Human Biology

Course Content (including module information)

Level 1

At Level 1 our students receive a solid foundation in the core subjects of:

• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Human Structure and Function (Anatomy, Micro-anatomy and Physiology)
• Mammalian Biochemistry
• Microorganisms

Levels 2 and 3

At Levels 2 and 3, students have a wide range of module options in, for example:

• Haematology
• Human Evolutionary Biology
• Immunobiology
• Microscopy
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition
• Pharmacology
• Science Teaching
• Scientific Methods and Statistics

In their final year, each student will complete their own two-module laboratory research project as part of a team within the School.

In addition to the specific degree content, there is an emphasis in our study modules on teamwork and communication skills, as well as problem-solving and IT skills, which should assist graduates in careers beyond those immediately related to medicine.

Assessment: The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Others are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback (general): As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers. As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work. Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once you have reviewed your feedback, you are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

The Human Biology degree is underpinned by the core disciplines of Anatomy, Microanatomy and Physiology (the study of the function of the human body). In addition, it provides a solid foundation in Mammalian Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology. The course is designed to allow a greater degree of flexibility in the choice of modules, in comparison to the degree in Biomedical Sciences. Specialist subject areas which can be studied in detail include: pharmacology, topographical anatomy, exercise and applied physiology, developmental studies and science teaching. Within these subject areas we provide a range of learning experiences.

• Lectures are given in large groups and introduce students to new topics to provide direction and inspiration for private study.

• Practicals: are generally given to smaller group sizes and are designed to allow students to see how some of the principles introduced in lectures can be observed in living organisms. This type of class also provides the opportunity to develop technical skills and since they are assessed, receive formative feedback on academic progress.

• Tutorials: help to engage students with the learning process, since they involve the formation of small groups to problem solve and disseminate information to the rest of the class.

• E.Learning: much of the resources to support lectures and tutorials are provided through a Virtual Learning Environment called Queens Online, which uses a range of e-learning experiences including interactive group workshops and podcasts.

• Work-related learning: Between second and final year students are given the opportunity to take a year out to work in a research laboratory in the USA, a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity.

• Supervised Projects: In final year, a supervised research project on a topic of your choice, makes a significant contribution to the final degree classification and provides valuable skills and insight into the world of academic research.

• Tutors: Students are assigned an Advisor of Studies who can offer advice on both personal and academic matters. Students will also be assigned to a tutor in one of the School’s Research Centres to gain experience working with research teams in a laboratory setting