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Our Human Biology and Health scheme has been developed to reflect the diverse expertise and research activity of staff within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University. The scheme provides you with the opportunity to study a range of biological disciplines including physiology, microbiology, immunology and genetics, coupling these disciplines with the study of human biomechanics and psychology. The curriculum allows you to develop a sound understanding of the main conditions that influence human health in the 21st century.
Student Satisfaction and Employability Results
95% of students agreed that staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2020).
98% of our graduates were in work or further study within 6 months, 3% more than Biological Science graduates nationally, (HESA 2018*)
Overview
Why study Human and Health Biology at Aberystwyth University?
Students on this course will be able to explore the specialist areas of Human and Health Biology which include:
Facilities for high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and spectroscopic platforms;
Application of psychology to understand the process of behaviour change and its relevance to delay the development of chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes and cancer;
Our modern physiological, biomechanical and psychological equipment including body scanning for bone health and body composition determination, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic analysers, high-performance treadmills, cycles and rowers, along with computer-based digital video and a force plate to allow sophisticated analysis of movement;
You will be taught by passionate, engaged, friendly and staff with expertise across the full range of Biological topics;
Your academic studies will be bolstered by a wealth of laboratory and field classes which build real scientific skills essential for your future;
Our teaching and E-learning facilities provide you with an outstanding learning experience integrating the classroom sessions and a vast repository of study resources;
You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive;
We have invested heavily and over a number of years in our research facilities, and project students may get the opportunity to work in the research units on Penglais, or in our dedicated research facility at Gogerddan just outside Aberystwyth.
Our Staff
The majority of teaching staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences are qualified to PhD level and are research active. Vocational courses also have staff whose background lies within industry. The Institute has a large number of research only staff with whom students may have contact.
Modules
Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.
* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh
Employability
Career prospects
Human Biology and Health graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers which include:
Bio-medicine
Health and allied professions
This scheme is also a solid foundation for postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.
The University has an excellent Careers Advisory Service and we have our own dedicated, professional Careers Advisor. We also have a member of staff who is Director of Employability for IBERS and we are constantly striving to embed and enhance the delivery of real-world skills into every module we offer.
What skill will I develop from studying Human and Health Biology?
Employability is embedded in our teaching. Our students leave Aberystwyth University with the skills including;
research and data analysis skills
enhanced mathematical and computational skills
effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
a thorough grounding in information technology skills
the ability to work independently
time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines
the ability to express ideas and communicate information in a clear and structured manner, in both written and oral form
self-motivation and self-reliance
team-working, with the ability to discuss concepts in groups, accommodating different ideas and reaching agreement.
If you are interested in undertaking work experience, then our sister course BSc Human and Health Biology C195 will allow you to undertake work experience for one year in an industry relative to this degree.
Learning & Teaching
What will I learn?
The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the three year degree scheme.
In your first year:
Students are taught the important content which underpin human biology and health, which will provide a sound foundation on which year 2 and 3 can be built upon. Topics may include:
Exercise psychology
Genetics
Metabolism
Exercise physiology
Human anatomy
Nutrition
Microbial diversity
In your second year:
Students study research methods
Exercise physiology
Immunology
Students can look at health from the perspective of improving health and performance
Sport injury
Microbiology
Proteins and enzymes
You may also learn the practical methods for exploring these topics independently.
In your third year:
You will undertake an independent project as well as being taught:
Molecular pharmacology
Managing chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity
Various optional modules are also available to suit the interests of the student.
How will I be taught?
We teach our students in through lectures, workshops, tutorials and practicals.
You will be assigned a personal tutor throughout your degree course, who will help you with any problems or queries.
