Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year)
UCAS code C108
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 Years (1 + 3)
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025 September 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
Intended for adult learners or undergraduates who wish to take up Biology but do not have the appropriate subject background, Biological Sciences offers a foundation year at nearby Carmel College.
Introduction
This is not a programme in itself but acts as a springboard onto other Bioscience degrees. This deferred choice programme means that you have the flexibility and freedom to switch to your chosen degree after completing the foundation year (year zero).
The aim of this programme is to make you an expert in one particular field with the ability to cross discipline boundaries, a highly attractive prospect to employers.
Programme in detail
Year zero comprises introductory modules taught at Carmel College. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement. Years one, two and three will continue at Liverpool following the chosen area of interest through to BSc (Hons) or MBiolSci completion.
Find information about what essential and optional modules you will need to take during your Year Zero at Carmel College to progress to your chosen University of Liverpool degree programme in our guide to progression routes
What you'll learn
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject and the ability to evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems
- Skills that will equip you to investigate research topics and communicate your findings
- How to analyse and interpret real-world data and communicate the results clearly and concisely
- How to access and critically evaluate scientific literature in the area of biological sciences
Routes
- Anatomy and Human Biology BSc (Hons)
- Biochemistry BSc (Hons)
- Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
- Biomedical Sciences BSc (Hons)
- Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons)
- Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
- Marine Biology with Oceanography BSc (Hons)
- Microbiology and Infection BSc (Hons)
- Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
- Zoology BSc (Hons)
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year zero
You will be based at Carmel College in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. Carmel College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement. The programme, which is moderated by University staff, comprises introductory modules in biology, applications of biology and mathematics, plus either chemistry or geography. Further information about progression subjects can be found on the Carmel website.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will experience a range of learning environments during your studies at Liverpool. These will include student-centred activities as well as lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, dissection classes, fieldwork, data handling sessions and computer workshops. Some of these activities will be performed individually, such as personal research projects, and others in small tutorial or project groups, in addition to formal lectures and workshops. You will have research staff as well as your own academic adviser for individual tuition on our acclaimed tutorial programme.
How you're assessed
As well as factual knowledge and understanding, biologists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. We record development of these abilities through continuous assessment during each semester and by final examination.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Your experience
Virtual tour
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.
An exciting place for postgraduate study
- Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
- Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
- Access to world-class facilities
- Provide specialist training with taught and research components
- Options for intercalating students
- Vibrant postgraduate community.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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.