BSc (Honours)/MSci Human Biology

UCAS code

C101

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time (including one year work placement) or three years full-time, plus one year to MSci (optional)

At a glance

Learn the fundamentals of human biology, particularly physiology and cell biology on a course that is taught by active researchers. Then take the opportunity to apply for a one-year placement and learn how to use what you have studied in the workplace. Finally, complete your education in the subject with a research project at the University or with your placement partner.

Key points
ХаGain an in depth understandingа of human anatomy and physiology.
ХаLearn from academics who are active researchers in areas such as cancer, neuroscience and pharmaceutical sciences.
ХаApply for a one-year placement in major companies like GlaxoSmithKline or in government or university research institutes.
ХаDevelop attributes valued by employersаsuch asаthe ability to communicate and problem solve.

What is human biology?
Human biology is the study of how the body works. It examines the molecular events that occur at the cellular level and how these affect the function of tissues and organs.аEvents that affect humans such as disease, nutrition and exercise and the impact of modern medicine are key aspects of this science.

About this course

This course examines how the body functions in terms of its physiology and looks in detail at cellular events, from the developing embryo to the adult. It also studies the impact of disease and genetics on the human in society.

Topics covered will include Х cell biology Х human reproduction and embryology Хаphysiology Хаbiochemistry. You then build on this knowledge using case studies that examine topics in depth, such as how the body copes with physiological and environmental extremes.

You carry out practical work to support your academic studies using our industrial standard well-equipped laboratories. At the end of each year you carry out a mini-project which applies the skills developed through the year to a human biology case-study.

Your studies benefit from the expertise of the many course lecturers active in our internationally recognised Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC).This research means we can constantly update the course and lab programme, so you stay up-to-date with the latest scientific developments.

In year three you get the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in the real world, with a paid work placement. This is an important chance to gain the experience and professional skills that can give you the all-important edge at the start of your career. Experience in a major company helps to attract the attention of future employers.

We offer you the opportunity to apply for placements in a wide range of institutions including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. Placements typically pay up to г18,000 per year. If you are unable to commit to a year, it is also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement, such as during the summer. This shorter placement can also contribute to your degree.

You then combine all the skills and knowledge that you have gained in the final year completing a research project guided by one of our research academics. This is usually completed in our laboratories at the University. However it may be possible toаdo your project back at your placement organisation. Previous project titles include 'The use of rubidium efflux assay to study hERG channels in heart muscle' and 'Characterisation of Inositol trisphosphare receptor in brain tissue'.

The optional transfer to the MSci qualification is suitable for students who achieve goodаresults in yearsаone and two.

Key areas of study
The course emphasises the physiological aspects of human biology, and includes modules in neuroscience and embryology. It also covers the important subjects of cell biology and genetics.

Associated careers

As a human biology graduate,аa variety of career opportunities are available for you in areas including Х healthcare industries Х research laboratoriesаХ pharmaceutical industries.

Graduates may also have a career in teaching or use their skills in non-scientific careers such as business and civil service.

Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate study, including research degrees (PhD), masters degrees (MSc) or go on to study dietetics and nutrition, medicine or dentistry.

Course content

Year one modules

Х human physiology and anatomy Х human reproduction and development Х cells, molecules and microbiology Х bioanalytical methods Х practical and professional skills for the human biologist

Year two modules

Х control physiology Х biochemistry and molecular biology Х cell biology Х human nutrition Х biology of disease Х practical and professional skills

Year three

Х optional work placement

Final year core modules

Х neurophysiology Х immunology Х research project Х professional practice

Final year options

Х bioethics Х bioinformatics Х human genetics Х pharmacology Х applied biochemistry Х pathological sciences

MSci year (optional)

Х research methods and statistics Х research projects

Assessment

Х examinations Х coursework Х written assignments Х tests Х group work Х practical work

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent such as Level 2 adult literacy/numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 communication/application of number) and science, plus one of the following

Х 280 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels including at least 80 points in biology or BTEC National qualifications where the subject content includes chemistry and biology modules. We do not accept general studies A level.

Х Access Ц an Access to HE Diploma from a relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.

Х successfully completing our Extended Degree in Biosciences or equivalent

You also need to demonstrate an ability to
Х study academic subjects at degree level
Х debate topics and issues
Х draw on conclusions from written material
Х study independently as well as a member of a group
Х use computers and technology associated with contemporary teaching, learning and assessment methods
Х successfully complete a range of assignments including researched essays and practical examinations

This is normally achieved by completing academic study at level three or above in the last four years.

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.

2013 entry requirements

Normally five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language, mathematics (or level 2 equivalent such as Level 2 Adult Literacy/Numeracy or Key Skills Level 2 Communication/Application of Number) and science, plus one of the following

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,880 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk