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2023/24 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

MBiol, BSc Biology (Integrated Masters)

Programme code:MBBS-BLGYUCAS code:C109
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:

BLGY1128Living Planet20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY1211Applied Biology and Agriculture10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY1237Introduction to Genetics10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY1300Coastal and Upland Habitats Field Course10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY1307Research & Study Skills Level 120 creditsSemesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
BLGY1326Practical Skills for Biology and Genetics20 creditsSemesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)
FOBS1135The Basis of Life20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)

Optional modules:

Students may study at least 10 credits from the following optional modules or 10 credits of discovery modules:

BLGY1238Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC1200Biology of the Mind10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC1216Introduction to Pharmacology10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR1125Introduction to Microbiology10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR1202The Microbial World10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR1220Introduction to Immunology10 creditsSemester 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:

BLGY2164How Plants Live20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2220Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2304Research and Study Skills Level 220 creditsSemesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun)

Optional modules:

GROUP A: GENETICS
Candidates must take at least 20 credits from the following group of modules.

BIOL2113Introduction to Omics Biology10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL2114Omics and Big Data Biology20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2201Introduction to Bioinformatics10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2296Human Genetics10 creditsSemester 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.

BLGY2106Parasitology10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2146Animal Physiology20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2155Population, Community and Conservation Ecology
Pre-requisite for: Pre-requisite for: BLGY3133 & BLGY3247
20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2175Human Populations10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY2225Sustainable Food Production10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2265Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY2313Mediterranean Ecology Field Course10 creditsSemester 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.

BIOL2210Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2211Human Diseases10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL2212Chemotherapy10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BMSC2118Neurobiology20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2121Molecular Virology10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
MICR2221Medical Immunology10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
MICR2222Medical Virology10 creditsSemester 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:

BLGY3397Advanced Research Skills and Experience40 creditsSemesters 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

BLGY3109Applied Genetics20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3152Advanced Topics in Human Genetics20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3246Evolution and Population Genetics10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3255Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)

GROUP B: ANIMALS

BLGY3122Social Insect Biology10 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3224Advanced Topics in Animal Science20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3245Advanced Topics in Evolution20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3300Level 3 Field Course (South Africa)20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)

GROUP C: ORGANISMS (PLANTS)

BLGY3173Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3255Plant Development: Making a plant in theory and practice20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)

GROUP D: ECOLOGY

BLGY3133Advanced Topics in Ecology
Pre-requisite for: BLGY2155
20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3135Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death20 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY3245Advanced Topics in Evolution20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3246Evolution and Population Genetics10 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3247Advanced Topics in Conservation Science20 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY3300Level 3 Field Course (South Africa)20 creditsSemester 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:

BLGY5381MExtended Research Project90 creditsSemesters 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:

BIOL5125MInfectious and Non-Infectious Diseases15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL5126MPractical Bioinformatics15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BIOL5201MAdvanced Biomolecular Technologies15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BIOL5207MMedical Diagnostics15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY5102MCommunity Ecology15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5119MIntroduction to GIS15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5121MAdvanced Statistics15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5132MGlobal Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5133MCrop Production in a Changing Environment15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5134MSustainable Diets and Protein Production15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5188MPopulation Dynamics15 creditsSemester 1 (Sep to Jan)
BLGY5230MConservation Decision Science15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY5236MAgri-Environmental Monitoring, Economics and Policy15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY5238MCircular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-food Systems15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)
BLGY5253MAfrican Field Ecology15 creditsSemester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Last updated: 12/05/2023 15:36:50

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