Biology is the study of living things. What we study is incredibly varied from structure and anatomy, through physiology, biochemistry, ecology, genetics, nutrition etc. Increasingly important nowadays is molecular biology, which looks at the structure of the molecules which make up living things and how they behave. In Human Biology the emphasis is predominantly on studying these aspects in relation to humans but also may include the impact of humans on other living things, or the impact of other living things on humans e.g infections.

This is at the root of most modern biology and helps us to understand why we look and behave the way we do, why we fall ill and increasingly is being used to provide solutions to many disease related problems. In a human biology programme the focus is very much on how the knowledge of biology is put to use in modern society and as such is geared towards current employer demands.

• The Human Biology programme is derived from the Applied Biology programme which has been running at UEL for over 30 years
• The programme at UEL has been designed to offer students a wide range of options enabling them to specialise in areas of biology which appeal to them. The programme starts with a common first year which introduces the basics and provides a grounding in a wide range of areas of biology enabling students to make a more informed choice of options later in the programme. At level 2 all students study modules in molecular biology and practical and employability skills but the rest of level 2 and all of level 3 contains a range of optional modules for students to select covering areas such as physiology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, immunology, forensic biology, pharmacology and toxicology.
• All modules offer extensive laboratory training through all years of the programme enhancing student employability
• The first year is shared with other Bioscience degrees at UEL, providing some option to transfer to other programmes at the end of the first year.

• 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.

Learning is encouraged through participation in a wide variety of activities including lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory-based practicals, external visits, distance learning, web-based learning etc. Each module has 5 to 6 hours contact per week, and may need up to 10 hours further individual study per week on each module.

Success at university depends on developing your ability to study independently using library resources, Computer-assisted learning (CAL), handouts and web-based study activities. The first year has a Skills module in each semester. These help you make the major shift to independent learning needed at university, compared to schools and FE colleges, and also help to develop those transferable skills so important in working life.

Students are assessed in practical work and theory. In most modules 50% of the module mark is derived from coursework during the semester (this can take a variety of forms including laboratory work, data analysis, essays, oral presentations etc.) and 50% from unseen written theory examination at the end of the semester. Some modules also include laboratory practical exams.

• Level 1 (Year 1) modules introduce you to the standards and types of assessment used at university. Some have theory exams staged at intervals through the semester. Although they do not contribute to your final Honours grade, you are expected to achieve at least 40% in all Level 1 modules.
• Your final Honours grade uses marks from Level 2 and Level 3 modules only. Your Level 1 modules prepare you to do your best in these later years.
• If a module is not passed at the first opportunity, marks from later opportunities are capped.

• The 4-year Sandwich programme offers a years working experience normally in a laboratory which may be in a hospital, research institution or in a medical, industrial or food company. Placements are available nationwide and sometimes abroad.
• To be eligible for the placement scheme you must either be majoring in Human Biology or be combining Human Biology with another Bioscience programme.
• Your experience can be written up to pass a Work Experience module that will appear on your degree transcript. You also have the opportunity to take a work-based learning module which can contribute to your final degree classification.

• Project work is an essential component of an Honours degree programme and one that most students enjoy. Small projects and group work exercises feature throughout the programme.
• One third of your final year is spent on an individual research project. This will contribute over 20% to your total Honours mark.
• Project work encourages students to show initiative in their individual work under supervision, using appropriate analytical techniques to generate and interpret new data.
• Laboratory based projects are encouraged but library based research projects may also be undertaken

• Extensive personal support throughout the programme.
• Staff with extensive experience of teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Sound practical and academic training.
• The sandwich year working in a laboratory will add value to your job prospects at the end of the programme.
• Effective careers advice and support available

• Developing your knowledge and understanding of living systems.
• Learning and developing your practical skills in biological techniques.
• Understanding how the latest techniques such as Proteomics, Genomics and Metabolomics are used to better understand the process of life and evolution.
• Improving your scientific skills of logical argument and analysis.

• Reading or hearing about research and/ or medicine (do you already enjoy TV documentaries like Horizon or Equinox, radio science programmes, New Scientist articles?).
• TV programmes on forensic investigations.
• The challenge of understanding how humans relate to and affect their environment.
• Doing scientific procedures and experiments in laboratories and IT labs with precision.
• Working in groups, using standard and new techniques to solve problems.
• Being able to study quietly and individually away from formal staff-led sessions.

• The chance of reviewing your degree programme at the end of the first year and possibly changing to Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Forensic Science, Immunology, and other Biosciences degrees.
• The option of a year's work experience in a laboratory away from the University.
• To be able to spend up to one third of your final year on your own individual research project at the university (usually developing laboratory skills, but IT, survey or library projects also negotiable).

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, in 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.

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:

• Libraries and Learning Resource Centres
• Childcare for students with children aged 21/2 years to 5 years.
• Careers advice and information
• Counselling and Advice for practical problems
• Health Centre with a nurse regularly on duty.
• Language tuition
• Dyslexia support
• Accommodation

• A small and friendly campus.
• A School with staff and facilities to match to the wide interests and backgrounds of students.
• Good connections with employers.
• Sports facilities at the Atherton Centre, which is just a few minutes walk away.
• Multiplex cinema, theatre, supermarkets, high street shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs a few minutes walk away in Stratford - a major site of new development in East London.
• Central London only 20 minutes away by underground and extensive transport links with all parts of London