Human Biology and Religious Studies BA (with Foundation Year)

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Human Biology is an ever-evolving branch of science that includes the study of the human body, the changes that occur in disease, and the interaction between humans and their environment. With this in mind, the Human Biology Combined Honours curriculum has been designed to provide a contemporary and dynamic programme to challenge students across a broad base, but with depth in areas of staff specialisms.

The curriculum includes the foundation disciplines of anatomy and physiology, cellular and molecular biology, human metabolism and immunology. These will be delivered in the context of contemporary health issues including aging, obesity, cancer, infectious and non-communicative chronic diseases. Students will benefit from the input of research active scientists from across the range of disciplines within the School of Health Sciences. This will support the development of an integrated, innovative and applied programme of study that is the cornerstone of the curriculum of the School of Health Sciences. Graduates will leave the programme with a fully rounded skill set and with experience in a wide range of standard and specialist lab techniques. Graduates will gain experience, competence and confidence through small group learning, giving specialist and transferable skills, allowing them to succeed in a competitive and demanding employment market.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Religious Studies at Liverpool Hope explores the practice and significance of religion in contemporary society through the study of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, African religious traditions, and Indic traditions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. A balance between the study of religious texts and lived religion in the contemporary world is maintained throughout the degree. Religious Studies pays close attention to what supporters of these religions think, do, and  believe, and explores the very real differences that exist between various groups within each faith.

Throughout your studies, you will analyse and contextualise the thinking behind key religions to appreciate their history, spirituality, and their relevance to the social and political landscape. All of our teaching is research-informed and you will be taught by highly-qualified academics, all of whom have a PhD in the area, who are both active and published researchers and committed teachers. We work hard to provide top-quality educational opportunities for all our students, and the Department has recently invested heavily in learning resources; combined library holdings in Theology and Religion are now in excess of 100,000 volumes.

Above all, the Religious Studies degree treats religions as lived faiths by looking at the way that they are followed in Britain and across the globe today. You acquire skills in the different methods of studying religion. The degree examines profound questions of faith and life in ways that are intellectually challenging, illuminating, and engaging. By drawing out the complex issues that surround religious belief and expression, the degree equips you to engage with the pressing questions of our time and to play your part in promoting religious and social harmony.