Course overview
Foundation year Work placement
Bios
Introducing Bios, our £36.9m facility for science and clinical subjects. It houses four floors of high-quality facilities, including cutting-edge super labs, immersive simulation suites, and replicas of both home and hospital settings.
You study three core discipline-based themes:, human anatomy and physiology, human biology and disease, and healthcare systems and technologies, and explore how humans change over the lifespan, adapt to external stressors, and how lifestyle can have an impact on health. You research and identify potential therapeutic and clinical strategies to reduce the effect of these risk factors on disease states.
Alongside this, you develop skills for employability including good laboratory practice, control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH) assessments, health and safety policies, Human Tissues Act, quality assurance and patient care. You also develop transferrable skills including verbal and poster presentations, written reports, independent research and teamworking skills. This degree also prepares you for postgraduate study including research degrees and taught masters programmes (MSc) including public health, dietetics, physiotherapy, diagnostic radiography, radiotherapy, occupational therapy and nursing.
If you are interested in applying for a course in Nursing, Midwifery & Health Professions leading to professional registration, then our CertHE Health Sciences and CertHE Health Sciences (with Foundation Year) courses will help you develop your knowledge and skills in a range of subjects that will help your application.
You study at Teesside University’s Middlesbrough campus, but during your degree you have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the new National Horizons Centre at the University’s Darlington campus which is home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities. This £22m purpose-built biosciences research, education and training facility is a focal point for the growing regional biosciences community.
Study this course and you may be eligible for the Cleveland Scientific Institution Scholarship (excluding those applying to the foundation year).
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Gain basic knowledge of human anatomy and an understanding of the mechanisms associated with control and regulation of the physiological processes of the major organ system. Homeostasis is the key theme throughout the module, as you explore interrelationships between human functions and the organisational hierarchy to develop and increase your understanding of how the body functions. You also study the construction of biological profiles for human identification including sex, age at death, stature determination and biological affinity. This knowledge is used in the context of identification and recovery of human remains, the regulatory aspect of handing human remains and ethical issues related to human tissue research.
This is a 20-credit module.
Application of Health Sciences
Understand the breadth of health science, and clinical and non-clinical support services?within the NHS in the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. Through service user/carer involvement, you gain valuable insight into the personal experience of those receiving current healthcare provision.
This is a 20-credit module.
Biochemistry and Chemical Science
Study the key principles of biochemistry, including the structure of the atom, chemical bonding and the forces that operate between molecules, chemical reactions and biological pathways. Investigate the chemistry of carbon and why this element is capable of forming the complex three-dimensional molecules that make life possible. Crucial groups of biological molecules are studied in detail, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
This is a 20-credit module.
At a cellular level, you develop your understanding of biological processes. You explore the common features and immense diversity of form and function displayed by cells of organisms. You examine eukaryotic cell architecture and function with a molecular and mammalian focus and learn about cell division, the cell cycle, genetic organisation of cells, DNA replication and gene expression.
This is a 20-credit module.
Microbiology is crucial in many aspects of life science. You study the fundamental aspects of microbiology, learn key practical skills and theoretical concepts covering a range of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and eukaryotic microbes. You focus on microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth, microbial diversity, the importance of microbes in the environment, industry and human health. And you benefit from a strong practical element that introduces key microbiological lab skills.
This is a 20-credit module.
You gain an overview of normal histology and cytology of major organs and systems of the human body and molecular and cellular factors underpinning the pathology of common diseases. You examine the causes, mechanisms and extent of disease, as well as adaptations to injury, such as apoptosis and necrosis (death of living cells or tissues), autophagy, inflammation, wound healing and neoplasia (abnormal new growth of cells).
This is a 20-credit module.
Year 2 core modules
Clinical pharmacology encompasses all aspects of the relationship between drugs and humans. It is a diverse discipline that both sustains and advances best healthcare. You explore the nature of drugs as chemicals, which interact with cellular mechanisms at the molecular, systemic and behavioural level. Focus is on the treatment and prevention of disease and you consider the nature of adverse effects of drugs and other chemicals within living systems.
This is a 20-credit module.
Working as a project team, apply your health science knowledge to a range of environmental problems and to answer specific questions. Develop a comprehensive set of employability skills including project management, presentation of work, research and commercial awareness to support complex problem solving, and enhance your awareness of professional issues such as health, safety, environment and ethics in the workplace.
This is a 20-credit module.
From fertilisation to infancy, through puberty and into adulthood, you take a journey through your own life. You also examine what happens when the human reproductive system doesn’t work properly, and how advances in reproductive medicine can help.
This is a 20-credit module.
You gain a solid foundation in immunology and explore the immune system’s role in protecting against microorganisms and maintaining human health. Examine the functional organisation of the immune system, the immune cells and chemical mediators, antibodies, and cellular processes related to the innate and adaptive immune responses.
This is a 20-credit module.
Social, environmental and economic factors influence an individual’s health and wellbeing. A healthy diet, education, income, smoking and alcohol abuse are all considerations. You examine these positive and negative influences.
An evidence-based approach helps you to understand key developmental issues in the various stages of life, from preconception and adolescence through to old age. You develop effective research skills and learn how to critically evaluate existing information and theories, using what you have learnt to deliver solutions for key public health issues
This is a 20-credit module.
Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
You are introduced to a range of modern molecular biology concepts and techniques. You address general molecular biology, molecular biology of genetic diseases, and using molecular biology for applications such as the production of recombinant proteins, and biomedical science forensics. The new age of molecular biology is underpinned by gene/genome sequencing, sequence analysis and sequence manipulation. You explore the principles of sequence analysis and how these techniques have revolutionised molecular biology. Particular attention is on the technique of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). You learn the bioinformatics concepts around visualising and analysing DNA sequence data, and basic molecular data analysis. You gain insight into the theoretical aspects of molecular biology and bioinformatics, and learn the basic techniques of modern molecular biology such as DNA purification, PCR, restriction digestion, and nucleic acid analysis through agarose gels and sequencing.
This is a 20-credit module.
Optional work placement year
You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.
You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.
Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:
· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.
If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.
Final-year core modules
Biologics and Health Product Development
What are the real-world challenges associated with the launch of a healthcare product? Study the process from initial research and development through to developing a product for market. Understand nutrition, medical, biotechnology and healthcare sector ventures. Develop your entrepreneurship skills and learn how to carry out and implement effective market research, and develop a business plan.
This is a 20-credit module.
You get an overview of the health technologies used within the health sector to prevent, manage and treat diseases. You focus on the impact of medical technologies such as medicines, medical devices, diagnostic techniques and surgical procedures. You also explore how certain conditions are diagnosed and treated along with the different efficacy measures of these technologies including cost effectiveness.
This is a 20-credit module.
Ageing is a major risk factor for a number of diseases including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurodegenerative, musculoskeletal diseases and cancer. Develop your understanding of the molecular, cellular and whole organism ageing processes. Explore how ageing occurs by the accumulation of damage to molecules, cells and tissues, resulting in a loss of function and leading to an increased risk of death. And examine advances in intervention mechanisms which have contributed towards reducing disease risk and development in an ageing population.
This is a 20-credit module.
You examine key human pathogens with a clear emphasis on the subversion of host cells and causation of disease. You explore underlying molecular mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment and overall impact of many key pathogens. You gain an insight into how humans interact with a variety of non-pathogenic microorganisms and how they affect human health.
This is a 20-credit module.
You complete an in-depth, independent investigation into a specialist aspect of your field of study. You bring together a range of practical and academic skills developed in previous study, including analysing and critically evaluating data and a critical reflection on the potential risks, and moral and ethical issues. You are supported by a research supervisor who helps you develop and complete your research project.
This is a 40-credit module.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through a range of teaching and learning methods including:
- lectures
- tutorials
- seminars and workshops (including oral presentations and poster sessions)
- laboratory work
- computer laboratory-based sessions
- group projects
- research projects.
Each programme and module is supported by a specific virtual learning environment (VLE) site.
How you are assessed
You may be assessed through:
- formal exams including 'unseen' exams
- laboratory reports
- computer-based assessments
- problem-solving exercises
- data interpretation exercises
- critical analysis of case studies
- oral presentations and technical interviews
- essays, literature surveys, evaluations and summaries
- collaborative project work
- preparation and display of posters
- planning, conduct and reporting of project work
You will be provided with an assessment schedule providing details of the submission deadlines for summative assessments.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
We are committed to widening participation and encourage all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. We operate a flexible admissions policy taking into consideration individual circumstances, including personal achievements, relevant experience, personal qualities, as well as qualifications and grades.
Year 1 entry
96-112 UCAS tariff points
You must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (grade C) or equivalent and have studied at least one relevant subject at Level 3. Eligible subjects include:
Applied Science
Biology
Health Sciences
Typical Level 3 qualifications include:
A levels (within a minimum of grade C from one relevant subject)
BTEC Extended Diploma
Access to HE Diploma
Alternative equivalent UK and international qualifications and subjects are also considered. If you are not eligible for Year 1 entry, we also offer this course with an integrated foundation year.
Direct entry to later years
If you have previously studied a relevant subject at a higher level (HNC, HND or one or more years of a degree at another institution) we can consider you for direct entry to Year 2 or Final Year of this course. Please provide us with a complete detailed transcript of your previous studies with your application to help us determine your eligibility for advanced entry.
Applicant Days
If you receive an offer to study with us you may be invited to attend one of our Applicant Days. This is a great opportunity to learn more about studying at Teesside by exploring our campus, seeing our excellent facilities, meeting staff and students, and finding out more about your course.
The Applicant Day provides you with information, guidance and advice to help you make the right choice. Even if you have attended an Open Day we encourage you to attend the Applicant Day - we are confident you will find your visit a useful experience.
Alternative progression routes
If you are not eligible to join this course directly then we may be able to help you prepare for admission by studying appropriate pre-degree Summer University modules.
Please contact us to discuss the alternative progression routes available to you.
Non-EU international students
Non-EU international students who need a student visa to study in the UK should check our web pages on UKVI-compliant English language requirements. The University also provides pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet the minimum English language requirement.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
The BSc (Hons) Health Sciences degree provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and skills applicable to many occupations and potential career opportunities. Graduate jobs include roles related to scientific and medical research, clinical and analytical laboratory set up. Potential employers include health service organisations, government, local authorities, industry, and charitable and international organisations. The time spent on developing essential interpersonal and valuable transferable skills throughout the degree through a diverse range of activities (group work, presentation, interview, critical thinking, problem solving, communication enhancing, analysis and statistics) make you further employable to a range of career opportunities and occupations including:
- Public Health, health promotion and surveillance
- Corporate social responsibility
- Industrial and graduate training programmes in health
- Non-governmental organisations
- Health service management and administration
- Graduate entry to further health and clinical education programmes
- Biomedical, Pharmaceutical or health sciences research
- Community engagement and transformation in health
- Pharmaceutical, Microbiological and Biotechnological Laboratory Assistants
- Product Development Technologist
Postgraduate study
Graduates may also seek further postgraduate study in advanced health-related subjects including:
- Diagnostic Radiotherapy* (Pre-registration)*
- Dietetic (Pre-registration)*
- Master of Public Health (MPH)*
- Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration)*
- Occupational Therapy (Pre-Registration)*
- MRes in Clinical Research
- Health and Social Care Sciences (generic pathway)
- Midwifery
- Graduate-entry programmes in clinical discipline such as dentistry, medicine, Physician Associates (PA)
* These courses are provided by Teesside University
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.