Cynlluniau Astudio

Human Biology and Health


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University


2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University


2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
-

N/A



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University


3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University


4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Science


5 : Programme title
Human Biology and Health


6 : UCAS code
C19F


7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
-

Bioscience and Health Studies



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
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August 2024



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
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The foundation year provides opportunities for students to develop further the foundation of their interest and knowledge in the biological sciences. It aims to develop the intellectual and practical skills of the student in preparation for the DLS degree schemes and the wider range of disciplines open to the graduate biologist. It provides the skills necessary to allow students to adapt and to respond to change, and to engage in life-long learning. Students will develop an appreciation of the social responsibilities of graduates in biological sciences in general.

The degree is designed to increase the student’s understanding of the core disciplines of Human biology and Health via an increasingly integrated programme of study. Students will study modules in the subject areas of cell biology, physiology, microbiology, immunology, psychology, biomechanics, metabolism and genetics. They will develop understanding of research methods and the ability to apply this to new and interesting topics. Students will also undertake modules which encourage personal and professional development.

Subject specific skills

The degree aims to develop subject specific skills through the many student-centred activities such as projects, workshops, problem-solving sessions and tutorials. Laboratory classes feature extensively, with students working in groups of four or five. Students will become skilled in using scientific equipment for sophisticated testing and analysis of biological and health concepts. All modules are designed to develop independence in the appropriate application and use of the equipment.

Generic and graduate skills

Key skills are integrated into all our modules. These will develop the students’ ability to give presentations and speak confidently, to analyse data and produce reports, develop creativity, to write clearly and with substance, to research and analyse information, to solve problems and to work productively with others.

Throughout the three years, students will receive special sessions on developing employability skills such as job search strategies, interview techniques, and corporate culture.

Students will develop a strong scientific and analytical mind along with team-working skills, meaning that graduates are well-placed to enter a wide range of general careers. The skills acquired in biology-based degrees are highly valued by employers and will enable a wide range of career choices including those within the health sector as viable career paths.

In addition to the core modules, examples of careers directed module choices include:

1) Exercise practitioner; Lifestyle Health Adviser; Health promotion specialist related modules

2) Research/lab technician related modules

3) Pharmacologist related modules

4) Molecular Biologist related modules

5) Microbiologist Biologist related modules



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
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The proposed degree aims to meet the following objectives:

Provide a broad understanding of biological disciplines such as physiology, microbiology, disease, immunology, genetics, showing how they relate to the body and health.

Ensure students see the link between biological processes and disease and the role exercise and nutrition plays therein.

Demonstrate the important link between biology and health and its quantification.

Integrate and emphasize exercise participation and lifestyle change to limit the biological processes which result in diseased states such as diabetes or cancer.



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
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A1 Describe, discuss and understand the key biological concepts and phenomena relevant to the Human Biology and Health programme confidently, accurately and in detail, using appropriate terminology.

A2 Be aware of the full breadth of Human Biology and Health, from molecular to cellular, and from organism to ecosystem.

A3 Engage with literature from the Biosciences to develop insight into the subject.

A4 Appreciate the contribution of Human Biology and Health to the innovations that characterise the modern world, and the potential of Biosciences graduates from this field to develop sustainable solutions to current and future challenges.

A5 Stay up to date with advances in Human Biology and Health, including aspects of sustainability, and appreciate the fluid nature of knowledge that evolves as new findings emerge.

A6 Understand the key concepts and techniques in general systems biology. Underpinning basic sciences including mathematics and computing (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc.), biological chemistry, microbiology, analytical techniques and genetics (evolution, phylogeny, taxonomy, etc.).

A7 Gain knowledge and understanding of cellular biology, cell division, organelles and cellular homeostasis. Interactions of microbes, plants and animals with each other and with the environment.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; workshops; seminars; tutorials; directed independent study; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
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10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

B1 Recognise the relationships and interfaces between Human Biology and Health and other subjects (both scientific and outside of the sciences), such that they are able to operate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

B2 Apply ethical awareness to working in the Biosciences and Human Biology and Health, appreciate the historical context of the subject and the societal impacts of advances in the Biosciences.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 Apply knowledge and understanding of biological systems and methodologies to design experiments and to solve theoretical and practical problems, with awareness of appropriate controls, possible bias, ethics and sustainability.

C2 Describe, document and enact safe working practices in terms of managing biological, chemical, laboratory or field-based risk, through knowledge-based risk assessments and practical activities.

C3 Select and carry out appropriate quantitative and qualitative practical (laboratory, field or computational) techniques to solve problems relevant to the Human Biology and Health programme, including consideration of the theoretical basis and limitations of various techniques.

C4 Complete independent open-ended investigative work through a project/research-based assignment relevant to the course. This could be a laboratory or field-based project, an evidenced-based review, and/or collecting and evaluating data from a variety of sources.

C5 Collect qualitative and quantitative data from investigations relevant to the course and analyse and interpret this data to allow testing of hypotheses, contextualising of findings, presentation of findings, and suggestions for further lines of investigation.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; directed independent study; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature- based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of Life Sciences
-

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

D1 Acquire skills in research and data analysis.

D2 Deploy mathematical and statistical concepts, processes and tools, such as the manipulation of equations and graphical and statistical analysis, to solve problems or evaluate data.

D3 Develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

D4 Develop a thorough grounding in information technology skills and use appropriate databases, computational techniques and tools to aid further understanding of and insight into biological processes.

D5 Demonstrate the ability to work independently.

D6 Demonstrate time-management and organisational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.

D7 Develop the ability to express ideas and communicate effectively, in both written and oral forms, selecting appropriate content, media and methods for the audience, purpose and subject.

D8 Demonstrate self-motivation and self-reliance.

D9 Collaborate and work successfully and inclusively in a group environment, contributing positively and flexibly to team outputs.

D10 Act professionally, with due regard for legal, ethical and societal responsibilities, modelling good practice that promotes positive, sustainable and inclusive perceptions of the Biosciences and of Bioscientists.

Learning and Teaching
Lectures; tutorials; student-led seminars; problem-based learning scenarios and case studies; laboratory practicals; literature-based research; computer-assisted learning; research leading to a dissertation.

Assessment Strategies and Methods
Written examinations and coursework to include: report writing, essay writing, oral and poster presentations; the submission of a dissertation; assessment based on real life problems.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards




BSC Human Biology and Health [C19F]

Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2024/2025Cynllun Anrhydedd Sengl - ar gael ers 2019/2020

Hyd (astudio Llawn Amser): 4 blwyddyn

Rheolau Rhan 1

Blwyddyn 2 Craidd (120 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR16320

Human Physiological Systems

BR17120

Genetics, Evolution and Diversity

BR17400

Skills in Nutrition, and Science Communication

BR17520

Cell Biology

Semester 2
BR16020

Research designs to assess and monitor clients

BR16120

Psychology of physical activity and health.

BR17420

Skills in Nutrition, and Science Communication

Rheolau Rhan 2

Blwyddyn 3 Craidd (60 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR27420

Sport & Exercise Physiology

BR27500

Research Methods

Semester 2
BR22220

Immunology

BR27520

Research Methods

Blwyddyn 3 Opsiynau

Choose 60 credits

Semester 1
BR20620

Applied Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

BR26520

One Health Microbiology

BR26620

Proteins and Enzymes

Semester 2
BG24720

Sgiliau Ymarferol a Proffesiynol ym Microbioleg

BR22520

Sport and Exercise Nutrition

BR24720

Practical and Professional Skills in Microbiology

BR25920

Cell and Cancer Biology

BR27020

Physical Activity for Health

Blwyddyn Olaf Craidd (40 Credyd)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
BR36400

Research Project

Semester 2
BR36440

Research Project

Blwyddyn Olaf Opsiynau

Choose 80 credits

Semester 1
BR30920

Applied Sports Nutrition

BR32020

Injury and Rehabilitation

BR36120

Molecular Pharmacology

BR37120

Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics

BR37420

Technological advances in sport, exercise and health

Semester 2
BR33720

Microbial Pathogenesis

BR33820

Parasitology

BR34420

Training and Performance Enhancement

BR36020

Molecular Biology of Development


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.


13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk


14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.


15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.


15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.


16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.