Human Biology

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Overview

The Human Biology programme aims to develop graduates who are equipped with a range of subject-specific and key-transferable skills appropriate to graduate employment and/or postgraduate study. You will be formed as human biologists with specialism in some areas, including molecular and cellular biology,but primed for further development of knowledge, understanding and competency in other areas of bioscience and social science.

Following a degree in Human Biology at Liverpool Hope you will be a competent bench scientists aware of the safety and ethical constraints of contemporary methods applicable to the study of Human Biology.

The programme specifications for this subject can be downloaded below.

Human Biology

Why choose this subject?

• The interdisciplinary Biology team recently received a University Teaching Excellence Award.
• You will be taught by academics with a range of research specialisms, including bone and cancer research, exercise physiology, metabolism, protein-DNA interactions and neurobiology.
• The Department has strong links with research institutes including the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the World Museum in Liverpool and Chester Zoo. This provides you with opportunities for work-based learning and research.

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Curriculum

As you progress through your studies, the courses you will take will reflect the degree you are registered on, ie whether you are taking Single, Combined Honours or the BA (QTS) programme.

At Level 1

• Introduction to the Human Body which covers anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, nervous and digestive systems. Theories of genetics and ethics applied to a range of human disease scenarios.
• If you are taking the Single Honours programme, you will be required to study The Foundations of Life course

The Level 2 courses offered are

• Laboratory Skills: genetic transformation, molecular biology, microbiology, cellular biology, separation techniques including chromatography and electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction.
• Metabolism in Health and Disease: the genetics of obesity, cell signalling in a range of metabolic scenarios, enzymology including allostery, covalent modification, line weaver burke etc, public health practice applied to issues in metabolism including obesity and type II diabetes.
• Plagues, Parasites and Populations: the study of a range of parasites applied to a range of diseases including those of the human population, and those of the animal and plant kingdom that impact on human health.
• Human Exercise Physiology: the physiology, and changes in disease pathology, in the cardiovascular, skeletal, nervous and excretory systems with focus on homeostasis and maintenance of acid-base balance.

The Level 3 courses are

• Biological Basis of Human Disease - the cellular and molecular basis of autoimmune disease, cancer and skeletal dysfunction, and either
• Genomics to Proteomics - the interrelationship between proteins and genes using appropriate examples from the animal and plant kingdoms, or
• Functional and Evolutionary Bioinformatics - theory and practice of bioinformatics, data base techniques, interpretation and analysis of DNA sequence data, molecular evolutionary analysis, or
• Human Nutrition - biology and psychosocial representations of human diet in individuals, populations and communities.
• Contemporary Issues in Human Biology - a wide range of biological issues ranging from human evolution, parenting and mate selection, theories of ageing, through to disease processes including cystic fibrosis, Downs Syndrome and Creutzfeld Jacob disease, and
• Research Dissertation in Human Biology, or
• Research Project for Intending Teachers: a specialist piece of research focused, as appropriate, toward career or further study aims.

Assessment is varied with a range of assessment patterns appropriate to the level of study. At Level 1 there is emphasis on formative work that is then amended before submission and on development of a portfolio of achievement. There are also multiple-choice tests that are undertaken online, group projects and a practical examination. Level 2 assessment patterns include more interrogative pieces of report writing, case studies that allow students to study a topic in depth, laboratory and fieldwork diaries and formal examinations. Level 3 provides students with opportunities to demonstrate critical evaluation of research material, alongside application of their knowledge and skills through oral presentations and journal diaries. There will be an opportunity, at this level, to carry out a substantial piece of research in the form of a dissertation.

You will have the opportunity to carry out dissections, particularly at Level 1 of the course. You will also work with some living organisms, mammalian experimentation is not part of the course.

You may also be interested in...

Biology

Environmental Science

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Entry Requirements

2013-14 Entry Requirements

The standard offer level is a minimum of 300 UCAS points, including a minimum of two A/A2 levels or equivalent.  In addition, applicants must have GCSE Mathematics and Science (Dual Award) grade C or above (or equivalent).

Useful Links

How to apply

Admissions Policy

UCAS

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Course Combinations

Human Biology is only available as a BSc Single Honours degree programme, UCAS code C101

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Employability

Our Human Biology graduates gain practical skills in specialised laboratory research which are highly valued by employers. You will also develop broader skills such as scientific report writing and data analysis.

Recent graduates have entered a variety of career paths including the biotechnology industry, medical writing, laboratory research, environmental consultancy and similar scientific and technical jobs. Others have pursued postgraduate study to specialise in teaching and bioinformatics.