Human Biology and Health (with integrated year in industry) 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 and at the same time enhance your career prospects with the our integrated year in industry. 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 and apply the knowledge to industry in the 21st century.  

Why study Human and Health Biology at Aberystwyth University? 

• The syllabus of this course with the integrated year in industry is identical to its sister course (C194, however, you will have an additional year of funding to undertake and complete your year in industry. Your work experience must be relevant to this degree and the year is assessed which will count towards your degree grade.
• Students will have to organise their work experience under the guidance of our Director for Employability. There is no guarantee that the work experience will be paid. If you cannot obtain a placement you must transfer to its sister course (C194).
• During your year in work experience, you will pay a discounted tuition fee of which the information can be found here.

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.

Your year in industry:

Make no mistake, you will develop confidence and gaining experience in the industry will stimulate your enthusiasm for the subject.

 Completing a year in industry will allow you to:

• Apply the learning from your course to the work environment;
• Make industry contacts;
• Develop practical skills related to your area of study;
• Apply your practical skills and technical knowledge after returning to study;
• Enhance your CV and better prepare yourself for a job after graduating.