Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise), BSc, University of Leeds

Course content

In year one you will begin with the core themes of biotechnology alongside an introduction to strategic business planning and management. Themes including cell biology and genetics will be delivered together with a skills development module involving weekly tutorials and laboratory sessions.

Year two will see you build on your skills and knowledge from year one, continuing to study biological processes at molecular and cellular levels. Business modules including 'Entrepreneurship in Theory and Practice' and 'New Business Planning' will complement modules in genetic engineering and human diseases to ensure that you develop a broad knowledge and skillset.

Year three is your chance to integrate both your knowledge of Biotechnology and your understanding of commerce and enterprise, with a year-long project that is supported by tutors from the Business School as well as the Faculty of Biological Sciences. You will study advanced level topics that represent the cutting-edge of research within the area of biotechnology, and the skills you have developed throughout your previous years will continue to be honed to an even more advanced level.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA - AAB

  Including Biology and another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.

  We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics. Science-related subjects: PE, geography, use of mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology and computing.

  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.

  GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

  • Career opportunities

    Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.

    With the expansion of the biosciences comes the generation of new and varied career opportunities. Some of our graduates go on to further study at Masters or PhD level. Other career routes include graduate medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health sector laboratories, university and government-funded institutes and health, medical, policymaking and government organisations.

    The Faculty of Biological Sciences boasts graduate prospects of 96% (DLHE, 2014/15), which makes the Biological Sciences course an exciting and enticing option for those wishing for a career in the Biosciences.

    Recent graduate destinations include:

    Careers support

    We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

    Some of the places Biological Sciences students have studied are:

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    Industrial placements are typically taken between your second and final year. If you choose to undertake a placement year, this will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and application letters and provide a list of organisations which may offer industrial placements.

    Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

    Some of the places Biological Sciences students have been placed are:

  • Related courses

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