Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences | Programme code | UFS3SHSBIO01 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) St Luke's (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
The BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences at Exeter is taught jointly by Biosciences and Sport and Health Sciences. The programme represents an innovative, collaborative teaching response to a broadening demand for graduates with skills in fields of study relating to biological and sport science. It allows you to study scientific aspects of health, physical activity and biotechnology and recognises the importance that exercise can play in the prevention and treatment of disease. You will receive a thorough grounding in the study of human and molecular biology together with the various sub-disciplines of exercise and sport sciences, including biomechanics, kinesiology, human and applied physiology, molecular biology, genetics and microbiology.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
This programme aims:
- To provide you with knowledge and understanding of topics that underpin our understanding of human structure and function, from the fundamentals to their research-informed application.
- To provide you with a scientific, intellectual, and practical training that will prepare you for autonomous lifelong learning and enhance their employability.
- To enable you to experience a supportive learning environment that fosters your academic and personal development.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
www.exeter.ac.uk/sshs/students/modules/ug
www.exeter.ac.uk/biosciences/current/modules/ugstreatham
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in stages 2 and 3 as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You are also permitted to take the five-credit module ESS3910 Professional Development Experience or the five, ten and 15 credit Professional Development Experience modules, BIO3910, BIO3911 and BIO3912, in the second or final years. Registration on these modules is subject to a competitive application process. If taken, these modules will not count towards progression or award calculation.
Stage 1
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1333 | Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists | 15 | No |
| BIO1334 | Genetics | 15 | No |
| BIO1337 | Microbiology | 15 | No |
| BIO1339 | Cells | 15 | No |
| ESS1006 | Human Anatomy and Kinanthropometry | 15 | No |
| ESS1007 | Human Physiology | 15 | No |
| ESS1204 | Foundations of Biomechanics | 15 | No |
| ESS1703 | Bioenergetics | 15 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules. You must take at least 45 credits from Biosciences and at least 45 credits from Exercise and Sport Sciences; at most 30 credits can be chosen from other disciplines in the University.
a You must choose 30-60 credits from the Biosciences modules listed starting with the code BIO2.
b You may choose 0-30 credits from the Sport and Health Sciences modules listed starting with the code ESS.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO2071 | Research Skills and Bioethics | 15 | No |
| ESS2001 | Exercise Physiology | 15 | No |
| ESS2004 | Biomechanics and Kinesiology | 15 | No |
| ESS2304 | Quantitative Research Methods | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHS S2 BSc HB - Bio opt 2022-3 [See note a above] | |||
| BIO2066 | Forensic Science | 15 | No |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO2089 | Molecular Biology of the Gene | 15 | No |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| BIO2093 | Modern Theories of Evolution | 15 | No |
| BIO2101 | Advanced Microbiology | 15 | No |
| SHS S2 BSc HB - SHS opt 2022-3 [See note b above] | |||
| ESS1606 | Nutrition and Metabolism | 15 | No |
| ESS2017 | Measurement of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport | 15 | No |
| ESS2222 | Motor Control | 15 | No |
| ESS2508 | Strength and Conditioning Physiology | 15 | No |
Stage 3
15-45 credits of compulsory modules, 75-105 credits of optional modules (subject to an overall total of 120 credits)
c You must choose one of BIO3096, ESS3302, ESS3303, ESS3304 or ESS3305.
d You must choose 30-75 credits from the Biosciences modules listed starting with the code BIO but the Research Project can form part of these credits.
e You must choose 30-75 credits from the Sport and Health Sciences modules listed starting with the code ESS but the Dissertation or Independent Project Review can form part of these credits.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO3096 | Biosciences Research Project [See note c above] | 45 | Yes |
| ESS3302 | Dissertation [See note c above] | 45 | Yes |
| ESS3303 | Independent Research Review [See note c above] | 15 | No |
| ESS3304 | Dissertation (Physiology) [See note c above] | 45 | Yes |
| ESS3305 | Independent Research Review (Physiology) [See note c above] | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHS SF BSc HB - Bio opt 2022-3 [See note d above] | |||
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 | No |
| BIO3078 | Cellular Basis of Immunity | 15 | No |
| BIO3079 | Molecular Basis of Infection | 15 | No |
| BIO3082 | Science Communication | 15 | No |
| BIO3086 | Cell Biology of Disease | 15 | No |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 | No |
| BIO3097 | Living in a Microbial World | 15 | No |
| SHS SF BSc HB - SHS opt 2022-3 [See note e above] | |||
| ESS2509 | Sports Nutrition and Metabolism | 15 | No |
| ESS2900 | Employability and Career Development | 15 | No |
| ESS3509 | Advanced Strength and Conditioning Physiology | 15 | No |
| ESS3703 | Paediatric Exercise Physiology | 15 | No |
| ESS3706 | Integrated Physiology and Adaptation to Physical (in)activity | 15 | No |
| ESS3707 | Physiological Determinants of Exercise Performance | 15 | No |
| ESS3805 | Biomechanical Analysis of Human Movement | 30 | No |
| ESS3812 | Clinical Exercise Prescription - Cardiac Rehabilitation | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate critical, detailed, research-informed knowledge and understanding of human structure and function, and be able to relate this in particular to Exercise and Sport Science in the areas of Kinesiology and Biomechanics and Exercise and Sport Physiology) | Lectures, tutor-led workshops or seminars; laboratories; formative essays; prepared problem-based lectures; personal and academic tutorials; group tasks; ELE based learning tasks. | Laboratory report (ILO 1-4) Independent research project (ILO 1-4) Field and Laboratory practical examination (ILO 1-4) Seen and unseen examinations (ILO 1-4) Oral presentations (ILO 1-4) Extended coursework essays / reports (ILO 1-4) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
5. Critically assess and evaluate evidence | Lectures, tutor-led workshops or seminars; laboratories; formative essays; prepared problem-based lectures; personal and academic tutorials; group tasks; ELE based learning tasks. | Laboratory report (ILO 5-7) Independent research project (ILO 5-7) Field and laboratory practical examination (ILO 5 + 7) Seen and unseen examinations (ILO 5) Oral presentations (ILO 5) Reflective portfolios (ILO 7) Extended coursework essays / reports (ILO 5-6) |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Communicate ideas effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means | Transferable skills permeate every activity within the programme content and assessment – examinations, presentations, workshops, personal profiling (PDP scheme), word processing, lectures, tutor-led workshops or seminars; laboratories; formative essays; prepared problem-based lectures; personal and academic tutorials; group tasks; ELE based learning tasks. | Laboratory report (ILO 8-11) Independent research project (ILO 8-11) Field and laboratory practical examination (ILO 8-11) Seen and unseen examinations (ILO 8-11) Oral presentations (ILO 8-11) Reflective portfolios (ILO 8-11) Extended coursework essays / reports (ILO 8-11) |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
Sport and Health Sciences (SHS) is the ‘home’ discipline for Human Biosciences students and each student will be allocated a Personal Tutor in SHS on arrival. You will also be given a point of contact in Biosciences should you need to seek advice specific to that discipline. You can also expect reasonable access to all teaching staff for academic tutorials through appointments. In addition there is a Programme Director who will offer support and advice to all students on a programme and a dedicated careers and employability tutor to co-ordinate the interaction between you, careers service and the discipline.
In addition, you are provided with
- Induction course before the start of your first year
- Library induction sessions
- Student handbook and module guides
- Access to Discipline Disability Officers
You will have access to the Seminar Speaker Series where leading researchers are invited to give research seminars.
The Student/Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC) enables students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision. The BSc SSLC in Sport and Health Sciences meets termly and is chaired by a student representative.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BSc (Hons) Human Biosciences
19. UCAS Code
C900
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism
[Honours] Biosciences
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/01/2012 |
Date of last revision | 13/04/2022 |
|---|
