Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Course overview

You will study topics at the forefront of scientific discovery such as genomics, neurophysiology, and communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Human biosciences embraces some of the most rapidly changing and dynamic areas of modern science and has been responsible for an array of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in human health and disease. Over 1.2 million people work in primary science-based roles in the UK, with the boundaries between biosciences, chemical sciences and physical sciences becoming increasingly blurred.

• This course aims to equip you to assess and understand new scientific developments and to communicate effectively to diverse audiences, to encourage dialogue between the public, academics and policy makers to advance progress towards a healthier future for us all.
• It aims to enhance your understanding of how the human body functions in health and disease at the tissue, cell and molecular level, throughout the lifespan. We place great emphasis on the acquisition of broad human biosciences knowledge and practical expertise, which is most likely to be useful in your future career related to human biosciences.
• Laboratory sessions form a substantial component of your learning experience, providing you with the opportunities to learn key experimental techniques and develop the essential experimental, data handling and reporting skills required in biological and other careers⁴.

The January start for this course is condensed in Year 1. Please see the ‘How you’ll learn’ section below for more details.

Why you should study this course

• Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques.
• You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory techniques such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and bacterial growth, in modern, well-equipped laboratories⁴.
• We offer research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our university research centres, which focus on the themes of cellular and molecular biosciences, biological systems, health and disease, and physical activity, exercise and obesity.
• Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience².
• You will have the opportunity to undertake challenging lab and non-lab-based independent research projects, dealing with important life science research questions, which in the past have tackled, for example, the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, cinnamon and ginger, against drug-resistant clinical pathogens or the effect of sleep deprivation on physiological and mental health in healthy young adults.

If you choose to start this course in January you will study exactly the same course but over a slightly shorter timescale in Year 1. This is ideal if you missed the September start, want to transfer from a different university or course or just need a bit more time to prepare for life at university.

Careers and opportunities

There is a growing demand for highly skilled staff with the ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams, right across industry, in the health service, government establishments, research, and educational institutions. Our course is designed to help you develop a wide range of skills that will be attractive to many different types of employers. We can help you find placements, internships and job opportunities, by advertising jobs, holding an annual jobs fair, helping with CV writing and job interview techniques².

Recent graduates have gone on to careers in conducting clinical trials for drug companies, as research assistants in laboratories in universities and various roles within industry, such as marketing assistants and medical and scientific representatives for companies. Others have used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications.