Opportunities for work placements in local hospitals and research labs
Brings together human aspects of bioscience with applied aspects of health sciences and knowledge of infectious diseases
Course content is broad, meaning that graduates have several potential career opportunities open to them
Part-time study option
Work/industrial placement opportunity
International students can apply
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology*
Course Summary
This course focuses on human biology and the pathology, transmission and epidemiology of infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. This is one of the few courses available outside of medicine that combines aspects of human physiology, immunology and infectious diseases.
You will gain a systematic understanding of the key aspects of human biology and infectious diseases, within a supportive environment with excellent facilities. In addition to studying a core biology curriculum, you will study specialist modules such as Pathophysiology and Veterinary and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
This degree is ideal for careers in biomedicine, sports science, health care, health promotion, pharmaceutical and food industries and forensic science, both in the UK and internationally. Many of our graduates have been employed by large organisations such as AstraZeneca and the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. Others have continued on to postgraduate study, either taught science Masters courses, research degrees or teaching qualifications.
*This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Discover our £3m Bodmer laboratories
Find out more about the School of Environment and Life Sciences
This module focuses on the basic principles involved in the build-up of molecules from atoms: the formation, properties and importance of bio-organic molecules, the diverse nature of micro-organisms and their structure, function and importance.
This module will help you develop an understanding of genes and genetics, and their influence on evolution and development. It looks at the basic principles of molecular genetics, and the function and evolution of genes in organisms.
This module will look at the multidisciplinary nature of cell biology and the basic structure of cells, focusing on animal cells. It will help you develop a theoretical knowledge of the fundamental physiological and biochemical functions carried out by cells.
This module aims to provide you with a systems-led approach to understand basic human anatomy and embryology. You will gain an in depth understanding of structure-function relationships of key systems in the human body through the study of gross anatomy and tissue histology.
This module will help you develop practical laboratory skills relevant to cell, organismal, micro- and molecular biology which will form a basis for competence in biological and biochemical experimental work.
In this module you will learn by observation, investigation, comparison and engagement. You will develop practical learning and presentation methods which can be applied generically during year 1 and beyond. You will also gain an appreciation of Personal Development Planning and effective data handling, calculation and numerical skills.
The aim of this module is to provide you with a cohesive lecture and laboratory programme to enable you to become aware of mammalian molecular biology and genetics and to develop an understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge in the application of clinical laboratory techniques used for diagnosis.
The aim of this module is to encourage an awareness of the physiological nature of life in humans and develop an understanding of form, function and adaptation in organ systems central to the maintenance of life and interaction with the environment.
This module aims to provide you with a cohesive lecture programme and directed reading, enabling you to gain knowledge and understanding of: the range of infectious diseases that impact on humans; the basic biology and lifecycles of protozoa and helminths of medical importance; vectors that transmit infectious agents and the internal and external factors that affect transmission of infectious diseases.
This module is to help you develop an ability to understand the basics of scientific research under the following areas in order to prepare you for future research-based activity:
This module will provide you with a cohesive lecture and practical course to emphasise the importance of microbial metabolic and genetic diversity.You will be able to describe the different ways in which microorganisms communicate and respond to their environments and will be introduced to concepts of pathogenicity and symbiosis and the virulence factors that contribute to disease.
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of selected human physiological systems and what happens when they go wrong.
Year 3
In year 3 there are a tailored set of modules appropriate to the degree plus the inclusion of a detailed project in the area of Human Biology and Infectious Disease. You can undertake a lab-based research project for 40 credits, your core module and three optional modules from the list below, or take a literature or data analysis project worth 20 credits, your core module, plus four optional modules from the list below. A key feature of this year is the inclusion of tutorial based Professional Skills within the project to enhance your employability
This module aims to provide you with a cohesive lecture programme and directed reading to enable you to gain a knowledge and understanding of: humans in evolutionary context, genetic markers and human migration; the Human Genome; genetic factors controlling development and epigenetic mechanisms of gene control; genetic diseases. You will also develop the skills required to write a substantive piece of academic writing on Human Genetics.
This module will provide you with a cohesive lecture programme and directed reading, enabling you to gain a knowledge and understanding of: the human microbiome and its role in human physiology and beyond; pathogen interaction with the human host; antibiotic action and antibiotic resistance; vaccination success and failure: pathogen immune evasion; new/alternative approaches to infectious disease control.
The aim of this module is to develop an advanced understanding of selected human physiological systems and to gain an understanding of how failure of these systems can contribute to disease.
This module looks at mammalian immunological mechanisms and the roles played by T and B cells/Lymphokines in generating an immune response. It helps you develop an understanding of the genetics of antibody diversity, HIV pathogensis and the current immunodiagnostic assays for infectious and non-infectious diseases.
This is a unique module that builds on the considerable research experience that staff at Salford have in Parasitology and infectious diseases. It covers the basics and epidemiology of this group of diseases from a holistic view.
This module looks at the importance of human and animal parasites, in relation to medical, veterinary or wild-life aspects, life-cycle biology, host response and the principles of parasite epidemiology and transmission. You will also study strategies for parasite detection, diagnosis and control. The module includes a unique field course to enable you to see parasites living in their natural environment.
Part-time structure
If you are studying part-time, you select two to four modules from each year of study, completing the rest of the modules for the year in the following year. This leads to a maximum six-year duration for a part-time degree. If studying part-time you do not have the placement option.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Unistats data for Human Biology And Infectious Diseases
Entry Requirements
Qualification
Entry requirements
GCSE You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below.
English Language and Maths at grade C or above
UCAS tariff points
96-112 points including A2 Biology. A Pass in the Practical Element of Science A levels must be achieved.
GCE A level
96-112 points including A2 Biology. A Pass in the Practical Element of Science A levels must be achieved.
BTEC National Diploma
MMM including Biology
Scottish Highers
96-112 points from Higher Level including an appropriate Science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
96-112 points from Higher Level including an appropriate Science subject
International Baccalaureate
29 points with at least one science subject from Group 4
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
Please note that you should discuss the possibility of being considered for the scheme with the Admissions Tutor before making an application. Please contact the Environment and Life Sciences school office to speak with the Admissions Tutor for this course: +44(0)161 295 4656
English Language Requirements
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this. If you need to improve your written and spoken English, you might be interested in our English language courses.
Applicant profile
We are looking for applicants with a biology background who are motivated to specialise in the areas of public health, tropical disease and infection biology.
Your annual fee will be calculated pro rata to the full-time fee according to the number of credits you are studying.
Full-time International
£14,400 per year
Additional costs
Field courses - a non refundable deposit of £25 is charged for all residential field courses
Field trips - students will not be charged for field (day) trips but are expected to provide their own refreshments.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Teaching
Andrea Gbobaniyi Human Biology and Infectious Diseases graduate
The lecturers are very friendly and easy to approach. They do not only teach valuable skills for your future but also prepare you, over the years, to execute a given task independently and with confidence.
You will learn through a combination of:
Lectures
Practical classes
Small group tutorials
Research projects
Guided reading
Residential and day field courses.
Assessment
Assessment throughout is by a combination of coursework and examination, with coursework accounting for around one third of the marks in years 1 and 2 and up to a half in year 3. Continuous assessment includes the research project, laboratory reports, essays, data analysis, and presentations. The final degree award is weighted to reflect year 2 (25%) and year 3 (75%) performances.
Employability
Yvette Merga Human Biology and Infectious Diseases graduate Yvette went on to Masters level study at Salford, a PhD at Liverpool and is now working as a research scientist on an EU-funded project on food-borne infection.
I really enjoyed my time at Salford, and I feel that the Human Biology and Infectious Diseases course provided me with very interesting and useful knowledge about public health, infectious diseases and microbiology from experts in these fields. In my opinion, I learned about things that other biology degrees simply didn't offer, as well as developing many transferable skills essential for a variety of careers. It gave me a great background from which to start my career as a research scientist.
Career Prospects
This degree is ideal for careers in biomedicine, sports science, health care, health promotion, pharmaceutical and food industries and forensic science, both in the UK and internationally. Many of our graduates have been employed by large organisations such as AstraZeneca and the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. Others have continued on to postgraduate study, either taught science Masters courses, research degrees or teaching qualifications.
Placement Opportunities
We encourage all students to undertake a placement year between years two and three of study. Placement years are arranged by the student with our support. Recent Human Biology and Infectious Diseases students have undertaken placements at the Wolfson Imaging Centre in Manchester, the Clinical Epidemiology unit at Manchester and at TSC Ltd in Heywood. In our experience, final degree results and employability are enhanced for students who undertake a placement year. The placement also counts towards the final degree classification as part of the year 2 mark.
