Human Biology and Mathematics BSc (Hons)

About the course

Human Biology

You will study a wide variety of aspects of human biology on this course, from Human physiology to Biomedical Implications of Exercise. You will spend your time in lectures and seminars as well as underpinning your theoretical knowledge with practical work in the laboratories. This course will help you to develop key skills for a career in a number of health and pharmacy related sectors. You will also develop personal and professional skills that can be applied to any future role including an ability to learn independently and test out your own theories. 

Human Biology can be taken as a minor, joint or major subject in combination with all other joint honours fields with the exception of languages where the maximum proportion is 50% (Joint)..

Mathematics

This course will enable you to develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics. In addition, it will develop your understanding of applications of mathematics that provide support to studies in business, computing, economics, engineering and the sciences.

In your first year you will refresh and build upon your understanding of topics covered at A level. In your second year these topics will be extended and explored further. If you are studying the Joint study route (50% mathematics) you will also develop additional skills and those on the major study route (75% mathematics) will explore computer techniques.

Your final year will focus on applying the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to practical problems drawn from a wide variety of areas.

Why choose this course?

Human Biology

• Learn about many exciting and fascinating areas of human biology 
• Gain detailed knowledge of the biology of human beings studying aspects of health and disease as well as studies in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics 
• Study a practical and relevant curriculum preparing you for a career in a wide range of careers

Mathematics

• Study mathematics in a department with a long tradition of high quality teaching 
• Improve your understanding of advanced mathematical concepts taught in an approachable format 
• Gain a relevant degree that provides transferable skills that are highly valued by employers

Study routes

• Part Time,
• Sandwich,

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

This programme gives you flexibility in your studies at university resulting in flexibility in your choice of career at the end of your course. You will acquire a much broader base of knowledge and experience that could really widen your employment opportunities. Graduates have found employment in diverse roles such as computer programmers, design engineers, management development specialists, accountants and project managers. Over 72% of our graduates had entered employment six months after graduation, and a further 17% had gone on to further study or training.

Teaching methods

You experience a wide variety of learning styles when you study on the programme. During your time with us we will develop your capacity for self-learning and your interpersonal skills. We particularly emphasise the importance of structured research; well-prepared written and verbal presentations; and computer literacy. Alongside elements of standard lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratories, you also learn through case studies, individual and group projects and other student centered activities. In your final year you will normally have the opportunity to practise your self-learning and interpersonal skills by undertaking a Major project or dissertation.

Work Placement

You will have the opportunity to take a paid work placement or study abroad for a year between your second and final years, extending your degree from a three year to a four year qualification. You will not be required to pay tuition fees for this year and you will gain excellent experience that sets you apart from the crowd in the graduate jobs market.

Study Abroad

You can study in most European countries, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, South Africa, Russia, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Australia. You will study a programme of taught modules and/or project work with one of our partner universities, which will complement your studies on the Joint Honours Programme. You may need to study the language of your chosen country in your first and second years. Depending on where you choose to study you may be eligible to apply for certain grants, scholarships and financial support to help finance your study abroad experience.

Work Placement

A work placement provides you with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and put your theoretical knowledge and understanding from your studies in to practice.

Our Careers and Placements service will help you to develop your CV and support you through the application process for a wide range of placement opportunities in a variety of sectors and organisations.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Foundations of Human Physiology

  Foundations of Human Physiology will provide students with an introduction to human physiology applied to sport and exercise. In particular, this module will involve fundamentals of structure, function and biochemistry from cellular, to tissue, organ, and organism levels. A basic understanding of muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, endocrine and nervous systems will be developed. There will some coverage of applied sporting topics of relevance to physiology, such as the principles of training and periodicity, and the design of training programmes. Practical work will used to provide additional insight into specific physiological systems. Practical work will include instruction in the use of physiological interfaces, transducers, and recording and analytical software, basic studies on the respiratory (spirometry and off-line techniques) and cardio-vascular system (ECG and blood pressure) and measurement of spinal reflexes and reaction times.

• Foundations of Nutrition

  This module introduces students to basic components of human nutrition, with applications to sport, health and exercise. The module involves the study of human digestion and absorption, including aspects of endocrine control of metabolism. There is also an introduction to essential themes underlying dietary macro- and micro-nutrients, and explores basic applications of nutrition pertinent to dietary assessment and problem-based learning scenarios.

• Introduction to Biochemistry and Metabolism (Nutrition and Dietetics)

  An introductory module in 'the biochemistry of the cell, covering various aspects of protein structure; enzyme kinetics and methods for determining kinetic parameters; catabolic metabolism - the inter-relationships and control of pathways particularly glycolysis, TCA cycle and the beta-oxidation of fatty acids'. Introductory aspects of bioenergetics including 1) the structure of mitochondria and chloroplasts 2) basic aspects of oxidative and photosynthetic phosphorylation 3) fundamentals of electron transport in both mitochondria and chloroplasts.

• Mathematical Techniques 1 (L1)

  On entry students will have different mathematical knowledge and this module has been designed to standardise their mathematical knowledge. The module will initially review core areas of A-Level Mathematics which will be extended to improve students' knowledge. You will learn the standard mathematical techniques in calculus, matrices and vectors.

• Linear Algebra and Analysis

  You will learn fundamental ideas and language on which the rest of mathematics is based. The module also investigates the idea of tending to a limit, on which calculus is based, and some of the ideas of linear algebra which occur throughout mathematics.

Optional

Year 2

Core Modules

• Principles of Immunology

  Anatomy and physiology of the immune system: cells, primary and secondary lymphoid tissues, leukocyte circulation and key phenomena including; chemotaxis, opsonisation, phagocytosis, inflammation, antigen processing and clonal expansion. Natural immunity: role of phagocytic cells, the complement system, cytokines, chemokines and the acute inflammatory response. Hypersensitivity reactions. Adaptive immunity: antigen specificity of B and T cells. Antibody structure and effector functions. T cell subsets; antigen processing and presentation to T cells, the role of the major histocompatibility complex. T-helper cell subpopulations and cytokines in determining the immune response. Immunity to microbial pathogens including bacteria, viruses and selected parasites. Vaccine design strategies. Inflammation: immunology of chronic inflammation; immunopathology of selected chronic inflammatory diseases e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases . Anti-inflammatory therapies; steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Pathophysiology

  This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human pathophysiology, enabling them to discuss the biology of disease. Topics covered will include: " Biology of disease " Cell injury and cell death " Cardiovascular disease " Renal dysfunction " Neurological disease " Endocrine disorders " Gastro-intestinal disease " Respiratory disease

• Exercise Physiology

  Cardiovascular aspects of exercise, blood pressure and haemodynamic response at rest and exercise, exercise and cardiovascular disease. Respiratory aspects of exercise: haemoglobin and respiratory variables, acid balance and asthma. Basic laboratory testing in athletes and metabolic responses to training. The endocrine system during exercise, exercise-induced endocrine secretions/catecholamine response. Endocrinology-fluid balance. The immune system and exercise. Fatigue and exhaustion; de-training and the human body. The effect of exercise in different environmental conditions and on different populations such as ageing; energy supply and systems.

• Mathematical Techniques 2

  You will learn how to integrate functions of two and three variables along plane and space curves and how to evaluate multiple integrals of such functions. You will learn about gradient, divergence and curl. You will be able to obtain Fourier series expansions of simple functions and perform calculations involving functions of a complex variable.

• Differential Equations

  This module employs a variety of mathematical methods and techniques to explore, describe and predict the behaviour of scientific, industrial and engineering phenomena. The subject appeals to individuals interested in applying their mathematical interests and skills to real-word problems. In this module, we will focus on ordinary differential equations. The emphasis is on the development of methods important in applications. Topics include:- Theory and applications of first, second and higher order differential equations, The Laplace transform methods, Systems of linear differential equations.

• Numerical Methods

  You discover how to use numerical methods to solve mathematical problems, and to discuss relative performance of different methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency. You also learn about the theoretical background to the methods. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

Optional

Year 3

Core Modules

Optional

• Sandwich Placement: Biosciences

  The sandwich placement will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in the taught years of the degree in a work-based situation. The establishment will appoint a work-place supervisor, and the student will also have a University supervisor. During the placement the student will return to the University to a one day Symposium which all placement students attend. During this day they present a poster about their placement and attend talks on future employment. In particular, Applied Biomedical Students will spend 48 weeks on a training placement in an approved diagnostic laboratory performing routine diagnostic tests. In the process they will: gain an understanding of the workings of a professional, clinical laboratory; develop the skills necessary to be an independent and safe practitioner; perform various analyses in order to demonstrate competence in use of specialist laboratory equipment.

• Year Abroad - BIO

  Learning and teaching methods may include taught courses, a research project, field studies or a mixture of these components. The Year Abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated by the Associate Head of School or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance.

• Professional Placement

  Supervised work experience provides students with the opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience in specific technical areas and to strengthen their communication and time-management skills. It greatly assists them in developing as independent learners, so that they are able to gain the maximum benefit from the learning opportunities provided at level 3 of the programme.

• Year Abroad

  The Year Abroad will provide students with the opportunity to expand, develop and apply the knowledge and skills gained in the first two taught years of the degree within a different organisational and cultural environment in a partner academic institution. The host institution will appoint a Programme Co-ordinator who will oversee the student's programme during the Year Abroad and will liaise with the appointed UH Supervisor.

Year 4

Core Modules

• Biomedical Implications of Exercise

  Exercise and the disease state: the role of exercise both as a prophylactic and causative factor in various cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic diseases. More specifically, topics such as the coronary heart disease, haemostasis, dyslipidaemia, sudden cardiac death, obesity, metabolic syndrome diabetes. Furthermore, the role of rehabilitation, regular exercise and increased activity will be addressed with particular emphasis on the above related disease. The role of activity and exercise in the promoting health in diverse groups and conditions such as the elderly, mental health, pregnancy and HIV/AIDS will be covered. In addition, the implementation of exercise prescription in the general population will be examined in the context of health initiatives.

• Neurophysiology

  Neurophysiology is concerned with how a powerful armory of experimental methods can reveal brain mechanisms involved in visual perception, movement, motivation and emotion, learning and memory, feeding, sleep and wakefulness. Neuroanatomy; major neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. Sensory coding. Processing of sensory input as exemplified by the visual system. Neural control of movement and posture by cerebral cortex, basal ganglia and cerebellum. States of conciousness, sleep and wakefulness, motivation and affect. Neurophysiological substrates of feeding. Control of autonomic and endocrine function. Plasticity; learning and memory as exemplified in the hippocampus; neural network models.

• Linear Optimisation

  You learn to tease out the relevant information from business problems and to develop linear models to represent them. A number of different solution methods are developed and used to solve these problems. You will develop the ability to interpret the results in management terms and how to handle changes in the data after the problem has been solved. You also learn about other practical difficulties involved in the process. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

• Boundary Value Problems

  You will learn how to solve one and two-dimensional boundary-value problems both analytically and numerically. Through practical sessions you will use suitable numerical software to investigate the numerical processes. Refer to the teaching plan for a more detailed description.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £8,500 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £9,500 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Scholarships

• National Scholarship Programme

Find out more about scholarships for UK/EU and international students

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply