Human Biosciences - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
Using the electron microsope
Using the electron microsope
In the lab
Microscopy
This course is run by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
The biosciences seek to shed light on the secrets of life - they form the basis of new developments in many disciplines of human health care, such as medicine and toxicology, and in forensic science. Our understanding of the cellular and systemic interactions within the body during both health and disease has expanded greatly in recent years. Treatments of infections, cancers and genetic disorders continue to develop as the biosciences advance our knowledge of how the human body works.
Oxford Brookes has an international reputation for outstanding research work in the biological and medical sciences and the Oxford area is an increasingly important European centre for the bioscience industry.
Why Brookes?
- Since Human Biosciences is a combined honours course, you can broaden your studies by combining it with another subject from across the university. Go to the Combine with... tab to find out which combinations are available.
- You will get the opportunity to go on exciting work placements to enhance your career opportunities through our established links with local bioscience organisations and hospitals.
- We keep practical classes small so you'll get to know the other students and lecturers on your course well, and you'll gain the practical skills employers require by using our state-of-the-art equipment such as electron and confocal microscopes.
- Oxford Brookes has an international reputation for outstanding research work in the biological and medical sciences and you will have opportunities to work alongside our researchers on projects. We explore subjects such as genetic damage induced by radiation and the mechanisms of nicotine addiction.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, practicals, tutorials, seminars and surgeries. Human Biosciences is a hands-on subject and we have a good range of equipment and specialised laboratories. You will also have the opportunity to attend seminars given by visiting speakers from around the world.
Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework may consist of practical reports, essays, seminar presentations or numerical problems.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed the course, you will have:
- an understanding of the main principles, theories and concepts underlying modern biological sciences and their applications in different situations
- the skills required to practise the major techniques in biotechnology competently and safely
- the ability to formulate and implement effective research strategies to solve problems in biological sciences
- an awareness of the safety legislation concerning substances hazardous to health and genetically modified organisms
- a range of transferable skills in such areas as written and verbal communication, organising and evaluating information, using information technology and working independently and in teams.
In detail
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Course content
Year 1 modules develop a sound understanding of topics including cell biology, physiology, biochemistry and study skills. Academic advisers support all first year students through tutorials, designed to oversee your progress and help you adjust to university life.
Year 2 and final year modules include a broad range of disciplines, investigating, at a deeper level, topics explored in year 1, and expanding your studies to include molecular medicine, integrated physiology and microbiology.
All modules involve practical work, supported by excellent facilities and experienced staff. You also have the opportunity to carry out an extensive final-year project, alongside members of our research groups.
As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown below.
Year 1
- Biology of Cells (double)
- Chemistry of Cells (double)
- Human Structure and Function (double)
- Skills for Life Scientists (double)
Year 2 and final year
- Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)
- Evidence Based Medicine and Diagnostics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Independent Study in Life Sciences
- Infection, Immunity and Immunology
- Integrated Physiology (double)
- Interdisciplinary Project
- Medical Physiology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (double)
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Molecular Medicine
- Research Methods for Life Scientists
- Science and Humanity
- Special Study in Life Sciences
- Work Experience
Work placements
Before the final year of your course, there is an opportunity for you to undertake a professional placement in a research laboratory. You are encouraged and assisted to take part.
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: part-time study is possible
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September
2012
Combine with...
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This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
BLC6 Mod/IQAN
Education Studies
XC39 Mod/IQWD
Environmental Sciences
BF17 BSc/IQEV
Mathematics
BGC1 BSc/IQMA
Psychology
BCD8 BSc/IQPS
Statistics
BG13 Mod/IQST
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
Tuition fees
International students
Full-time: £11,750
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: Level 3 at grade C, including A-level Science at grade C or equivalent
Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer.
We seek to admit students who have the potential to make good scientists and accept that qualifications are not the only indicator of future potential. Typical offers also include:
- A-level grades BB plus 2 AS-levels at grade C (equivalent to 280 UCAS tariff points)
- 1 12-unit vocational A-level at grade BB plus 1 A-level or 2 AS-levels at grade C
- other recognised qualifications, eg BTEC Nationals or Scottish qualifications (equivalent to 280 UCAS points).
Human Biosciences is a combined honours only. Normally the offer will lie between the offer quoted for each subject.
If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our Admissions Tutor.
Specific entry requirements
A-level: You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent qualification (see typical offers). Preferred A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Human Biology and Physics.
GCSE: Mathematics, English Language and Double Integrated Science (or equivalent) at grade C minimum
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Human Biosciences
Oxford is home to leading health care providers such as the Oxford Radcliffe NHS Hospitals Trust providing excellent work experience and career opportunities.
Recognised as one of Europe's leading centres of enterprise, innovation and scientific knowledge, Oxfordshire is also a bioscience hotspot with the Oxford, Milton, Begbroke and Harwell Science Parks in the county.
Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.
In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.
Specialist facilities
Students will have access to a range of facilities and equipment, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), confocal and electron microscopes, and specialised laboratories for tissue culture, microbiology, physiology and cell biology.
Support for students studying Human Biosciences
Our Personal and Academic Support System (PASS) is gaining national and international recognition for its proactive approach to personal tutoring. It recognises that students need to make various adjustments as they move into higher education, whether from school or employment.
The system encompasses three elements:
- a structured group tutorial programme
- an academic adviser who will help you to plan your degree programme and future career
- interaction with other students on your course.
The first stage includes regular seminars covering a wide range of subjects including research skills, understanding assessment criteria and making the most of coursework feedback. Our programme also helps students adjust to university life by developing their transferable skills.
Secondly, our academic staff monitor your progress regularly to check that you are maximising your potential. If you experience academic difficulties we can arrange for you to receive academic mentoring support.
Thirdly, if you are faced with challenges that affect your ability to study, such as illness, bereavement, depression, financial difficulties or accommodation issues, we will work with you in finding a way forward. Please talk to your academic adviser or our student support team. Oxford Brookes also offers a range of excellent services to support you.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
Our graduates enjoy good career prospects with diverse destinations, from medical school and teaching to local authorities and research laboratories. As many as 50% of our graduates each year are appointed to research posts in universities, research institutes or biotechnology companies, while others pursue careers allied to medicine and health care.
Further study
About a quarter of our graduates go on to further study, such as Master's, PhDs or PGCEs.
