Conservation Biology and Human Biology BSc

CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

Conservation biology is concerned with the protection and management of nature and the Earth’s biodiversity. It involves an evaluation of human and other factors that affect all living organisms with the aim of protecting and conserving species, their habitats and ecosystems. It is an interdisciplinary subject that draws on natural sciences to devise satisfactory processes and approaches by which to sustain and protect plant and animal biodiversity in the UK and abroad.

This course mainly focuses on conservation in terrestrial environments. It develops knowledge of key areas such as the principles and practices of ecology, habitat management, nature conservation and the functioning of natural systems, particularly with regard to different points of view including scientific, ethical and philosophical perspectives. Opportunities are provided to apply knowledge and understanding of conservation biology during field courses within the UK and abroad giving first-hand experience of a range of ecosystems.

A Placement Year option is available for this course. Undertaking a placement year as part of your degree programme offers you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience alongside your studies.

HUMAN BIOLOGY

Human Biology is an ever-evolving branch of science that includes the study of the human body, the changes that occur in disease, and the interaction between humans and their environment. With this in mind, the Human Biology Combined Honours curriculum has been designed to provide a contemporary and dynamic programme that challenges students across a broad base, but with depth in areas of staff specialisms.

The curriculum includes the disciplines of: anatomy and physiology of the human body, cell and molecular biology, genetics and immunology. These are covered in the context of both normal function and in contemporary disease states, including: obesity, cancer, diabetes, CVD, aging and a selection of other infectious and non-communicative diseases. Students will benefit from being taught by research-active staff with different research specialisms from across the School of Health and Sport Sciences.

Graduates will leave the programme with a rounded set of subject-specific and key-transferable skills, and with experience in a wide range of standard and specialist lab techniques. Graduates will gain experience, competence and confidence through small group learning, preparing them to succeed in a competitive and demanding employment market.