Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
Course Code
UCAS Code: C110
International Code: HLSU232
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Start date
September 2022
January 2023
Course overview
Study level: Undergraduate
Human biosciences embraces some of the most rapidly changing and dynamic areas of modern science and has been responsible for an array of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in human health and disease.
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB)
- Well-equipped suite of analytical and biological laboratories where you can gain hands-on experience using industry-standard techniques
- No.1 in the Midlands for career prospects in Biological Sciences in the Times Good University Guide 2021
- Support applying for placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain crucial real-world experience

Global Ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
Our Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) course looks to enhance your understanding of how the human body functions in health and disease at the tissue, cell and molecular level. You will study topics at the forefront of scientific discovery such as genomics, neurophysiology, and communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- This course enables you to explore the current and emerging challenges to human health. It has been designed to inspire, guide and empower you to better understand the scientific basis of these global health challenges and to be able to contribute towards finding solutions. Whilst advancing technology and medical knowledge has brought undoubted benefits, it has equally brought new and rapidly emerging problems. We are facing new challenges due to modern 24-hour lifestyles, the impacts of climate change and environmental pollution, emerging infectious diseases, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and an increasingly ageing population. This course aims to equip you to assess and understand new scientific developments and to communicate effectively to diverse audiences, to encourage dialogue between the public, academics and policy makers to advance progress towards a healthier future for us all.
- 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.
- The course 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.
- You will study in the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building which provides excellent facilities for teaching and research, featuring our Superlab with industry-standard equipment. Laboratory sessions form a substantial component of your 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.
- You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory 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.
- 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 effect of sleep deprivation on physiological and mental health in healthy young adults.
- In the final year you will focus on developing practical laboratory and additional scientific skills, such as literature researching, information technology, bioinformatics, data processing and the use of statistics.
- You also have the option to incorporate a year of appropriate work experience, in a variety of settings, or a year of study abroad, taken between years 2 and 3.* We also offer support applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire.
- The course provides many opportunities to enhance your study experience. During integrated enhancement weeks scheduled each year, there may be the chance to take part in UK international field trips*, or opportunities to improve particular skills and competencies and to explore career options. If you are unable to take part in international field trips you will have alternative intercultural opportunities available on campus, such as extended group projects linking with field trip groups.
- We offer research-inspired teaching with input from experts in our university research centres, which focus on the themes of cellular and molecular biosciences; biological systems, health and disease; and physical activity, exercise and obesity. Our current 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.
Accredited by:

Royal Society of Biology
Students are eligible to become Associate Members of the Royal Society of Biology after graduation.
Biosciences and the BBC
Students were commissioned by the BBC to test surfaces around Coventry for microbial contamination (recorded pre-lockdown).What you'll study
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.
How you'll learn
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.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, projects, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, supported by an extensive suite of analytical and biological laboratories staffed by experienced technicians.
In a typical teaching week, you will have around 17 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching such as workshops
- Medium group teaching - laboratory work
- Large group teaching such as lectures.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week e.g. working on coursework assignments.
You will be allocated a dedicated Academic Personal 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.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which vary depending upon the module.
- Assessment methods include:
- Coursework
- Tests
- Essays
- Formal examinations
- Practical or project work
- Group work
- Presentations
- 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.
Job ready
Human biosciences embrace some of the most rapidly changing and expanding sciences and upon successful completion of the course you will be well-equipped to enter a changing employment market where methods and logic, scientific literacy, conceptual knowledge and ability to communicate to diverse audiences will be essential. Graduates should therefore be well placed to enter a variety of career routes. These include bioscience, biotechnology and healthcare industries, university, government agency, charity-funded and commercial laboratories, educational roles and international organisations.
You also have the option to incorporate a year of appropriate work experience, in a variety of settings, or a year of study abroad, taken between years 2 and 3.* We also offer support applying for short and long-term placements in laboratory and industrial settings to gain the experience employers desire.
International experience opportunities
By its very nature, the course adopts an international perspective as science knows no borders. We also attract students from many different countries providing a varied, multicultural and fulfilling environment in which to learn. We encourage students to mix on group work and projects.
The placement/study abroad 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, for example.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
Student | Full time | Part time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Not available |
International | £16,650 per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
Facilities
The multi-million-pound Alison Gingell Building is home to microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic science laboratories, allowing you to work in a professional environment from day one.

Superlab
Our state-of-the-art SuperLab has facilities including equipment for microscopy, DNA analysis and forensic testing.

Analytical Chemistry Suite
Students apply their practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios. We use a new generation chromatography technique to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents, to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.

Alison Gingell Building
Our state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building features mock ambulance, hospital wards, critical care settings and therapy suites.
Careers and opportunities
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. We can 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. We provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gone on to careers in conducting 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.
Further study
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Molecular Biology MSc. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study
How to apply
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UK Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply for this course through UCAS. Part-time students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
-
International Students
Full-time students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimer
Student Contract
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 2021/22 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.
Tuition fees
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.
Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
Facilities
Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Placements and study abroad opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).