Biology with Foundation Year

Why study Biology at Liverpool John Moores University?

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

• Offers a range of optional modules such as Genes and Genomes, Developmental Biology, Immunology and Medical Microbiology and Neurobiology

• Opportunity for self-funded overseas field expedition – possible destination is Doñana National Park, Spain*

• 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

• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme - visit LJMU's International Study Centre to find out more

• 94% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2025)

• 94% of students surveyed said this course challenged them to achieve their best work (National Student Survey 2025)

About your course
At LJMU, we recognise that biology encompasses a wide range of fascinating subject areas. That's why our first-year curriculum is designed to give you a broad foundation - allowing you to explore different fields and discover where your true interests lie. In the first year, you will typically cover core modules in Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology, Ecology, Practical Skills for Biology and Fundamentals of Scientific Research.

In your second and third years, you have the flexibility to either maintain a broad-based approach, or tailor your degree by selecting from a wide range of optional modules across diverse biological topics. These include: Genes and Genomes, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Neurobiology, Forensic Bioscience and Parasitology.

All students will partake in a core residential UK field trip in the first year* and will also have the opportunity to take part in an advanced field skills expedition during the final year optional module. The possible destination is the Doñana National Park, Spain, where you can learn ecological and behavioural field work skills.

You have the opportunity to undertake a short (4-6 week) work-based placement or a 12-month placement with a relevant organisation in the UK or abroad. This will not only give you a chance to put into practice what you have learnt in the first two years, it will also help you develop your personal skills and add real value to your CV. Many students who undertake placements have gone on to work for the same organisation after they graduate.

About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but don't have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Biology honours degree programme. Once you pass the Foundation Year you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

Please visit the Liverpool John Moores University website for detailed module information.

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

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 (our virtual learning environment), 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.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Royal Society of Biology