Curious about studying Human Biosciences - BSc (Hons)at Coventry University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Coventry University
Full Time
Jan 2027
3 Year
Our Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) course looks to enhance your understanding of how the human body functions in health and disease at the tissue, cell and molecular level. Course overviewYou will study topics at the forefront of scientific discovery such as genomics, neurophysiology, and communicable and non-communicable diseases.Human biosciences embraces some of the most rapidly changing and dynamic areas of modern science and has been responsible for an array of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in human health and disease. Over 1.2 million people work in primary science-based roles in the UK, with the boundaries between biosciences, chemical sciences and physical sciences becoming increasingly blurred.3 years full-time
In this module you will have a series of regular small group or individual tutorials with your Academic Personal Tutor (APT). The aim of these sessions is to encourage self-awareness and self-reflection, to enable you to develop strategies to enhance your own development, to maximise your academic success and also your career prospects. These tutorials will allow you to get to know your APT and to develop your skills and competencies. You will start to establish an evidence-based portfolio that you will extend throughout your university studies to provide a valuable resource for future employability.
This module will introduce you to the fundamental principles of cell communication operating in both healthy and disease states, and the mechanisms of action of selected drugs that act via cellular receptors (pharmacodynamics). You will also examine the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs (pharmacokinetics).
The role of enzymes as biological catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions within the body will be your focus in this module. You will also examine the role of energy in determining the rate and direction of chemical reactions, and the mechanisms by which enzymes act to lower energy requirements. Enzyme assays and the kinetics of enzyme reactions including reagent and enzyme concentrations, reaction conditions, cofactors and inhibitors are investigated in theory and in practice will also be considered.
Our genetic information, its structure, function and inheritance (genotype), and how this determines the characteristics of an individual (phenotype) is what you will study on this module. You will be introduced to the principles of heredity, the complexity of human genetics, human individual variation, evolutionary principles and population genetics. The central dogma of DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation) will be also be discussed. On successful completion of the module you will gain knowledge and skills relating to DNA manipulation in the laboratory, and the retrieval and analysis of sequence information using bioinformatics tools. You will also examine the ethical issues resulting from increased access to genomic information.
In this module you will consider the key features of eukaryotic cells, their organisation into tissues and organs, and the structure and function of major physiological systems in the human body. You will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, to develop an understanding of human cell and body function and an appreciation of disease states.
In this module, you will demonstrate your developing laboratory and professional skills and competencies and preparedness for future employment. Workshop and tutorial sessions, involving the University?s Talent Team will raise awareness of opportunities available from this course, placements, short work experience and other enhancement activities and encourage you to create an appropriate online networking profile.
You will be introduced the principles and practice of key laboratory techniques used in the analysis of biological molecules. You will be supported to understand and develop a sound appreciation of good laboratory practice, including maintenance of laboratory records, quality assurance, competence in fundamental laboratory procedures and routine calculations such as concentration and dilution. You should also gain an understanding of the use of contemporary digital technologies to analyse and present data effectively, and the format of standard laboratory reports.
This module introduces you to the different types of microorganisms with a detailed focus on bacteria and viruses. You will consider the structure, growth characteristics and laboratory cultivation/propagation and enumeration of bacteria and viruses, and the role of microorganisms in both human health and disease is explored, together with an introduction to the body?s protective response to infection, the immune system. You will investigate control strategies for microorganisms, including sterilisation, disinfection, antimicrobial compounds and vaccines, together with current and emerging concerns such as antimicrobial resistance are considered.
This module takes the form of a group based ?mini-project?. A number of project topics will be available, linked to prior study areas such as microbiology and genetics. The projects will involve literature and technical research, laboratory practical investigation and reporting of the outcomes and impact.
This is an assessment only module that integrates learning from Human Physiology: Health and Homeostasis and Microroganisms in Human Health and Disease. In this assessment, you will research and communicate a selected topic relating to the importance of our gut microbiota in maintaining physiological health and the consequences of dysbiosis.
In this module you will explore natural genetic variation and epigenetics in humans. Genetic studies in humans are complex for both ethical reasons and because of limitations imposed by natural variation. Therefore in this module you will also consider the uses of model organisms for genetic studies. Topics addressed will include how tissue-specific gene expression, chromatin and DNA modifications, heterozygosity and dominance effects affect gene expression and phenotypes. You will also examine methods to analyse genetic variation, gene expression and new ways to explore the causes of disease phenotypes.
In this module you will integrate topics in human physiology, cell biology and biochemistry extended from Year 1 study, to consider the physiological control and feedback mechanisms of the human body, maintaining a healthy state of homeostasis. You will also consider the biochemical and hormonal control and integration of metabolic reactions, particularly relating to energy balance. You will examine the role of diet and exercise in relation to maintaining healthy body mass. Links between poor diet and lack of exercise, obesity and diabetes are discussed, preparing you for future considerations of global health challenges relating to these issues.
In this module you will explore prokaryotes and other microbes as commensals, agents of disease and as sources of antibiotics. Increasing evidence highlights the important role of our diverse gut microbiome to modulate metabolic processes and to protect against disease. You will discuss methods to study this diversity including contemporary molecular based techniques, alongside the consequences of dysbiosis and the development of disease states.
Through this module you will investigate how modern lifestyles and our changing environment are affecting human health both positively and negatively. You will consider the physiological consequences of the rapid changes resulting from increased urbanisation. The module will also enable you to focus on the importance of effective communication of scientific knowledge to lay audiences to advance understanding and to influence behavioural change and policy decisions.
Mental disorders have significant impacts on health, plus social and economic consequences worldwide. This module introduces you to the applied physiology of the brain and nervous system. You will also investigate the physiological disruption of normal processes of neurotransmission, resulting in disorders of movement, memory, behaviour, anxiety and mood.
In this module you will explore the role played by our immune system in both health and disease. You will consider both the innate and adaptive immune responses and their actions to protect the host in cases of pathogen attack. You will also explore how chronic inflammation, rather than being protective, is now recognised as a determining factor in a number of non-communicable diseases. Dysfunctions of the immune system, including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity and immunodeficiency will also be covered, alongside immune responses to transplants and manipulation of the immune system for therapeutic purposes.
Professional Training
Study Abroad
The structure of populations around the world is changing due to advances in health care and disease management. Human life expectancy has increased by more in the past 40 years than in the previous 4000 years. However, as life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time spent in poor health. Thus, ageing potentially represents the greatest health challenge for the 21st century. In this module you will investigate the cellular and molecular changes that occur during the human lifespan with a focus on particular processes associated with ageing. You will also consider changes in the ability of tissues to regenerate, cellular and DNA damage, circadian rhythm and hormonal alterations and aberrant protein folding resulting in disease phenotypes.
Our increasing genomic knowledge has led to advances in medical treatment such that therapies may now be tailored to the unique molecular or genetic characteristics of individual patients. In this module you will consider the impact of genomic knowledge and advances in genomic analysis on the understanding of mechanisms of disease, and the potential for development of these personalised therapies. You will also consider how applicable these approaches are worldwide.
The aim of this module is for you to conduct a piece of investigative research, which may be laboratory or non-laboratory based, in a specialised area of Human Biosciences. This module follows from Research Design in Human Biosciences and you implement your research proposals in this module. The variety and scope of projects allows you to pursue your own interests, potentially linked to future career aspirations, and to integrate prior skills and knowledge. You are supported and guided by your supervisor, but are encouraged to develop independence of thought, and the ability and confidence to adapt and evolve your research ideas.
In this module you will focus on the varied infectious disease challenges that affect human populations in different communities worldwide. You will discuss the epidemiology of emerging and re-emerging diseases, the increasing problems of healthcare acquired infection, the rise of antibiotic resistance and strategies to counter this. You will also have the opportunity to consider the continuing global burden of neglected tropical diseases. This module relates to Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the target to end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable disease.
The major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide result from non-communicable diseases (NCD), including cardiovascular diseases, liver disease and diabetes mellitus. In this module you will examine current research approaches to dissect and understand the mechanisms underlying the development of these conditions, including the impact of lifestyle choices and behaviours.
This is an assessment only module which draws upon learning from Metabolic Non- Communicable Disease and Infectious Disease: Present and Future Challenges. Within these modules you have considered the biological factors that lead to common non-communicable diseases typical of urbanised populations, and the global incidence and challenges presented by infectious disease. A key area of health concern currently is the rise in cases of multimorbidity, where an individual suffers from two or more long standing chronic conditions which frequently interact to produce complex scenarios. For example, people with diabetes may also have HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or hospital acquired infections. Multimorbidity is set to become the ?norm? in future years, particularly in elderly populations.
In this module, you will prepare for your final year research project. The module is designed to support you through the process of defining your research question, planning your experiments and considering the most appropriate data analysis methods. The module should enhance your skills in literature searching, experimental design, scientific writing, data processing and statistical analysis. You will submit your proposal for ethical and health and safety approval, and to address key aspects of project management and logistics.
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