Medical Sciences

This course equips you with a wide range of knowledge and also transferable skills. It’s a sensible choice if you know you’re interested in biomedical subjects but do not want to decide on specialisation, at least in the first year.

In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to the range of topics making up the medical sciences. This will include basic anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology, as well as endocrinology and neuroscience.

You’ll also develop the fundamental laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies.

It may be possible to transfer to Pharmacology, Neuroscience or Human Physiology after Year 1 (subject to academic approval).

In Year 2, you will receive more detailed exposure to the systems of the body. You’ll study core modules that will build on your knowledge. These are taught in an integrated way that brings together normal structure and function with changes in disease and treatment. You’ll have a range of optional modules to choose from, including human diseases, toxicology and bioinformatics, and develop your understanding of research methods and experimental skills. You will further develop your critical reasoning skills, and learn how to apply your knowledge to evaluate scientific evidence.

You’ll also choose one area to specialise in from pharmacology, neuroscience, physiology and medical sciences more broadly – a pair of modules will allow you to study this area in greater depth and gain specific experimental skills.

The degree offers the opportunity to apply for an industrial placement or study abroad year at the end of Year 2, which will help broaden your experience, enhance your skills and improve your employment prospects.

In Year 3, you’ll choose research-centered modules that build on topics that interested you in earlier years. ‘Advanced Topics’ modules in particular allow you to choose from a menu of different research topics so you can focus more on your areas of interest. You can also choose specialist modules such as cancer biology or biomedical nanotechnology.

Much of the year will be focused on your own research project. Your research will concentrate on a completely original topic in the subject which will allow you to explore our latest research breakthroughs with leading academics in our specialised laboratories. For those whose career path is not into laboratory-based biosciences, a variety of different project types is available to help you to develop professionally-relevant skills.

Integrated Masters (MBiol)

Years 1 and 2 are the same as for the BSc and provide you with a foundation in the subject.

In Year 3 you’ll study compulsory and optional modules, a literature research project and a research preparation module that will underpin your final-year research project.

In Year 4 you’ll undertake an extended research project in an original topic while exploring specialised research topics and skills. This is complimented with Masters level modules that will prepare you for a career in research as well as equipping you with the cutting edge expertise needed in the general graduate job market.

Find out more about choosing between an integrated Masters and a BSc degree

Course structure

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

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Basic Laboratory and Scientific Skills 20 credits
• Biology of the Mind 10 credits
• Introduction to Pharmacology 10 credits
• Basic Laboratory and Scientific Skills 2 20 credits
• Human Endocrinology 10 credits
• Introduction to Physiology 20 credits
• The Basis of Life 20 credits
• Introduction to Microbiology 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Cardio-respiratory Physiology and Pharmacology 20 credits
• Experimental Skills 10 credits
• Scientific Skills 10 credits
• Physiology of Absorption and Excretion 10 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Inherited Disorders 10 credits
• Advanced Scientific Skills 20 credits
• Practical Research Skills 20 credits
• Extended Research Project Preparation 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Research Topics 30 credits
• Extended Research Project 90 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Medical Sciences MBiol, BSc in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read Medical Sciences BSc in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. On this course you broaden your learning through core and/or optional modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching