Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Human Biology

The BSc (Hons) Human Biology course at Derby provides an ideal starting point for a scientific career focused on improving people’s health and wellbeing. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, the course demonstrates quality and sets a high professional standard. It equips students with up-to-date bioscience skills relevant to national and international priorities, preparing them for careers in medical research, the NHS, health charities, and biomedical industries. The programme develops understanding of infectious and genetic diseases and the impact of lifestyle choices on health. Students can tailor their studies through a broad selection of specialist modules in bioscience, psychology, and sport science. Opportunities for placements and internships with organisations such as the Leukaemia Research Foundation and Royal Derby Hospital are offered, alongside live projects assisting in the University’s human health research, all on a competitive basis. The teaching team is research-active, providing expert guidance and insights into contemporary scientific practice.

Human Biology at Derby positions students at the forefront of advances in medicine, sports science, physiology, and mental health. The programme addresses pressing health concerns in society, investigating the causes, effects, and treatment of human diseases and illnesses. With people living longer and populations ageing, effective approaches to healthy ageing are increasingly important, reflecting global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which prioritise ‘Good Health and Wellbeing.’

The course provides a solid grounding in human physiology and anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, and medical microbiology, supporting an understanding of human disease, diagnosis, and treatment. Students also examine factors influencing health, including physical activity, smoking, air pollution, infectious diseases, alcohol and drug use, as well as social, economic, and policy changes affecting public health. Professional and career development skills are embedded throughout the programme, with opportunities to visit healthcare and laboratory environments and attend guest lectures from leading professionals.

Students benefit from lecturers with extensive professional experience and active research engagement, ensuring teaching is relevant to current industry practices. The diverse research projects include investigations into the role of Human Papillomavirus in head and neck cancers, antibiotic resistance in healthy individuals, cardiovascular effects of anti-angiogenic drugs, discovery and development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in age-related diseases, links between type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis or therapeutic monitoring using metabolomics and lipidomics at the OMICS Facility, and exploration of genetically modulated autophagy, the cellular mechanism for maintaining a healthy internal environment.