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 Life Science 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
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.
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.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
As a Life Sciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you. For those committed to a career as a professional scientist, higher degrees (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD) at the University of Liverpool or elsewhere provide a flexible set of options for further study.
4 in 5 life sciences students at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.
Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.
In the public sector, Life Sciences graduates are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency. Commercial sectors that actively recruit graduates from the Life Sciences include the pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries. There is also an increasing demand for life scientists to contribute to the public understanding of science as journalists and information/liaison officers.
A number of routes are available for graduates to enter the teaching profession one of which is taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE). There are significant financial inducements provided to meet the current demand for science teachers. In addition to all of the opportunities for graduates in general, including careers outside of biology (such as management, accountancy and human resources), where the skills you have obtained in our degree programmes will be of considerable benefit. Our degree programmes are also popular routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
Preparing you for future success
At Liverpool, our goal is to support you to build your intellectual, social, and cultural capital so that you graduate as a socially-conscious global citizen who is prepared for future success. We achieve this by:
Embedding employability within your , through the modules you take and the opportunities to gain real-world experience offered by many of our courses.
Providing you with opportunities to gain experience and develop connections with people and organisations, including student and graduate employers as well as our global alumni.
Providing you with the latest tools and skills to thrive in a competitive world, including access to Handshake, a platform which allows you to create your personalised job shortlist and apply with ease.
Supporting you through our peer-to-peer led Careers Studio, where our career coaches provide you with tailored advice and support.
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)
Foundation year fee
£5,140
International fees
This course is not available to international students.
Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.
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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
All applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences, including Biology. Core and Additional Science/Dual Science acceptable as the two Sciences.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Considered.
International qualifications
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.
Alternative entry requirements
If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
