Human Biology and Infectious Diseases with Foundation Year

There has never been a more urgent time to explore the pathology, transmission and epidemiology of infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. Start this scientific journey with a BSc (Hons) Human Biology and Infectious Diseases with Foundation Year degree at Salford.

One of the few courses of its kind outside of medicine to combine aspects of human physiology, immunology and infectious diseases, this exciting and relevant degree is a gateway to pathology, transmission and epidemiology of infectious diseases affecting humans and animals.

Take your scientific knowledge further
Developed around a core biology curriculum, our course will help you to build a systematic understanding of human biology and infectious diseases. With a focus on your future, we place a strong practical focus on nurturing your scientific and transferable skills for a career in medical laboratory research.

This foundation year pathway is recommended if you want to study the full honours degree, but don’t meet the direct entry requirements. On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be ready to progress to study our full BSc Human Biology and Infectious Diseases honours degree, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Continuing your studies for three further years – or four, if you choose to include an industry placement – you will build a systematic understanding of the key aspects of human biology and infectious diseases whilst developing practical laboratory skills. You will have the opportunity to explore specialist subjects such as pathophysiology and parasites.

Throughout your studies, you will develop strong laboratory skills. As a biomedicine-based student, you will spend lots of time in our advanced Bodmer laboratories. These well-equipped, purpose-built facilities ensure your learning remains on the cutting-edge of innovation and discovery. The labs host industry-standard instrumentation, including cell culture facilities, histology specimen preparation station, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy.

Get closer to industry
Complementing your laboratory-based sessions at Salford, you will experience visits to local pathology laboratories and receive guest lectures from external NHS specialists and biomedical scientists.

Once you join the full BSc degree, you also have the option to take an industry placement between years two and three. Building on our connections with regional health and scientific research organisations, recent Human Biology and Infectious Diseases students have completed placements at the Wolfson Imaging Centre in Manchester, the Clinical Epidemiology unit at Manchester and at TSC Ltd in Heywood.

Features
• Build your knowledge ready to progress to our full BSc (Hons) Human Biology and Infectious Diseases degree
• Develop laboratory and research skills ready for your graduate career
• Include an optional industry placement, where you can apply your learning in local hospitals or research labs
• Part-time option available

This course is not open to international students.

Foundation Year:

• Biological Principles
• Chemical Principles
• Scientific Methods
• Data Handling
• Professional Communications
• Science for Health

Year One:

• Molecules to Microbes
• Genetics
• Human Anatomy
• Biological Skills
• Study Skills
• Cell Biology

Year Two:

• Molecular Genetics
• Introduction to Parasitology and Infectious Diseases
• Biological Research Skills
• Microbial Communities and Interactions
• Pathophysiology
• Human Physiology

Year Three:

• Human Genetics
• Biology of Parasites

Choose one option from the following:

• Final Year Project and Professional Skills
• Final Year Project with Science Communication and Professional Skills (HANS)

Plus one option from:

• Advances in Pathophysiology
• Clinical Immunology

And one option from:

• Antimicrobial Resistance: Threats and Solutions
• Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Typically modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination, with coursework accounting for around 40% of the marks. Though this can vary from module to module, for example certain modules are assessed entirely by coursework. Continuous assessment includes a research project, laboratory reports, essays, data analysis and presentations. The final degree award is weighted to reflect year 2 (25%) and final year (75%) performances.