BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences

Careers options include: biomedical research, biomedical NHS and public health laboratory assistants, medical laboratory technology, health counselling, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, health product research and development, environmental agencies, food quality control, cosmetics industry, scientific writing and publishing, teaching profession and further postgraduate study (MSc, MRes, PhD).

With regards to career options, in addition to the five ring-fenced places for transfer to medicine and dentistry after year 1 for BMS or HB, we also have the additional route for graduates of all our undergraduate programmes.

The programme also has an enhanced admissions process for medicine and dentistry. So if you are considering applying for either of these courses you may wish to consider applying to Plymouth in light of the following. Further information regarding admissions and interviews etc. is available from the medical and dental school admissions team meddent-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

• A tranche of students on track to gain 1st Class (>70 per cent) will be guaranteed an interview (NDSL)
  
• Waive the requirement for GAMSAT
  
• Entry requirement – > 70 per cent in final degree score
  
• Satisfactory in Interview
  
• OH or DBS satisfactory reports 
  
• Two year currency

• Delivered by the School of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Health and enhanced by links with healthcare professionals.
  
• A strong foundation in a broad range of bioscience disciplines underpinned by a biomolecular knowledge-base relevant to contemporary human biosciences today.
  
• Opportunities to include optional elements of psychology at each stage of the programme.
  
• Enables students to explore themes of personal interest within the biosciences at all stages.
  
• Staff with expertise in a wide range of biomedical research topics directly inform learning and teaching.
  
• Strong international reputation in translational research with significant financial investment in laboratory infrastructure.
  
• Emphasis on practical laboratory skills relevant to research and other scientific careers.
  
• Benefit from a rich and varied interdisciplinary learning environment, which includes collaboration with a wider health care education community at the University.
  
• Optional placement opportunities provide students with relevant work experience.
  
• Personal tutoring in modules throughout the programme of study.
  
• Equips graduates with the confidence, knowledge, skills and other attributes suitable for a wide variety of careers within this rapidly expanding field.
• This course has competitive entry for up to ten ring-fenced places at the end of stage one for progression onto medicine and dentistry. Applicants must meet minimum academic requirements for consideration. e.g. A levels - Minimum of AAB to include A grades in Biology, one other science from Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies will not be accepted.
  

• Year 1

• In your first year, a foundation of theory and practicals will introduce you to the most important organism – Homo sapiens, and you'll develop key graduate skills in communication, data analysis and IT.

  Core modules

  • Biomedical Investigation and Experimentation (BHCS1001)

    To introduce the learner to key elements of investigation and experimentation within the biomedical sciences and to support the development of the basic skills and knowledge required for effective practice in these discipline areas

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: Cells to Systems (BHCS1002)

    This module offers an introduction to the key anatomical features of the body and how physiological function is controlled to maintain homeostasis and health. It will commence with an exploration of cell and tissue biology and the founding principles of genetics, embryology and human development. The module will conclude with an exposition of anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems.

  • Human Metabolism (BHCS1003)

    This module offers an introduction to the biochemistry underlying human metabolism. In particular, the module explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the human body extracts energy from nutrients to sustain life. The significance of metabolic dysfunction in relation to human disease pathology and diagnosis is emphasised.

  • Human Disease (BHCS1005)

    Concepts associated with altered health states due to environmental, developmental and genetic causes are explored. Pathological changes at the cellular, tissue and organ level are discussed. Genomic and bioinformatic technologies are introduced, and their application to clinical and personalised medicine considered.

  • Infection and Immunity (BHCS1006)

    This module introduces the student to infection & immunity and the study of microorganisms with a particular emphasis on food-borne pathogens. It explores concepts of food safety, gut organisms, infectious disease and the body's ability to resist and repel such disease via a range of immune responses.

  • Study skills and personal development (BHCS1011)

    This module supports the development of key study and learning skills. Timetabled tutorials will help promote self-reflection and provide a framework for personal development planning and careers.

  • Psychobiological and Cognitive Aspects of Health Behaviour (PSYC108PP)

    This module introduces the psychology of choices and behaviour, with an emphasis on health. We will examine health behaviours, choices, and risks with a particular consideration of how these are influenced by biological and social factors. Students will have the opportunity to design and conduct a small research project in groups, with presentation of this project forming the assessment for the module

• Year 2

• The focus in your second year will be to develop a deeper understanding of human physiology and neurobiology, genetics and molecular cell biology, metabolism, infection and immunology. You'll also enhance your knowledge and practical skills in experimental and investigative techniques with a methods module.

  Core modules

  • Genetic Continuity and Diversity (BHCS2003)

    Processes which maintain genetic stability or promote genetic variation at various levels of biological organisation are considered. Applications of advances in genetics are examined in topics such as developmental genetics, epigenetics, genomics and proteomics, recombinant DNA technology, and human genetic diversity.

  • Cell Biology in Health and Disease (BHCS2004)

    This module examines the fundamental principles of cell biology in health and disease. It will include the theory and practice of cellular laboratory science and introduce the scope and practice of light microscopy and histology in clinical investigation and cellular pathology.

  • Infection, Immunity and Disease (BHCS2006)

    This module is to develop an in-depth understanding of the immune system and pathogenic infection. It highlights the integrated cellular responses that prevent infection and the underlying principles that govern these actions, and it looks at measures to prevent and control infections, including health protection measures, antimicrobial therapy and vaccination.

  • Systems Physiology: Function and Dysfunction (BHCS2018)

    This module examines human physiological mechanisms of function of major body systems at the cellular, tissue, organ and organism level. It also explores mechanisms of dysfunction at the cellular, organ and systems level. The module will emphasize relationships between structure and function and will emphasize correlations between normal physiology and pathophysiology, normal anatomy and pathology, and homeostasis and homeostatic imbalances.

  • Methods in Human Biosciences (BHCS2019)

    Laboratory studies and data analysis are essential elements of human biosciences. Practical work needs to be performed safely and efficiently within an appropriate experimental design, results described and analysed competently, and outcomes effectively presented. This module focuses on such core skills and techniques.

  • Placements and Employability (BHCS2027)

  Optional modules

  • Human Metabolism (BHCS2020)

    This module explores control and regulation of human metabolic pathways, stressing how metabolism responds to physiological fluctuations and to pathological disruptions of cellular, tissue and whole body homeostasis. It probes how disease biochemistry is exploited in clinical diagnostics and describes analytical techniques.

  • Psychology of Health and Well-being (PSYC518)

    This module draws upon concepts and theories in health psychology, clinical psychology and forensic psychology. It sets out to evaluate how these applied areas of psychology address a range of societal problems associated with health and wellbeing. Key concepts and theories which have been used to address these problems and develop relevant interventions will be also be covered.

• Year 3

• Enrich your experience and boost your career prospects by taking an optional work placement for a minimum six months full-time (or part-time equivalent). Once completed, you’ll receive the Certificate of Work Experience as valuable evidence for future employers. 

  Core modules

  • Biomedical Sciences: Placement (BHCS3030)

    This module provides an opportunity for professional training of at least 26 weeks duration with an approved placement provider or host organisation between Stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain work experience related to their degree programme, be able to apply their knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• Final year

• In your final year, you will have a choice of two personal research project modules to suit your career aspirations. A wide range of modules will develop your critical understanding of cutting-edge research.

  Core modules

  • Personal Research Project (BHCS3001)

    The module requires students to perform a self-directed research study project that includes the design, implementation, collection, analysis and interpretation of scientific data. It also involves the evaluation and interpretation of scientific literature, evaluation of current issues and concepts and the ability to reflect upon continuing professional and personal development.

  • Personal Development and Employability (BHCS3031)

    The module aims to provide personal academic support and careers guidance. It will provide a forum for students to discuss their achievements and develop plans to address potential areas of weakness and achieve future career and professional goals.

  Optional modules

  • Clinical Microbiology (BHCS3003)

    This module provides knowledge and skills that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern infection sciences laboratory. The module will develop an in-depth understanding of the commonly encountered infections, tests to identify the disease agents and the principles of antimicrobial therapy.

  • Cellular Basis of Immunity (BHCS3006)

    This module provides theoretical skills that will enable students to explore immune processes focussing on the role of immune cells and their molecules in host immune defences to pathogens and chronic diseases. Contemporary immunology research issues and their translation to clinical practice will be explored in a critical manner.

  • Current Issues in Neurobiology (BHCS3007)

    This module provides an in depth understanding of the molecular, cellular and systems mechanisms that underlies nervous system function and dysfunction related to key contemporary issues in neuroscience

  • Medical Genetics (BHCS3009)

    Medical genetics explores how genetics affects human health. Techniques for human genetic analyses are considered, and chromosomal, single gene and multifactorial disorders reviewed. The relevance of modern genetic and genomic technologies for public health and personalised medicine are examined.

  • Reproductive Science (BHCS3014)

    This module provides the theoretical underpinning that will enable students to operate effectively in a modern reproductive science laboratory. Current concepts and techniques in reproductive biology and pathology, with particular reference to infertility and assisted reproduction, will be explored in a critical manner.

  • Contemporary Issues in Human Health (BHCS3022)

    Rapid developments in the biomedical sciences are affecting many aspects of human health, and there are profound economic, social, legal and ethical implications of many recent advances. This module allows students to select topics of personal interest for in-depth study and encourages effective communication to peers and other audiences, providing good skills for future career development

  • Diet, Exercise and Chronic Disease (BHCS3024)

    This module examines the roles of diet and exercise in the development and management of chronic disease states. The focus is on the major chronic diseases - obesity, CVD, type2 diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis.

  • Applications of Psychological Theory (PSYC606)

    This module is designed to develop an advanced critical understanding of the application of psychological approaches where there have been recent advances in theory and research. Material will be drawn principally from the areas of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology We will examine how these approaches advance our understanding of people's behaviour, thoughts and feelings in different applied settings.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

BSc Human Biosciences programme specification 1391

UCAS tariff

104 - 120