BSc (Hons) Human Biology

At LJMU the BSc (Hons) Human Biology is built around doing — you’ll spend far more time in labs, on field trips and working on real research than you will just listening to lectures. From the foundation year onwards the course weaves practical sessions, group investigations and independent research into every stage, so you graduate able to run standard lab methods, analyse real data and explain your findings with confidence.

Practical learning and the tools you’ll use include:

• Hands‑on teaching labs: Regular practical classes in molecular biology, microbiology and biochemistry using routine equipment such as PCR machines, gel electrophoresis rigs, spectrophotometers, centrifuges and compound/fluorescence microscopes.

• Independent research project: A final‑year research project where you design experiments, collect and analyse data, and present a written dissertation — a concrete piece of work to discuss at interviews or use for postgraduate applications.

• Group projects and problem‑based learning: Team assessments that mirror workplace tasks (experimental design, joint data analysis, and oral presentations) to build teamwork, scientific communication and project management skills.

• Fieldwork and practical field sessions: Outdoor practicals and site visits that support ecology, physiology and environmental modules so you link lab findings to organisms and ecosystems in the real world.

• Work placements and short internships: Opportunities for local laboratory placements, industry short‑term projects or sandwich‑year style experience to gain employer‑facing skills and referees.

• Bioinformatics and data‑analysis tools: Training in common software and approaches used in bioscience — for example sequence databases/bioinformatics workflows, spreadsheet and statistical packages, and basic scripting or data‑visualisation tools — so you can handle modern biological datasets.

• Specialist technique training: Repeated, staged practice in key methods (protein assays, enzyme kinetics, cell culture basics, microscopy techniques) so practical skills are secure and job‑ready.

• Library and research support: Help with literature searching, academic writing and accessing journals and databases through the university’s library support, so you can build robust, evidence‑based projects.

• Purpose‑built teaching and research spaces: Learning in dedicated life‑sciences labs and multi‑disciplinary facilities that encourage practical experimentation and collaboration with researchers.

These elements are not add‑ons — they’re built into how the course is taught so you finish with real lab experience, workplace skills and examples of applied work that employers and postgraduate programmes recognise.

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) Human Biology at Liverpool John Moores University leave equipped with practical lab skills and a strong understanding of human health, preparing them for careers that impact medicine, research, and public health. Typical roles include Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Research Scientist, and Public Health Researcher:

• Career support services: LJMU’s Student Futures team offers personalized career guidance, CV and interview help, employer events, and access to placements, internships, and graduate roles.

• Employment outcomes: Many graduates move into work or further study soon after finishing, with competitive starting salaries in the health and biosciences sector.

• Industry connections: The university partners with local NHS labs, biotech firms, and regional health organizations, giving students opportunities for placements, live projects, and mentorship.

• Placement support: Dedicated staff help students secure and manage placements, offering real-world experience and professional connections.

• Professional recognition: The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, giving your degree professional credibility and recognition.

• Graduate skills: Students gain hands-on lab experience, independent research experience, and transferable skills like data analysis, scientific communication, and teamwork.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue master’s programs in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, or Public Health, move into research-based MRes or PhD programs, or follow professional training routes in clinical work, regulatory affairs, or bioinformatics to specialize and advance in their careers.