BSc in Human Biology

Human Biology is the integrated study of human anatomy and physiology, including the study of the body in health and disease. It covers a wide range of topics, ranging from genetics, microbiology, and immunology to the core disciplines of anatomy, microanatomy, and physiology.

The degree is designed to allow a greater degree of flexibility in the choice of modules, in comparison to the closely related degree in Biomedical Sciences.

Specialist subject areas which can be studied in detail include Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cardiovascular Pathology and Treatment, Topographical Anatomy, Exercise and Sports Science in Medicine, Embryology and Developmental Biology, Public Health Science, and Neuroscience. Within these subject areas, we provide a wide and innovative range of learning experiences, such as the use of ultrasound imaging in cardiovascular physiology and exposure to cadaveric dissection (specimens permitting).

Human Biology Degree Highlights

The School has invested in a new cadaver dissection lab which allows students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and understanding of human anatomy (specimens permitting).

Global Opportunities

The School has links with two universities in the USA - the University of Nevada in Reno and the University of Vermont, where several students have the opportunity to complete a one-year work placement program.

World Class Facilities

Our Centre's teaching facilities have benefited from the investment of over £2 million in recent years. This includes a fully equipped modern anatomy teaching unit with dissection facilities, as well as state-of-the-art physiology teaching and laboratory facilities, offering undergraduate-level cardiopulmonary exercise testing and ultrasound.

Internationally Renowned Experts

Our academic staff combines enthusiastic teaching with world-class research in the Biomedical Sciences, including cardiovascular disease, eye disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and public health. We also have over 60 principal investigators specializing in Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Population Sciences research, and translational technologies who contribute to teaching and third-year research projects.

Student Experience

The School continues to score highly in the National Student Survey for student experience. Up to 12 prizes are available as an added incentive to our students from 1st to 3rd year, awarded for top performances in individual modules and overall degree performances. This includes prizes awarded by professional bodies (Physiological Society, Pharmacological Society).

Queen’s University Belfast is ranked in the Top 200 Universities in the World (QS World University Rankings 2019)

140 in the world for graduate prospects (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020)

Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, one of three Queen's Colleges in Ireland, it became an independent university in 1908 and is the ninth oldest university in the UK. Today, Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.

Queen’s is ranked 8th in the UK for Research Intensity (REF 2014/ Times Higher Education) with over 75% of its research assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF 2014.

We’re A Global University

Students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction and employability rates.

Global Research Institutes

Building on its disciplinary excellence, the University has created four flagship Global Research Institutes which bring leading academics together to tackle some of the greatest global challenges of our time in the areas of: Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety.

The Faculty Of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s deliver high quality, leading-edge education, through world-class staff, focused on the needs of society. We provide an educational experience that is research-led and enriches our students intellectually, socially and culturally.

Our hope is that students from around the world will join with us to both learn and also bring new ideas and approaches to help drive forward our ambitions to enhance and advance life. Queen's is at the heart of Belfast's culture, as well as its art and social scenes. We're proud to be part of a bustling, cosmopolitan city boasting a vibrant social life and rich cultural heritage.

Addressing Global Challenges

Through our education and research, we strive to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, our academic staff undertake world-leading research through our Schools and Global research institutes in Health Sciences and Global Food Security. This has resulted in new treatments for patients and greater levels of protection for the food we eat.

Faculty Schools

The School of Biological Sciences The School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences The School of Nursing and Midwifery The School of Pharmacy