Bachelor of Science - Human Biology (C200)

The BSc Human Biology builds on the foundations of biology to explore the complexity of the human body using cutting-edge technology. Students learn how recent advances in understanding our genetic make-up and cellular function is leading to exciting new developments in treating and preventing human disease. The course provides students with a cellular and disease-focused understanding of human biology, covering topics including:

• Anatomy and physiology • Cell biology • Genetics • Immunology • Microbiology

A major research area at Essex is centered on the relationships between protein structure and mechanisms of disease. This sheds light on the complex cellular pathways involved in cancer and brain cell damage. Another research area uses computational approaches to study the role of epigenetics and DNA structure in human disease. In their final year, students carry out an individual research project. Popular topics have ranged from mutagenesis of proteins linked to human diseases such as blindness and cancer and mechanisms of cell death and antibiotic resistance.

In the School of Life Sciences students learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and practical lab sessions, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and develop skills by doing experiments at the laboratory bench.