Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On the completion of this subject students will have gained a new perspective on themselves, their biological origins and society; better understand human health and illness; have considered the impact of contemporary health issues at the personal, community and global levels; have gained an insight into specific areas of human biology which will be given more detailed consideration in subsequent years of the course; have encountered the principles, practice and philosophy of a modern approach to biomedical science.
Synopsis 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 will 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%