Overview
Human Biosciences encompasses some of the most rapidly changing and dynamic areas of biology and medicine.
You will study topics and research that in recent years have been responsible for an array of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in human health and disease.
This exciting degree can potentially lead to a range of research and health related careers in biomedicine. The broad range of subjects covered, include microbiology, molecular biology, medical genetics, cancer biology, physiology, cell biology and neuroscience. These subjects are of increasing importance in medical research and underpin the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
97% overall satisfaction - National Student Survey 2018.
See the facilities available in our brand new Alison Gingell Building.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Royal Society of Biology
Students are eligible to become Associate Members of the Royal Society of Biology after graduation.
Our Facilities
Hospital Wards
We have two fully-equipped mock hospital wards, each containing 4 beds. The wards are built to NHS standards and contain moveable beds, first aid equipment and patient monitoring tools.
Life Sciences Research
Our facilities include a real ambulance, which students can use as part of their studies, and a purpose-built Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre. This allows for improved training quality in patient care and patient safety.
SuperLab
The Alison Gingell building contains a state-of-the-art SuperLab, capable of holding up to 270 people at once. The lab's facilities include equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.
What our students say
The Human Biosciences course has given me the knowledge and key skills to feel confident going into the science industry, as well as postgraduate study. The breadth and depth of the modules, as well as being able to tailor the course, helped me direct my learning to areas of interest. Using the modern University laboratory has really prepared me for professional laboratory roles. The academic staff are incredibly helpful, and are always happy to aid your learning.
Course information
The program of study has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), enabling you to join as an associate member (AMSB) once you graduate. Our degree 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. In later years, you will also be able to choose from a wide range of specialist modules, such as medical microbiology, clinical physiology, cancer biology, applied human genetics and clinical biochemistry, providing the opportunity to specialise your degree programme.
Course specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
of our students were satisfied with the quality of the course, National Student Survey (NSS) 2018.
In more detail...
We focus on developing practical laboratory and additional scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics. As such, laboratory sessions form a substantial component of the 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 careers.
Our practical approach has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction – 93% overall in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016; 100% of our students feel staff are good at explaining things, make the subject interesting and are enthusiastic about what they teach. We also have an excellent track record in employability – with 93% of graduates in work or further study after six months (DLHE 2014/15).
- Strong portfolio of research with 61% rated 4* or 3* in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014.
- Support applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire.
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology, fulfilling the educational requirements for Associate Membership (AMSB) of the Society.
- Based in new £37 million state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring a state-of-the-art super lab
- Course team benefits from extensive links with employers, such as the NHS, university research labs, public health laboratories and biotech companies, such as Binding Site, to help find employment after you graduate.
- Hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory technique techniques such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and bacterial growth, in modern, well-equipped laboratories
- Research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our University research centres, which focuses on the themes of: cellular and molecular biosciences; biological Systems, health and disease; and physical activity, exercise and obesity.
- Regular guest lecturers from current practitioners in the pharmaceutical industry, laboratory research and other jobs in science to inform your experience and help you identify potential careers. In the last three years, speakers have included medical geneticists, research scientists and physicians’ associates.
Our main study themes are:
- Human physiology: You will explore the structure and functions of the human body and the ways in which these adapt to our environment. We will examine cause-and-effect mechanisms, comparing healthy and disease states. You will be introduced to the concept of metabolic and development control, as well as laboratory techniques for the measurement of physiological variables, such as metabolic rate, heart rate, blood pressure and spirometry.
- Human development: Examines human development from both an individual and a population perspective. We will cover embryonic development from fertilisation to birth, considering mechanisms that control cell differentiation and morphogenesis. You will be introduced to basic neurosciences, examining circadian rhythms, both in the brain and in peripheral tissues, and the link with processes such as sleep and cell cycle. We will consider some of the global challenges to human population development, including causes of mortality and morbidity such as malaria, helminth infection, HIV, TB, heart disease and cancer, including prevalence, incidence and factors which contribute towards these diseases.
- Biochemistry: We will consider the structure of biological molecules and their functional properties within the cell, together with the action of enzymes, including the basic principles of enzyme kinetics. You will explore the molecular aspects of human nutrition, digestion and metabolism. The mechanisms of control and integration of metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids at different organisational levels are discussed, together with alterations in metabolism due to genetic predispositions. You will understand the important role that biochemical investigations play in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, together with the rationale behind routine tests such as electrolyte measurements, metabolite and enzyme assays, with the emphasis on both the underlying pathophysiology and the contribution that these tests make to the diagnosis and to the management of the patient.
- Microbiology: You will be introduced to the microbiological world, including aspects of bacterial cell structure and growth, as well as antibiotic action and resistance. We will focus on the biology of medically important micro-organisms and the role they play in health and disease, exploring the structure and function of the defence mechanisms of hosts, specifically the immune responses that are targeted against pathogens. You will learn about the pathogenicity and epidemiology of selected viruses (eg. Hepatitis, Influenza, HIV) and infections, the resulting responses, as well as the control and eradication of viral diseases.
- Cell and molecular biology: Provides an understanding of the structure and functions of mammalian cells and the metabolic processes that occur within them. You will cover cell division mechanisms, energy metabolism, cell communication and cell defence. You will learn about genetic inheritance patterns linked to the understanding of DNA replication, transcription and translation, investigating complex genetic disorders such as heart disease and dementia. You will explore cancer from a clinical, biological and epidemiological perspective, examining the cellular and genetic changes that occur during transformation and discussing how inherited susceptibilities can predispose individuals to develop certain cancers. We will learn about molecular methods for the early detection, monitoring and treatment of various cancers as well as preventative measures.
- Genetics: You will study human genetic disorders, both chromosomal and single gene disorders and complex diseases. We will look at the techniques and theoretical knowledge which has made the recent great strides forward in our understanding of our genes and genome, together with their applications and implications. Genetic predisposition to diseases such diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease will be investigated. You will become familiar with the latest genetic techniques such as gene editing.
- Immunology: We will look at aspects of various infectious and non-infectious diseases and health conditions facing the population. We place a particular emphasis on the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of disease, focusing on aspects of clinical immunology including inappropriate or deficient immune responses.
The BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences course is available as a full-time three-year or optional four-year sandwich course. The optional sandwich year can be taken either on placement or studying abroad in a related field.
You will be allocated a dedicated Personal Academic Tutor for the duration of your course, who will schedule regular 1:1 meetings with you and with whom you can make an appointment whenever you need to; you can also arrange to see other members of staff in ‘drop in’ sessions for any additional help you may need. The outstanding academic support offered to students is often one of the main highlights of our students’ experience – in the National Student Survey (NSS) 2016, 100% of students felt they received sufficient advice and support with their studies, had been able to contact staff when needed and were given good advice.
Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop a good knowledge of a range of disciplines and how they apply to human health and disease, including both theory and lab-based classes.
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 optimisation of the ‘PCR-RFLP technique’, which detects variations in DNA sequences, when analysing leukaemia and liver cancer cell lines.
Teaching methods include:<br> lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, projects, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, supported by an extensive suite of analytical and biological laboratories staffed by experienced technicians.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays, formal examinations, practical or project work, group work, presentations and posters.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you will be equipped with the skills to:
- Safely carry out laboratory procedures with the generic and specialised skills required in experimental biology, including experimentation and measurements on humans, safety and ethical considerations.
- Undertake effective practical work using a skilled, accurate and precise approach.
- Apply scientific methods to critical analysis of literature, reflection, information searching, and experimental design in the biological sciences.
- Collect, analyse and present data when problem solving, including appropriate statistical methods, demonstrating numerical and data manipulation skills at an advanced level.
- Interpret data derived from laboratory observations and measurements in terms of their significance.
- Produce well-structured and logical arguments and operate independently to solve problems.
- Work independently or as an effective team member to solve problems of a technical and practical nature and to provide appropriate solutions.
In a typical teaching week, you will have up to 17 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 6 hours of workshops each week.
- Medium group teaching: 5 hours of laboratory work each week
- Large group teaching: 6 hours of lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week eg. working on coursework assignments.
By its very nature, the course adopts an international perspective – as science knows no borders. We also attract students from many different countries – from Europe, Asia and South America – providing a more varied, multicultural and fulfilling environment in which to learn. We encourage students to mix on group work and projects, which in the past, for example, have included an examination of the knowledge and attitudes of home and international students towards tuberculosis in a cross-cultural context.
Our sandwich degree option allows a year’s work placement or study, which can be taken abroad. Some former students have studied at the University of Leiden in Holland. The University also offers a number of grants to enable international visits and a number of our students have been successful in securing places, for example, in Spain, France, Canada and the US. Some have undertaken fieldtrips to Malawi where they have educational engagement with groups of children participating in diverse community projects at local primary and nursery schools, assisted in monitoring the state of boreholes in rural villages, made sun dried bricks for building projects and climbing the challenging mount Mulanje.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
The course gave me the theoretical knowledge and invaluable laboratory skills that has enabled me to progress onto a PhD programme and focus on research.”
Entry Requirements
What our students say
The course gave me the theoretical knowledge and invaluable laboratory skills that has enabled me to progress onto a PhD programme and focus on research.”
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.As well as covering UK field trips, key materials and laser print, the fees for this course also include:
- Laboratory coat and safety spectacles provided for use
- Costs of any mandatory UK day visits
- Disclosure and Barring Service (formally CRB Disclosure) for those undertaking placements with children
- Free copy of SPSS statistics software.
The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Refundable deposit for turning point handset
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say
The course gave me the theoretical knowledge and invaluable laboratory skills that has enabled me to progress onto a PhD programme and focus on research.”
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
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.
There is a growing demand for highly skilled staff with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, right across industry, in the health service, government establishments, research and educational institutions. Our degree is designed to help you develop a wide range of skills that will be attractive to many different types of employers. Our designated Talent Team will help you find placements, internships and job opportunities, by advertising jobs, holding an annual jobs fair, helping with CV writing and job interview technique.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
100%
of students agreed staff are good at explaining things.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gone on to careers in 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.
What our students say
The course gave me the theoretical knowledge and invaluable laboratory skills that has enabled me to progress onto a PhD programme and focus on research.”
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 19/20 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
