BSc (Hons) Human Biology with Foundation Year

This degree offers you the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence before you advance to stage one of your honours degree.

Course description

Studying Human Biology with a foundation year is your starting point for an exciting and worthwhile scientific career. You will achieve a highly regarded qualification in four years.

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this course demonstrates quality and sets a high professional standard
• Choose a course which is ideal if you are thinking of a career change or keen to build skills in a new subject
• Benefit from a foundation year which will give you a solid platform for success as you progress in your honours degree studies
• Prepare for a rewarding future in medical research, the NHS, health charities and biomedical industries – or any role where you can truly make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing
• Develop high level skills in bioscience, an in-depth understanding of infectious and genetic diseases, and fascinating insights into how our lifestyle choices affect our health
• Seize the chance to go on work placement, undertake an internship or assist with the University’s human health research – all opportunities which are offered on a competitive basis
• Tailor your degree from our selection of modules to support your own interests and career ambitions.

Human Biology at Derby

If you aspire to a scientific career focused on improving people's health and wellbeing, this degree is an ideal starting point. Studing Human Biology places you at the forefront of advances in areas like medicine, sports science, nutrition and mental health.

Ageing is inevitable - but healthy ageing is acheivable. With people living longer and the population getting older, effective approches to healthy ageing have never been more important, as reflected in global initiatives, like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where 'Good Health and Wellbeing' is highlighted as a priority. By studying with us, you will address some of the most pressing health concerns facing today's society, by investigating the cause, effect and treatment of human disease and illness.

This course delivers a solid grounding in human physiology and anatomy, biochemistry, genetics and medical microbiology, helping you understand the basis of human disease, diagnosis and treatment. You'll also explore factors which impact health such as nutrition, smoking, air pollution, and alcohol/drug misuse, plus the social and economic changes and government policies transforming global public health.

Professional and career development skills are embedded throughout our courses. You'll have the opportunity to visit different health care and laboratory environments, and attend guest lectures from leading professionals.