, use of mathematics). General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement. When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
- IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component or equivalent English language qualification.
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:
Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology
Examination board through which the programme will be considered:
Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biology
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:
The three year BSc programmes upon which the Integrated Masters are built meet the QAA Benchmarks and meet the QAA expectations for integrated masters programmes. There are no specified QAA Benchmarks for Integrated Masters degrees in Bioscience, however the principle of such programmes is to ensure coverage of Honours level Benchmark requirements plus ensure that the higher Masters levels objectives are met including:
Research training:
- Project-specific experimental skills
- Accessing literature
- Planning, including evaluation of hazards and environmental effects
- Making oral presentations, writing reports, including critical evaluation
- Participating in colloquia
Research project:
- Implementation of planned experiments
- Recording of data and their critical analysis
- Dissertation
- Outcome potentially publishable
Advanced studies:
- In area of specialism to support research topic
- Complementary studies outside, but cognate to, area of specialism
Problem solving:
- Development of general strategies including the identification of additional information required and problems where there is not a unique solution
- Application of advanced studies to the solutions of problems
Professional studies:
- Ethics and societal responsibilities
- Environmental impact
- Sustainability
The proportion of each activity will vary depending upon the programmes learning objectives. However, research studies (training and project) are likely to form at least one-half of the masters level study.
It is important to note that for students who may elect not to complete the fourth year of the programme, or who are advised that their performance makes it unlikely that they would be successful in completing the programme will have met the University requirements for the BSc and so will be able to graduate after 3 years.
Programme specification:
Biology is a wonderfully wide-ranging subject, and Leeds, with one of the UK's largest and most diverse biology teaching groups, is well equipped to deliver. The emphasis of the programme is the whole organism to which everything is related, be it the molecules that form proteins or communities of organisms in an ecosystem.
The MBiol, BSc offers students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge plus the exceptional experience of advanced research. The initial two years of the programme follows the existing BSc Biology programme. The year 3 will be similar to that for students enrolled on the 3 year BSc programme and the 40 credit research project will provide preparation for the final year. The fourth year of the programme is research focused, comprising an 90 credit research project and 30 credits of advanced research training. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, problem solving and data analysis, taught in the context of the subject. The extended individual project allows students to develop their research skills in greater depth and produce a report containing material of publishable quality that could contribute to a research publication.
Level 1 exposes students to the fundamentals of Biology, suitable for progression to all programmes within the biology programme group, including Genetics, Zoology and Ecology and Conservation Biology at the end of the first year.. Programme-specific core topics are covered at Level 2 preparing for subsequent research-led subject specialist modules.
At Levels 2 and 3 students are free to choose more than half of their module credits with the proviso a range of modules are selected that reflect the complexity of life forms from molecules, through organisms, both plants and animals, to populations to ensure the breadth of knowledge expected of a graduate with a biology degree. This allows students to develop their own wide-ranging interests in organismal biology. Decisions on what to study are made with input from personal tutors.
The research ethos is developed and fostered from the start via practicals, which are either embedded in lecture modules or taught in dedicated practical modules. In addition, research seminars and tutorials have a strong focus on current research literature. There is a compulsory field course in Level 1, which students must pass in order to progress into Level 2, and optional field courses in Levels 2 and 3. At Level 3 all students carry out an independent 40 credit research projects, which will provide the foundations for the final year.
In year 4 students will extend their specialist knowledge and research training through completion of an extended Masters level 90 credit research project and 30 credits of additional Masters level taught modules. In years 3 and 4, students will attend supervisory meetings with their research project supervisor who will guide them through their research project.
Academic tutorials are held at Levels 1 and 2 with the same tutor, who is also the personal tutor for the full 4 years, providing continuity and progressive guidance. Level 1 and 2 tutorials include a number of workshops and tutorials that develop transferable skills including the use of literature, essay writing and delivering effective presentations, with opportunities to practice these skills in a subject-specific context. Students will build on these over subsequent years of specialisation and training. In years 3 and 4 students will continue with their personal tutorial meetings and attend supervision meetings with their project supervisor.
The MBiol, BSc Biology programme is distinctive because it develops an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge in biology together with an exceptional experience of advanced research delivered through an integrated research project.
The programme provides students with the opportunity to gain substantial research training and experience through engagement wi th an individual research project conducted as part of a research team in an internationally recognised research laboratory.
The academic content of the MBiol, BSc Biology programme concentrates on developing an understanding of research through the delivery and active engagement in taught components, practical skills development, data analysis and problem solving elements culminating in a major research project supported by further research and transferable skills training and career planning opportunities. This develops an appreciation of the fundamental underpinning principles of the subject area leading through to the current state of the field informed by the research-based ethos of teaching and investigation.
Practical skills, techniques and capabilities will be developed to an advanced level expected of early stage PhD students.
The programme covers a broad range of topics associated with Genetics combined with competency in research methodology. Specifically, this includes the development of hypothesis driven resarch, data analysis skills and the ability to solve problems. Appropriate practical skills are developed, together with the design and execution of suitable experiments, the production of publication quality outputs and the ability to communicate effectively.
Competency will be developed in a broad range of topics in Biology combined with competency in research methodology, the development of hypothesis driven research, the approach to the analysis of data and ability to solve problems, appropriate practical skills in the design and execution of suitable experiments, the production of publication quality outputs and the ability to communicate effectively.
Learning approaches are dependent upon the level of the students as they progress through the course. Initially delivery will be more research-informed teaching in lecture and seminar/tutorial and practical class settings leading to more independent research-based learning through lectures and independent study, small class teaching and project team or individual mentoring. Students will progress from the development of research-based practical skills in teaching labs to the design and execution of independent research work.
On completing the MBiol, BSc Biology programme students will know Biology from basic principles through to cutting edge research, appreciate the process of research and to be able to demonstrate implementation of these principles.
This programme will provide graduates with the ability to be highly competitive in securing high quality research opportunities within appropriate industries or for PhD positions to pursue research careers.
Year1 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
BLGY1128 | Living Planet | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY1211 | Applied Biology and Agriculture | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1237 | Introduction to Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1300 | Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY1307 | Research & Study Skills Level 1 | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
BLGY1326 | Practical Skills for Biology and Genetics | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
FOBS1135 | The Basis of Life | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Optional modules:
Students may study at least 10 credits from the following optional modules or 10 credits of discovery modules:
BLGY1238 | Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BMSC1200 | Biology of the Mind | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BMSC1216 | Introduction to Pharmacology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR1125 | Introduction to Microbiology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
MICR1202 | The Microbial World | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR1220 | Introduction to Immunology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Discovery modules:
Candidates may study up to 10 credits of discovery modules.
Year2 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:
BLGY2164 | How Plants Live | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2220 | Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2304 | Research and Study Skills Level 2 | 20 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
GROUP A: GENETICS
Candidates must take at least 20 credits from the following group of modules.
BIOL2113 | Introduction to Omics Biology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL2114 | Omics and Big Data Biology | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2201 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2296 | Human Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates can only choose either BIOL2113 OR BIOL2114, not both.
GROUP B: ORGANISMS
Candidates must take at least 20 credits from the following group of modules.
BLGY2106 | Parasitology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2146 | Animal Physiology | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2155 | Population, Community and Conservation Ecology Pre-requisite for: Pre-requisite for: BLGY3133 & BLGY3247 | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2175 | Human Populations | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY2225 | Sustainable Food Production | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2265 | Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY2313 | Mediterranean Ecology Field Course | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates can only choose either BLGY2313 or BLGY2265, not both.
GROUP C:
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of the following optional modules or may take up to 20 credits of discovery modules.
BIOL2210 | Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL2211 | Human Diseases | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL2212 | Chemotherapy | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BMSC2118 | Neurobiology | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
MICR2121 | Molecular Virology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
MICR2221 | Medical Immunology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
MICR2222 | Medical Virology | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates must ensure that these modules do not clash with core or group options (A or B).
Discovery modules:
Candidates may study up to 20 credits of discovery modules if they have not already taken 20 credits of optional modules.
Year3 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study 120 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
BLGY3397 | Advanced Research Skills and Experience | 40 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Students will be required to study 80 credits of optional (including discovery) modules. Candidates must choose at least 10 credits from each of the 'organisational' groups: A) Genetics, B) Animals, C) Plants, D) Ecology. A single module may not be used to represent more than one of these groups. For example, students choosing BLGY3245 Advanced Topics in Evolution as their Group B Animal module are required to choose a different module to represent their Group D Ecology selection.
GROUP A: GENETICS
BLGY3109 | Applied Genetics | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3152 | Advanced Topics in Human Genetics | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3255 | Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
GROUP B: ANIMALS
BLGY3122 | Social Insect Biology | 10 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3224 | Advanced Topics in Animal Science | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
GROUP C: ORGANISMS (PLANTS)
BLGY3173 | Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3255 | Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
GROUP D: ECOLOGY
BLGY3133 | Advanced Topics in Ecology Pre-requisite for: BLGY2155 | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3135 | Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death | 20 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY3245 | Advanced Topics in Evolution | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3246 | Evolution and Population Genetics | 10 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3247 | Advanced Topics in Conservation Science | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY3300 | Level 3 Field Course (South Africa) | 20 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Discovery modules:
Candidates may choose up to 10 credits of discovery modules.
Year4 - View timetable
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 120 credits.
Compulsory modules:
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory module:
BLGY5381M | Extended Research Project | 90 credits | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) |
Optional modules:
Candidates will be required to study a minimum of 30 Credits of advanced research training from the following optional modules:
BIOL5125M | Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL5126M | Practical Bioinformatics | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BIOL5201M | Advanced Biomolecular Technologies | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BIOL5207M | Medical Diagnostics | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY5102M | Community Ecology | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5119M | Introduction to GIS | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5121M | Advanced Statistics | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5132M | Global Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5133M | Crop Production in a Changing Environment | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5134M | Sustainable Diets and Protein Production | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5188M | Population Dynamics | 15 credits | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
BLGY5230M | Conservation Decision Science | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY5236M | Agri-Environmental Monitoring, Economics and Policy | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY5238M | Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-food Systems | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
BLGY5253M | African Field Ecology | 15 credits | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 12/05/2023 15:36:50
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