Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Integrates topics in human physiology, cell biology and biochemistry extended from year one study, to consider the physiological control and feedback mechanisms of the human body, maintaining a healthy state of homeostasis. The biochemical and hormonal control and integration of metabolic reactions, particularly relating to energy balance, is also discussed. The module examines the role of diet and exercise in relation to maintaining healthy body mass. Links between poor diet and lack of exercise, obesity and diabetes are discussed, preparing students for future considerations of global health challenges relating to these lifestyle choices. You will also integrate learning from this module, together with learning from Microorganisms in Human Health and Disease in a course-based, integrated assessment module Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease which focuses on the association between gut microbiota and human health and disease.  

Compulsory

This module explores prokaryotes and other microbes as commensals, agents of disease and as sources of antibiotics. Increasing evidence highlights the important role of our diverse gut microbiome to modulate metabolic processes and to protect against disease. Methods to study this diversity including contemporary molecular based techniques will be discussed, alongside the consequences of dysbiosis and the development of disease states. Pathogenic interactions between microorganisms, both cellular (bacteria, fungi and parasites) and viral, with human and nonhuman hosts will be explored. The module will also consider how human behaviour has impacted on microbial evolution, such as the selection of antibiotic resistance, and the use of microorganisms as antibiotic sources. You will also integrate learning from this module, together with learning from Human Physiology: Health and Homeostasis in a course based integrated assessment module Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease which focuses on the association between gut microbiota and human health and disease.  

Compulsory

explores natural genetic variation and epigenetics in humans. Genetic studies in humans are complex for both ethical reasons and because of limitations imposed by natural variation. Thus, the module will also consider the uses of model organisms for genetic studies. Topics addressed will include how tissue-specific gene expression, chromatin and DNA modifications, heterozygosity and dominance effects affect gene expression and phenotypes. Methods to analyse genetic variation, gene expression and new ways to explore the causes of disease phenotypes will be discussed. 

Compulsory

Mental disorders have significant impacts on health and have social and economic consequences worldwide. This module introduces you to the applied physiology of the brain and nervous system. The physiological disruption of normal processes of neurotransmission, resulting in disorders of movement, memory, behaviour, anxiety and mood are discussed.

Compulsory

Explores the role played by our immune system in both health and disease. The module will consider both the innate and adaptive immune responses and their actions to protect the host in cases of pathogen attack. It will also explore how chronic inflammation, rather than being protective, is now recognised as a determining factor in several non-communicable diseases. Dysfunctions of the immune system, including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency will also be covered, alongside immune responses to transplants and manipulation of the immune system for therapeutic purposes. 

Compulsory

This module investigates how modern lifestyles, and our changing environment are affecting human health both positively and negatively. The module considers the physiological consequences of the rapid changes resulting from increased urbanisation. You will be exploring research related to addressing UN sustainable development goal 3 – Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages; UN sustainable development goal 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; and UN sustainable goal 10 - Reduce inequality within and among countries. The module will also focus on the importance of effective communication of scientific knowledge to lay audiences to advance understanding and to influence behavioural change and policy decisions.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes. 

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide result from non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and diabetes mellitus. In this module, current research approaches to dissect and understand the mechanisms underlying the development of these conditions is discussed, including the impact of lifestyle choices and behaviours. Learning from this module will also be integrated with learning from Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges in an integrated course-based assessment focussing on the health challenges of multiple conditions Multimorbidity: An Emerging Health Challenge.

Compulsory

This module focuses on the varied infectious disease challenges that affect human populations in different communities worldwide. It discusses the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging diseases, the increasing problems of healthcare acquired infection, the rise of antibiotic resistance and strategies to counter this. It will also consider the continuing global burden of neglected tropical diseases. This module relates to Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the target to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable disease. Learning from this module will also be integrated with learning from Metabolic Non-Communicable Disease in an integrated course-based assessment focussing on the health challenges of multiple conditions Multimorbidity: An Emerging Health Challenge.  

Compulsory

In this module, you will prepare for your final year research project and for life after graduation. The module will support you through the process of defining your research question, planning your experiments and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module is designed to enhance skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will be required to submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and logistics. The module will also consider how novel ideas and findings can be harnessed to deliver commercial value. The multidisciplinary nature of enterprise and innovation, opportunities for commercial development of ideas and an awareness of intellectual property will be discussed. 

Compulsory

The structure of populations around the world is changing due to advances in health care and disease management. Human life expectancy has increased by more in the past 40 years than in the previous 4000 years. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time spent in poor health. Thus, ageing potentially represents the greatest health challenge for the 21st century. This module focuses on the cellular and molecular changes that occur during the human lifespan with a focus on processes associated with ageing. Changes in the ability of tissues to regenerate, cellular and DNA damage, circadian rhythm and hormonal alterations and aberrant protein folding resulting in disease phenotypes are considered. 

Compulsory

Our increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment such that therapies may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. This module will consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. It will also consider how applicable these approaches are worldwide.  

Compulsory

The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of Human Biosciences. This module follows from Research Proposal and Graduate preparedness for Biosciences and you will implement your research proposal in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. Thus, this module, together with Research Proposal and Graduate preparedness for Biosciences provides a capstone experience and is a key requirement for graduation with an Honours classification. You will be supported and guided by your supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve your research ideas, based on reflective practice. The skills and competencies developed during the project period that enhance employability will be articulated in a short personal skills reflection.

Compulsory