Human Biology (with Foundation Year)

The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.

Fundamentals of Human Biology

This highly applied first-year module introduces students to the core principles of Human Biology, combining essential theory with hands-on laboratory experience. You will develop foundational lab skills and experimental techniques relevant to the biosciences, including spectroscopy and enzymology, while also gaining a grounding in the ‘chemistry of life’.

The module places strong emphasis on practical lab classes, helping you apply knowledge to understand and interpret biological data. A key focus is building competency in essential lab techniques, alongside risk assessment and safe laboratory practice. In addition, you will begin developing vital transferable skills, such as scientific writing, data interpretation, presenting information, referencing, teamwork, and critical analysis. These skills not only enhance success in the human biology degree but also improve future employability prospects.

Biological Systems

This module provides a comprehensive foundation in Human Biology, focusing on the structure and function of the human body, its major systems, and how dysfunction leads to disease. You will study body systems at multiple levels — from cells and tissues to organs and system integration through neural and hormonal control.

Key systems covered include the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, renal, endocrine, and immune systems. You will also explore the fundamentals of cell biology, such as cell structure, cell division, the cell cycle, and respiration, along with an introduction to genetics, heredity, and human evolution. Practical elements of this module include exposure to laboratory and clinical tests, as well as insights into emerging technologies like AI in biological system assessment.

By the end of this module, you will have a strong foundation of knowledge and practical understanding to support further study within the human biology course.

Immunology

As a core branch of Human Biology, this module develops your understanding of the body’s defence systems, including innate, active, passive, and adaptive immunity. You will also explore both acute and chronic inflammatory processes, giving you deeper insight into disease mechanisms and biological dysfunction in the human body.

Molecular Biology

This module focuses on the structure and function of the key biological molecules that control cellular function and activity. You will study DNA, RNA, and proteins while examining how molecular biology is applied in areas such as medical diagnostics and forensic science. Through these examples, you will see the real-world impact of molecular biology within modern science and medicine.

Human Diseases

This module explores the pathophysiological basis of major human diseases across a variety of organ systems, including chronic, infectious, and age-related conditions. You will study the nature and progression of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), gastrointestinal pathologies, respiratory disorders, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.

In addition, you will investigate the microbiome, dysbiosis, and the fundamentals of epidemiology. This includes an introduction to surveillance techniques and analytical approaches used to monitor and respond to diseases, providing a multidisciplinary perspective that underpins the human biology degree.

Investigative Methods in Disease Biology and Practical Techniques in Molecular and Cellular Biology

During the second year of the human biology course, you will build on your laboratory and research skills through advanced practical sessions and seminars. These practicals include assessing biomarkers of health and disease, DNA extraction and amplification, antigen/antibody blood typing, and bacterial identification.

This module is designed to strengthen both subject-specific and transferable skills, while increasing your confidence in applying different research methodologies. The emphasis on investigation and problem-solving prepares you directly for your final-year research project in Human Biology.

Degenerative Disease Biology

In the second year of the human biology course, you will continue advanced laboratory-based practicals and seminars designed to enhance both your subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Practical work includes assessing bone density and electromyography (EMG) in health and disease, as well as quantification techniques such as Western blotting.

Oncology and Immunology

This specialist module provides an in-depth study of cancer biology and immunology, exploring the complex interactions between the immune system and tumour cells. You will gain insight into how the immune system can both inhibit and promote tumour growth, providing the foundation for understanding modern cancer therapies.

Cell Signalling

This module builds on your molecular biology and biochemistry knowledge to explore cell-signalling pathways in detail. You will learn how cells communicate to regulate functions and maintain homeostasis, and how dysregulation can lead to diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and asthma. Research-informed teaching links contemporary disease examples to cell-signalling mechanisms, reinforcing your practical and theoretical understanding.

Pharmacology and Research Methods

This module develops both theoretical and practical knowledge of disease treatment and clinical trial design. You will study topics such as drug-receptor interactions and gene technology while enhancing your critical reading and research skills in preparation for your final-year research project.

Clinical Genetics

In this contemporary module, you will explore conditions with a known or probable genetic origin. Topics include mutations and epigenetics, providing insight into one of the fastest-growing areas of biological research.

Human Biology Research Project

The Human Biology degree culminates in an independent research project or integrated dissertation in your final year. You will apply skills developed throughout the first and second years to plan and execute a 15-credit research project, or a 30-credit integrated dissertation if undertaking a combined honours pathway. Projects may be lab-based or systematic literature reviews.

Support includes research methods tutorials and supervisory meetings, covering quantitative and qualitative research skills, experimental design, good laboratory practice, health and safety, legal and ethical considerations in human research, and data analysis, including statistics. This experience equips students with the expertise and confidence to pursue careers in research, healthcare, or further study.