Course descriptionWhy study Human Biology at Hope?
Human Biology at Liverpool Hope is not simply about learning from texts or remembering facts: you will be encouraged to consider biology at the forefront of public interest.
It is taught by an experienced team of academic tutors who form part of an interdisciplinary group that includes specialists in health and nutrition.
The curriculum benefits from a multi-disciplinary perspective on human problems and issues.
A liberal approach to human biology facilitates the development of rounded graduates who have the appropriate academic underpinnings but with an applied focus.
The course has been designed with practical activities at its core: these range from laboratory work to fieldwork and classroom debates.
Current issues constantly appearing in the media are used as case studies – these range from the ethics of human cloning and the impact of the human genome project through to the controversies presented by modern theories of human evolution.
Human Biology at Hope can be studied alongside other related and popular subjects including Sport Studies and Psychology; alternatively you can choose to combine Human Biology with more diverse pathways to meet your specialist career aspirations. Please see the Combined Honours Subject Combinations page for details of available combinations.
What will I study?
Level 1
Students will study two core courses, running across the year:
Introduction to the Human Body and
60 credits from their other subject
Level 2
Building on experience gained at Level 1, students will expand their knowledge in:
Human physiology
Metabolic processes in health and disease and practical laboratory skills for biologists
Alongside 60 credits from their other subject
Level 3
Courses at Level 3 are influenced by the research expertise and interests of the staff. Students will consolidate their knowledge in:
Contemporary issues in human biology
Human nutrition
Biological basis of human disease
Research dissertation
Alongside second subject
Students whose career aspirations have developed a teaching focus may be able to carry out a dissertation option focusing on their specialist module.
How will I study?
Central to the course is the desire to provide a supportive learning environment in which students feel confident to develop their own ideas and theories. Students are welcomed to the course regardless of their prior experience in biology. Teaching methods are specifically designed to ensure that all students, regardless of their science background, are equipped with the knowledge they need. Tutorials, practicals, team-building exercises and peer-group activities figure throughout the course, placing the student experience at the centre of the provision.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment patterns are varied. At Level 1 students are required to complete individual practical reports, group presentations, online assessments and formative assessment leading to the production of a skills-based portfolio. There is considerable emphasis on formative rather than summative experience. At Level 2 there will be a laboratory diary, debates, practical reports and case studies across a range of subject material. Level 3 includes a dissertation, critical reviews and analysis of published literature enabling students to display and develop their graduate skills. You will be encouraged to continue to add to an experiential portfolio that will emphasise skills related to employability.
What do our graduates do?
The programme will provide you with unique flexibility and choice when it comes to choosing your future career path. Employers have asked universities to place emphasis on producing graduates who are skilled in the laboratory. Human Biology includes elements of practical work across the programme; as a graduate you will be equipped to meet the shortage of scientists in many disciplines. Graduates are prepared for both postgraduate study and for graduate employment. Previous graduates have gained employment in the biotechnology industry, as medical writers, laboratory technicians and researchers. Many graduates pursue further specialist courses including, teaching, environmental management and consultancy. In addition, a Human Biology degree will also enable you to enter a large number of more general careers – such as business, management, accountancy, and local authority employment.
During your time at Liverpool Hope you can apply for a Service and Leadership Award, which you will complete alongside your degree studies. This provides students with the opportunity to undertake volunteering work during their degree and gain valuable experience and skills which can benefit both the student and the community.