Biological Sciences MBiolSci (Integrated Masters) at University of Liverpool

This is a four-year integrated master’s programme aimed at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (eg studying for PhD or working industry or those seeking to enhance their qualification).

For the first three years of study, students will select one of the available pathways (Anatomy and Human Biology, Biochemistry, Bioveterinary Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Human Physiology, Tropical Disease Biology, Zoology, Biological and Medical Sciences or Biological Sciences) and will study a mix of theory and practical modules appropriate to the BSc Honours programmes for these areas. Students in three year programmes can transfer onto C900 for a fourth year, subject to performance.

During the fourth (master’s) year, students will take advanced modules to further enhance their research and personal skills and will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students will also have the opportunity to apply for a research internship in the UK or overseas, or to apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.

The MBiolSci programme consists of four years of study. For the first three years, students will follow a pathway that constitutes one of our current three-year BSc Honours degree programmes.

The MBiolSci programme consists of four years of study. For the first three years, students will follow a pathway that constitutes one of our current three-year BSc Honours degree programmes.

These are:

• Anatomy and Human Biology BSc (Hons) (B110)
• Biochemistry BSc (Hons) (C700)
• Biological and Medical Sciences BSc (Hons) (C130)
• Bioveterinary Science BSc (Hons) (D900)
• Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) (C100)
• Genetics BSc (Hons) (C400)
• Microbiology BSc (Hons) (C500)
• Pharmacology BSc (Hons) (B210)
• Human Physiology BSc (Hons) (B120)
• Tropical Disease Biology BSc (Hons) (C111)
• Zoology BSc (Hons) (C300).

In Year Four, students will take the core modules, Research Methods and Applications in Biological Sciences and a choice between Advanced Statistics for Biological Research and Informatics for Life Sciences, together with a 60-credit research project. In addition, students will take either a 30-credit internship undertaken as a placement in the summer period between years Three and Four, or a total of 30 credits of other M level modules. These internships may be in the UK or in our partner institutions abroad, for instance in Thailand or China. Students also have the opportunity to spend part or all of the final year gaining practical experience, for example in industry.

The title of your degree award will reflect your pathway of choice e.g. Master of Biological Sciences (Biochemistry).

Career prospects

As a Life Sciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you. For those committed to a career as a professional scientist, higher degrees (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD) at the University of Liverpool or elsewhere provide a flexible set of options for further study.

In the public sector, Life Sciences graduates are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency. Commercial sectors that actively recruit graduates from the Life Sciences include the pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.

There is also an increasing demand for life scientists to contribute to the public understanding of science as journalists and information/liaison officers, in view of the ethical and environmental issues that arise, for example, by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.

A number of routes are available for graduates to enter the teaching profession one of which is taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE). There are significant financial inducements provided to meet the current demand for science teachers. In addition to all of the opportunities for graduates in general, including careers outside of biology (such as management, accountancy and human resources), where the skills you have obtained in our degree programmes will be of considerable benefit. Our degree programmes are also popular routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

Recent employers

• AstraZeneca
• BBC
• Blue Planet Aquarium
• Chester Zoo
• Crown Prosecution Service
• Eli-Lilly
• Glaxo SmithKline
• Home Affairs, Security and
• International Development
• United Utilities
• RSPCA
• NHS
• Ministry of Defence
• Unilever
• Vodafone
• Public Health England
• Red X Pharma
• Royal Society of Biology
• The Environment Agency.