Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 222222
Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Human Biology (students entering prior to 2014)

Academic Year: 2016/17

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body
Final award BSc (Hons) DPS/DIntS (2014 entry onwards)
Programme title Human Biology
Programme code PSUB12
Length of programme
UCAS code B150, B151
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/departments/sport-exercise-health-sciences/humanbiology/

Date at which the programme specification was published Thu, 23 Jun 2016 15:43:00 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • to develop an understanding of Human Biology and provide a firm foundation in scientific method including laboratory and analytical skills
  • to promote and develop independent learning and encourage and support professional studies in human biology

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • the benchmark statements for Biosciences and Anthropology (Biological);
  • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;
  • Criteria for recognition by Society of Biology

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a broadly-based core curriculum covering the major concepts, principles and theories associated with Human Biological Sciences from a whole body perspective
  • identify, explain and discuss theoretical frameworks appropriate to the study of Human Biology
  • demonstrate an understanding of knowledge of critical arguments in human biology that are at the forefront of the discipline

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

  • analyse, synthesise and summarise information critically, including published research or reports;
  • recognise and apply subject-specific theories, concepts or principles;
  • apply subject knowledge and understanding to address familiar and unfamiliar problems;
  • obtain and integrate several lines of subject-specific evidence to formulate and test hypotheses;
  • recognise the ethical issues of investigations and apply ethical standards and professional codes of conduct.
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  • design, plan, conduct and report on investigations, which may involve primary or secondary data (eg, from a survey database); these data may be obtained through individual or group projects;
  • obtain, record, collate and analyse data using appropriate techniques in the field and/or laboratory, working by themselves or in a group;
  • undertake field and/or laboratory investigations of the living human being or human material in a responsible, safe and ethical manner; showing sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the subjects under investigation and paying due attention to risk assessment, relevant health and safety regulations, and consent procedures.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should have developed a range of communication, information technology, interpersonal, self-management and generic cognitive skills. They should be able to: 

  • communicate effectively in a variety of formats;
  • cite and reference work in an appropriate manner
  • use information technology effectively as a learning and communication tool;
  • work effectively as an individual and as part of a team;
  • manage personal learning efficiently and effectively;
  • develop skills management for lifelong learning including target setting for personal, academic and career development;
  • develop the ability to work independently.

4. Programme structure

4.1       Part A - Introductory Modules

           

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

Compulsory or Optional

PSA208

 Biochemistry

20 

 1&2

PSA201

Anatomy and Physiology 1

10

1

C

PSA204 

Cell Biology 

10

1

C

PSA210

Introduction to Human Evolution and Adaptation

10 

 1

PSA211

Human Biology and Society

20

1

C

PSA202

Anatomy and Physiology 2

10

2

C

PSA203

Human Genetics

 10

 2

PSA212

Homeostasis

10

2

C

PSA405

Data Analysis in Human Biology

10

2

C

PSA030

Introduction to Physical Activity and Health

10

2

O

PSA308

Basic Biological Psychology

10

2

O

 

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with 60 in each semester. 

Year-long modules have equal credit weightings per semester.

 

4.2       Part B - Degree Modules

 

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

Compulsory or Optional

PSB204

Human Genomics: Principles & Applications

 

20

1&2

C

PSB207

Ecology of Nutrition

10

1

C

PSB211

Exercise Physiology

20

1&2

C

PSB213

Growth and Development

10

1

C

PSB403

Experiment Design and Analysis B1

10

1

C

DSB103

Vision

10

1

O

DSB105

Human Response to Noise and Vibration

10

1

O

PSB022

Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition

20

1&2

O

PSB032

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health 10 1 O

PSB223**

Human Evolution

10

1

O

PSB314

Organisational Behaviour

10

1

O

PSB353

Human Memory and Cognition Part 1

10

1

O

 

Part B module(s) from the University Undergraduate Module Catalogue or a module from the University Wide Language Programme, subject to approval by Programme Director

10

1

Or

2

O

PSB202 

Measurement and Evaluation 

10

2

C

PSB214

Human Ageing

10

2

C

PSB404

Experiment Design and Analysis B2

10

2

C

DSB104

Thermal Environment

10

2

O

PSB002

Structural Kinesiology

10

2

O

PSB354

Human Memory and Cognition Part 2

10

2

O

**PSB223 is available every other year.

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester.  Students who opt for a 50/70 or 70/50 split of credit weightings must have the permission of the Programme Director.

Year-long modules have equal credit weightings per semester.

4.3       Part I - Placement (8 semester programme only)

DPS Route: Candidates on degree programmes with professional training will register for the non-credit bearing placement module PSI002.
OR
DIntS Route (2014 entry onwards): Candidates on degree programmes with international studies will register for the non-credit bearing placement module PSI005.

 

4.4       Part C - Degree Modules

 

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

Compulsory or Optional

PSC200*

Project

40

1&2

C

PSC219

Human Performance at Environmental Extremes

20

1

C+

PSC221**

Sugar, Salt, Fat

10

1

C+

PSC223**

Human Evolution

10

1

C+

PSC505

Forensic DNA Analysis

20

1

C+

PSC019

Applied Physiology of Sports Performance

10

1

O

PSC021

Physiology of Exercise and Health

10

1

O

 

Part C module(s) from the University Undergraduate Module Catalogue or a module from the University Wide Language Programme, subject to approval by Programme Director

10

or

20

1

or

2

O

PSC204

Infectious Diseases in Humans

10

2

C+

PSC206

Lifestyle and Disease

10

2

C+

PSC208

Body Composition

10

2

C+

DSC113

Applied Vision

10

2

O

PSC016

Physiology of Exercise in Special Populations

10

2

O

PSC020

Sport Nutrition

10

2

O

PSC032

Physical Activity and Health of Children

20

2

O

PSC315

 Psychology and Health  20  2  O

 

4.4.1    Erasmus Programme

Subject to Programme Director approval, students may be selected for the second semester module PSC602 Human Biology Erasmus to undertake their final semester at Maastricht University.  Students taking the Erasmus programme must complete 30 credits of the Compulsory Project in semester 1 and 10 credits in semester 2.

*The Compulsory Project Module PSC200 is divided between Semesters 1 and 2 with a permitted modular weight distribution of 10:30 or 20:20.  Students who opt for a 20:20 modular weight distribution must have the permission of the module organiser.

 

**These modules are available in alternate years.

 

Cindicates modules from which at least 20 credits per semester must be chosen.

 

Compulsory and optional modules must be taken such that the total modular weight for the year is 120 credits, with a minimum modular weight of 50 in each semester.  Students who opt for a 50/70 or 70/50 split of credit weightings must have the permission of the Programme Director.

Please note: Optional modules are subject to availability and timetable permitting.

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C). The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.

Related links

Prospective students

Image of a University homepage screengrab

Information on studying at Loughborough University, including course information, facilities, and student experience.

Find out more »

How to print a programme specification:

1. Select programme specification
2. Save specification as a PDF
3. Print PDF