BSc (Hons) Biology

The aim of this module is to acquire and demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory and field- based methods in modern biology, covering basic laboratory and field equipment, ethics and safe working practices. You will acquire and develop fundamental research and transferable skills, which you will apply and train further throughout the degree and in your future career.

This module explains fundamental principles in evolution from a genetics/genomics perspective in order to explain the diversity of life, and how interactions between genes and environment result in different phenotypes. The fundamental principles of genetics and evolutionary biology will be taught with specific examples relevant to each programme cohort, and emphasis on the applications of genetics within the scientific disciplines of each programme cohort.

This module covers key concepts within ecology and conservation including the abiotic environment; species, populations, communities, and ecosystems; human impacts on the environment; and various scientific applications of ecology. Case studies will be incorporated from different types of ecosystems reflecting their geographic distributions. Part of this will be achieved through field visits to a range of habitats.

This module will introduce physiological processes and the concepts of homeostasis in a variety of organisms. It will also introduce major biochemical processes in living organisms.

This module introduces the study of the diversity of organism form, function, and behaviour, by exploring how we investigate organisms through observation, data analysis, and modern research technologies, and how findings are evaluated and communicated to different audiences in both academic and career contexts.

This module aims to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities, which will provide a foundation for microbiology-related modules at levels 5 and 6.

This module covers all aspects of handling and analysing scientific data and the development of employability/graduate skills. It also provides opportunities for students to co-create questions and datasets for analysis in class. You will consider the fundamentals of analysing and interpreting scientific data using examples relevant to all biosciences. Additionally, it will allow you to prepare a better career plan in science, as well as becoming self-aware of your employability skills.

The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the diversity of life on Earth and explain origin and evolution of major taxonomic groups including prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The module will explain key evolutionary events such as transition from anaerobic to aerobic life, symbiosis and evolution of the eukaryotic cell, origin of multicellularity, colonization of land and air.

This module will provide a deeper knowledge of physiology and apply that knowledge to real-world settings. This module builds upon the concepts learnt in level 4, developing knowledge of physiology, with special emphasis on mammalian and human physiology.

In this module you will examine different standardised methods used for ecological censuses and surveys in the UK. Field experience is provided, and different sampling techniques are dealt with in depth during lectures and during fieldwork, with the aim of explaining the quantitative framework on which they are based in addition to providing practical experience of their execution in the field. You will also learn how to digitise spatial data and produce maps using GIS which you will then use to analyse spatial data on habitat and vegetation features.

This module enables you to study how state-of-the-art genetic and genomic tools are used to understand how genes combine with the environment to control organismal phenotypes and disease states. It covers methodologies, practical applications and recent examples of the application of genetics and genomics in the fields of biology, medicine and evolution.

This module introduces students to the diversity, ecology and adaptations of aquatic organisms within a range of marine and freshwater environments. The physical, chemical, and biological processes that structure marine and freshwater ecosystems will be explored alongside human threats.

Local habitats are studied through fieldwork and laboratory sessions whilst global examples may be incorporated within lectures and workshops to illustrate biodiversity, productivity, and ecosystem dynamics

This module explores cutting‑edge innovations across the biological sciences and examines how new ideas move from discovery to real‑world application. Through lectures and case studies delivered by academic staff and industrial partners, students will investigate breakthroughs across various biological disciplines (e.g., biotechnology, environmental biology, healthcare) and develop an integrated understanding of how biological innovation drives scientific, societal and commercial progress

This module provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical concepts of medical microbiology and immunology. It will also provide an understanding of the principles and practices involved in the laboratory diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans.

This module enables you to learn how state-of-the-art molecular and genetic tools are used to understand mechanisms that regulate the growth and development of organisms. It covers methodology and practical experiments that illuminate the molecular mechanisms that underpin developmental processes.

The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.

The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.

The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5. This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the University Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.

The research project will be in any area appropriate to your programme of study on a topic of your choice. The module provides an opportunity for you to independently develop and demonstrate project planning, time-management and organisational inter-personal skills, along with scientific and practical working methods in a research or applied context.

The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of public health issues and a diverse range of health and disease states at the cellular, molecular, and organismal levels. This will include zoonotic diseases, nutritional and metabolic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer. Contemporary issues in health and disease will be examined, and skills required in laboratory, clinical, and diagnostic settings will be developed.

This module provides you with an appreciation of some modern genetic and genomic techniques that are regularly used in many studies. It is recommended that students complete the level 5 module Genes and Genomes before taking this module.

This module enables you to examine a diverse range of important contemporary research topics linked to ecology. These will be placed in a broader context by examining conflicting issues and ideas arising from ecological considerations.

This module provides an introduction to biological issues in ecosystems during a residential field trip abroad. You will critically evaluate biological issues in selected habitats and design and carry out field-based studies to investigate biological questions.

This module enables you to study the biology, diagnosis, treatment and control of some of important parasitic and infectious diseases.

This module will advance students’ expertise in marine biology. The module provides an in-depth assessment of major aspects of marine biology with a key focus on how ocean resources can be sustainably used whilst minimising harmful impacts on the environment. Critical appraisal of different methods of exploitation, the impacts of large-scale drivers such as climate change, and potential solutions, including conservation and mitigation strategies are incorporated throughout the module. 

Within this module, students will learn about the applications of biological techniques in forensic science and be able to review how biological evidence contributes to a wide range of crime investigations. Students will develop important skills relating to good forensic practice at a crime scene, in the laboratory, and during evidence interpretation, and gain direct experience of the reporting methods used by expert witnesses.

This comparative module covers how the endocrine and nervous systems work together to control health and disease. Combining problem-based learning and practical sessions, you will cover topics such as sexual differentiation, sleep, stress, depression and the long-term endocrine changes caused by psychoactive substances.

This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge and applied practical skills to a work-related project.

In this module, your education continues in the field of immunology and microbiology as we now focus the knowledge gained at level 4 and 5 onto the clinical aspects of disease.

This module builds on neurobiology-related concepts taught during the level 5 Physiology of Life module. The module provides you with an insight into how molecular, cellular and organ components contribute to form the body's most complex system and how different factors can produce dysregulation of the nervous system.

This module provides relevant, stimulating and career-orientated experiential learning to encourage you to develop transferable skills relevant to the work environment and to foster initiative and independence of thought.