Human biology
Dr Chris Browne and Associate Professor Tony Luff
6 points * three 1-hour lectures and 3 hours practical per week * Second semester * Clayton
This subject is compulsory for students enrolled in the designated BSc (Biomedical) degree course. BIO1032 (Human biology) will introduce students to the evolution, development and present status of the human species and the problems faced by humans in the late twentieth century, viewed from a biological perspective. It will show how we have evolved as primates and how many of the problems facing humans can be related to aspects of human biological evolution. Students will learn how to recognise and evaluate the impact of the modern world and modern lifestyles on human health and illness, and will learn about some of the biological and biomedical challenges that we face today. Students will examine how the structure and functions of the human body have evolved and explore the consequent limitations on human performance, health and lifestyle. Human biology provides a foundation for the more detailed and specialised scientific knowledge which students will acquire in their second and third year of study in biomedical sciences.
Assessment
Essay: 10% * Practical work: 30% * Test: 10% * Theory written examination: 50%
Prescribed text
There will be no prescribed text. Designated reading will be specified in the subject manual.