Course summary

Our BSc (Hons) Human Biology degree is designed to develop your knowledge and skills for the purposes of testing, analysing and researching the fundamental aspects of what makes us human. From covering diverse topics such as genetic makeup, disease immunity, nutrition, population trends, ageing, epidemiology, and more, you will build an in-depth understanding of this wide-ranging field. Throughout the course, you will benefit from: • being part of a learning community that conducts cutting edge research into areas such as cancer, genomics, microbiology, food safety, ageing and memory, and translation medicine • access to brand-new facilities that include equipment used in modern pharmaceutical, nutritional and clinical laboratories • option of a placement year to develop your employability and career prospects • final year research project - allows you to focus your studies on your specific interests and career goals. A wide array of optional modules allows you to shape your studies to match your own interests and career ambitions. The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Human biology is a hugely important and ever-expanding branch of science that focuses on human beings and human populations, making for a richly rewarding subject area to study. You will begin your studies by immersing yourself in the fundamentals of this biological science before, as the course progresses, having increasing flexibility to follow your own specialist interests. As well as acquiring and fine-tuning your technical, lab, and research abilities, an emphasis on data analysis gives you the opportunity to develop programming, modelling and machine learning skills. In particular, there will be a strong focus on the following aspects: • the fundamentals of human biology: the structure and function of biological molecules, cells, and the whole organism • biostatistics and experimental design • learning how to analyse big data using bioinformatics tools • continuous practice in the laboratory and field-based research methods • the use of physiological, biomechanical, and psychological equipment for determining the body composition and analysing cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neurological indicators of health and disease • DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, microscopy, and spectroscopy • molecular, biochemical, genetic, cellular, embryological, histological, anatomical, and psychological analytical methods and techniques • data analysis and modelling in R • collecting, analysing experimental data • visualising and communicating research in different ways and to different audiences. Over the course of your studies, a wide and diverse range of optional modules allows you to hone in on the areas that you find of most interest.