Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | September 2026 entry | Courses

About this course

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.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
BIOLOGY CORE CONCEPTS (BIOS101)	30
ORIGINS, SPECIALISATIONS, CHALLENGES AND THERAPEUTICS (BIOS102)	30
INTRODUCTORY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES I (BIOS103)	15
FROM INDIVIDUALS TO ECOSYSTEM (BIOS104)	15
STUDY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS TUTORIALS (BIOS105)	15
INTRODUCTORY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES 2 (BIOS106)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.

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.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
GENETICS & IMMUNOLOGY FOR BIOSCIENCES (BIOS201)	15
INTERMEDIARY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES (BIOS203)	15
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TUTORIALS (BIOS205)	15
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (BIOS207)	15
CELLULAR BASIS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE (BIOS209)	15

Optional modules	Credits
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR AND DRUG INTERACTIONS (BIOS204)	15
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN MICROBIOLOGY, INFECTION & DISEASE (BIOS206)	15
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY, AND BEHAVIOUR (BIOS208)	15
METABOLISM (BIOS212)	15
CELLULAR AND SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY (BIOS214)	15
DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT (BIOS216)	15
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS (BIOS218)	15
ANIMAL ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND HUSBANDRY (BIOS220)	15
ANIMAL ECOPHYSIOLOGY (BIOS222)	15
MARINE ECOPHYSIOLOGY, ECOLOGY AND EXPLOITATION (ENVS251)	15
GLOBAL FIELDWORK (BIOS224)	15

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.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
RESEARCH PROJECT (BIOS301)	30
INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF WORK (BIOS302)	15
RESEARCH METHODS (BIOS303)	15
APPLIED BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BIOS308)	15

Optional modules	Credits
MOLECULAR, CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL CANCER (BIOS307)	15
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY (BIOS309)	15
TRANSLATIONAL PHARMACOLOGY (BIOS313)	15
GENOMICS AND EVOLUTION OF MICROBES (BIOS317)	15
VETERINARY INFECTION BIOLOGY: RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION (BIOS321)	15
ECOLOGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE (BIOS325)	15
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (BIOS327)	15
ZOOLOGY FIELD COURSE (BIOS333)	15
IMMUNOLOGY AND VETERINARY PATHOLOGY (BIOS335)	15
SURVIVING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT (ENVS310)	15

Teaching and assessment

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 Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

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. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

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

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

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

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

Explore where you'll study

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.

Match with an ambassador

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: (MBiol, 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.

4 in 5 biosciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

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 - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

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. You can find information on the general and subject-specific costs you could expect to incur on our study costs webpage.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

The Bloomberg Scholarship

4 scholarships are available each year to support undergraduate applicants from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds who permanently reside in the Liverpool City Region. Successful applicants will receive a stipend of £5,000 per year for 3 years. Applications open in August 2026.

Ruth Cannell Scholarship Fund

This scholarship will support undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film with their year abroad.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

Entry requirements

View courses starting in September 2027.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 26 June 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions