Program Overview

Global Infectious Disease BSc (Hons)

Overview

Join the global effort in preventing, controlling, and eradicating infectious diseases on the only undergraduate degree delivered in partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, a world-leader in infectious disease research.

Course Features

• Sandwich year option available
• Studying abroad option available
• Professional practice placements
• Fieldwork
• International students can apply

What You'll Study

Year 1

• Biology in Practice: Looks at the nature of biological enquiry, the ways that biological knowledge develops, and the contribution biology makes to society.
• Genetics and Evolution: Introduces the genetic and environmental control of an individual's characteristics.
• Introduction to Cell Biology: Focuses on the cell as the basic biological unit.
• Ecology: Introduces concepts fundamental to populations and communities using examples from across habitats and ecosystems.
• Biodiversity: Provides an overview of the diversity of life, the major taxonomical groups, and their phylogenetic relationship.
• Chemistry for Biologists: Introduces the basics of chemistry, involving clear and lucid explanations of chemical concepts with a coherent problem-solving approach.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Focuses on developing your knowledge of the structure and function of the human body.
• Organic Chemistry: Uses the functional group approach to classify organic substances and to understand their use in a wider context of applied chemistry.
• Language 1: Ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree.

Year 2

• Research Methods in Biology: Develops essential biological research methods and data analysis skills, providing a sound base for a future dissertation.
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases: Recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents.
• Applied Skills in Global Infectious Disease: Provides the opportunity to further develop key technical and methodological skills needed to undertake research in the field of global infectious diseases.
• Pathogens and Vectors: Recognises that infectious organisms have evolved various strategies to infect humans, and, for parasites, this often includes complex life-cycles and the involvement of vector species.
• Zoo Conservation and Animal Behaviour: Provides you with an introduction to the fields of off-site (ex-situ) management and animal behaviour and the intersection between these two areas.
• Invertebrate Ecology: Explores the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, examining their life cycle, basic physiology, importance to ecosystem functioning, and the range of services with which they provide society.
• Techniques in Biochemistry: Provides concise and clear explanations of the experimental techniques used in the complex biochemistry relevant to human health and disease.
• Molecular Genetics: Provides an understanding of several aspects of the regulation of gene expression both in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
• Biochemistry and Metabolism: Enhance your understanding of several advanced concepts in the field of life sciences.
• Introduction to Biotechnology: Provides a basic understanding of the principles of biotechnology and its practical applications.
• Human Genetics: Involves the study of inherited and acquired genetic conditions at a variety of levels.

Year 3

• Research Project in Global Infectious Disease: Provides the opportunity to develop further understanding of the concepts, theories, and skills acquired during earlier studies in Global Infectious Disease.
• Global Health and Infectious Disease: Designed to enhance your understanding of the complexity of global phenomena of health, disease, and care, including the role of social determinants of health and the social lives of diseases.
• Genomics and Bioinformatics: Centres on how the combination of sequencing and increased computational power has led to a revolution in the way genetic information is utilised and applied.
• Pathology: Details the fundamental cellular processes that lead to the development of disease.
• Pharmacology: Details the development, application, and action of drugs on the human system through a combination of practical and theoretical work.
• Epidemiology: The study of factors affecting the health and illness of populations.
• Advanced Tissue Applications: Provides an in-depth understanding of the use of different cell and tissue-based applications in research, medical diagnostics, and at the lab-clinic interface.
• Applications of Biotechnology: Provides you with an advanced understanding of the applications of biotechnology within various industries including food, medicine, environmental management, and agriculture.
• Medical Microbiology: Recognises that humans live in an environment with a baffling array of infectious agents.

How You'll Study

You will be taught via a combination of lectures, practical work, and tutorials at the Edge Hill University main campus in Ormskirk and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine facilities in Liverpool.

How You'll Be Assessed

You will be assessed using a combination of coursework and exams to ensure you develop a range of skills required by future employers.

Who Will Be Teaching You

Edge Hill University and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine have a long history in delivering excellent teaching in higher education. You will be taught by research academic staff members affiliated to EHU and LSTM who are all experts in their respective fields of biology.

Entry Criteria

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, with the required points in at least one of the following: Biology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science.

How to Apply

Apply through UCAS.

Facilities

Our BioSciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best-equipped facilities in the country.

Finance

Fees for academic year 2026/2027 are yet to be confirmed.

Your Future Career

Our BSc (Hons) Global Infectious Disease degree will provide a wide range of career opportunities. You may wish to pursue a career as a laboratory and data scientist involved in drug and vaccine development efforts, antimicrobial resistance monitoring, or responding to major incidents such as pandemics.