2021 start
Cell Biology of Human Disease Intercalated BSc

Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Cell biology and gene technology are revolutionising our knowledge of the basis of human diseases and their therapy.
This course offers practical experience and research training in contemporary topics in these areas as well as introducing you to cutting edge developments in cell and molecular biology. This will enhance your understanding of future developments in medicine.
Course content
This course will offer experience and training in contemporary topics in the cell biology of human disease that are relevant to intercalating medical students.
There are core modules in genetic engineering and the cell biology of disease. These lecture-based modules will be complemented with
practical training in fundamental molecular biology techniques through the completion of a PCR
gene cloning and protein expression mini-project
research skills training in experimental design, data analysis, abstract writing and scientific communication to both expert and non-expert groups.
In addition, you'll be exposed to cutting edge research developments in cell biology topics relating to human disease through the study of two Advanced Topic Modules (ATUs). ATUs covered include
cancer biology and therapy
stem cell biology
tissue replacement
RNA biology and therapy
protein folding, and
diseases.
You'll also complete a literature-based research project enabling you to focus on, and research in depth, a topic relating to the cell biology of human disease that is of interest to you.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Genetic Engineering 10 credits
- Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 2 20 credits
- Biological Sciences Research Project 40 credits
- Skills in the Cell Biology of Human Disease 20 credits
- Cell Biology of Disease 10 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
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
Teaching will be through lectures, practical classes, seminars, small group teaching, tutorials and a research project. Assessment is similarly varied, including in-course assessment (formative and summative) and written examinations. The in-course assessment exercises include tests of practical skills, essay writing, data manipulation and problem solving. The research project will be assessed throughout the project and on the final written report. Degree classifications will be based upon the marks obtained in each of the component modules, with the appropriate credit weighting applied.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
Other course specific tests:Successful completion of the first two years of an MBChB programme at UK Universities or international equivalent. For international students proof of English Language proficiency will be required. In line with undergraduate medicine we require a minimum of English GCSE grade B or IELTS 7.5.
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.
How to apply
Read about applying for intercalation on the School of Medicine website.
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.
Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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 about additional costs
Career opportunities
The course is designed to give you a challenging, enjoyable and rewarding year which will add significantly to your skills, knowledge, and enhance your career opportunities on graduation.
The course allows full integration with existing science based BSc courses and the chance of a substantive research project.
In addition to providing subject-specific knowledge, we equip you with the best possible skills for future careers. There is a strong emphasis on practical-based teaching, small-group teaching, online learning and problem solving. You will gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. You will be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your intercalating year.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. Thats 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.