Biology with Foundation Year
UCAS Code: 7A24
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
Minimum number of A Levels required: 1 •Subject specific requirements: Not Applicable •Is General Studies acceptable? Yes •Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications •Average A Level offer: CCD •Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications •Further information: Overall Pass required.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Extended diploma subjects / grades required: MMM if studied on its own or to the total of 88 UCAS points when combined with other qualifications
UCAS Tariff
About this course
The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Biology programme at Liverpool John Moores University opens up the fascinating subject of biology providing a core understanding of biological theory and practical skills, whilst giving you the opportunity to study a variety of specialisms, including genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, development and ecology. There are also exciting opportunities to complete exciting placements and overseas fieldwork.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
- Offers a range of optional modules such as Genes and Genomes, Developmental Biology, Immunology and Infection and Neurobiology
- Optional overseas field skills trip included in the fees (currently goes to Tenerife). Opportunity for self-funded overseas field expedition - previous destinations have included Costa Rica and Malaysia
- Stepping stone to careers in diverse fields such as genetics, microbiology, embryology, clinical science, radiography and environmental sciences
- Option to choose between a year's work placement or a 135 hour work-based learning placement
- £6 million invested in state-of-the-art teaching facilities
Modules
Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Level 3
•Skills and Perspectives in Science 1
•Skills and Perspectives in Science 2
•Anatomy and Physiology
•Understanding the Environment
•Wildlife Studies
•Building Blocks of Life
Level 4
•Genetics and Evolution
•Microbiology
•Physiology
•Ecology
•Practical Skills for Biology
•Fundamentals of Scientific Research
Level 5
•Diversity and Evolution of Life
•Physiology of Life
•Research Skills and Employability
The following options are typically offered:
•Developmental Biology
•Genes and Genomes
•Ecology Field Skills
•Immunology and Infection
•Marine and Freshwater Biology
Level 6
• Health and Disease
• Research Project
The following options are typically offered:
•Advanced Immunology and Infection
•Applications of Genetics in Health and Disease
•Applied Marine Biology
•Forensic Bioscience
•Frontiers of Ecology
•International Expedition
•Neurobiology
•Parasitology
•Work-Based Learning
Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal Academic Framework review, so may be subject to change. Students will be required to undertake modules that the University designates as core and will have a choice of designated option modules. Additionally, option modules may be offered subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Please see the programme specification document for further details on this course.
Assessment methods
Most modules are assessed by exam and coursework, and some via coursework only.
All students perform differently depending on how they are assessed, which is why we use a combination of assessment methods. Exams may therefore include a range of question types e.g. multiple choice, short answer, interpretative, problem-based learning and essay.
Coursework assessment could be in the form of phase tests, fieldwork/practical reports, data handling, oral presentations, poster presentations, group discussions, essays or the evaluation of your practical skills. These are based on individual assignments but some require group work.
Feedback on coursework assessments is normally provided within three weeks of submission and may be via Canvas, face-to-face or in writing. We believe that constructive feedback is vital in helping you identify your strengths as well as the areas where you may need to put in more work.
Tuition fees
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The Uni
Liverpool John Moores University
Faculty of Science

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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Biology (non-specific)
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Biology (non-specific)
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What do graduate employment figures really tell you?The recession was tough on biology graduates, and although the jobs market has improved for them - a lot - it's still not back to where it was a few years ago. If you want a career in biology research — and a lot of biology students do - you'll need to take a doctorate, so give some thought as to where you might do it and how you might fund it (the government still funds doctorates for good students). A lot of graduates also take 1 year Masters courses to specialise in this wide and deep subject - most students take a standard biology course for their first degree and then specialise in subjects like ecology, conservation or marine biology later. Hospitals, universities, biotech firms, zoos and nature reserves and clinical and scientific testing are common industries of employment for biology graduates.
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