Human Biology - 2012 entry
BSc (Hons)
- single
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
You will have access to a range of facilities including our Human Performance Unit and Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit
You will have access to a range of facilities including our Human Performance Unit and Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit
Lab work
In Year 1 subjects include Human Structure and Function
This course is run by the Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
Human biology is an exciting and rapidly developing area of study, which involves the application of a range of biological techniques and knowledge to the life-science study of human beings. How is our blood pressure controlled? How are the systems of the body integrated to allow us to live in so many diverse environments? Why are some people obese while others are not? These are the types of question our Human Biology degree will address.
Human biology is a large and richly varied subject. You can either take a broad approach, based on the principles and methods of different aspects of biology, or focus on a narrower range of modules with a view to becoming a specialist. The flexible nature of this course allows you to create a degree that reflects your needs and evolves as your interests develop.
Our Human Biology degree suits students with many different interests. It will equip you with subject knowledge and transferable skills that you can apply to a whole range of roles, from a clinical perfusion scientist to a medical events organiser.
Why Brookes?
- 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.
- You gain the practical skills employers require by using our state-of-the-art equipment such as electron and confocal microscopes.
- You will get to know the other students and lecturers on your course well, as we keep our practical classes small.
- Our academics are keen to involve you in our research groups. We explore subjects such as genetic damage induced by radiation and the mechanisms of nicotine addiction.
Teaching, learning and assessment
You will be taught and assessed in a variety of ways appropriate to the knowledge and skills covered in the course. Teaching methods include lectures, practical work and small group assignments, such as the generation and presentation of posters. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on general transferable skills, such as computer use and report writing. These skills are reinforced by both teaching and practice and often form part of the assessment of individual modules.
Teaching and learning take place within a lively environment of research activity. Academic staff and postgraduate students are involved in such research areas as sports physiology, metabolic regulation and social aspects of disease. The close links that staff maintain with other subjects in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences ensure that the content of the course is up to date and reflects the changing needs of employers.
Assessment for modules is based on a combination of coursework and examination. The relative contribution of coursework and examination to the final module mark may vary between modules.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed your course, you will have:
- a sound understanding of the scientific foundation of human biology
- the knowledge to design and critically evaluate experimental procedures, and to solve practical and theoretical problems
- an appreciation of the central role of consistency in scientific methodology
- a recognition of the importance of other disciplines to the understanding of human biology
- a range of practical skills in such areas as laboratory techniques, data handling, computing, report writing, oral presentations and teamwork.
In addition to these, the passion you will have acquired while your degree in Human Biology will encourage you to engage with lifelong learning.
In detail
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Megan Field
My research project will involve two genetic disorders. Even if I find out there is no correlation, it will still be ground-breaking.
See full profile »Course content
Core modules taken in Year 1 introduce the basic concepts in human and exercise physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and nutrition. A feature of your first year is a series of tutorials with your academic adviser (a member of the teaching staff who is responsible for overseeing your academic progress while you are at university). The tutorials are designed to help you adjust to academic life at university and establish good study habits.
The selection of modules available in Years 2 and 3 allows you to develop a degree programme which reflects your particular areas of interest. You will be able to choose from a range of modules that focus on the main strands of human biology, such as physiology, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology. Or you can widen your studies by selecting modules from nutrition and exercise science.
The honours component of the degree is based on the accumulation, in your final year, of six honours-level credits. These may be chosen from a selection of honours-level modules, which can include a project. The project will involve an extended study of a topic of your choice from a suitable subject area.
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)
- Exercise Physiology and Nutrition (double)
- Human Structure and Function (double)
- Skills for Life Scientists (double)
Years 2 and 3
- Applied Human Nutrition
- Applied Physiology
- Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)
- Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology (double)
- Clinical Nutrition
- Clinical Physiology
- Energy Regulation and Obesity
- Enterprise Skills for Life Scientists
- Evidence-Based Medicine and Diagnostics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Human and Other Primates
- Human Nutrition and Metabolism
- Independent Study in Life Sciences
- Infection, Immunity and Immunology
- Integrated Physiology (double)
- Medical Physiology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (double)
- Molecular Biology of Cancer
- Molecular Medicine
- Nutrition and Exercise Genomics
- Nutritional Epidemiology
- Primate Societies
- Project (double)
- 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 will be an opportunity for you to undertake a professional placement in a clinical or research laboratory. Students 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
UCAS code
B150 BSc/HB
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
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). Students studying more than one science subject may receive a lower offer
- 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).
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 our 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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Anna Hundt
I’m a student rep for my course. You have to talk to people at lectures, find out if they’re enjoying the course and what potential improvements could be made.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study Human Biology
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 including our British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accredited laboratory in addition to our Human Performance Unit and Clinical Exercise and Rehabiltation Unit. We also have a very good range of 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 Biology
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
As scientists, all human biology graduates are at an advantage in the general career environment. In addition, with a firm grounding in physiology, biochemistry and cell and molecular sciences, human biology graduates are well prepared for careers in industry, biological organisations, college and university research and teaching, as well as medical and allied fields.
Employment prospects are varied. About half of our graduates are appointed in the science sectors, and recent graduates have gone on to medical school, become forensic scientists or taken research posts in companies or academia. The human biology graduate is also eminently well-qualified for a career in medical writing, as an exercise physiologist or as an immunology research scientist.
Further study
Due to the broad nature of our Human Biology degree, more than 20% of graduates go on to further study including second degrees, PGCEs, MScs and PhDs. Graduates have specialised in a wide range of subjects such as physiotherapy, medicine, nursing, biotechnology, psychology and plant cell biology.
