MBiol (Hons) Biological Sciences Integrated Master's degree at the University of Leeds

You'll be trained in data collection and experimental techniques relevant to the biological sciences. You'll learn how to use laboratory equipment, design and execute simple experiments, understand approaches used to study biochemical and molecular processes and analyse and interpret numerical data.

You'll focus on data collection and laboratory techniques relevant to microbial sciences, as well as further developing your skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. You'll engage with a mix of practical classes, tutorials and computer-based classes, and will learn about aseptic technique, bacterial culture, microscopy, PCR, electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing, applying theoretical knowledge gained from your lecture modules.

You'll learn about the fundamental processes of life, identifying the key concepts that underpin the biological processes in all living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. On completion, you'll have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

You'll be introduced to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses. You will learn about microbiology in a broad sense and explore the diversity of microbial life with emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. You'll also learn how microorganisms interact with each other and influence more complex organisms, including their impact on human life.

You'll explore the different meanings of 'genetics' and how this concept has changed over time. More importantly, you will explore what genetics means for us as organisms. To what extent do genes determine our inheritance? How do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

You'll review fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You'll discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences, learning about the roles played by the different types of leukocytes, antibodies and complement.

This module introduces the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. The idea that the environment, exercise or disease can disturb these systems will be introduced.

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role of those taxa in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge including food security, disease, and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

You'll be provided with an overview of the evolution and diversity of life, the key features that define each group and the role those take in ecological processes. Each group of organisms will be linked to a major global challenge including food security, disease and wildlife conservation, to demonstrate how fundamental science informs important societal issues.

This module develops core laboratory skills in molecular biosciences through a continuous research project. You'll design, troubleshoot, and analyse experiments, focusing on gene cloning and protein production. With workshops and practical sessions, you'll gain expertise in data interpretation, software tools, and scientific communication, providing a strong foundation for carrying out research professionally.

You'll be introduced to omics-based approaches that are at the forefront of overcoming global challenges. Developing practical data-science skills in comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, you'll conduct group-based and individual research projects.

This module builds laboratory and data analysis skills in molecular biosciences. You'll design experiments, interpret data, and use statistical tools to solve biological problems. Practical classes and tutorials emphasise collaboration, problem-solving, and effective scientific communication, preparing you for research projects and further study in cell biology.

This module provides a detailed exploration of the microorganisms that cause human disease, focusing on bacteria, viruses, and fungi. You'll learn about the clinical presentation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases, building on foundational microbiology concepts introduced in your first year. The module explores why and how microorganisms cause disease, alongside the strategies used to prevent and treat infections. You'll develop the skills to interpret case-based scenar

You'll gain detailed knowledge of the immune system, focusing on human health, from infectious and auto-immune diseases to treatment.

You'll be introduced to techniques used for the study of viruses, the structure of viruses and the processes of their replication and evolution. You will also learn how virus biology can be exploited for gene expression and gene therapy.

This module introduces you to the study of parasites, focusing on those of medical and veterinary importance. You'll examine parasites such as malaria and toxoplasma, better understanding how they cause disease on a global scale.

This module explores how drugs interact with their targets at a molecular level, and how they alter their targets. You'll understand the principles of molecular structure, recombinant DNA technology, and its role in biology and pharmacology.

This module is based on Christopher Badcock's 2009 book, The Imprinted Brain. Badcock suggests that imprinted genes influence our behavioural spectrum between autism and psychosis. Students will use an interdisciplinary approach to explore the genetics, pathology, socio-economic impacts, and cultural differences of these conditions. Offered in collaboration with Utrecht University, it includes distance learning.

You'll be introduced to the basics of bioinformatics and the application of bioinformatics to many biological questions. The module shows how genomic data is stored and accessed to learn about any characterised gene or protein and how it links to resources on research. The approaches to modern phylogenetics are introduced and how bioinformatics is applied to drug discovery.

You will cover a range of human diseases, both inherited and environmentally linked.