Human Biology with Foundation Year

Studying Human Biology with a foundation year is your starting point for an exciting and worthwhile scientific career. You will achieve a highly regarded qualification in four years.

• Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this course demonstrates quality and sets a high professional standard
• Choose a course which is ideal if you are thinking of a career change or keen to build skills in a new subject
• Benefit from a foundation year which will give you a solid platform for success as you progress in your honours degree studies
• Prepare for a rewarding future in medical research, the NHS, health charities and biomedical industries – or any role where you can truly make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing
• Develop high level skills in bioscience, an in-depth understanding of infectious and genetic diseases, and fascinating insights into how our lifestyle choices affect our health
• Seize the chance to go on work placement, undertake an internship or assist with the University’s human health research – all opportunities which are offered on a competitive basis
• Tailor your degree from our selection of modules to support your own interests and career ambitions

Human Biology at Derby

If you aspire to a scientific career focused on improving people's health and wellbeing, this degree is an ideal starting point. Studying Human Biology places you at the forefront of advances in areas like medicine, sports science, physiology and mental health.

Ageing is inevitable - but healthy ageing is achievable. With people living longer and the population getting older, effective approaches to healthy ageing have never been more important, as reflected in global initiatives, like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where 'Good Health and Wellbeing' is highlighted as a priority. By studying with us, you will address some of the most pressing health concerns facing today's society, by investigating the cause, effect and treatment of human disease and illness.

This course delivers a solid grounding in human physiology and anatomy, biochemistry, genetics and medical microbiology, helping you understand the basis of human disease, diagnosis and treatment. You'll also explore factors which impact health such as physical activity, smoking, air pollution, infectious disease, and alcohol/drug misuse, plus the social and economic changes and government policies transforming global public health.

Professional and career development skills are embedded throughout our courses. You'll have the opportunity to visit different health care and laboratory environments, and attend guest lectures from leading professionals.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Expert teaching

You'll benefit from working with lecturers who have a wealth of experience in their chosen profession, so you're getting industry-relevant teaching to help you shine in your chosen career. Many are also involved in research, bringing the latest theories into the classroom.

The diversity of research projects under way is vast – covering issues such as:

• The role of the Human Papillomavirus in the development of head and neck cancers
• Antibiotic resistance bacteria in healthy individuals
• Mechanisms and cardiovascular effects of anti-angiogenic drugs

You could apply to help with the team’s research projects, which will deepen your understanding and give you an ideal preparation for your future career.

"Every one of my lecturers inspired me with their passion for the subject and their desire for students to question them. They want you to do well and helped whenever I asked." Claire Storer, BSc (Hons) Human Biology graduate

Invaluable placement opportunities

You can apply to work in industry or undertake an internship between stages two and three of the course. This is not only an excellent preparation for your final-stage studies but also the ideal opportunity to add substance to your CV, boost your future prospects and develop the broader professional skills demanded by employers today. Previously our students have secured roles at the Leukaemia Research Foundation in London, Royal Derby Hospital and local pharmacies. 

Specialist facilities

Our facilities include a molecular biology laboratory, class ll microbiology laboratory and tissue culture facilities. We provide modern instrumentation and specialist containment facilities for the growth and manipulation of bacteria and viruses, as well as the sequencing and characterisation of DNA.

We have also opened a student research laboratory which gives you a dedicated space throughout your studies.

You will be able to use a range of analytical and biomedical equipment including:

• Facility for Omics Research in Metabolism (FORM): We have recently secured £850k of capital funding to establish this new facility. This ultra-modern, innovative research facility will provide training in the new and emerging fields of genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics
• Scanning Electron Microscope: We mainly use this for medical research, exploring everything from human/animal tissue infrastructure to bacteria and viruses. It's also useful in vaccination testing.
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: This has a variety of uses including quantifying plasma levels of drugs and their metabolites. It is also used in the measurement of biogenic substances that help in diagnosis.
• Gas Chromatography: We use this for various medical activities, including bioanalysis of body fluids, detecting pollutants and metabolites in serum, and for fatty acid profiling in microbes.
• Fluorescent Microscope: You may use this to understand the cellular ultra-structure or sub cellular organelles.
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry: Used to detect minute concentrations of toxic substances in blood.
• Ion Chromatography: Used to determine many ions and substances in clinical and pharmaceutical samples.
• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR): Used to identify molecules and for diagnostic purposes.

We also have new molecular and cellular biology laboratories. These will help us conduct in vitro cell/tissue culture based investigations, so we can understand the pathophysiology and establish effect treatment strategies against cancer, age-related disorders (such as dementia), diabetes, pre-eclampsia and more.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, tutorials, and e-learning, supported by hands-on laboratory practicals.

Assessment

No single assessment style suits everyone, so we take a diverse approach across the different modules. You’re assessed using a range of written assignments (including data analysis, portfolios, and practical reports) and computer-based assessments. Coursework includes essays, experimental reports (based on laboratory work), case studies, reflective portfolios, posters and oral presentations. In some modules, group work is assessed.

At Level 6 students are expected to be able to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and application of the original work generated within their Research Project by submission of a thesis, and through an oral/poster presentation to a lay audience.

Tailor your degree

You can adapt your studies to suit your chosen career path while gaining a greater understanding of how the body functions. We offer a selection of optional modules in bioscience, sport science and psychology to enable you to focus on areas that interest you most. In your final year, you’ll undertake an in-depth research project into a human health theme which matches your interests and aspirations.

Broaden your perspectives

We’re committed to your professional and career development. Guest speakers will add an extra dimension to your learning experience. We also have a vibrant Human Biology Society, established and run by students, which organises monthly guest lectures by notable academics on topical subjects. The inaugural lecture covered research into the environmental health conditions in the Calais refugee camps.

Personal academic tutoring

Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.

Find out more about personal academic tutoring

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Additional costs and optional extras

Studying Human Biology equips you with highly relevant and up-to-date skills that are important for careers in the NHS, health charities, medical research and biomedical industries, in roles such as:

• Research/Laboratory Assistant, Technician or Associate
• NHS Clinical Scientist​
• Medical Professional​
• Physiotherapist/Sports Trainer Performance Counselling
• Pharmaceutical/Medical Sales
• Lecturer​/Teacher
• Scientific Writer​
• Scientific/Non-Scientific Consultancy
• Public Health Service​
• Clinical Trials Co-ordinator 
• Human Resources
• Food Technology
• Biosafety
• Health Charities
• Marketing

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

Other courses you might like

• Human Biology BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)