Explore the complexities of human health and disease through genomics, neurophysiology and microbiology. Gain hands-on laboratory experience and prepare for a range of careers in the bioscience and healthcare sectors.

Course features

Course option

with foundation year

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time

4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

Start date

September 2027

November 2027

January 2028

March 2028

May 2028

July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

This course explores human health and disease, from molecules to global health trends and examines how the human body responds to an ever-changing environment.

Tackle global health challenges: explore the science behind human health and disease, from molecules to populations, and develop the skills to address pressing global health issues.

Hands-on, real-world experience: master advanced lab techniques in our biosciences super-lab, model human physiology in sophisticated simulation spaces, and engage with real-world research and case studies4.

Prepare for a career in bioscience: gain the scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills and practical experience valued by employers to prepare for career paths in research, healthcare and industry.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

4th Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2027

Why you should study this course

Practical, contemporary facilities:4 the SuperLab provides access to advanced equipment, allowing you to master contemporary techniques like qPCR, cell culture and flow cytometry.

Student-centred active learning: this course will be delivered through a blend of hands-on laboratory-based sessions, interactive lectures and discursive workshops. Apply your knowledge and skills to an independent research project in the final year.

Common first year: collaborate and work alongside students doing similar courses to expand your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions.

Cutting-edge science: explore the science behind emerging threats like antimicrobial resistance, challenges of an ageing population and how genomic science is revolutionising our understanding of disease.

Placement opportunities:2 apply for either a one-year professional training placement, or an international experience year to enhance learning and gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation.

Our award-winning green SuperLab

With space for over 200 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University SuperLab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our SuperLab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions.

What you'll study

Year one

Year two

Placement year

Final year

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)

Biotechnology BSc (Hons)

Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry – 30 credits

Learn about the structures of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, linking them to function and roles within biological systems. Examine enzymes, metabolic pathways and the energy used to drive these processes, while also considering the role of computational biology in visualising and understanding biological activities. Analysis methods, including spectrophotometry and chromatographic separation techniques, will be considered in both theory and practice.

Gain a sound appreciation of good laboratory practice, including proper record keeping, following quality standards and conducting key lab procedures and calculations. Learn to use modern digital tools to analyse and present data clearly, along with how to write standard laboratory reports.

Compulsory

Cells to Systems – 30 credits

Investigate the physiology of the human body, beginning with cellular organisation and signalling, all the way through to organ systems, their control and pathophysiology. Learn the process of human embryonic development to understand how distinct physiological systems develop.

Build your knowledge of how the main systems in the human body are developed, structured and organised, such as the nervous, muscular, skeletal, hormonal, heart, lung, reproductive, digestive and kidney systems. Learn how these systems work together to keep the body in balance (homeostasis). This module also covers how cells interact and communicate through cell signalling. You will be introduced to key concepts in how drugs work in the body (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics), as well as how new medicines are developed.

Microbiology and Immunology – 30 credits

Learn about the different types of microorganisms with a detailed focus on bacteria and viruses. The structure, growth characteristics, laboratory cultivation and enumeration of bacteria and viruses will be considered. Explore the role of microorganisms in both human health and disease, as well as control strategies for microorganisms, including sterilisation, disinfection, antimicrobial agents and vaccines. This module will also introduce how mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance develop and work.

Learn how the body defends itself against infections through both the innate and adaptive immune response. Understand how lymphocytes develop and how the immune system tells the difference between the body’s own cells and foreign cells and molecules, including how it responds to tissue transplants.

Genetics and Molecular Biology – 30 credits

Learn the principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolution. You will be introduced to the discovery and structure of DNA and study how traits are passed down, including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance.

Discover how DNA is used to make RNA and proteins (transcription and translation) and learn how to analyse genetic sequences using bioinformatics tools and analytical software. Explore the ethical issues around access to genetic data and how historical events and research projects have shaped the field.

The Gut Brain Axis: Microbes, Mood and Mind – 30 credits

Explore the intricate workings of the gastrointestinal system, highlighting its role not just in digestion but also as a crucial communication hub influencing overall human health and wellbeing. You will delve into the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, examining its complex neural control and regulation.

A significant focus will be placed on the gut microbiota, exploring its composition, functions and profound influence on the brain, behaviour and various physiological processes. The module will investigate the gut-brain axis, examining the bidirectional communication pathways between the gut and the central nervous system.

This module will also explore how imbalances in the gut microbiota (dysbiosis) can contribute to a range of health issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, and other systemic conditions, as well as the causes of dysbiosis, including the overuse of antibiotics, and critically analyse the portrayal of gut health and related topics in the media.

Human Genetic Diversity – 30 credits

Human genetic variation explains much of our diversity, from looks to ancestry to disease risks. Society invests heavily in this research because it could greatly improve health.

This module covers genetic diversity, how we study it, the tech and databases used, and its impact on health. It also addresses challenges in making healthcare and research inclusive, ensuring new methods are effective and accessible to all.

Understanding genetic variation helps us learn about disease causes. It’s now clear that genetics affects all areas of healthcare, from prevention to treatment. Topics include how genes are expressed, DNA modifications and their effects on traits. Study methods for analysing genetic variation, epigenetics and disease causes. Ethical issues in genetic research and the use of model organisms will also be discussed.

Neurophysiology: Development and Disorders – 30 credits

Mental disorders have significant impacts on health, plus social and economic consequences worldwide. This module introduces you to the applied physiology of the brain and nervous system. You will explore the physiological disruption of normal processes of neurotransmission, resulting in disorders of movement, memory, behaviour, anxiety and mood. Unravelling the mechanisms of neural ageing, this module investigates the intricate neurophysiological processes that underlie ageing in the nervous system. You will explore age-related alterations in neuroanatomy, synaptic communication, neurotransmitter systems and neural plasticity, examining how these changes affect brain function and behaviour. This module also investigates the neurophysiological basis of age-related neurological and behavioural disorders, providing a foundation for understanding the challenges of healthy brain ageing.

Human Physiology and Modern Living – 30 credits

In this module, you’ll explore how your lifestyle choices affect your health and how your body works to stay in balance. You’ll look at how major systems in your body—like the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system and hormones—work together to keep you healthy. You’ll learn how metabolism is controlled, what affects your appetite and how diet and exercise influence your wellbeing.

Examine how modern life and living in cities can affect your health, both positively and negatively. This includes looking at health during different stages of life and how being inactive can impact your body. You should discover how your internal body clock affects your behaviour and health and learn about what causes cancer, including the roles of genes, environment and lifestyle.

A placement year2 provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.

Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.

Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Personalised Genomics: Disease, Ageing and Therapy – 30 credits

Unlock the secrets of the genome and its profound impact on disease and ageing. Explore the benefits of personalised medicine, including pharmacogenomics and gene editing, and critically evaluate the ethical challenges of extending the human lifespan. This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the forefront of genomic innovation in healthcare and beyond.

Non-Communicable Disease – 30 credits

From cellular metabolism to systemic disease, this module explores the impact of non-communicable diseases across the human lifespan. Examine the role of lifestyle, genetics, and ageing in the development of chronic conditions, including cancer. Discover how personalised medicine and lifestyle interventions can mitigate disease risk and improve quality of life.

Microbial Threats to Global Health – 30 credits

Explore how infectious diseases affect people across the world and how microbes interact with human populations. Learn about tropical diseases, how new infections emerge and why understanding patterns of disease through epidemiology is essential for improving global health. You’ll also look at how ageing affects the immune system and why antibiotic resistance is a growing concern.

You’ll connect these topics to global sustainability goals, examining how disease slows progress and how climate change and inequality make things worse. You should also consider the role of international teamwork and innovation in finding solutions. This module aims to help you understand the role of microbiology in tackling global health challenges and building a fairer, healthier future.

Research Project – 30 credits

This capstone module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project within your discipline/area of interest. You will engage in all stages of the research process, from project design and ethical approval to data collection, analysis and presentation. This module fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced scientific communication skills, culminating in a conference-style poster presentation and defence of findings.

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to develop a good knowledge of a range of disciplines and how they apply to human health and disease, including both theory and lab-based classes.

You will have the opportunity to undertake challenging lab and non-lab-based independent research projects, dealing with important life science research questions, which in the past have tackled, for example, the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, cinnamon and ginger against drug-resistant clinical pathogens or the effect of sleep deprivation on physiological and mental health in healthy young adults.

Teaching and learning methods may include:

hands-on laboratory-based sessions

interactive lectures

interactive formats such as quizzes

discussions

presentations

case studies

self-guided and directed study.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods align to transferable industry skills, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to enhance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

online tests

essays and critical reviews

proposals

portfolios

group work for presentations, lab projects and reports

individual presentations

laboratory reports

lab skill competency

posters and other information resources (e.g. videos, websites, briefing papers)

independent research project.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

International

Requirement

What we're looking for

UCAS points

BBB to include Biology. Excludes General Studies

GCSE maths, English and two sciences at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.

DDM in the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma in a Biological Science subject. Excludes Health and Social Care.

IB Diploma

32 points to include 5 points in Biology at Higher Level.

Access to HE

The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits above Merit of which 15 must be at Distinction in Biology units. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Americas

Central Asia

East Asia

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

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

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Part-time

UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man

2027/28 fees TBC

2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year

Not available

2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year with EU Support Bursary**

2026/27 fees: £20,800 per year without EU Support Bursary**

2026/27 fees: £19,200 per year

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.

Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Alison Gingell Building

The Alison Gingell Building is home to microbiology, cell culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic science laboratories, allowing you to work in a replicated professional environment from day one.

SuperLab

Our SuperLab has facilities for cell culture and equipment for microscopy, DNA, RNA and protein analysis, and forensic testing.

Physiology suite

Separate physiology and health laboratory facilities enable the measurement of physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, lung function test and neuromuscular functioning.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This dynamic field equips you with a unique blend of scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical experience that are highly valued in today's competitive job market.

You could embark on a rewarding career in the thriving bioscience industry, contributing to cutting-edge research and development at leading pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or medical research institutions. Alternatively, you could pursue a career in healthcare, working in hospitals, clinics, or public health organisations, making a direct impact on patient care.

Beyond traditional scientific roles, your strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills should also equip you for successful careers in areas such as data science and analytics, project management, and science communication and education.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates have gone on to careers in conducting clinical trials for drug companies, as research assistants in laboratories in universities and various roles within industry, such as marketing assistants and medical and scientific representatives for companies. Others have used their qualifications to progress into teaching careers, as well as postgraduate study to obtain MSc, MPhil and PhD qualifications. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies including:

Binding Site

Rosalind Franklin Laboratory

SciBite, Pharmaron

Weetabix

Campden BRI

Prime Global

AS&K communications

Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

The course is an excellent foundation for further postgraduate studies leading to an MSc or PhD. We run a range of related taught MSc courses that allow our graduates to specialise in the area that they have a passion for and would like to pursue a career in.

Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

BSc (Hons)

Apply via UCAS

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

1Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

2UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

3Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

4Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.

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