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Programme summary for BSc (Hons) Human Biology (Combined Hons.)

About the programme

Biology is the study of living things. What we study is incredibly varied, including structure and anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, genetics, nutrition, etc. Increasingly important is molecular biology, which looks at the structure of the molecules which make up living things and how they behave. This degree emphasises the study of these aspects in relation to humans but also includes the impact of humans on other living things and vice versa.This is one of the many bioscience programmes based in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience.

2-subject degrees

You can combine this programme with another subject as part of a 2-subject degree. Popular combinations include Human Biology with Public Health, and Forensic Science and Human Biology.

Programme structure

  • Most students follow a 3-year full-time programme, however 4-year sandwich degree and part-time routes are also available.
  • The programme is taught in a semesterised system with 3 modules of study in each semester for full-time students. Students may join the programme at the start of either semester.
  • Level 1 is essentially a foundation year, designed to cement and extend areas of study, which should already be at least partly familiar to students. In the Skills module, which is a core module for students majoring in human biology, students will develop the study skills and IT skills required in any modern degree programme. This is combined with modules which provide more specialist background knowledge in areas such as Physiology, Microbiology, Cell biology and Biochemistry.
  • At Level 2, students study Molecular Biology and for the Major combined programme a second Skills module then have free choice to select the remaining modules.
  • The third year of study can be spent away from the University in an agreed work placement
  • Level 3 combines specialist modules, of the students choosing, together with an individual research project (single or double module), involving original laboratory or library based research work.

Career opportunities

Depending on the options you choose, this programme will enable you to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, food and/or biotechnology industries, in the National Health Service or Health Protection Agency, in academic research, forensic science or environmental monitoring. Many students go on to laboratory-based careers but there are also careers in areas such as scientific sales and management, clinical data management, etc. This degree can also be utilised by those students who have less specific career aspirations but who wish to study a rigorous scientific programme, or for students intending to use a biology degree as a basis for a career in teaching.

Support

The School of Health and Bioscience provides immediate contact with University support systems.

  • In your first year, you are allocated a Personal Tutor (a member of staff familiar with your degree). You will see your Tutor at regular intervals to discuss progress and life in general.
  • Module leaders and programme leaders also give support on academic matters, and advice about other specialist help available through the University.
  • The School also has a Help Desk to provide administrative assistance and advise how to get the right help.
  • Internet homepages are used by many staff to support their teaching and your learning.
  • Lecture and practical files, quizzes, mark summaries and much more is now available for several modules via UEL UELPlus Online Programme links.

Throughout the programme you will find a number of scheduled support activities devoted to specific aspects e.g. how to write your project report, or more general aspects such as careers.

Support for students on a University level includes:

Admission

  • 240 UCAS tariff points or equivalent

We also accept Access to Science, Advanced GNVQ in Science at merit grade, and BTEC National Diploma in Science with a minimum of 6 modules at merit grade or higher. All students should also have a minimum of grade C at GCSE, or equivalent, in English language, mathematics and double science.

Applicants with overseas or alternative qualifications are considered on an individual basis. For mature students, credit may be given for relevant work experience.

Direct entry to the second year of the programme is available for students with Higher National Certificate or Diploma in an appropriate area, or for those who have successfully completed study equivalent to level one at another University.

If you want to study Human Biology but have not achieved the right entry qualifications, why not start with our extended degree programme in Human Biology (feeds in at Level 1)

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