Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) BSc

Course overview

Take your scientific ideas from the lab bench to the marketplace with an innovative Biotechnology and Enterprise course. No prior knowledge of business or enterprise is needed as you study biotechnology alongside entrepreneurship, fully supported by our outstanding Business School. 

You’ll develop in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of applied cellular and molecular life sciences, in addition to the business skills necessary to turn your ideas into a reality. 

With this exciting degree you’ll be prepared to face global challenges such as food security, designing biofuels and development of new medicines, having a practical impact on the world. 

This 3 year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. You would study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.

Course highlights

• Weekly practical classes, with the option to experience working in a research lab in your final year.
• The University student enterprise community offers you opportunities to network with entrepreneurs.
• Start your own business with support from Spark.
• Gain further practical experience boost your employability through our Year in Industry programme.
• The University of Leeds has been awarded with the Small Business Charter accreditation, for excellence in entrepreneurship education.
• Build transferrable skills and employability with our skills-based teaching.
• Extensive wellbeing and employability support from dedicated Faculty teams.
• Outstanding graduate employability amongst top employers, both within and beyond scientific research.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Wellbeing afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Flexible degrees

Biotechnology with Enterprise is a specialist degree within the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

All our School of Molecular and Cellular Biology degree courses shares the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Biological Sciences or Biology?

Unsure of the difference between Biological Sciences and Biology?

Facilities

The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology is an international research hub with outstanding facilities for structural biology, biophysics, cell biology and imaging. This is underpinned by a recent £17 million investment by the University and a large grant portfolio from major external funders (the Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, BBSRC and MRC). These facilities underpin our research-led teaching and allow us to offer final-year projects at the frontier of modern research. Recently refurbished teaching labs and dedicated computer clusters will allow you to develop your practical and computational skills during the first two years of your course.

The Business School has invested in new collaborative teaching spaces in the Charles Thackrah Building and the new Esther Simpson Building to provide a structured informal engagement space to facilitate both student and staff collaboration. This is also enriched digitally to allow for internal and external collaboration. The Faculty Student Opportunity Team provide expert support for preparing applications for placements, internships and jobs. 

Accreditation

Accredited by The Royal Society of Biology

The BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) (Industrial) variant of this course is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology.

Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is also applicable to the following course variants: MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise); MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise)(Industrial); MBiol BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) (International).

Course details

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BSc Biological Sciences (Biotechnology with Enterprise) in the course catalogue.

Year 1

You will study key areas of basic science and business concepts critical for the biotechnology sector. You will study themes in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology, alongside the study of entrepreneurship and business planning with optional modules allowing you to further develop your business awareness. You will develop your practical skills with hands-on laboratory sessions, where you will become experienced in data collection and problem-solving. You will strengthen your core theoretical knowledge through lectures and interactive seminar groups. Upon the conclusion of your first year, you will have achieved the key foundations needed for success at degree level.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer to relevant degree courses in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Course transfers are subject to space and academic background approval.

Compulsory modules

Introductory Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits) - You’ll be trained in data collection and experimental techniques relevant to the biological sciences, as well as problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. You will learn how to use laboratory equipment, design and execute simple experiments, understand approaches used to study biochemical and molecular processes, analyse and interpret numerical data, and present information clearly in written and oral forms.

Introductory Skills in Microbiology (20 credits) - Continue your skills training from first semester, with a 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 will 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 as you work through several microbiology-focussed mini-projects applying theoretical knowledge gained from your lecture modules.

Basis of Life (20 credits) - 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 elephants. On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

Starting Your Own Business (10 credits) - You’ll gain a blend of theoretical and practical experience in setting up and running a business. You will delve into the issues of creativity, idea generation, opportunity recognition and feasibility analysis, which equip you with the foundations of an entrepreneurial business model.

The Microbial World (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses. You will explore the diversity of microbial life with an emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. You will learn how microorganisms interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill and will learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

Introduction to Genetics (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with essential foundational knowledge in genetics, exploring 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? And how do our genes make us the distinct and unique organisms we are?

Optional modules

10 credits from the below in semester 1

Understanding Social Enterprise (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with the knowledge and skills to explore how for-purpose social businesses find socially innovative and enterprising win-win solutions to local and global social and environmental challenges.

Introduction to Management (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with an introduction to key tasks of management and examines challenges faced by managers today. The module also includes interviews with a variety of current practicing managers who reflect on a variety of aspects of management in the context of today’s business environment.

20 credits from the below in semester 2

Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with an introduction to key ideas, concepts and practices in the field of Entrepreneurship. The module explores a variety of sectors ranging from creative industries to family businesses.

Biology of The Mind (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Introduction to Immunology (10 credits) - You’ll review fundamental immune mechanisms with particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You will 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.

Discovery Modules (10 credits) - As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Year 2

You will build upon the knowledge and experience you gained in your first year by diving deeper into topics important to both biotechnology and enterprise. For instance, you will learn how omics-based approaches and ‘big data’ is being used to overcome global challenges in biomedicine, learn the underpinning science of sustainable food production, and the fundamentals to hone your understanding of business planning and entrepreneurship.

Tutorials with specialist tutors will help you develop a myriad of skills: experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, and reviewing current research literature. You will also receive support in your career planning from our Opportunities Team. 

At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree and enhance your employment opportunities.

Compulsory modules

Intermediate Skills in the Molecular Biosciences (20 credits) - You’ll be trained in data collection, experimental techniques, and problem-solving in the context of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. You will build upon your expertise learned in your year one skills modules, and will cover practical experiments in gene cloning, protein expression, PCR, electrophoresis, and enzyme assays, as well as tutorials on data handling, problem solving, and critical reviews of current topics in cell and molecular biology.

Intermediate Skills in the Biological Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be trained in data collection, experimental techniques, and problem-solving in the context of molecular and cellular biology. You will also carry out laboratory experiments to analyse the cell cycle, and continue to develop your data handling and problem-solving skills.

Omics and Big Data Biology (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to omics-based approaches at the forefront of equipping biologists to overcome global challenges. You will develop practical data-science skills in comparative genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics in order to conduct group-based and individual research projects.

New Enterprise Planning (20 credits) - You'll have an opportunity to examine how a new enterprise proposal is developed from the initial idea, through to identifying a market, developing a financial plan, conducting market research, pitching and reporting an enterprise proposal.

Entrepreneurship in Theory & Practice (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and small business theory and practice. You will learn about the place of entrepreneurship in academic theory with a focus on how the decision to become an entrepreneur is impacted both by internal and external factors.

Sustainable Food Production (10 credits) - You’ll gain insight into the fundamental biology that underpins crop and animal production. You will also learn about the evolution of farming biodiversity and safeguarding the environment.

Optional modules

20 credits from the below in semester 2

Leading and Managing Small Businesses (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the concepts of leading and managing small businesses, including family businesses. You will also learn about the peculiarity, importance and diversity of small businesses. Upon completion of the module, students will understand the specific approaches to leading, managing and growing small and family businesses by combining theory with practice.

Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits) - You’ll learn about innovation, the current practices and management of innovation and apply your knowledge to current case studies and present evidence to support arguments for different models of change. This module is about more than having good ideas; it's about managing new ideas, improving old ideas and understanding how to implement them successfully.

Chemotherapy (10 credits) - The basis of chemotherapy is selective toxicity, the use of agents to kill or suppress the growth of invading cells or infective organisms. This module will help you understand how these agents work. You will learn about the drugs used to treat cancer, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. In addition, immunosuppressant drugs and the chemotherapy of protozoal diseases such as malaria will also be discussed.

Cell Biology of Disease (10 credits) - You’ll gain broad understanding of eukaryotic cell and how it responds to and is altered in infectious and non- infectious disease. Emphasis is placed on a comprehensive grounding of cellular function by considering different cell types and associated disease states.

Medical Immunology (10 credits) - You’ll gain detailed knowledge of the immune system, focusing on human health, from infectious and auto-immune diseases to treatment.

Year 3

You will conduct an independent research project in both biotechnology and enterprise. Your biotechnology project can be laboratory-based, literature-based or computer-based. 

Recent topics have included: 

• Studying bioengineering of naturally-occurring antibiotics. 
• Analysing the genome of the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. 
• Investigating enzymes which break down plant material to form biofuels. 

Your enterprise project will involve working as part of a team with a company outside the university to deliver a project relevant to their needs. 

Alongside these projects you will continue to develop both subject-specific and transferable skills whilst studying New Enterprise Planning, Critical Perspectives in Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, Applied Genetics and an optional module, which could be Cancer Biology or Advanced Topics in Microbiology. You’ll develop your knowledge of these areas to the cutting edge of research, and explore global challenges in entrepreneurship, such as addressing the climate crisis and poverty. 

Compulsory modules

Biotechnology Research Project (20 credits) - During the final year research project you will have the opportunity to become fully engaged with your research discipline. With guidance from an academic supervisor, you will develop a research question and then to undertake independent research to answer that question. Your outcomes are presented in a report that outlines the context of the research, the approaches taken, conclusions made and future work, including the potential applications of the research findings.

Advanced Skills in the Biological Sciences (20 credits) - In the final-year skills module, you will become familiar with up-to-date developments, hypotheses and controversies in microbiology. You will have an opportunity to develop your problem-solving and scientific communication skills as well as participate in careers workshops to improve your job interview skills.

Applied Genetics (20 credits) - You will be provided with an understanding of how the application of genetics can be used in therapeutic and crop development, including the techniques of genetic transformation. You will develop practical skills in genetic transformation supported by an in-depth understanding of the process and its applications and how genetic selection can be used to advance crop development. Expression systems for therapeutics and development processes for the production of novel products will be appraised along with the major approaches for directed evolution at the molecular and cellular level.

Enterprise Consultancy (20 credits) - You'll develop a deep understanding of how enterprises combine business practices with effecting change, specifically the creation of new opportunities. Working directly with enterprises, you (as part of a student team) will deliver a project to a consultancy brief. This will develop your team-working skills, your ability to project manage and at the same time gaining an in-depth understanding of how these organisations are managed.

Critical Perspectives in Enterprise & Entrepreneurship (20 credits) - You'll have an opportunity to apply your learning in an interactive manner to explore cutting-edge enterprise and entrepreneurship topics, developing a critical awareness and understanding of the subject area.

Optional modules

Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 (20 credits) - This is one of our flagship research-led modules in which you’ll become familiar with current research in a range of topics which have previously covered:

• Respiratory infections
• Antibiotic action and resistance
• Respiratory infections
• Human-microbe interactions
• Streptomyces, the Antibiotic Makers

However, this module is continuously refreshed with topics that reflect the cutting-edge research we carry out at Leeds.

Cancer Biology (20 credits) - You’ll gain comprehensive knowledge of a range of human cancers, from the molecular basis of cancer to the alterations in cells and tissues in cancers to current therapies.

Any year 3 Faculty of Biological Sciences module for which pre-requisites are met (20 credits)

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practicals (laboratory or field settings dependent on your degree). We take a student-centred approach to learning and so our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We put a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of University learning and you will be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through regular meetings with your personal tutor who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you will be able to access our extensive library of online materials, some of it designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discuss content with peers and teachers. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Including biology or chemistry and another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.

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 any of the following:

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

• Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)

• Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

It will 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 a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example an A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level (BSc applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

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

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Interviews

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process however, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical-based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem-solving.

Throughout the degree, you will gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the Faculty Student Opportunity Team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

Our graduates have, for many years, experienced high employment rates and a significant proportion quickly gain employment upon graduation. With the expansion of the biosciences comes the generation of new and varied career opportunities.

Typical Graduate Careers include:

• Research Scientist at a University
• Research Scientist in industry
• Biotechnologist
• Postgraduate study
• Graduate medicine/dentistry
• Science communication
• Teaching

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Research & Development Scientist
• Research Technician
• Junior Account Executive
• Corporate audit
• MSc Physician Associate studies
• PhD Regenerative medicine

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer numerous opportunities in addition to volunteering and placements. This includes our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more.

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 about Careers support.

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. We have over 300 University partners 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 your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

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 taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

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.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.