human biology degree, Human biology personal statement, courses, Manchester, UK, jobs

This is a practical, hands-on degree, where student will learn about the relationships between molecular, anatomical, physiological and the anthropological aspects of human biology. It allows you to combine a programme that includes a strong focus on the medical aspects of human processes, such as how the body responds to infection and how drugs act on the body. The course will also strengthen your understanding of the philosophical foundations regarding scientific methods, healthcare ethics and medical research.

This degree will suit you if you want a thorough understanding of the structure and function of the human body, and are looking for a career in areas such as biomedical science, archaeology, forensic science, palaeontology, sports science or teaching. It will give you a strong, relevant, and current foundation in the basic sciences, and prepare you for the many career options available in various health related professions.

The course itself places significant emphasis on laboratory techniques, handling data, solving problems, writing reports and oral presentations. A diverse range of human biology projects is usually taught, ranging from the study of molecular parasitology to forensic anthropology, microbiology and ecology.

A combination of theory and practical modules are studied, with students being taught through lectures, tutorials and practical classes. Assessment is done through coursework and exams at the end of each year. Tutorials are designed to help you adjust to academic life at university and to establish good study habits.

Human biology degree course overview

Lecturers at university tend to be specialists in the field of human biology, microbiology and infection, cell biology and molecular genetics. Many are active researchers and this research interest ensures that curriculums are up to date with current understanding of human disease and treatment.

On many courses students are given the choice of taking a broad approach, based on the principles and methods of different aspects of biology, or focusing on a narrower range of modules with a view to becoming a specialist.

Typical course modules and areas of study on a human biology degree

Human evolution
Stem cell
Developmental biology
Musculoskeletal biology
Cardiovascular biology
Genetics
Biodiversity
Physiology
Psychology
Immunology
Biochemistry
Embryology
Principles of Anatomy
Fundamental Themes In Human Biology
Cell Structure and Function
Circulatory and Respiratory Anatomy
Integrative Experimental Human Biology
Principles of Microanatomy
Tissues and Disease
Cardiovascular System
Primate Biology
Human Evolution
Comparative Anatomy and Clinical
Anatomical and Cellular Basis of Neurological Dysfunction.
Clinical Nutrition
Infectious Diseases
Public and Preventive Health
Human nutrition
The Musculoskeletal System
Endocrinology, Metabolism & Homeostasis
Clinical Biochemistry & Pharmacology
Human structure and function
Evidence-Based Medicine and Diagnostics
Nutrition and Exercise Genomics
Energy Regulation and Obesity
Research Methods for Life Scientists

Students will learn about

Reproduction.
Development and ageing.
Anatomy of the head and neck.
The immune system in health and disease.
Bone metabolism.
Biological principles.
Research methods.
Analytical techniques.
Diet in the management of disease.
How is our blood pressure controlled.
Why are some people obese while others are not
How physiological imbalance or microbial infection alters and exploits human physiology.

Skills you will learn on a human biology degree course

Practical Laboratory Skills.
Effective oral and written communications.
How to apply scientific and research principles to molecular investigations.

HUMAN BIOLOGY PERSONAL STATEMENT

Below is a example of a professionally written human biology personal statement, you are advised not to copy it word for word, but instead to use it as a guide.

Human biology personal statement example 1

“I am a forward thinking and much experienced student who possess drive, ambition and ability. Already having a deep understanding of the biological techniques and knowledge of the life-science study of human beings, I am now looking for a professional education that focuses on employability, personal development and equips me for the twenty-first century. Academically speaking I consider myself to be a imaginative, intelligent and results orientated person, I say this without wishing to sound arrogant.

I want to study biology because to me it’s an exciting area of study that underpins many of the important advances that have transformed the quality of human life. I am particularly interested in learning more about how the human body functions in health, the processes that lead to disorders in cellular function and methods of detecting and treating disease.

Human biology can open many doors to successful careers in various fields of medicine and graduate study. This degree provides the scientific basis for a career in a range of related fields, including biomedical research, teaching, sports science, healthcare and promotion, or the biotechnology industries. It will equip me with the subject knowledge and transferable skills that I can apply to a whole range of roles, from a clinical perfusion scientist to a medical events organiser.

At college this was one of the most popular subjects, and i was lucky to get a place on the course. I really enjoyed my time at college, apart from the academic aspect of the experience I met some of my best friends there. On the course I got my first experience of lab work, where I had an opportunity to apply in a practical way what I had learnt in lectures.

On the theory side I got a comprehensive introduction to the study of living things, their structure and anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, ecology, genetics, nutrition etc. Overall I found it to be a fascinating subject and got a basic understanding of why we look and behave the way we do, and why we fall ill. My college experience is what drove me to study this subject at university.

At present I am employed by on a part time basis as a research assistant at a private medical company. Although most of my work is administrative and office based, I am also occasionally involved in the technical side of things, i.e. preparing samples for assays, carrying out various assays and analysing and summarising the data of projects. Under the guidance of supervisors I am involved in the design of successful programmes of investigation, and also setting up, conducting and recording the outcomes of the research. Other duties I perform include analysing data using appropriate statistical techniques and packages and then preparing written summaries of the work.

My long term ambition is to use the qualification, specialist skills and knowledge I gain from this course as a foundation for work in research in university or biopharmaceutical industry laboratories, clinical trials, scientific writing or teaching.

The most important thing for me when choosing to apply to you university was your reputation, I did my research and checked out the league tables and decided to put your institution on my short list. What sealed the decision for my was visiting the campus on a open day and seeing it for what it really was. I was particularly impressed by the mix of old traditional buildings next to the cool modern ones, this really gave me the feeling that I could study at your university for the duration of my course. I also had a look around your library and found it to be top notch, it had the latest articles and publication, right through to medial books written 100 years ago. In conclusion I feel that your university is one of the most innovative and exciting in the country, and I would be privileged to study there.”

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