Human Biology BSc (Hons)

Human Biology BSc (Hons)
Study Human Biology at Worcester
Explore the biology of human beings, and their relationship with their environment. Our stimulating course is taught by enthusiastic, experienced tutors who have a real passion for their subject. Specialist laboratory and computing facilities are excellent and the course features a practical, hands-on emphasis. Not only does this help you to understand key concepts, it also provides you with the specialist skills demanded by employers. You will enjoy a friendly, supportive learning environment; at Worcester, you are not just another face in the crowd.
 
In your first year you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the structure and functions of living organisms appropriate to the course. In Years 2 and 3 the modules become more specialised. Subjects central to Human Biology such as Cell Biology are delivered in double modules to allow for suitable development of the subject and for the delivery of important subject-specific and generic skills.

In your final year you will undertake an Independent Study, which is a double module and must demonstrate original data. The Independent Study will have been designed in the research methods
module in Year 2. Past topics have included amplification of ancient human DNA, the effect of televised sport on blood pressure and heart rate and the antimicrobial effects of curry spices

Additional Information

Unless you are a Minor Honours student, in the final year you will also take a module that enables you to reflect on the skills you have gained on the course and prepares you for your biological career after university.
  • 220 UCAS Tariff points if you have Biology or a related subject to A2 standard,
  • 240 points if you only have Biology to AS standard
  • Students will normally be expected to have studied Biology to at least AS Level

If your qualifications are not listed, please contact the Admissions Office for advice on 01905 855111 or e-mail admissions@worc.ac.uk for advice.

Further information about the UCAS Tariff can be obtained from www.ucas.com

 

 Year One
  • Concepts of Life Science
  • Physiology of Plants and Animals
  • Introductory Human Biology
  • Technical Skills in Life Science
  • Diversity of Living Organisms
  • Scientific Study Skills
  • IT for Scientists
  • Measuring Health
  • Life Saving
  • Introduction to Life Sciences
Year Two
  • Genetics and Gene Technology
  • Research methods
  • The Human Nervous System
  • Biological Basis of Health and Disease
  • Work Experience
  • Physiology of Human Digestion
  • Environmental Nutrition
  • Microbiology
  • Aerobiology and Health
  • Geography of Health
  • Biological Cell Diversity
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Human Genetics
  • Human Biochemistry
  • Medical Forensics
Year Three
  • Independent Study
  • Human Genetics
  • Cardio respiratory Physiology
  • Work Experience
  • Mammalian Reproduction
  • Animal Development
  • Aspects of Forensic Science
  • Microbiology and Disease
  • Human Nutrition
  • Reproductive Choices and Challenges
  • Integrated Studies in Biology
  • Forensic DNA Analysis
  • Communication & Integrative Physiology
  • Pharmacology & Toxicology
  • Mammalian Reproduction

* Regular updates may mean that exact module titles on the course may differ.

There are a variety of methods used for  assessment.  Most modules are assessed using more than one type of assessment, e.g. examination and course work.

Course work assessments include seminar papers, practical reports, essays, posters and presentation.

Examinations include short tests, multiple choice, long answer, seen examinations and practical examinations.

Teaching methods include practical sessions, field work, work shops, lectures, directed study, tutorials.

In many cases, learning materials are also available via the the University of Worcester Intranet.  It is anticipated that E-Learning will become more integrated in your teaching and learning through the use of WebCT, the University's virtual learning environment.

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Human Biology BSc (Hons) B150 BSc/HBio

It is also possible to study this degree in combination with other courses. The UCAS Codes for these combinations are:

Human Biology BSc (Hons) and:

   Course Code  Short form of course
     
 Animal Biology  CC3C  BSc/ABHB
 Art & Design  WC21   Mod/ADHB
 Business Management  NC21  Mod/BMHB
 Computing  GB41  BSc/CHB
 Creative Digital Media  WCG1  Mod/CDMHB
 Ecology  C192  BSc/EcHB
 Education Studies  XC31  Mod/ESHB
 Environmental Management  NC9C  BSc/EMHB
 Geography  FC81  BSc/GHB
 Graphic Design & Multimedia  WCFC  Mod/GDMHB
 History  VC11  Mod/HHB
 Human Geography  CLC7  BSc/HBHG
 Human Nutrition  CBC4  BSc/HBHN
 Physical Education  CCD6  BSc/HBPE
 Physical Geography  CFC8  BSc/HBPG
 Psychology  CCC8  BSc/HBP
 Sociology  CLC3  Mod/HBS
 Sports Coaching Science  CC61  BSc/HBSCSc
 Sports Studies  CCC6  BSc/HBSS

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

As an Human Biologist at the University of Worcester, you will be able to develop a wide range of intellectual, practical and social skills that are much in demand by employers.  These include primary research and critical evaluation skills, communications skills, both written and oral, and a range of technical and IT skills such as the use of DNA technology, IT-based analysis, data analysis, and applied statistics.

Human Biologists, who can solve problems, look at evidence and make measured and reasoned arguments, are not only required in scientific fields but also in other fields - such as the media, retailing and finance - to ensure there is a balanced view relating to new technology and that any risks are neither under nor over stated.  There is also a need for people to be able to explain these scientific arguments in 'lay-mans' terms, not only in teaching but also in a wide range of other vocations.

Worcester Human Biology graduates are working in Primary and Secondary Teaching, Forensic Science, the Police Force, the Fire Service, Scientific and Environmental Research, the Environment Agency, Ecological Consultancy, Banking, IT and the retail trade to name a few

Student Profile:

humanplantbiomainStudent Profile:
Jade Osborn
Course: Human Biology and Plant Science Major/Minor
Hometown: Bewdley

“I was nearly put off education by the pressure of my A levels, but I decided to carry on and apply to University of Worcester, and have loved it ever since. It’s really inspired me. I started off doing the broad Biology BSc, but I changed my pathway as I discovered which areas I found particularly interesting. That’s the amazing thing about the course- you study so many diverse topics- from ecology to genetics to microbiology, but you still study in depth, with a strong practical element.” 

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To find out more about this course please contact:

Institute of Science and the Environment Admin Office
Tel: 01905 855201
e-mail: ise@worc.ac.uk

Dr Rob Herbert
Curriculum Leader
01905 855215
r.herbert@worc.ac.uk

Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or e-mail: admissions@worc.ac.uk