Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) with foundation year

You will study the physiology, organisation, structure and function of key physiologic and organ systems, e.g. the nervous, musculo-skeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal and renal systems. You will investigate cause-and-effect mechanisms and the interaction between systems in maintaining homeostasis and good health. There will be some discussion of consequences of homeostatic mechanisms breaking down to foster an understanding of human body function with an appreciation of disease states. You will be introduced to laboratory-based techniques, e.g. electromyography, electrocardiograms and spirometry, for the measurement of different physiological variables. You will also develop study skills such as accessing scientific literature, appropriate referencing and academic writing.

Compulsory

This module will introduce the fundamental principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolutionary principles. Inheritance patterns including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance patterns will be explored. Ethical issues surrounding access to genetic information will be discussed as well as the impact of historical events and projects. You will take part in collaborative working and develop presentation and peer feedback skills.

Compulsory

This module examines the structure and function of key biological molecules. Chemical principles relating to proteins, carbohydrates and lipids will be considered and linked to function. This module will also place emphasis on the fundamental techniques used to analyse biological molecules and the principles of these methods. The theory and practical application of relevant analytical methods will be considered. Throughout this module there will also be the development of good laboratory practice and fundamental laboratory procedures and techniques. You will be introduced to R, a programming language for statistical computing and graphics, and use it in the analysis of data.

Compulsory

You will examine cellular structure, communication, enzymes and metabolic pathways in this module. Cellular interactions and cell signalling will be included and considered alongside aspects of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. The energy used to drive these processes will be considered especially in relation to the role of enzymes of catalysts. Key metabolic and signalling pathways will be explored and considered in relation to drug development processes.

Compulsory

This module introduces the different types of infectious agents that are relevant to human health and considers the different ways in which these agents can be cultured, enumerated, controlled and analysed. Relevant laboratory techniques are also developed and used to consolidate the theoretical teaching. The immune system and the key components are also introduced and examined in the way in which these are relevant to preventing and eliminating infection. Current and emerging topics such as vaccination and antimicrobial resistance are also discussed.

Compulsory

In this module you will explore the application of fundamental biology principles to practical exercises, to mimic real-life scenarios in commercial and applied biology. The module considers, among other things, our genetic information, its structure, function and inheritance (genotype), and how this determines the characteristics of an individual (phenotype). The module introduces you to human individual variation and the central dogma of DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation).

In addition, you will gain knowledge and skills relating to the retrieval and analysis of biological sequence information using bioinformatics tools and analytical software such as Excel and R. Ethical issues, such as increased access to genomic information, quality control and accreditation issues, will be considered. You will be supported to understand and practice effective collaboration strategies, including record keeping and use of collaborative software, plus giving and receiving of feedback.

Compulsory

Integrates topics in human physiology, cell biology and biochemistry extended from your first year, to consider the physiological control and feedback mechanisms of the human body, maintaining a healthy state of homeostasis. The biochemical and hormonal control and integration of metabolic reactions, particularly relating to energy balance, is also discussed. The module examines the role of diet and exercise in relation to maintaining healthy body mass. Links between poor diet and lack of exercise, obesity and diabetes are discussed, preparing you for future considerations of global health challenges relating to these lifestyle choices.

Compulsory

This module explores prokaryotes and other microbes as commensals, agents of disease and as sources of antibiotics. Increasing evidence highlights the important role of our diverse gut microbiome to modulate metabolic processes and to protect against disease. Methods to study this diversity, including contemporary molecular-based techniques will be discussed, alongside the consequences of dysbiosis and the development of disease states. Pathogenic interactions between microorganisms, both cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and viral, with human and non-human hosts will be explored. The module will also consider how human behaviour has impacted on microbial evolution, such as the selection of antibiotic resistance, and the use of microorganisms as antibiotic sources.

Compulsory

Explores natural genetic variation and epigenetics in humans. Genetic studies in humans are complex for both ethical reasons and because of limitations imposed by natural variation. Thus, the module will also consider the uses of model organisms for genetic studies. Topics addressed will include how tissue-specific gene expression, chromatin and DNA modifications, heterozygosity and dominance effects, affect gene expression and phenotypes. Methods to analyse genetic variation, gene expression and new ways to explore the causes of disease phenotypes will be discussed.

Compulsory

Mental disorders have significant impacts on health and have social and economic consequences worldwide. This module introduces you to the applied physiology of the brain and nervous system. Physiological disruption of the normal processes of neurotransmission, resulting in disorders of movement, memory, behaviour, anxiety and mood, are discussed.

Compulsory

Explores the role played by our immune system in both health and disease. The module will consider both the innate and adaptive immune responses and their actions, to protect the host in cases of pathogen attack. It will also explore how chronic inflammation, rather than being protective, is now recognised as a determining factor in several non-communicable diseases. Dysfunctions of the immune system, including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency will also be covered, alongside immune responses to transplants and manipulation of the immune system for therapeutic purposes.

Compulsory

This module investigates how modern lifestyles and our changing environment, are affecting human health both positively and negatively. The module considers the physiological consequences of the rapid changes resulting from increased urbanisation. You will be exploring research related to addressing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 'Good Health and Well-Being' for all (SDG 3), 'Quality Education' (SDG 4) and 'Reduced Inequalities' (SDG 10). The module will also focus on the importance of effective communication of scientific knowledge to lay audiences, to advance understanding and to influence behavioural change and policy decisions.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide result from non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and diabetes mellitus. In this module, current research approaches to dissect and understand the mechanisms underlying the development of these conditions is discussed, including the impact of lifestyle choices and behaviours.

Compulsory

This module focuses on the varied infectious disease challenges that affect human populations in different communities worldwide. It discusses the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging diseases, the increasing problems of healthcare acquired infection, the rise of antibiotic resistance and strategies to counter this. It will also consider the continuing global burden of neglected tropical diseases. This module relates to the UN's SDG 3 'Good Health and Well-Being': targeting the end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, as well as combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable disease.

Compulsory

In this module, you will prepare for your final year research project and for life after graduation. The module will support you through the process of defining your research question, planning your experiments and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module is designed to enhance skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will be required to submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and logistics. The module will also consider how novel ideas and findings can be harnessed to deliver commercial value. The multi-disciplinary nature of enterprise and innovation, opportunities for commercial development of ideas and an awareness of intellectual property will be discussed.

Compulsory

The structure of populations around the world is changing due to advances in healthcare and disease management. Human life expectancy has increased by more in the past 40 years than in the previous 4,000 years. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time spent in poor health. Thus, ageing potentially represents the greatest health challenge for the twenty-first century. This module focuses on the cellular and molecular changes that occur during the human lifespan with a focus on processes associated with ageing. Changes in the ability of tissues to regenerate, cellular and DNA damage, circadian rhythm and hormonal alterations, and aberrant protein folding resulting in disease phenotypes are considered.

Compulsory

Our increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment such that therapies may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. This module will consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. It will also consider how applicable these approaches are worldwide.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory-based, in a specialised area of human biosciences. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. You will be supported and guided by your supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve your research ideas, based on reflective practice. The skills and competencies developed during the project period that enhance employability will be articulated in a short personal skills reflection.

Compulsory