Program Overview

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Human Biology & Physiology BSc/MSci

Human Biology & Physiology offers a broad and engaging exploration of the human body. Human biology covers the structure and function across the lifespan, in health and disease, and examines the interplay between biology and lifestyle. Physiology, the science of life, aims to understand the mechanisms of living things, from cell function at the ionic and molecular levels to the integrated behaviour of the whole body and the influence of the external environment.

This program features a diverse curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experiences. You will study how the body adapts to everyday challenges and disease and learn about contemporary research methods with applications to real-world challenges, such as healthcare and climate change. This integrated approach to molecular, cellular, systems, and whole-body function distinguishes human biology & physiology from other life sciences.

Our staff includes leading researchers and academics dedicated to inspiring you to expand your understanding and reach your full potential.

You will benefit from a diverse and engaging learning environment that incorporates a wide range of active learning methods, designed to deepen your understanding and foster critical thinking. In addition to interactive workshops and seminars, many of our laboratory classes are supported by multimedia resources, ensuring an engaging and practical learning experience.

Programme Structure

• September start
• Session dates
• Human Biology & Physiology BSc (Hons): C1W3 4 year degree
• Human Biology & Physiology MSci: 5 year degree
• Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc.
• Glasgow: Gilmorehill campus
• Professionally accredited
• Study abroad available

Life Sciences at Glasgow

Our flexible Life Sciences degrees challenge you to apply the theory of the classroom in practical situations, in the lab or in the field. We offer an extremely wide range of courses in human and animal biology, biomolecular sciences, infection and immunity.

Our aim is to offer internationally competitive degrees that meet the needs of todays science graduates. To achieve this aim, we utilise the research and teaching strengths of the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences to provide our graduates with the skills necessary for success in any chosen career.

We have a large and diverse student body, which includes Scottish, UK, EU and international students. We regularly welcome visiting and exchange students, and we believe in the many advantages our students gain from adding an international dimension to their studies.

Our strengths include:

• substantial flexibility within our range of degree programmes
• an opportunity for you to gain experience working or studying abroad
• annual field courses to destinations around the globe
• access to the Universitys world-renowned museums of Anatomy and Zoology
• top-quality student experience.

Our Museums

The Hunterian at the University of Glasgow is home to over a 1.5 million magnificent items, ranging from meteorites to mummies and Mackintosh drawings to moose antlers. The Zoology, Palaeontology, Entomology, Geology and Anatomy collections are a fantastic resource for Life Sciences students. The majority of these natural sciences collections can be accessed through The Hunterian Collections Study Centre at Kelvin Hall, or viewed at the Hunterian Museum in the Gilbert Scott Building. There are also two departmental museums:

• Zoology Museum
• Anatomy Museum

Programme Structure

Year 1

You will build a strong foundation in modern biology, while developing key laboratory and transferable skills, including critical analysis and data handling. In addition, you will study aspects of chemistry, either through a dedicated chemistry course or a more general course in chemistry, physics, and mathematics for students without a strong chemistry background. You will also choose a third subject from a wide range of options to complement your studies.

Year 2

You will expand your knowledge of fundamental biological concepts and begin to specialise in human biological sciences. In addition, you will take a complementary course aligned with your interests, such as infection biology, biomolecular sciences, or another chosen subject.

You will also study other subjects in years 1 and 2: see Flexible degrees.

Years 3, 4 and 5

If you progress to Honours (Years 3 and 4), you will engage with human biology & physiology at an advanced level, shifting the focus from foundational theoretical knowledge to scientific inquiry and real-world applications. This deeper exploration will enhance your understanding of human biology and its practical relevance. You will study areas such as cellular physiology, human nutrition, and the anatomy and physiology of body systems, while also examining changes that occur with ageing and disease. Practical experience in laboratory techniques, including cardiovascular and respiratory function assessments, as well as molecular methods, will be key components of your studies.

Throughout these years, you will engage with current research, enabling you to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. In your final year, you will work closely with an expert to complete an independent project, applying the knowledge and skills you have gained to further develop your critical thinking and career-relevant competencies. Additionally, you will choose from advanced Honours courses that align with your interests and career aspirations.

Human Biology & Physiology is available as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year between year 3 and the final year of the degree, typically spent doing research in industry either in the UK or abroad. Entry to the MSci is by competitive application at the end of year 2.

Course Details

Year 1

• Biology 1A
• Biology 1B
• And dependent on entry grades in Chemistry either:
  • Chemistry 1
• OR
  • Science Fundamentals-1X and Science Fundamentals-1Y Students then choose an additional 40 credits from a range of science and non-science courses.

Year 2

• Fundamental Topics in Biology 2
• Human Biological Sciences 2 Students are encouraged to choose other Biology courses for their remaining 60 credits usually at least one from:
• Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
• Contemporary Issues in Biology 2
• Microbiology and Immunology 2
• Genes, Molecules & Cells 2

Year 3

• Human Biology and Physiology 3A
• Human Biology and Physiology 3B

Year 4

All students will undertake a research project consisting of one of the following types:

• Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
• Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
• Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
• Life Sciences Internship Honours Project Plus one Compulsory course:
• Current Topics in Human Biology and Physiology 4X core And at least two of the recommended option courses below (the availability of these courses may differ from year to year depending on staff availability and student demand).
• [[[BIOL4007]]]
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 4A option
• Cardiovascular Science 4A option
• Physical Activity and Public Health 4Y option
• Cardiometabolic Health & Physical Activity 4B option
• Problems in Human Reproduction 4B option
• Stem Cells 4D option
• Bio-Imaging in the Life Sciences 4D option
• Performance Enhancing Techniques 4D option
• Functional Foods 4D option
• Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 1) 4Y option
• Statistics for the Life Sciences (Sem 2) 4E option The remaining 20 credits may be chosen from other life sciences final year option courses.

Entry Requirements

for entry in 2026

Summary of entry requirements for Human Biology & Physiology

• SQA Higher entry requirements
  • ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
  • Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
  • Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
  • Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either).
• **SQA Higher adjusted entry requirements*** (by end of S5 or S6)
  • MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*)
  • MD40 : AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
  • Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
• Widening Participation Articulation Programmes
  • The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree.
• A-level standard entry requirements
  • AAB BBB
  • Additional requirements: A-level Biology or Chemistry.
• IB standard entry requirements
  • 34 (6,5,5)
  • Additional requirements: HL Biology or Chemistry.

Entry requirements for advanced entry to Human Biology & Physiology

Applicants who achieve exceptional grades in their Advanced Highers, A-levels or International Baccalaureate may be considered for advanced entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes.

• SQA Higher requirements for advanced entry
  • Advanced Highers AAA including Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
• A-level requirements for advanced entry
  • Three A-levels at grades A*AA which include Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
• IB requirements for advanced entry
  • 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
• Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
  • TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
    • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.
  • Pearsons PTE Academic
    • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
    • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • Oxford English Test
    • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • LanguageCert Academic SELT
    • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • Password Skills Plus
    • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • Trinity College Tests
    • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
    • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
  • University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
    • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
  • School Qualifications
    • IGCSE English First Language, grade C
    • IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
    • A Level English, grade C
    • International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
    • International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
    • SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
    • SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
  • International School Qualifications
    • Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
    • Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
    • European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
    • Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
    • France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalaur饌t Fran軋is International (BFI) grade 12
    • Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
    • Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
    • Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
    • India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
    • Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
    • Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
    • Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
    • Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grade C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
    • South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
    • Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullst舅digt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
    • Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C

Career Prospects

You will gain a broad set of skills applicable to a wide range of science-related careers, including biomedical research, healthcare, science and education, as well as other graduate roles in fields such as marketing and management.

Our graduates find employment in diverse areas, including biomedical research, hospital and industry laboratories, clinical trials, allied health professions, publishing and digital media. Many also pursue professional training in medicine, teaching, and allied healthcare, while others continue their studies with postgraduate courses in fields such as cardiovascular science, stratified medicine, and public health.

Accreditation

This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Degrees and UCAS Codes

When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:

• BSc (Hons)
  • Human Biology & Physiology: C1W3 (4 years)
• MSci
  • Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where youre from: see Tuition fees for details.

Scholarships

The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than ｣1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.

• University of Glasgow/Glasgow International College University Degree Progression Scholarships
• Little Helpers Scholarship
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU)
• World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship
• World Changers RUK Excellence Scholarship
• Beaconhouse Schools
• World Changers RUK Access Bursary
• Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary
• Undergraduate Talent Scholarships
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
• Travel Bursaries
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship

How to Apply

Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.

Application Deadlines

• 15 October : if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
• 14 January : all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
• 30 June : international students.

We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.

It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.