Human Biology

FOR ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGYTHE TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2020

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

INVESTMENT IN STATE-OF-THE-ART STEM FACILITIES

£17+MILLION

IN THE WORLD FOR SPORTS-RELATED STUDYQS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS BY SUBJECT 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

ContentsWhy choose Human Biology at Loughborough? 01

The value of a placement year 02

Study abroad 03

Excellent career prospects 04

World-class facilities 06

Human Biology 08

The Human Biology BSc degree at Loughborough University is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the UK for anatomy and physiology programmes, including the Human Biology BSc degree.

The degree is delivered by academics from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, an internationally recognised centre of excellence, which is home to cutting-edge research in areas such as physiology, growth development and ageing, nutrition, disease prevention and regenerative medicine.

As a Human Biology student within the School, you will learn from academic staff actively involved in major wide-ranging international research that seeks to address the global health challenges of today and tomorrow.

You will be taught in state-of-the-art facilities, including the bio-labs in our £17 million STEMLab development, as well as recent refurbished anatomy, physiology and laboratories.

The option of a professional placement year or study abroad opportunity, gives you the chance to gain invaluable work experience, broaden your horizons and gain a global perspective.

The broad nature of the programme, research engagement and placement opportunities equip our graduates with skills to succeed in a wide range of careers, ranging from academic research, clinical or laboratory science, teaching, scientific or clinical information, sales or marketing or general graduate training schemes.

It is this multidisciplinary environment that makes Loughborough the ideal place to study Human Biology.

Why choose Human Biology at Loughborough?

Athena SWANThe School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences is committed to addressing gender inequalities in science and to improving career progression for female academics. This commitment was recognised in 2012 by an Athena SWAN Silver Award and this award was successfully retained in 2016 and 2020.

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“My placement at the Institute for Anthropological Research in Croatia enabled me to gain some experience in the scientific world and ensure that I pursue a career which truly suits me.”

Stasja BSc Human Biology

Students taking the four-year course (five for MSci) spend a year on placement in a real job with real responsibilities.

The value of a placement year

Loughborough has strong links with research institutes and employers which help our students secure year-long and flexible work placements in the UK and internationally. These placements are an invaluable opportunity to advance your skills, and apply your knowledge to a working environment.

They can help you stand out in the competitive market for graduate jobs and sometimes even help you obtain a conditional job offer ahead of your graduation.

Human Biology students have undertaken placements with incredible organisations, including:• Science and Medicine Placement – England and Wales Cricket Board• Industrial Placement – GSK• Clinical Trial Assistant – Institute of Cancer Research• Professional Assistant – Institute for Anthropological Research (Croatia)• Drug Safety Scientist – Johnson & Johnson• Clinic Placement – Leicester Centre for Diabetes Research• Global Procurement – Merck, Sharp & Dohme• Undergraduate European Recruitment Specialist – Pfizer• Product Development Assistant – Volac International

Alternatively you may choose to gain an international experience during your degree, through a study exchange or work placement outside of the UK. This opportunity can provide you with insight into another culture, as well as the chance to broaden your experience and add to your CV.

PAID PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE ON ALL COURSES

HOME TO ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST ANNUAL CAREERS FAIRS

Why complete a study abroad?• Get ahead in the job market• A different and new study outlook• Meet an international network of friends• Improve your ability to establish relations with people from

different cultural backgrounds• Gain an international perspective• Additional qualification – Diploma in International Studies (DIntS)

What does studying abroad for a year involve?Typically, you will study a range of modules at the equivalent of second or final-year level. Classes at our partner universities are taught in English. You will be encouraged to take language classes prior and during your time abroad.

Where can I go?There are many study exchange opportunities with European universities, as well as international exchanges in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the USA.

What help and support will I get?• A dedicated School Placements and Study Exchange Team

who will support you throughout the process• Students are made aware of study abroad opportunities

throughout their second year of study, with the opportunity to attend presentations from students returning from studying overseas

• Language Centre: The University’s Language Centre provides opportunities for students to learn languages. Further information can be found at: lboro.ac.uk/departments/languages

What does it cost?Students on international exchanges currently pay reduced fees to Loughborough University and are not liable for tuition fees at their chosen overseas university.

For further information about Study abroad opportunities, please visit: lboro.ac.uk/study/overseas-exchange

Study abroad

Loughborough University actively encourages students to gain an international experience. You can do this through a study exchange or through a work placement outside of the UK, giving you the opportunity to gain insight into another culture, broaden your experience and add to your CV.

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2ND IN THE UK FOR CAREERS NETWORKSTUDENT HUT 2019

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Employers today are keen for graduates to demonstrate dynamic and flexible skills that complement their academic achievements.

We place great importance on our students’ employability and, in particular, on transferable intellectual and personal skills that organisations demand, including problem-solving, presentation skills and effective co-working.

As such, Human Biology graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers or further training in scientific and medical research, teaching, medicine, healthcare services, clinical writing, as well as retail management, accountancy, government and industry.

Example career destinations of our graduates include:• Research Assistant – Anthony Nolan• Primary Care Specialist – Ashfield Healthcare• Healthcare Science Assistant – Birmingham Women’s Hospital• Laboratory Analyst – Cellmark Forensics• Respiratory Therapy Representative– GSK• Trainee Clinical Scientist – NHS – Papworth Hospital Foundation Trust• Finance Associate – PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)• Trainee Teacher – Teach First

Other graduates go on to pursue a research degree (PhD), specialist MSc, or postgraduate training in medicine and allied professions.

Excellent career prospects

Alice CoulsonTrainee Genetic Counsellor at Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, LondonBSc Human Biology graduate

“I am on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become a qualified genetic counsellor. Genetic counselling is a really exciting role combining scientific, communication and counselling skills to support patients through the process of understanding their diagnoses or family histories of genetic conditions.

“We use genetic information to arrange appropriate care and we are also trained in counselling skills to provide psychosocial support, as facing genetic information can be emotional or challenging for patients.

“I think a key “skill” that was instilled in me at Loughborough was curiosity and the ability to think critically about science and the wider ethical and social issues. I particularly enjoyed modules in genetics during the Human Biology course and I was always fascinated by the causes of different disorders and diseases.

“I am able to use the core genetics knowledge and practical skills from modules I completed at Loughborough to understand genetic testing reports, offer appropriate care to my patients and keep updated on the latest evidence.

“The course also gave me a good foundation in aspects of biology that I come across in my day-to-day role and practical research skills which I have used to publish my own research.”

IN THE UK FOR EMPLOYER-STUDENT CONNECTIONS

QS GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY RANKINGS 2020

WORLD-CLASS FACILITIESINCLUDING DEDICATED

LABORATORIES

As a bioscience student within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, you will have access to high quality facilities including a range of dedicated laboratories focusing on biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and more. These facilities support students in developing the professional skills needed in careers across the bioscience or healthcare sectors.

World-class facilities

Anatomy LaboratoriesHere you will undertake the practical components of modules covering anatomy and physiology, evolution and adaptation and body composition. Facilities include a range of anatomical models of human organs and fossil remains, as well as computerised data acquisition and analysis equipment enabling you to assess properties such as lung function, reaction time, blood pressure and electrophysiology of the heart.

Exercise Physiology LaboratoriesThis lab provides state-of-the-art facilities, including gas analysers, heart rate monitors, capillary blood sampling equipment, sprint gates and more. The lab will enable you to develop an understanding of the concepts of power and work, ergometry, indirect calorimetry, and physiological responses and adaptations (cardiorespiratory, metabolic etc.) to exercise.

Biochemistry LaboratoriesThese laboratories will provide you with experience of working with biological samples in a safe environment to further your understanding of the fundamental aspects of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology that underpin the wider study of human biology.

National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine One of the leading facilities for sports and exercise medicine in the UK, some student research projects benefit from the specialist research facilities that include:• Exercise physiology and metabolism labs• Functional analysis and rehabilitation lab• Imaging (MRI, DEXA scanning)• Neuromuscular function and strength testing labs• Research kitchen and eating observation labs

“Laboratory work reinforces knowledge taught in lectures, as we are able to apply theory using high-grade equipment.”

Lisa Human Biology student

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Human Biology

Human Biology is the study of the structure and function of the human body: how the human species evolved, how we change over the lifespan, adapt to external stressors, and how our human biology and culture influence disease risk.

Human biologists address questions such as: What is the body made of? How does the body work? What factors affect our growth? Why do some people age more successfully than others? How does the body adapt to cope with challenges such as exercise, undernutrition or environmental extremes? How does our evolutionary past affect our current biology? How do our genes, lifestyle and environment affect our risk of disease?

At Loughborough University, Human Biology is taught by staff who are all active researchers with renowned expertise that includes human population biology, global health and human development, physical activity and public health, nutrition, human genetics, and the influence of diet, exercise and lifestyle on health.

This degree course is unique in its consideration of the human from molecule to population level and in its international perspective. It is also modular, allowing choice and increasing specialisation in each year of study. Its home within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences offers the opportunity to study optional modules in sport and exercise science as well as biological sciences.

Year 1Areas studied include anatomy and physiology, genetics and molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, human evolution and adaptation, laboratory skills for biology and study skills, research design and data description.

Year 2Areas studied include epidemiology of human nutrition, growth, development and ageing, exercise physiology, human genomics, and research methods.

Optional professional placement and/or overseas study

Year 3Module choices cover performance at environmental extremes, infectious diseases in humans, body composition, lifestyle and disease, forensic genomics, as well as options from biological sciences or sport and exercise science.

You will also undertake a research project of your own choosing. Recent projects include investigations on child health in developing countries, bone health, DNA polymorphisms, heat strain, interventions to improve cardiometabolic health, and diet quality.

For more information on this course and our related Foundation programmes, including Human Biology with a Foundation Year for Elite Athletes and Human Biology with an International Foundation Year, visit: lboro.ac.uk/ug2021/biosci

BSc (Hons) DPS/DIntS*: 4 years full-time with placement yearUCAS code: B151

BSc (Hons): 3 years full-timeUCAS code: B150

Typical offersA level: ABB including at least one Science (Biology preferred)IB: 34 (6,5,5 HL) with 5 in Biology and one other Science (at least one of which should be at HL)BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Forensic Science with majority of units at DistinctionGCSE: GCSE Maths grade 4/C

*Diploma in Professional/International Studies

Please note: optional modules are subject to availability and timetable permitting. The information here reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

lboro.ac.uk/ug2021/biosci Placement opportunity Study abroad Additional award

MohammedBSc Human Biology

“I enjoy the practical aspects of my course. Recently we tested samples that mimic HIV to determine if they were positive or negative.”

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General enquiries

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Loughborough University Leicestershire LE11 3TU UK

T: +44 (0)1509 226302 E: ug-biosci@lboro.ac.uk

lboro.ac.uk/ug2021/biosci

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This brochure was written several months in advance of the academic year to which it applies (2021). Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within is accurate at the time of publishing, but updates (for example to course content) are likely to occur due to the time between publication and the course start date. It is therefore important to visit our online prospectus at www.lboro.ac.uk/study before applying to check for any updates, as this will be the most up-to-date repository of information.