Biology (Human Biology)

Our Biology courses cover a broad range of fundamental topics such as cell biology and genetics, plant, animal and human biology. The core elements of the Human Biology pathway include applied anatomy and physiology, histology, microbiology and medical biology. There are a range of optional topics including biochemistry, psychology, and nutrition.

As well as learning about specific topics, you’ll develop a broad range of skills; some are specific to Biology, while others are useful in professional environments. The course is real-world focused; you’ll graduate as a professional biologist, prepared to solve a range of problems and keep up to date with scientific advances.

Year one
The first year focuses on fundamental biological topics such as cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution and classification. Compulsory elements include the study of the human body, using real-time data collected on lung and heart function, DNA analysis, and microscopic examination of tissues. Optional modules allow you to explore key biochemistry, nutrition and health, or introductory psychology.

Year two
The second year covers a range of important human, animal and plant biology. You’ll consider concepts such as ethics, biosecurity, and genetics. The ways in which humans can be affected by disease are also examined, including pathophysiology, nutrition and microbiology. The development of research skills are a focus at this level.

Optional modules in business, science publishing and psychology give more choice to your programme. There is an optional Professional Placement Year between your second and final year, giving you the opportunity to experience a relevant employment sector.

Year three
You’ll carry out an independent dissertation, analysing an area of interest in more detail. During this substantial research project you’ll be responsible for planning, implementing and analysing a biological study, for example this could be on microbiology, physiology, or biochemical analysis.

In addition, you’ll examine key concepts in medical biology including medical microbiology, pharmacology, histopathology, and haematology. You could also pursue optional topics in nutrition, food safety, animal behaviour, psychology or digital imaging.

Some modules have coursework and an examination; many are coursework only. Coursework includes scientific papers, posters, oral presentation, interviews, and reports as well as practical portfolios and skills tests. There are opportunities to choose the theme on which you are assessed, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of aspects of biology that most interest you.

You’ll be taught using a range of teaching and learning methods. Interactive lectures provide you with fundamental theory, enhanced by the practical skills you learn in the laboratory. Around half of your contact time will be in lectures, and half in practical sessions. Sessions include physiological measurements, electrophoresis, ELISA analysis, microbiological culture and identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, microscopy and field work, as well as quizzes and discussions.

You’ll benefit from one to one and group tutorials, alongside significant subject related resources provided through the virtual learning environment. Screencasts, blogs and wikis are used in support of cross-module elements such as data presentation and statistical analysis.

There is the opportunity to study abroad in your second year through the ERASMUS program with European partners including Spain, Sweden and Malta, or further afield exchanges with the United States, China and Australia.

Our students have carried out work placements with local hospital departments including pathology and sterile services, as well as local schools, council departments and research institutions. Our students also volunteer for key charities such as the British Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Society.

Employment sectors include the NHS, the blood and transfusion service, research laboratories and areas such as quality control for biological equipment manufacturers.

Some graduates have gone on to Masters level study in areas such as forensic science, environmental health, toxicology, virology, biotechnology, and the NHS Scientist Training Programme. Others have studied for a PGCE in Secondary Science teaching.

We’ll encourage you to participate in local and national science festivals, as well as business and image competitions. Each year we award five prizes to our students, including the Bath Spa University Biology Prize for best performance.

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

You'll have access to our:

• Laboratories
  Located in the Gardens area of the Newton Park campus, we have a number of well­-equipped recently refurbished laboratories dedicated to a variety of practical work. Some are used for specialist microbiological culturing and analysis, others for biochemistry and physiology.
• Low Hazard Laboratory Space
  We have ‘low ­hazard’ laboratory space where you can carry out activities such as the preparation and assessment of food, exercise or psychological studies.
• Biology Resources Room
• Commons building
• Newton Park library
• Virtual Learning Environment

All laboratory equipment – including personal protective clothing such as lab coats and safety glasses – is provided. Specialist equipment is available for undergraduate use including instruments for: chemical, physiological, environmental and DNA analysis; microbiological culturing; and microscopy. This is supported by experienced and enthusiastic technical staff.