Anatomy and Human Biology
UCAS code B110
- Entry requirements
- View full requirements
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
- September 2025 September 2026
- Apply by:
- Starts on:
About this course
This is a practical, hands-on degree in anatomy that allows you to combine cadaveric dissection with a thorough exploration of human biology at all levels of organisation, from the DNA right up to organ systems.
Introduction
This degree will allow you to gain a detailed understanding of the structure and function of the human body and its relationships to health and disease. You will study a broad range of modules that focus on anatomical topics covering the 6 main systems (MSK, cardiovascular, urogenital, respiratory, nervous, digestive) and the 6 main regions (thorax, abdomen, pelvis, head & neck, & limbs) of the body. This is complemented with wider topics such as physiology, disease biology, genetics, development, and comparative biology, and culminates in an individual dissection project. You will also have the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project. Each year you will be allocated time within the Human Anatomy Resource Centre, our dedicated anatomy facility.
We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of Anatomy & Human Biology.
You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of structural and functional anatomy in health & disease
- Develop practical skills by combining cadaveric dissection with a thorough exploration of human biology within the dedicated Human Anatomy Resource Centre
- Enhance your understanding of topical issues, ethical principles, professionalism & respect in Anatomy
- 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.
What you'll learn
- Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of structural and functional anatomy in health & disease
- Develop practical skills by combining cadaveric dissection with a thorough exploration of human biology within the dedicated Human Anatomy Resource Centre
- Enhance your understanding of topical issues, ethical principles, professionalism & respect in Anatomy
- 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
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 where you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques. You will also be introduced to the University’s excellent Human Anatomy Resource Centre.
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
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 Anatomy and Human Biology. You will begin to develop skills in cadaveric prosection and dissection through modules in systems anatomy, functional musculoskeletal anatomy and anatomy of the thorax. In addition, you will have optional modules enabling you to follow your interest in cellular biology, therapeutics, physiology, infection biology or comparative/animal biology.
COMPULSORY MODULES
- Genetics, Microbiology & Infection BIOS201
- Human Anatomy of the Thorax BIOS202
- Intermediary Practical Research Skills for Life Sciences BIOS203
- Academic & professional skills tutorials BIOS205
- The Cellular Basis of Health & Disease BIOS209
- Functional Anatomy of the Human Musculoskeletal System BIOS210
- Human Systems Anatomy BIOS213
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
- Metabolism BIOS212
- Cellular & Systems Physiology BIOS214
- Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
- Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
- Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of anatomical research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of anatomy of the abdomen & pelvis, head, neck and neurological anatomy, alongside a choice of modules covering application of your knowledge to wider life sciences disciplines. You will also be able to showcase your dissection and prosection skills through an individual dissection module and 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 Anatomy and Dissection BIOS304
- Human Anatomy of the Abdomen, Pelvis and Perineum BIOS305
- Human Anatomy of the Head & Neck BIOS329
OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)
- Molecular, Clinical & Translational Cancer BIOS307
- Molecular Systems Biology BIOS309
- Translational Pharmacology BIOS313
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials as well as hands-on, practical sessions and workshops our excellent teaching research laboratories and specialist Human Anatomy Resource Centre, working individually and in small groups.
How you're assessed
Assessed work includes essays, presentations, group work, digital communications, qualitative and experimental reports and formal examinations with results from years two and three contributing to your final degree classification.
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 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
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
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
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
Study as an intercalated degree
Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.
Study as a master's degree
This course is also available as a four year MBiol programme.
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.
Explore where you'll study
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.
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.