School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences

Programme Specification for BSc Human Biology

Please note: 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. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in Module Specifications and other programme documentation and online at

The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Awarding body/institution;
Department; / LoughboroughUniversity
School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences
Teaching institution (if different);
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body; / No formal accreditation. *
Name of the final award; / BSc (Honours) (3 year)
BSc (Honours) DPS (4 year)
Programme title; / Human Biology/Human Biology with Diploma in Professional Studies
UCAS code; / B150 (3 years)
B151 (4 years)
Date at which the programme specification was written or revised. / April 2009

1. Aims of the programme:

  • 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 and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • the benchmark statements for Biosciences and Anthropology (Biological);
  • Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;
  • University Learning and Teaching Strategy;
  • School teaching and learning policies;
  • the research interests and specialisms of the teaching staff and their professional involvement in the discipline.

3. Intended 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

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Knowledge and understanding is acquired by lectures, tutorials, practical/computing sessions and guided independent study.

Intended learning outcomes are assessed by examination and coursework. The core modules for the programme allow students to develop knowledge and understanding of the Human Biological Sciences and appreciate the need for an integrated holistic whole body approach to Human Biology, as well as developing problem solving skills. Coursework take on a variety of formats including individual and group assessment, peer assessment, essay style questions, critical reviews, in class tests, practical reports, and presentations. The development of critical arguments in Human Biology at the forefront of the discipline is usually assessed through coursework involving critical reviews, essays, and project work as well as through essay/ short answer based exam assessment.

3.2Skills 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.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Cognitive skills are developed through lectures, practicals/ computer workshops, tutorials, one to one supervision of project work in the final year, and by guided independent study of scholarly material.

Cognitive skills are assessed by coursework and examinations. Examinations test the application of knowledge to unseen situations. Coursework allows the student to demonstrate wider academic skills of focused scholarly research, drafting, editing and summarising skills. In the Final year, the student is given the opportunity to demonstrate their ability independently to design and execute a substantial empirical investigation and present its findings in a written report.

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.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Practical skills are developed through practical work in the laboratory and in the field. In Parts A and B students are taught in practical classes and undertake increasingly more demanding empirical projects in small groups. In the final year (Part C) students undertake a major independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff, as well as continuing to engage in practical classes in the laboratory.

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.

Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:

Key skills are addressed from the outset by the Human Biology and Society module in the first year and then developed on an ongoing basis throughout the programme.Assessment of key skills is embedded in module assessment, and is explicit in end-of-module student evaluations.

Information technology skills are developed through the use of computers in practical classes, for preparation of coursework and for independent study. E-mail is the preferred form of communication in the School. Communication skills are promoted through the use of a variety of assessment modes, ranging from oral and poster presentations, through to laboratory reports, essays and literature reviews, to an extended project report in the final year. Interpersonal and teamwork skills are developed through the use of group work, the use of peer assessment and the experience of practical work with human volunteers. Self-management and professional development skills are promoted by the requirement for students to work independently to manage work and meet deadlines. These skills are also fostered through advice given in personal tutorial meetings. This culminates in the organisation and management of a major piece of independent study in the final year project. The 4 year Human Biology with Diploma in Professional Studies degree provides substantial and significant opportunities for development of professional development skills in particular, alongside many other key skills.

4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:

The programme is a three or four-year, full-time course of study, with the option of undertaking professional placement in the third year. The programme is divided into units of study called modules, which may be rated as 10 (single) or 20 credits (double). Each Part of the programme comprises 120 credits taken over one year of study, usually 60 credits in Semester 1 and 60 credits in Semester 2. Each semester lasts 15 weeks, with 11 weeks of teaching followed by revision time and examinations.

The optional third year professional placement is an integral part of the degree programme and on successful completion of the placement and the programme, students will be awarded the Diploma in Professional Studies in addition to their degree.

Full details can be found in the Programme Regulations at:

5. Criteria for admission to the programme:

A link to entry qualifications can be found in the current prospectus at:

6. Information about assessment:

Most modules are assessed by a mixture of written examination and coursework, although there are exceptions where some modules are assessed entirely by coursework and others entirely by examination. First year assessment represents the means of progression to the second year. Second year and third year results are weighted at 40% and 60% each in calculating final degree classifications.

Criteria for progression and degree award:

(i)Part A: In order to progress from Part A to Part B, candidates must accumulate at least 100 credits and obtain a minimum of 30% in remaining modules.

(ii)Part B: In order to progress from part B to Part C, candidates must accumulate at least 100 credits and obtain a minimum of 30% in remaining modules.

(iii)Part C: In order to qualify for the award of the degree, candidates must, in addition to satisfying any other requirements of Regulation XX, accumulate at least 100 credits and obtain a minimum of 30% in remaining modules.

Students who do not achieve the above requirements will be given an opportunity for re-assessment. Further information about reassessment can be found at:

7. What makes the programme distinctive:

Staff teaching on the Human Biology programme are all research active and incorporate their latest research into their teaching, keeping the programme at the forefront of Human Biology learning. Staff come from a variety of subject backgrounds including Human Biology, Anthropology, Physiology, Genetics, Sports Science, Social Statistics, Psychology and Ergonomics to deliver a programme that is unique in its strong emphasis upon applied aspects of individual and human population biology, and its integrative and systematic whole body approach to studying Human Biology. Being situated in a Division of Biological Sciences within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences means that students are able to take modular options in aspects of Psychology and Sports Sciences, as well as Ergonomics, which are related to the applied study of Human Biology. The timetable also allows students to begin or continue learning foreign language skills as part of their studies. The Human Biology programme has established links with industry over many years of running the Diploma in Professional Studies. These links aid students in finding industrial placements to complete the Diploma as part of the four year programme. We also hold an ERASMUS agreement with MaastrichtUniversity and students can apply to take part in this programme in the second semester of the final year of their studies.

8. Particular support for learning:

The School offers an academic personal tutorial system. All students are allocated a Personal Tutor on their arrival at the university. Students are invited to meet with their Personal Tutor at least once a semester and on a more regular basis during the first semester of their studies. For additional support for learning services refer to the University’s web page:

9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:

The University has a formal quality procedure and reporting structure laid out in its Academic Quality Procedures handbook, available online at:

November 2009

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