Human Biosciences, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Will gene therapy become an established treatment for cancer? What are the potential benefits of stem cell research? How has the revolution in genome sequencing provided insights into human biology? On this flexible course, you’ll develop skills and knowledge across the spectrum of subject disciplines – enabling an understanding of these and other key questions relating to human biology, health and disease.This course is delivered by the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Health and enhanced by links with healthcare professionals. You’ll benefit from a rich and varied learning environment. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your employability with an optional placement year. We’re very proud of our National Student Survey (NSS) 2020 return showing that 100% of students believe the course is intellectually stimulating*.

• Delivered by the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Health and enhanced by links with healthcare professionals.

• A strong foundation in a broad range of bioscience disciplines underpinned by a biomolecular knowledge-base relevant to contemporary human biosciences today.

• Opportunities to include optional elements of psychology at each stage of the programme.

• Enables students to explore themes of personal interest within the biosciences at all stages.

• Staff with expertise in a wide range of biomedical research topics directly inform learning and teaching.

• Strong international reputation in translational research with significant financial investment in laboratory infrastructure.

• Emphasis on practical laboratory skills relevant to research and other scientific careers.

• Benefit from a rich and varied interdisciplinary learning environment, which includes collaboration with a wider health care education community at the University.

• Optional placement opportunities provide students with relevant work experience.

• Personal tutoring in modules throughout the programme of study.

• Equips graduates with the confidence, knowledge, skills and other attributes suitable for a wide variety of careers within this rapidly expanding field.

• This course has competitive entry for up to ten ring-fenced places at the end of stage one for progression onto medicine and dentistry. Applicants must meet minimum academic requirements for consideration. e.g. A levels - Minimum of AAB to include A grades in Biology, one other science from Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies will not be accepted.

*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September. The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.

Modules

In your first year, a foundation of theory and practicals will introduce you to the most important organism – Homo sapiens, and you'll develop key graduate skills in communication, data analysis and IT.The focus in your second year will be to develop a deeper understanding of human physiology and neurobiology, genetics and molecular cell biology, metabolism, infection and immunology. You'll also enhance your knowledge and practical skills in experimental and investigative techniques with a methods module.Enrich your experience and boost your career prospects by taking an optional work placement for a minimum six months full-time (or part-time equivalent). Once completed, you’ll receive the Certificate of Work Experience as valuable evidence for future employers. In your final year, you will have a choice of two personal research project modules to suit your career aspirations. A wide range of modules will develop your critical understanding of cutting-edge research.The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Assessment method

57% of assessment is by coursework, 40% is by exams and 3% is through practical assessment.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS

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In your first year, a foundation of theory and practicals will introduce you to the most important organism – Homo sapiens, and you'll develop key graduate skills in communication, data analysis and IT. The focus in your second year will be to develop a deeper understanding of human physiology and neurobiology, genetics and molecular cell biology, metabolism, infection and immunology. You'll also enhance your knowledge and practical skills in experimental and investigative techniques with a methods module. Enrich your experience and boost your career prospects by taking an optional work placement for a minimum six months full-time (or part-time equivalent). Once completed, you’ll receive the Certificate of Work Experience as valuable evidence for future employers. In your final year, you will have a choice of two personal research project modules to suit your career aspirations. A wide range of modules will develop your critical understanding of cutting-edge research. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.