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Biological Sciences
Course details
- UCAS code: C100
- Study mode: Full-time
- Length: 3 years
Key dates
- Starts:
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Course overview
Study Biological Sciences at Liverpool to focus on the study of living things, and understand how they respond to each other and the world around them.
Introduction
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.
What you'll learn
- Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of contemporary health and environmental challenges in local, national and international communities.
- Develop practical skills in your choice of fieldwork or laboratory modules.
- Enhance your understanding of topical issues and ethical principles in the study of humans, animals and the environment.
- Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
- Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
- Work independently and collaboratively
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Use lab equipment correctly and safely.
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023
We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Biology core concepts, principles, and fundamentals BIOS101
- Development, function, immunity, infection, and therapeutics BIOS102
- Introductory Practical Skills for Life Sciences BIOS103
- From Individuals to Ecosystem BIOS104
- Study and Communication Skills Tutorials BIOS105
- Applied Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS106
Year two
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of biological sciences. You will study animal and human behaviour, and explore the relationship between cells and how they sense and respond to their environment. In addition, you will have optional modules from a variety of disciplines, enabling you to follow your interest in cellular biology, therapeutics, infection biology, human and animal physiology, marine ecology and comparative/animal biology.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
- Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
- Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
- Animal Behaviour BIOS207
- The Cellular Basis of Health & Disease BIOS209
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
- Biomolecular / Biochemistry / Pharmacology Practical BIOS204
- Microbiology, Infection & Disease BIOS206
- Practical Skills in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour BIOS208
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE TWO)
- Metabolism BIOS212
- Cellular and Systems Physiology BIOS214
- Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
- Molecular Microbiology & Therapeutics BIOS218
- Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
- Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222
- Marine Ecophysiology, Ecology and Exploitation ENVS251
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of biological sciences research and be taught by world-leading academics in your choice of subjects. You can choose modules from a variety of disciplines exploring the breadth of biology, ranging from ecology, evolution, and conservation biology to cancer biology, infection biology, molecular systems biology and pharmacology to veterinary infection, immunology and pathology. You will also have the option to develop advanced practical computational or field skills and you will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Research Project BIOS301
- Introduction to the World of Work BIOS302
- Research Methods BIOS303
- Applied Biological Sciences BIOS308
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE THREE)
- Molecular, Clinical & Translational Cancer BIOS307
- Molecular Systems Biology BIOS309
- Translational Pharmacology BIOS313
- Genomics and Evolution of Microbes BIOS317
- Veterinary Infection Biology BIOS321
- Advanced Ecology for a Sustainable Future BIOS325
- Advanced Topics in Evolutionary Biology BIOS327*
- Zoology Field Course BIOS333*
- Immunology and Veterinary Pathology BIOS335
- Surviving the Marine Environment ENVS310
*either/or
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, field work, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical laboratory sessions, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Your experience
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Watch our Vlog
Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton
Careers and employability
As a Biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.
Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:
- Postgraduate study: (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
- Public sector – research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
- Commercial sectors – pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.
- Journalists and information/liaison officers – by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.
- Teaching profession by taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE).
- Routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
Recent employers and sectors:
- Pharmaceutical sector: Eli-Lilly, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, NHS, Red X Pharma;
- Tourism/Conservation sector: Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, RSPCA;
- Government/Legal sector: Crown Prosecution Service, The Environment Agency, Public Health England, Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Security and International Development;
- Media/Entertainment Sector: BBC;
- Corporate and Utilities sector: United Utilities, Vodafone, Unilever.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
---|---|
Full-time place, per year | £9,250 |
Year in industry fee | £1,850 |
Year abroad fee | £1,385 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £27,200 |
Year abroad fee | £13,600 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies..
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.
Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
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Clearing 2024
Please see our Clearing course information for details of the qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course for 2024 entry.
View the Clearing entry requirements for this course.
English language requirements
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification | Requirements |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19 |
Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 95 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 60 |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 | Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate. |
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 | Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 | 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall. |
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 | 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall. |
International Baccalaureate | Standard Level grade 5 or Higher Level grade 4 in English B, English Language and Literature, or English Language |
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced | 176 overall, with no paper below 162 |
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 1 July 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions