The course
- UCAS code
- CB99
- Duration
- Up to 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Contact
-
Contact
Jolanda M Currie
-
Telephone
+44 (0)131 451 3187
Overview
This programme comprises a core of biology with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and wellbeing, such as nutrition, exercise science and physiology, and psychology. These themes are developed together throughout the programme, with some flexibility in programme structure and design, according to your interests or career aspirations.
Course content
Detailed course guideYear 1
Introduces Biology largely as Human Biology with accompanying courses in Applied and Environmental Biology. Additional subjects include Mathematics for Scientists and Chemistry, as required for an understanding of future courses in Biochemistry and Physiology.
Learning and teaching
- Scheduled learning: 25%
- Independent study: 75%
Assessment
- Written: 53%
- Practical: 23%
- Coursework: 24%
Year 2
Considers broad topics in Biology, including: Cell and Molecular Biology; Microbiology; Human Anatomy and Physiology; and Nutrition and Health.
Learning and teaching
Scheduled learning: 28%
Independent study: 72%
Assessment
Written: 52%
Practical: 18%
Coursework: 30%
Year 3
Provides increased specialisation in aspects of: Cell and Molecular Biology; Nutrition and Human Health; and Cardiovascular and Exercise Biology. There is also the possibility to study Medical Microbiology or aspects of Biotechnology or Business.
Learning and teaching
Scheduled learning: 25%
Independent study: 75%
Assessment
Written: 57%
Practical: 8%
Coursework: 35%
Year 4
Students will study advanced-level courses in the areas of Biology and Exercise Science, covering topics such as: Molecular Toxicology; Molecular Nutrition; Immunology; Microbial Pathology; and Health, Lifestyle and Disease. A research project provides the practical component of the final year of study.
Learning and teaching
- Scheduled learning: 13%
- Independent study: 87%
Assessment
- Written: 47%
- Practical: 14%
- Coursework: 39%
Employability
Work and study
This is what our BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (Human Health) students are doing six months after graduating:
- 47% are working
- 47% are studying
- 0% are working and studying.
Managerial/professional position
- 80% of those working are in a professional/managerial position six months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students six months after graduating: £19000
- The average UK salary of students six months after graduating from a similar course: £18000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into six months after graduating:
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
- Natural and social science professionals
- Managers, directors and senior officials
- Sales occupations
- Business and public service associate professionals
- Conservation and environment professionals
- Business, research and administrative professionals
- Quality and regulatory professionals
- Teaching and educational professionals
- Skilled trades occupations
Entry requirements
Year 1
- Highers AABBB
- A-Levels BBB
- HNC C in a relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
- Int. Baccalaureate 27 points to include 5 in Higher Level Biology
- Scottish Baccalaureate Pass including a science subject
- Additional information One science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at Higher/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE grade C / Standard Grade 3 / National 5 or equivalent.
Year 2
- A-Levels ABB
- Advanced Highers BB and AABBB at Higher.
- HNC B in a relevant HNC - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
- HND BB in a relevant HND - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
- Int. Baccalaureate 32 points to include 6 in Higher Level Biology
- Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction with Advanced Higher Biology B
- Additional information To include Biology or Human Biology at Advanced Higher/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE grade C / Standard Grade 3 / National 5 or equivalent.
Year 3
- HND AB in a relevant HND - please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further.
Fees and funding
| Status* | Scotland / EU** | England / Northern Ireland / Wales | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £17,440 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** European Union countries, not including England, Northern Ireland or Wales.
Scholarships and bursaries
Featured scholarships
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2018
In addition to government maintenance loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt Foundation Bursary (£9,250 fee discount applied in one of the four years of study and £1,500 payment contribution to living costs in Year 1)
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
- Heriot-Watt Academic Scholarship (£1,000 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.