Program Overview

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Introduction to the BSc (Hons) Human Biology Program

The BSc (Hons) Human Biology is a three-year degree program, extendable to four years with an optional year in placement or abroad. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human biology, from the molecular and cellular level to the whole organism.

Overview of the Program

The program is based in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex. Students will explore the latest advances in understanding human genetics, cellular function, and disease. The program includes a range of modules, such as molecular cell biology, genetics, microbiology, and biochemistry, which provide a solid foundation for understanding human biology.

Why Choose This Course

This course is ideal for students who want to build on the foundations of biology to explore the complexity of the human body. Students will have the opportunity to add a placement year or study abroad to put their learning into practice, expand their perspective, and build confidence in professional or international settings.

Who Should Apply

This program is suitable for:

• Future biological scientists, biomedical scientists, and geneticists
• Students eager to explore the latest developments and technologies in human biology
• Those wanting to further our modern understanding of the human body, genetics, and immunology
• Practical learners wanting hands-on experience

What You Will Learn

The program covers a range of topics, including:

• Introductions to molecular cell biology, genetics, anatomy, microbiology, and biochemistry
• Genetics, including the human genome and medical genetics
• Biomedical science, including immunity, cell biology, and more
• Employability skills for the biosciences
• Specialized modules to tailor your degree

Your Learning Experience

The program offers:

• Optional study abroad year: Spend a year at one of our partner universities and experience another culture
• Optional placement year: Gain professional experience in a business or organization with university support
• Expert teaching: Learn in a lively, friendly, and supportive community with research-led study and high-quality teaching
• Specialist facilities: Access a range of equipment and facilities, from teaching labs to genome sequencing, bioimaging, and advanced microscopy

Careers and Outcomes

A BSc (Hons) Human Biology degree prepares students for diverse careers in:

• Biology: Biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, forensic science
• Health: Dental science, biomedical science, sport science and physiotherapy, radiography
• Research: Postgraduate research programs
• Education: Science communication, primary and secondary science and biology teaching

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• GCSE: Mathematics C/4, plus one of the level 3 qualifications below
• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, or Life and Health Sciences
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels or equivalent, including B in Biology (or equivalent)
• IB: 30-29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects, including 5 in Higher Level Biology or Chemistry

International and EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Please contact us for more information.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 overall, or a specified score in another equivalent test that we accept
• Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa can be found on our website

Structure

The program offers a flexible course structure with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules chosen from lists. Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.

Course Structure

• Year 1: Core modules, including Quantitative Methods for Life Sciences, Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Biochemistry of Macromolecules, General and Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Transferable Skills in Life Sciences
• Year 2: Compulsory modules, including Employability Skills for the Biosciences, Molecular Biology: Genes, Proteins and Disease, and Cell Biology, as well as optional modules
• Year 3: Compulsory modules, including Research Project in Life Sciences, as well as optional modules

Placement and Year Abroad

• On a placement year, you gain relevant work experience within an external business or organization
• On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically

Teaching and Assessment

• Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, laboratory work, assignments, and individual and group projects
• Gain experience collating and interpreting data, and reporting findings clearly and concisely
• Degrees are awarded on the results of your written examinations together with continual assessments of your practical work and coursework

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: Ł9,535 per year
• International fee: Ł24,360 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course

What's Next

• Open Days: Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex
• Applying: Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
• Visit Us: Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, our Colchester Campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.