Human Biology BSc (Hons) DPS/DIntS

What you'll study

Excited to learn more? For a taster of what you can expect to study on our Human Biology BSc (Hons) degree, take a sneak preview of some of the modules you may have the opportunity to study below.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Final year

Areas studied include anatomy and physiology, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, human evolution and adaptation, research methods, human biology and society and homeostasis.

Semester 1

Anatomy and Physiology 1 Core

Anatomy and Physiology 1

The aim of this module is for the student to understand the structure of the human body in relation to function with reference to musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Cell Biology Core

Cell Biology

The module aim is for student to understand the principles and methods of cell biology and biochemistry and to gain experience of basic laboratory skills, experimentation, data handling and interpretation.

Human Evolution and Adaptation Core

Human Evolution and Adaptation

Student will develop an understanding of human evolution and human adaptation to the environment from a biological and cultural perspective.

Human Biology and Society Core

Human Biology and Society

The module aims to: introduce students to current relevant topics in Human Biology, mainly the complex interactions between biological systems and environmental/cultural factors; encourage students to engage with a range of relevant resources specific of the Human Biology degree.

Semester 2

Anatomy and Physiology 2 Core

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of some aspects of human structure and function.

Human Biology Research Methods: Study Design and Data Description Core

Human Biology Research Methods: Study Design and Data Description

The module is to introduces students to the use and calculation of basic statistics working with data collected by human biology researchers.

Homeostasis Core

Homeostasis

Students will further the understanding of Homeostasis by building on the first semester Anatomy and Physiology module. The module aims to provide the knowledge needed to understand the function of the human organ systems.

Human Genetics Core

Human Genetics

The aims of this module are to establish an understanding and application of: nucleic acid composition and how the physical and chemical properties of nucleic acids allow their manipulation in genetic analyses and molecular biology; the biological variation in genome structure, organisation and packaging; genome replication and repair; genetic variation; gene expression through transcription, RNA translation; regulation of gene expression; human genetics and human genetic variation and the associated implications, both on an individual and a societal level; the molecular biological laboratory and the associated technical skills.

Introduction to Physical Activity and Health Optional

Introduction to Physical Activity and Health

The module provides a foundation for subsequent courses focusing on Physical Activity and Health. Specific concepts, theories and methodologies will be introduced and a focus will be made on the practical and employment relevancy of Physical Activity and Health. Guest lecturers from across the school will introduce their area of expertise.

Foundations in Biological Psychology Optional

Foundations in Biological Psychology

The aim of this module is for the student to understand biological psychology which describes the relation between the brain and various types of behaviour.

Semester 1 & 2

Biochemistry Core

Biochemistry

Students will further their understanding of: the transfers of energy in chemical reactions and biochemical pathways; energy transduction from chemical potential to biologically necessary work; the role and kinetics of enzymes in these processes; energy flows vital for life that underpin future study of human nutrition and physical activity.

Areas studied include measurement and evaluation, ecology of nutrition, growth and development, physiology of physical activity, human genomics, human aging, and experimental design and analysis.

Semester 1

Current Topics in Human Nutrition Core

Current Topics in Human Nutrition

Students will be exposed to a variety of topics that are currently being debated regarding human nutrition. Initial lectures will cover the principles of human nutrition, its content, reference values, biological status and dietary assessment. These will form the basis for a series of discussions covering contemporary issues such as breastfeeding and infant nutrition, adolescent nutrition and eating disorders, undernutrition, overnutrition, weight reduction and dieting methods, and global nutritional issues in terms of production, storage and availability.

Growth and Development Core

Growth and Development

The aim is for the student to understand the biological basis of human growth and development, its normal variation and abnormalities, as a result of both genetic and environmental influences.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health Optional

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health

The aim of this module is to develop the students awareness of the UK and global prevalence of physical (in)activity and chronic disease.

Semester 2

Human Ageing Core

Human Ageing

The aim of this module is to examine the change, adaptation and variation of the ageing body.

Human Biology Research Methods: Measurement and Evaluation Core

Human Biology Research Methods: Measurement and Evaluation

The aims of this module are for the students to: understand, have practical experience of, and be able to critically appraise the methods used for measurement and evaluation that are applied to research in the field of human biology; develop transferable skills in data organisation, analysis and interpretation; prepare for their final year project module.

Structural Kinesiology Optional

Structural Kinesiology

Students will examine the anatomical structures of the body and the ways that the muscular and skeletal systems interact during human movement exercise and sport.

Students will examine the anatomical structures of the body and the ways that the muscular and skeletal systems interact during human movement exercise and sport

Semester 1 & 2

Exercise Physiology Core

Exercise Physiology

Students will examine the acute physiological responses to exercise in humans and investigate the body's chronic adaptations to exercise over an extended period of time.

Functional Human Genomics Core

Functional Human Genomics

The module aims to develop an understanding of a range of topics in genomics by providing a current view of research developments in the field, thus showing how genomics when used together with other biological disciplines (e.g. Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology) is elucidating mechanisms of previously complex biological problems.

To enable students to undertake laboratory and statistical analyses of genetic variation and understand its applications in health and disease.

Human Biology Research Methods:Data Analysis Core

Human Biology Research Methods:Data Analysis

The module builds on basic research design and statistical skills learnt in PSA405, to understand basic quantitative research design and statistical analysis principles for human biologists and bio-scientists.

Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition Optional

Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition

The aim of this module is to further students’ theoretical and practical understanding of the biochemical processes during exercise and recovery, and the influence and exercise and nutritional supplementation on the cellular and molecular processes which govern adaptive responses to training.

Environmental Ergonomics and Design Optional

Environmental Ergonomics and Design

The aim of this module is to provide a fundamental understanding of the human response to the physical environment, in principle and application. Give a background to how humans respond to environmental stimuli; sound, temperature and light, in terms of physical, physiological and perceptual responses. Further consideration will be given to the interaction of stimuli and the effects of multiple stressors, i.e., heat and noise.

Areas studied include human evolution, performance at environmental extremes, infectious diseases in humans, body composition, lifestyle and diseases, and forensic DNA analysis, plus a choice of optional modules.

You will also undertake a research project of your own choosing.

Semester 1

Forensic DNA Analysis Core

Forensic DNA Analysis

Student will develop a theoretical and practical understanding of DNA technology which will enhance the student's practical and technical problem-solving skills and ability to critically evaluate and analyse DNA data in forensic science.

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes Core

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes

The module provides the students with an understanding of how the human body copes with work and sport in environmental extremes and how this stress can be assessed and controlled.

Lifestyle and Disease Core

Lifestyle and Disease

The aim of this module is for the student to be able to describe, evaluate and apply evidence linking lifestyle and disease.

Applied Physiology of Sport Performance Optional

Applied Physiology of Sport Performance

Student will build and extend the knowledge of exercise physiology acquired in year 1 and 2 to understand the physiological limitations to performance in sport and the characteristics that determine performance.

Physiology of Exercise and Health Optional

Physiology of Exercise and Health

The module examines the evidence which describes the influence of exercise on health; builds on the knowledge and understanding acquired in first and second year exercise physiology modules.

Sport Injuries Optional

Sport Injuries

The aim of the module is for the student to: understand some of the key issues in sport medicine; and consider the role of the sports medicine profession in treating sport injuries.

Semester 2

Body Composition Core

Body Composition

The module aims to develop the students understating of the biological bases and methods for assessing the composition of the human body and critically evaluate the reliability and validity of techniques in different populations.

Infectious Diseases in Humans Core

Infectious Diseases in Humans

The student will develop an understanding of: the immune response to infection; the epidemiology of infectious diseases, theoretical models for the study of infectious diseases and current challenges to disease prevention and control in a global context.