Human Biology and Health at Aberystwyth University

Our Human Biology and Health scheme has been developed to reflect the diverse expertise and research activity of staff within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University. The scheme provides you with the opportunity to study a range of biological disciplines including physiology, microbiology, immunology and genetics, coupling these disciplines with the study of human biomechanics and psychology. The curriculum allows you to develop a sound understanding of the main conditions that influence human health in the 21st century.  

Why study Human and Health Biology at Aberystwyth University?

Students on this course will be able to explore the specialist areas of Human and Health Biology which include:

• Facilities for high-throughput DNA sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics and spectroscopic platforms;
• Application of psychology to understand the process of behaviour change and its relevance to delay the development of chronic conditions including heart disease, diabetes and cancer;
• Our modern physiological, biomechanical and psychological equipment including body scanning for bone health and body composition determination, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic analysers, high-performance treadmills, cycles and rowers, along with computer-based digital video and a force plate to allow sophisticated analysis of movement;
• You will be taught by passionate, engaged, friendly and staff with expertise across the full range of Biological topics;
• Your academic studies will be bolstered by a wealth of laboratory and field classes which build real scientific skills essential for your future;
• Our teaching and E-learning facilities provide you with an outstanding learning experience integrating the classroom sessions and a vast repository of study resources;
• You will be assigned a personal tutor who can guide you through your time at Aberystwyth and help you to settle in when you first arrive;
• We have invested heavily and over a number of years in our research facilities, and project students may get the opportunity to work in the research units on Penglais, or in our dedicated research facility at Gogerddan just outside Aberystwyth.

Career prospects

Human Biology and Health graduates will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of careers which include: 

• Bio-medicine;

• Health and allied professions;

• This scheme is also a solid foundation for postgraduate research at Masters and PhD level.

The University has an excellent Careers Advisory Service and we have our own dedicated, professional Careers Advisor. We also have a member of staff who is Director of Employability for IBERS and we are constantly striving to embed and enhance the delivery of real-world skills into every module we offer.