Psychology with Human Biology, BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Fascinated by the way new technologies impact on human welfare, health and disease? Combining psychology with human biology, you will learn about the science underpinning these technologies and develop an understanding of their ethical implications. With a focus on the latest research developments, you will develop your knowledge of topics as broad ranging as biochemistry and behaviour, physiology and physiological psychology.

• Gain an in-depth knowledge of human biology.

• Take your first step to becoming a professional in your field – as a successful graduate, you’ll be eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership with the British Psychological Society, putting you on the ladder to becoming a professional psychologist.

• Expand your horizons and experience with opportunities for international exchange and a year studying abroad (in Year 2).

• Develop your skills as a scientist working alongside leading researchers with the Research Apprentice Scheme.

• Maximise your learning with a personal tutor assigned throughout your studies to provide the support and guidance you need to get the most out of your course.

• Shape your own study path with an exciting range of topics available through lectures, optional courses and project supervision.

• Gain invaluable experience and cultivate professional contacts by taking an optional placement year.

• Benefit from studying on a course that Research Assessment Exercise rates as excellent for research and Quality Assurance Agency praises for being well structured, with a focus on active and independent learning, with quality placements and a responsive and reflective academic team.

• Immerse yourself in an innovative and imaginative curriculum that’s continually shaped by the latest developments in psychological research.

• Make the most of our specialist facilities – we’ve got 22 labs to choose from, including a virtual reality laboratory with 3D modelling software, sound-proof cubicles with a range of stimulus equipment and computer laboratories. You'll be able to get your hands on everything you need for your own research.

• To complement your formal learning we offer regular PALS sessions that provide the opportunity for you to learn with and from your peers. Share knowledge, discuss ideas, and ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment.

In your first year, you’ll study the basic theories of psychology, covering learning, social, developmental, clinical, cognitive and physiological psychology. From methods of psychological research, to information technology, communication and critical thinking, you’ll begin developing important skills for the workplace. On the human biology side, you’ll cover biochemistry, the human life cycle, genes, organisms and populations. In your second year, with a focus on developing research and practical skills, your psychology modules will give you additional hands-on experience in designing and testing your own experiments to explore a range of topics. You also continue to build upon your knowledge of the core areas of psychology, getting to grips with key concepts from across cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology. Human biology topics in your second year include fundamental immunology, biochemistry and human physiology. If you choose, you can take an optional work placement after your second year, expanding your knowledge of psychology in a real world context across the UK. Apply to spend a year honing your skills on a psychological professional/work placement. Gain invaluable experience, make professional contacts and receive a Certificate of Professional/Industrial Placement. Please note some placements may require Occupation Health and/or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. You will have complete freedom of choice about the topics you specialise in for your final year psychology modules. You will study four current topics from a list of sixteen options, taught by world experts in their fields. A typical year’s list includes options in forensic, developmental, health, clinical, occupational, cognitive, social, and neuropsychology. You'll also choose to work on your own research project, supervised by one of our staff. All of our staff are active researchers, and all of our staff teach, unlike other universities. As a large school, you can be confident that we can cover almost every area. Your human biology modules will bring you up-to-date with current approaches and issues in the study of the nervous system and health. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website.