Our BSc Molecular Biology course focuses on the structure and function of biologically important molecules, giving you a range of theoretical knowledge and practical lab skills.
You will learn about DNA, RNA and proteins and the molecular events that govern cell function while exploring the relevant aspects of biochemistry, genetics and cell biology.
Advances in molecular biology have led to the completion of several large genome projects that are changing the face of modern biology, especially in areas of medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
You will ...
Our BSc Molecular Biology course focuses on the structure and function of biologically important molecules, giving you a range of theoretical knowledge and practical lab skills.<br/><br/>You will learn about DNA, RNA and proteins and the molecular events that govern cell function while exploring the relevant aspects of biochemistry, genetics and cell biology.<br/><br/>Advances in molecular biology have led to the completion of several large genome projects that are changing the face of modern biology, especially in areas of medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.<br/><br/>You will find out how this has helped us to begin to understand the molecular basis of illnesses and use genetic manipulation in biotechnology to make valuable products including blood clotting factors, insulin and vaccines.
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
22/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
C720
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted Scottish HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: - three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology or - two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB. Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Access to HE DiplomaEach application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3, which must include a minimum of 15 credits in Biology and 15 credits in Chemistry. All 45 graded credits must be at Distinction grade. We may also consider applications from applicants whose course has allowed only 12 credits at Level 3 in Biology, with the remaining three credits at Level 3 with Distinction in Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme35 36 35-36 points overall with 6, 6, 5 to 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects, normally Biology and Chemistry. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD We consider the National Extended Diploma in Applied Science with grades DDD for entry when it is taken with one science A-level with grade A. GCSE/National 4/National 5Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of G Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD We consider the National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD for entry when it is taken with two A-levels including grade A in a science subject and a minimum of grade A in any other subject. ASAS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester. OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). Scottish Advanced HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: - three Advanced Highers with grades AAA-ABB including Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology or - two Advanced Highers with grades AA-AB in Chemistry and another science subject, normally Biology, plus two additional Highers with grades AA-AB. Students with Highers only with grades AAAAA-AABBB may be considered for the Foundation Year. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/Intermediate 2 grade C/Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3,D3,D3 D3,D3,M1 We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. We require D3, D3, D3 to D3, D3, M1 in the Cambridge Pre-U, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences). You must have a D3 in both of the Core Science subjects. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a M1 in their third subject will receive an offer of D3, D3, M1, while those predicted/who have achieved a D3 or higher will be eligible for an offer of D3, D3, D3. If you have achieved or are predicted D3 in one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of one of the Core Sciences, you will receive an offer of D3, D3, D3. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk Extended ProjectThe University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview (if applicable). A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course. Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this at grade B or above when taken with two science A-levels, including Chemistry (minimum AB required). For further details, please contact ug.biosciences@manchester.ac.uk . Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical CertificateNot Accepted Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation DiplomaWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateWe consider all the Cambridge Level 3 Technicals (except the Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate) with grade D or above for entry when it is taken with two science A-levels (minimum AA required). A levelA,A,A A,A,B We require grades AAA-AAB, including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (the Core Sciences ). You must have a minimum of grades AA in at least two Core Sciences. Applicants predicted/who have achieved a B in their third A level will receive an offer of AAB, while those predicted/who have achieved an A or A* will be eligible for an offer of AAA. If you are taking only one of the above Core Science subjects, we can consider you for an AAA offer if you are also sitting an A level in at least one of Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or Physical Education in place of the second Core Science. If your predicted grades are one grade below our minimum entry requirements we may still make you an aspirational offer if you meet our contextual criteria . Subjects with overlapping content are not normally considered as separate A-levels. For example, Further Mathematics is not considered alongside Mathematics and Human Biology is not considered alongside Biology. If you are concerned there is too much overlap in your A level subjects, please contact us for advice before applying. We believe that practical skills in the sciences are integral to a candidate s understanding and appreciation of these subjects. Therefore we T LevelWe consider the following T levels for the Foundation Year: - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Science (Delivered By NCFE) - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Healthcare Science (Delivered By NCFE) - Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Health (Delivered By NCFE) For the Foundation Year, we require Distinction overall in one of these T levels with a minimum of grade A in the core component and Distinction in the occupational specialism. |
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