COURSE CURRICULUM

The Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc at Leicester provides a comprehensive study of microorganisms and their roles in health, disease, and the environment. In the first year, students study alongside peers from across the Biological Sciences, gaining a broad foundation in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology, and zoology. Core modules introduce molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, physiology, and biodiversity, giving students the fundamental knowledge to decide their area of focus in later years. The second year develops expertise in microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, and eukaryotic microbiology, alongside research skills and modules on genes, development, and inheritance. Students can tailor their learning by selecting option modules in areas such as bioinformatics, contemporary techniques in biological data analysis, neurobiology, physiology, and protein function. In the final year, students specialize further, choosing from advanced modules in molecular and cellular immunology, microbial biotechnology, genetics, pharmacology, neuroscience, microbial pathogenesis, and environmental microbiology. The final year also includes substantial research projects, enabling students to design and conduct experiments, analyse data, and present findings. Throughout the degree, practical laboratory work, fieldwork, and data analysis are emphasized, equipping graduates with strong technical skills, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for careers in microbiology, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, or further research.