Hear from one of our tutors about studying Biology at Liverpool Hope.
Biology at Hope takes a broad approach to studying life on Earth. You will have the opportunity to study a wide variety of organisms and different environments. You will also explore a range of biological processes and become proficient in carrying out techniques for investigating them.
At Hope, we take a dynamic and highly practical approach to teaching Biology. Your learning will concentrate on practical Biology with opportunities to study in the laboratory and during field trips, as well as visits to biological research centres.
The more theoretical and technical themes in Biology are covered during interactive lectures, and then investigated during small-group tutorials and workshops. You won’t just learn biological theory you will become actively engaged in all aspects of the subject. You will be able to carry out your own research projects, and will be encouraged to consider the wider impacts of Biology on society and everyday life.
The programme specifications for this subject can be downloaded below.
Why choose this subject?
The fundamental aim of this course is to facilitate student achievement through excellence in teaching, a well-designed ‘un-crowded’ curriculum and the enthusiasm of staff for their academic subject.
Core knowledge and theory are delivered through lead lectures at Level 1; knowledge is consolidated and applied through laboratory practical work and seminar activities.
As you progress through your course, it is expected that you will play an increasing role in directing and contributing to taught sessions. Across each level of study, external specialists encourage you to become more self-aware and focused on career progression and personal development. Similarly personal tutors in Biology guide and support you as you face the challenges of transition from further to higher education and from university to employment.
Research methods are embedded within the curriculum at each level of study.
Students have the opportunity to carry out dissections, particularly at Level 1 of the course. Students also work with some living organisms, mammalian experimentation is not part of the course.
Level 1
You will take The Foundations of Life – the study of a number of topics including cell, plant and microbiology, ecology, evolution, ethics and sustainability together which a second science-based course, for example, Psychology, Human Biology or Health. The default course offered will be Introduction to the Human Body.
Level 2
Practical Skills for Biologists in Field and Laboratory - population genetics, molecular biology, microbiology, observing behaviour, botany, species identification, adaptation, field sampling techniques, separation techniques, and Terrestrial Ecosystems in a Changing World - biogeochemical cycles, plant physiology, biotic inter-relationships within a particular habitat, human/environment dichotomy, biodiversity, energy flow, ecosystem services including pollination, pollution and erosion management.
Level 3
If you take Biology as a Combined Honours course, you will study Field Course in Avian Behavioural Ecology - evolution of adaptations in avian species, molecular phylogeny and adaptation, evolution of trait behaviour, field data collection and avian identification and observation, avian biology and conservation, and either Genomics To Proteomics - the interrelationship between proteins and genes using appropriate examples from the animal and plant kingdoms, or Functional and Evolutionary Bioinformatics - theory and practice of bioinformatics, data base techniques, interpretation and analysis of amino acid and DNA sequence data, molecular evolutionary analysis.
If you take Biology as a Single Honours programme, you will take all of the above Level 3 courses.
The standard offer level is a minimum of 300 UCAS points, including a minimum of two A/A2 levels or equivalent. In addition, applicants must have GCSE Mathematics and Science (Dual Award) grade C or above (or equivalent).
There is no requirement for either Biology at AS or A2 level as the teaching team are specialist in accommodating students achievement regardless of previous experience.
Biology is available as a Single Honours BSc degree programme UCAS code C100.
It can also be studied as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects:
| Biology and Accounting (BSc) | UCAS code NC41 |
| Biology and Childhood & Youth (BA) | UCAS code CL19 |
| Biology and Computing (BSc) | UCAS code BI00 |
| Biology and Education (BA) | UCAS code XC3C |
| Biology and Geography (BSc) | UCAS code CF18 |
| Biology and Law (BA) | UCAS code CM00 |
| Biology and Philosophy & Ethics | UCAS code CV50 |
| Biology and Psychology (BSc) | UCAS code CC18 |
| Biology and Special Educational Needs (BA) | UCAS code XC11 |
It is also available to study with Primary Teaching Honours degree (BA QTS) , UCAS code XC1C.
Hope Biology graduates offer practical skills in specialised laboratory and field-based research, which are highly valued by employers. Our graduates will also develop broader skills such as scientific report writing, data analysis and the production of other written and oral communications to a high standard.
Recent graduates have entered a variety of career paths including the biotechnology industry, medical writing, laboratory research, environmental consultancy and similar scientific and technical jobs. Others have pursued postgraduate study to specialise in teaching, environmental management and consultancy. Biology graduates can also enter general graduate vacancies and training programmes in business, management, accountancy, education, the Civil Service and other professional employment.
