Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences)
BSc (Hons)
Key facts
UCAS code
C1C9
Start dates
September 2019 / September 2020
Course length
Full time: 3 years
Part time: part-time study is possible
Department
Department of Biological and Medical Sciences
UCAS Tariff Points
112
Overview
On our Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences) degree you will study the biology of humans at a systematic and whole human organism level. Topics include:
- physiology
- anatomy
- biochemistry
- cell biology
- neuroscience
- nutrition
- genomics.
You will also:
- work with data from molecular lab techniques
- handle and analyse genomes
- use the latest microscopy techniques to explore living cells in our Bioimaging labs
- develop the skills bioscientists need for this new era of genomics and big data.
We have a reputation for outstanding research work. And the Oxford area is an important centre for the bioscience industry. We have world class research centres like the Nuffield and Churchill hospitals on our doorstep. So you can improve your employability with active engagement in the local bioscience sector.
How to apply
Typical offers
UCAS Tariff Points: 112
A Level: BBC
IB Points: 30
BTEC: DMM
Preferred subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Human Biology and Physics.
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 112 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 112 UCAS Tariff points).
If your combination of qualifications doesn't match our typical offer, please contact our admissions tutor.
Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. This combination of A-level grades would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C), or above, including Mathematics, English Language and 2 Sciences
You must have studied science post-16, either at A-level or equivalent. If you do not have a background in science, we encourage you to consider our Life Sciences foundation year taught at Abingdon and Witney College.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.
If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Many of our courses consider applications for entry with credit for prior learning. Each application is individually assessed by our credit entry tutors.
If you would like more information about whether or not you may be eligible for the award of credit, for example from an HND, partly-completed degree or foundation degree, please contact our Admissions team.
We operate 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.
Application process
Full time Home / EU applicants
Apply through UCASPart time Home / EU applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityInternational applicants
Apply direct to the UniversityFull time applicants can also apply through UCAS
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Please note tuition fees for Home/EU students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.
Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning home and EU students at the maximum permitted level.
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Additional costs
There are some additional costs for the course including the purchase of a lab coat, safety goggles, stationary such as a lab notebook, printing and text books (though the library will have some copies). If the student opts for the placement year then there will be living costs associated with this year but we encourage students to seek a placement with a bursary or a paid placement to mitigate this. Work experience also may also incur travel costs.
Learning and assessment
You will benefit from our department’s research expertise in areas such as:
- cardiopulmonary
- renal
- reproductive physiologies
Studies in Year 1 aim to develop a firm understanding of core topics:
- cell biology
- human physiology
- anatomy
- basic science skills
Year 2 and your final year allow you to expand your studies.
You can choose modules covering subjects that include:
- genetics
- integrated physiology
- biochemistry
- molecular biology of cancer
- neuroscience
You will spend your time in practicals. You may wish to develop your scientific skills further by carrying out a research project with one of our staff members.
As well as developing your skills as a biologist, you will have the opportunity to gain invaluable professional experience. This will enhance your career prospects.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Throughout the course we focus on applying fundamental biology to real life issues. You will focus on applying your knowledge in practical settings, either in the lab or out in the field.
You have the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills. These include:
- molecular techniques
- bioinformatics
- advanced light and electron microscopy
- field-based methods for species and landscape assessment
- cutting edge methodologies for the study of evolution and developmental biology
Our teaching methods include:
- lectures
- practicals
- tutorials
- seminars
- surgeries
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Assessment is designed to shape and develop learning, not simply measure it.
Our assessment methods include:
- essays
- reviews
- examinations
- laboratory or field notebooks
- scientific reports
- posters
- oral presentations
You’ll reflect on your progress with assignment feedback together with your diaries.
Study Abroad
You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Brookes. Most exchanges take place in the second year. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.
After you graduate
Career prospects
With a firm grounding in physiology, supported by knowledge and skills in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology and molecular genetics, Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences) graduates are well prepared for careers in industry, biological organisations, college and university research and teaching, as well as medical and health-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 Biosciences 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 Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences) 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.
Free language courses
Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.