Environmental Biology & Human BiologyDr Angelo Pernetta and Dr Claire Marriott

Biological degrees at UoB Hastings• BSc Hons. Environmental Biology and

Education• BSc Hons. Human Biology and Education• BSc Hons. Biology (Human &

Environmental Biology)

All courses are modular

120 credits need to be taken each year eg:• 2 x 20 credit modules in Environmental

Biology per year• 2 x 20 credit common modules • 2 x 20 credit modules in second subject

(Education or Human Biology)

All courses are modular

Each year students will take two from the first strand, two from the second strand, and two core common modules

These will lead on to more in-depth study at the next level, and thus develop a deep understanding of the biological systems and processes.

Course Structure Diagram

Human Biology Strand Environmental Biology Strand

Common Modules

BSc (Hons) Biology Degree

BH103Molecular

Cell Biology & Physiology

BH104Practical Skills and

Microbiology

BH101Introduction to Biological

Systems

BH102Ecological

Systems and Processes

UC401Subject

Approaches to learning

UC403Subject

Approaches & Techniques

BH203Biology of

Disease

BH205Human

Microbiology

BH201Evolution

and Behaviour

BH202Habitat Ecology

UC501Learning Through practice

UC504 Research

Approaches & Practices

BH303Biomedicine

BH304Frontiers in

Human Bioscience

BH301Issues in

Environmental Biology

BH347Ecology Field

Skills

UC602Project

KV407 Socio

Cultural Context for Education

KV404 Systems and Structures in

Education

KV506 Critiques of

Inclusive Policy & Practice

KV505 Comparative

Education

KV602

Critical Perspectives on Learning & Education

KV603

Reframing Identity

Education Strand

Teaching approaches• Lectures • Tutorials/Seminars • Workshops/Field trips• Laboratory sessions

What makes Environmental and Human Biology at UoB Hastings different?

• ‘Student centred’• Small groups and ‘project work’• Dedicated modules for developing key skills to

learn effectively at University• Research informed teaching

Research Groups• Biogeography and Ecology Research Group: Research focuses on ecological

management of terrestrial and aquatic habitats with particular emphasis on community level responses and the application of GIS to biogeographical research.

• Biomedical Materials Research Group: The group applies a multidisciplinary approach to the fields of ophthalmic, orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomedical materials, adsorbent-based technologies, and interfacial bioengineering.

• Disease Processes Group: Seeks to understand the fundamental processes that underlie particular diseases and the success of their treatment. The aim is to identify opportunities for novel treatments of disease and to modify the current practice to improve treatment outcomes.

• Microbiology Group: The focus of the research within this group is on applied microbiology, in particular, in areas of clinical, environmental and industrial relevance.

• You will complete five Common Modules as part of your Joint Honours Degree

• The Common Modules forms the glue that binds your two strand subjects together

• The Common Modules provide core academic skills relevant to all disciplines

• Academic writing skills • Effective presentation skills and verbal fluency• Critical thinking and analysis• Theoretical approaches and research practices• Conventions of academic referencing and citation

Common Modules

• Each module corresponds to approximately 200 hr study time (a maximum of 3hr per week will be contact time).

• Each module has a module leader who will be your first point of contact

• Modules have different teaching modes, learning agreements, learning outcomes and forms of assessment.

• Each module has a module descriptor, module handbook, and learning resources

Year 1 – Environmental Biology modules

BH101: Intro to Biological Systems• What is Biology and the scientific method? • Nature of biological data. • Plant and animal diversity.• Body forms and key physiological processes.

e.g. respiration• Physiological adaptations to extreme environments.

BH102: Ecological systems & processes• Interactions between organisms and their environment.• Population dynamics and its regulation. • Community structure and dynamics, species interactions.• Ecosystem structure and function.

e.g. nutrient cycling• Global biomes.

Year 2

BH201: Evolution & Behaviour • Evolutionary theory, adaptation and the evolution of

form and function.• Evolution of behaviours • e.g. foraging, signalling, sexual selection, sociality• Aspects of human behavioural ecology

BH202: Habitat EcologyModule selects examples of temperate regional wildlife habitats/communities and examines their natural history and ecology in detail

• Distribution• Biodiversity• Key ecological processes e.g., nutrient and energy cycling• Factors affecting community composition

Yr 2 Optional field trip to South Africa

10 days at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve.

Gain Practical Field Skills.• Large Mammal Surveys• Bird Surveys • Invertebrate Surveys• Behavioural Studies • Identification and Tracking Skills

Year 3BY347: Ecology Field Skills – video clip

• 2 week intensive module (Sept.) • Field, lab and lectures. • Range of survey techniques, habitats and species.

• Reptiles • Great crested newts• Dormouse• Invertebrates• Vegetation surveys

BH301: Issues in Environmental Biology• Habitat loss & fragmentation• Emerging Infectious Diseases• Overexploitation• Invasive species • Climate change and potential impacts on natural systems,

biodiversity and humans society • Biofuels – potential and impacts

Human Biology at Hastings

• Understanding the human body from a cellular to a system level

• How does it work? What happens when it goes wrong? What can we do about it?

• Lectures – seminars / small groups; problem solving; application of knowledge

• Lab classes to support lecture content and gain key biological practical skills

Year 1 – Human Biology modules

BH103: Molecular Cell Biology & Physiology• Exploring the fundamental concepts of cell biology and

the processes of physiological function• Investigating biomolecules; discussing their roles in

relation to biological function• Exploring interactions between systems within the body

BH104: Practical Skills in Laboratory Bioscience and Microbiology

• Introduction to the principles of scientific method• Presentation and reporting of laboratory results • Identification of micro-organisms relating to the human

body and the environment• Putting in place key skills for future lab work

Year 2BH203: Biology of Disease

• Gaining a deeper understanding of molecular, cellular and physiological processes

• Investigating specific disease states such as cancer, immunological disorders and degenerative diseases

• Researching the roles of lifestyle and environmental factorsBH205: Human Microbiology

• Considering biological principles and processes of micro-organisms associated with the human body in health and disease states

• Role of the normal microflora of host & prevention of disease• Aspects of sanitation, hygiene, and food microbiology• Utilisation of microbes by humans for cloning, and the

production of antibiotics & pharmaceutics

Year 3

BH303: Biomedicine• Investigation of disease states; development of appropriate

treatment strategies• Lab methods in blood sciences, infection and cellular sciences• Reporting and interpreting laboratory data • Detection, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of selected

examples of disease

BH304: Frontiers in Human Biosciences• Exploring the current key areas of development in human

bioscience research (highlighted by WHO and NHS)• Understanding of how / why disease can occur in populations• Novel treatment strategies and future directions

Student activitiesPASS

• Peer assisted study sessions• Student-led; supporting lectures,

mentoring, new friendship

BioHaste• Biology student society• Events; socials; trips

Thank you for your attention!

What next?

Priory Square basement until 3.00pm

Admissions

Accommodation

Student Support Advice

Students’ Union

Student Experience drop in from 12pm

Subject desks

Havelock Road until 2.30pm

BURST Radio in the basement

Building tours are available from Havelock Road and Priory Square student lounge areas

Please check your programme for timed course and activity sessions today

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