Introduction

We are a relatively new course which was launched in 2009.  This course is for Biologists who prefer to specialise on topics that are related to Human systems.  Human Biology involves the study of the human body and how it is adapted to its environment.  This course is designed to equip students with a broadly based understanding of the human body in health and disease.  Students will learn about the physiology of the major systems of the body, about the impact of nutrition and environment on health, and about human development and evolution.  A number of new modules at levels 2 and 3 address issues that relate to our ever changing lifestyles and have a global perspective, including nutrition, advances in scientific research and technologies that have improved our understanding of health and disease.  Your experience over the next three years will include practical classes that provide first-hand experience of biology, genetics, human physiology and anatomy and will equip you to follow career paths in science, health or industry among others, depending on where your strengths and interests lie.  Teaching on this course is delivered by research and clinical staff at Keele University, North Staffordshire University Hospital, and the Guy Hilton Research Centre (affiliated to Keele University and NHS), a world-leading centre for translational research.  This approach has been received enthusiastically by the students especially since this gives them a context and a broader perspective on their academic learning. 

I want to make you aware that there are a number of opportunities available to get work experience and broaden your horizons and build up your career prospects, during your studies; including study abroad and placements.  I encourage you to express your interest in these areas to either myself or your personal tutor as early as possible and we will be able to guide you accordingly.

schakravorty Best wishes

Dr Srabasti Chakravorty

Human Biology Programme Director

Preparing to Arrive

There is no specific preparation that you need to do before you embark on your degree studies in Human Biology.  I encourage you to make the most of this summer since the next two summers will undoubtedly be busy, either doing work placements or planning your future career or studying.

If, you are keen to refresh yourselves and get started, then we recommend you prepare by reading chapters from the following textbook s which are the two main textbooks we refer to in the first year:

Molecular cell biology 7th Edition – Harvey Lodish; Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser, Monty Krieger, Anthony Bretscher, Hidde Ploegh, Angelika Amon & Matthew P. Scott

Principles of Human Physiology 2nd Edition - WJ Germann & CL Stanfield.

If you have not studied A-level Biology / Human Biology then a good starting point would be:

Human Biology 13th Edition - Sylvia Mader & Michael Windelspecht

It is not essential that you buy these textbooks as multiple copies are available in the University library. However, you may find it convenient to have your own copy.

Other essential equipment to bring or purchase when you are here:

  • Equipment for taking notes, including pens and a pad of paper, essential for lecture and practical sessions.
  • Basic drawing equipment, including pencils and a rubber, essential in practical sessions.
  • An electronic calculator (with basic scientific functions, such as log, ln and ex).

You do not need to buy a labcoat for Human Biology, this will be provided to you at your first lab session.

In-course assessments have to be submitted electronically (in addition to a hard copy), in most cases.  Although there are plenty of computers available on campus, you may find it useful to have a laptop computer of your own.  As a student you will be eligible for versions of Microsoft Software at greatly reduced prices, so it is advisable to wait until you have registered at Keele University before buying software licences.  

You will also need a portable memory stick which will be useful for keeping backup copies of your work.  Keele computers are currently running Windows 7 and Office 2010.  Student email accounts are administered through Google and you will therefore have access to Google drive, as additional back-up space.  Students have often lost important documents to meet deadlines, when their laptops have malfunctioned or been stolen!  You are strongly advised to keep back-up copies of all your work whenever possible, to avoid such incidents.

Starting Arrangements

Monday 30th September 2013: As part of the University’s Welcome Week there will be a Life Sciences induction talk from 10am till 11am in the Alan Gemell Lecture theatre, HUX015.

Tuesday 1st October 2013: There will be an introductory talk on the Human Biology degree programme beginning from 11am till 12pm in the Huxley Laboratory (HUX217).  Please make sure that you attend this talk, as important information will be provided on all aspects of your degree course and it will help you settle in.

Thursday 4th October 2013: There will be an introductory talk on the Human Biology laboratory practicals from 4 pm till 5pm in the Darwin 1 Laboratory.  This will be a practical skills based session.

All the above sessions will also appear on your e-timetable on the Keele Learning Environment (KLE).
Lectures and Practicals commence in earnest in week 2.

Additional Information

Feel free to contact the Human Biology Programme Director, Dr Srabasti Chakravorty (e-mail:  s.j.chakravorty@keele.ac.uk) or the Human Biology Course Administrator, Mrs Susan Andrews (email:  s.j.andrews@keele.ac.uk), if you have any specific questions.