Program Overview

Overview

Prepare for our BSc (Hons) Human Biology and Infectious Diseases (HBID) degree with our foundation year, which provides a basic understanding of biological principles that underpin the field. This course is ideal for those with an interest in human biology and infectious diseases or those who wish to enter a related career but lack the necessary scientific background.

Course Details

Foundation Year

The introductory foundation year is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of human and natural sciences, taking into account the integrated and multidisciplinary nature of human biology and infectious diseases.

• Biological Principles: Explore the characteristics of plant and animal cells, their interactions with micro and macro environments, and learn about the diversity of animal and plant life in a range of ecosystems.
• Chemical Principles: Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the periodic table, classification within chemistry, reaction processes and quantities, and the fundamentals of organic chemistry.
• Scientific Methods: Develop practical skills in the fields of biological, chemical, and environmental science, including the use of glassware and instrumentation, developing data recording and analysis skills, and foundational laboratory training.
• Professional Communications: Develop academic practice and professionalism through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminars.
• Data Handling: Develop skills for the application of statistical and mathematical methods and practice using Information Technology for effective presentation and communication of data and ideas.
• Science for Health: Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health.

BSc Degree

Course Delivery

Explore fascinating and relevant subjects, including parasitology, pathophysiology, and molecular genetics. Gain insight into disease diagnosis and treatment while refining your practical laboratory and research skills.

Learning Experience

This course has a hands-on focus, enabling you to develop the practical skills you need for a career in laboratory research in a wide range of industry sectors. You will be taught by expert academics and technicians who undertake cutting-edge research in our Biomedical Research Centre.

Industry Placement

You will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, a tutor will support you, monitor your progress, and assess your final placement report.

Year One

• Molecules to Microbes: Focus on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms.
• Genetics: Explore the framework of genetics, covering areas from DNA fingerprinting and DNA/RNA editing to ethics and conservation biology.
• Human Anatomy: Introduce aspects of Human Anatomy/Embryology and enable the appreciation of structure-function relationships.
• Biological Skills: Develop practical laboratory skills employed in biological laboratory practice.
• Study Skills: Develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year one and beyond.
• Cell Biology: Provide a broad cell biology knowledge base, building a solid foundation of key scientific content relevant to subsequent modules.

Year Two

• Molecular Genetics: Enable students to gain practical skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics.
• Introduction to Parasitology and Infectious Diseases: Provide a comprehensive lecture programme and directed reading, enabling students to gain knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases.
• Biological Research Skills: Develop an ability to understand the basics of scientific research.
• Microbial Communities and Interactions: Build knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in microbiology.
• Pathophysiology: Learn the inter-related nature of human disease and major diagnostic approaches.
• Human Physiology: Investigate the function of major organ systems and how they regulate homeostasis.

Year Three

• Human Genetics: Expose students to the recent developments in the field of human genetics.
• Biology of Parasites: Study the importance of human and animal parasites, in relation to medical, veterinary, or wildlife aspects.
• Choose one of the following optional modules:
  • Advances In Pathophysiology: Explore methods used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
  • Clinical Immunology: Provide an in-depth view of the basic components of the immune system and how these influence human diseases.
  • Antimicrobial Resistance: Threats and Solutions: Investigate diverse solutions to the crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases: Study the maintenance and transmission of infectious diseases of veterinary or zoonotic interest.
• Choose one of the following final year project options:
  • Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills: Develop independent research skills, including data analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study.
  • Final Year Project and Professional Skills: Develop independent research skills, including both data collection/generation and analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study.

Employment and Stats

Employment

We've designed the course to build your human biology knowledge and also help you to develop excellent laboratory skills. By integrating contemporary research methods and procedures into your studies, we also help you to develop a range of transferable skills that can boost your employability.

Further Study

You might find you want to learn more about biosciences. Building on our scientific expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further.

Requirements

International Applicants

This course isn’t suitable for international students.

Applicant Profile

We are looking for applicants with an interest in biology who are motivated to specialise in the areas of human biology, public health, tropical disease, and infection biology.

English Language Requirements

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements.

Standard Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff Points: 64
• A Level: 64 UCAS points
• BTEC National Diploma: MPP
• T Level: T Level Pass grade in one of the following subjects: Health, Healthcare Science, Science
• Access to HE: 64 UCAS points from QAA approved access course
• GCSE: English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above. Equivalents are accepted.
• Scottish Highers: 64 UCAS points at Higher Level
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 UCAS points at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: Completion of two full years study and an awarded qualification
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points

Alternative Entry Requirements

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully.

How Much?

Tuition Fees

Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025.

• Full-time Home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years.
• Part-time: Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis.

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.