Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

BSc (Hons) Human Biology (2015 to 2018 entry)

Academic Year: 2018/19

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 3 years (4 years DPS/DIntS)
UCAS code B150, B151
Admissions criteria

BSc DPS/DIntS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/b151

BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/b150

Date at which the programme specification was published Tue, 28 Aug 2018 22:29:18 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

PSA602

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

 20 

1

 C 

PSA606

Anatomy and Physiology

20

1&2

C

PSA601

Laboratory Skills for Biology

20

1&2

C

PSA605

Human Evolution and Adaptation

 20 

2

 C 

PSA604

Data Analysis and study skills

20

1&2

C

PSA603

Genetics and Molecular Biology

20

2

C

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

PSB207

Current Topics in Human Nutrition

10

1

C

PSB213

Growth and Development

10

1

C

PSB032

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health

10

1

O

PSB204

Functional Human Genomics

 

20

1&2

C

PSB211

Exercise Physiology

20

1&2

C

PSB403

Human Biology Research Methods: Data Analysis

20

1&2

C

PSB022

Biochemistry of Exercise and Nutrition

20

1&2

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 

Human Biology Research Methods: Measurement and Evaluation 

10

2

C

PSB214

Human Ageing

10

2

C

PSB002

Structural Kinesiology

10

2

O

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

O+

PSC505

Forensic DNA Analysis

20

1

O+

PSC206

Lifestyle and Disease

20

1

O+

PSC204

Infectious Diseases in Humans

10

1

O+

PSC019

Applied Physiology of Sports Performance

10

1

O

PSC021

Physiology of Exercise and Health

10

1

O

PSC022

Sport Injuries

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

PSC032

Physical Activity and Health of Children

20

2

O+

PSC208

Body Composition

10

2

O+

PSC016

Physiology of Exercise in Special Populations

10

2

O

PSC020

Sport Nutrition

10

2

O

 *The Compulsory Project Module PSC200 is divided between Semesters 1 and 2 with a permitted modular weight distribution of 10:30 or 20:20.  

O+ indicates modules from which at least 40 credits must be taken over the two semesters.

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 be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of 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.

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