Brand new facility opened January 2021
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I honestly can’t think of a subject that would better increase your appreciation of being alive than Human Biology. I really recommend coming to study Human Biology at Christ Church.
Stuart, Human Biology student
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This course is also available with a Foundation Year.
Human Biology with Foundation Year
Overview
Human Biology is at the core of a rapidly expanding sector, offering the opportunity to participate in specialist training that can accommodate a range of career aspirations within healthcare or biomedical research.
This course provides a unique blend of fundamental Biology integrated with aspects of Sport and Exercise Science. You will study normal human form and function as well as the processes that occur during the development of disease.
You will also study genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Emphasis is placed on laboratory work as part of the course enabling you to develop strong practical skills and you will have the opportunity to get involved with ongoing research relevant to the field of human biology.
Why study Human Biology?
If you're interested in studying the structure and function of the human body along with sport and exercise physiology then this is the course for you.
Our Human Biology course combines the life sciences that are underpinned by fundamental biology with aspects of sports science, making it a challenging and highly appropriate degree if you are planning a career in scientific research or healthcare.
Entry requirements
GCSE English or IELTS equivalent, GCSE Maths, and 88-112 UCAS points, ideally including at least two grade C at A level in two science subjects, preferably Biology and Chemistry.
For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated web page.
88-112
UCAS Points
All about the course
The course emphasises the development of practical and employment skills in our newly opened, state-of-the-art laboratories. You’ll learn how to apply a theoretical scientific knowledge base to real-world problems that are crucial to human health and our sustainable future.
The variety of modules you take will help you to build a holistic view of the physiological processes that define human form and function, both at rest and in exercise, and explore the changes that occur during the development of disease.
You will also learn how to evaluate your own scientific data and that of others, by critically discussing research findings using a variety of communication techniques. You will be able to integrate these skills and demonstrate them in written reports and oral presentations.
How you’ll learn
Level 4:
- Biochemistry 1
- Statistics and Introduction to R Software
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Microbiology and human Health
- Human Anatomy and Introduction to Human Physiology
- Biochemistry 2
Level 5:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology 1
- Neurobiology and Neuroscience
- Human Genetics
- Human Anatomy and Physiology 2
Optional modules at Level 5:
- Human Disease
- Work Placement
- Sport and Exercise Training
- Nutrition for Sport and Exercise
Level 6:
- Honours Project in Human Biology (40 credits)
- Immunology and Cancer Biology
- Human Reproduction and Development
You will be taught through a combination of blended learning with workshops, laboratory practicals and seminars.
Workshops will enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures. In addition, you will meet with your Personal Academic Tutor at least once each semester, but you are encouraged to arrange additional meetings as required.
You will use industry-standard software. You will also have access to specialist facilities and equipment throughout your course.
In the final year, you will conduct an independent research project that can cater to your particular interests and skills development. You will be supervised by a member of our academic team and guided in undertaking independent research, data analysis and presentation of your results. Depending on the topic of your project, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner on an industry-relevant research project.
Your actual contact hours depend on the option modules you select.
When not attending workshops, practical sessions or other timetabled activities, you will continue learning through self-study that will be structured for you by the module leader for each module. Typically, this involves reading journal articles and books, engaging with online learning materials (videos, quizzes etc.), undertaking research in the library, working on projects, and preparing for coursework assignments/examinations, workshops and seminars.
Your module tutor will direct you towards specific readings and/or activities to complete before class.
For the Honours Project module in final year, you will undertake independent research. You will work under the supervision of a member of our academic team, with support of other members of the teaching team where necessary. You will meet with your supervisor regularly.
The team consists of highly qualified academics. They have a range of expertise and experience.
All our team members hold doctoral and teaching qualifications. They are research-active. They have experience in delivering research-informed teaching. You should note members of the teaching team might change. Postgraduate students sometimes assist in teaching and assessing some modules. However, experienced academics teach the vast majority of lectures and seminars.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment
The course provides you with opportunities to test your understanding of the subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark.
There is also a formal or 'summative' assessment element for each of the modules. Assessment methods a range of coursework assessments, such as laboratory reports, literature reviews, skills assessments, presentations and your final year major project. Some modules also have a formally assessed exam. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Typically, there will be two coursework assessments weighted at 50% and 40% and a practical skills portfolio weighted at 10%. Some modules will have an exam that replaces the 50% piece of coursework.
Feedback
You will receive feedback on all practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback on examination performance is available upon request from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and you are encouraged to discuss it with your module leader or personal academic tutor.
We aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of hand-in (formal coursework assessment).
Your future career
On completion of your degree, you could follow any one of a wide variety of future graduate-entry career paths. Employment areas for Human Biology graduates include those within the NHS or the wider healthcare sector, in sales and marketing of healthcare and diagnostic products, within diagnostic and clinical laboratories, and in research and development for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries. Alternatively, you may wish to continue on to further study, such as postgraduate medicine.
Fees
The 2022/23 annual tuition fees for this course are:
| UK** | Overseas*** | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 | £14,500 |
| Full-time - placement year | £1,850 | N/A |
| Part-time | £4,625 | £7,250 |
Tuition fees for all courses are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
Please read the 2022/23 Tuition Fee Statement for further information regarding 2022/23 tuition fees and year on year fee increases.
**Home (UK) Fees
The fees above are for the 2022/23 academic year but may be subject to change following any announcements by the UK Government (approved by Parliament) regarding maximum Undergraduate tuition fee caps for 2022/23.
In addition, the University reserves the right to increase all full-time and part-time Undergraduate tuition fees mid-course, in line with any further inflationary increase in the Government tuition fee cap which is approved by Parliament. The University will publish information about any changes to tuition fees on its website.
***Overseas Fees (including EU fees):
Undergraduate Overseas tuition fees for International students are not subject to the Government’s regulations on maximum tuition fees.
Students with an Overseas fee status will be eligible for an International student Scholarship fee discount of £1,500, which will be applied to all Full-time Undergraduate courses with a tuition fee of £14,500.
Students with an EU fee status will be eligible for the EEA Transition Scholarship. Further details can be found here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/fees-and-funding/international-student-fees-and-funding
- Read advice about funding your degree
- See information about the financial support available for undergraduate studies
- If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact accounts.receivable@canterbury.ac.uk
- For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk
Specialist Facilities
This course is associated with the university’s Industry Liaison Labs at Discovery Park, Sandwich. You will have the opportunity to undertake laboratory work at this site. The location of these specialist facilities within an industrial setting facilitates access to and collaboration with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Industry Links
The University’s Industry Liaison Lab works with many companies in healthcare research and development, drug discovery and equipment design and manufacture.
"Venomtech have been very impressed with our partners at Canterbury Christ Church University, this partnership has enabled us to progress projects much faster than we could on our own. This includes being able to generate novel data on the use of our products through student projects, advancing research into new antibiotics and cancer therapies from venoms and increasing the understanding of invertebrate welfare. Generation of this proof of concept data has, and continues to have, a positive influence with our potential customers and therefore our business. I also impart my 10+ years industrial drug discovery experience directly to the students as part of the Drug Discovery and Development module.
As a science employer in the area, Venomtech benefit greatly from being directly involved in the curriculum to make sure the new graduates have the skills useful to employers. This includes an understanding of applied drug discovery that will make CCCU graduates stand out from others in job interviews.”
Steve Trim, CEO, Venomtech Ltd
Regulated by the Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) regulates Canterbury Christ Church University. The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. It aims to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. Further details about its work are available on the OfS website.
Apply now
I would like to start
I would like to study
Duration:
3 yearsUCAS code:
B100Location(s):
CanterburyAny questions?
Email us
courses@canterbury.ac.uk
Phone us
+44 (0)1227 928000
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