Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)

Biological Sciences is the key science of the 21st century. It brings together ideas, techniques and information from all areas of biology – from ecology to the molecular sciences.

This programme allows you to pursue your own areas of specific interest and to have an appreciation of the full range of the subject. However, should you decide sometime in the first two years that you wish to specialise, you can transfer to a number of programmes in the School of Life Sciences, subject to meeting the appropriate pre-requisites for your chosen programme.

Programme in detail

A progressive series of field, laboratory and lecture modules cover most aspects of the Biological Sciences, with students able to select topics to match their interests. Modules are selected from over 50 offered within the School of Life Sciences. Typical topics include: evolution and biodiversity; animal biodiversity; genetics of higher organisms; fieldwork techniques; animal behaviour; marine resource exploitation; genes and development; physiological control systems; cellular and molecular physiology; microbiology; virology; immunology; pharmacology and molecular biology.

In Year Three, field courses in Zoology and Ecology are available. You will also undertake a research project that you will choose from one of the various parts of the School to complement the lecture programme chosen for your Honours year. Each project gives an invaluable opportunity to see what real scientific research is like and to work alongside staff who are international authorities in their fields.

Work placement/Year in industry

If students wish to undertake an industrial placement and/or gain international experience, they may transfer onto the MBiolSci programme, a 4-year integrated masters programme. Students in their final year of the MBiolSci have the opportunity to work in industry, either for a six -week internship or for the entire final year. Transfer onto the MBiolSci is subject to meeting the progression criteria of that programme. In addition there is the option of the LIFE399 Life Sciences Work Based Placement module. LIFE399 is an optional third year module which runs during the course of the summer prior to year three. Students will undertake a placement to assist their personal development and employability, and will complete a skills audit, reflective log, and report, based on their experience. The module is worth 15 academic credits.

Department Key Facts

Number of first year students

405 Year One undergraduates in 2018

UK league tables

95% are employed or in further study within six months of graduating (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Report 2016/17)

National Student Survey

• 100% satisfaction for Genetics and Anatomy and Human Biology (National Student Survey 2017)
• 91% satisfaction for Microbiology (National Student Survey 2017)

Why this subject?

Shape your study with real flexibility and choice

You’ll study in one of the largest Schools of Life Science in the UK, meaning you can shape your studies by choosing modules from across the entire spectrum of the life sciences. You’ll also enjoy links to our Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Enjoy excellent career prospects

You’ll benefit from our excellent international reputation for research in growth areas such as the biotechnology, post-genomic and pharmaceutical industries. 

Strengthen your employability through overseas study

Boost your future prospects by choosing to study or take part in field courses abroad. Our networks stretch as far afield as Uganda, Thailand and China.

Work in leading-edge facilities

Over £30 million has recently been invested in our facilities, such as our Biology Teaching Centre, the state-of-the-art Biosciences Building, the Biomedical Sciences Building and the Human Anatomy Resource Centre. This ensures your studies are fully supported by the very best in teaching and research equipment.