Human Biology

Topics covered include: Human biochemistry, chemistry of the main bio-molecules. Humans as Chordates: Amphioxus as a model chordate, range of chordate animals, Humans as examples of advanced chordates. Evolutionary origins of humans, bipedalism, intelligence, hominid family tree, cultural evolution. The molecular basis of human genetic diseases covering single gene disorders, X-linked disorders, complex diseases, chromosomal imbalances and rearrangements and mitochondrial mutations. A brief outline on the cloning and identification of disease genes, genetic testing, gene therapy and ethics surrounding medical genetics. Human infectious disease, transmission of disease, diagnosis and treatment.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:
-Describe the processes involved in Chordate evolution and how modern Chordates still retain features first seen in the earliest Chordates.
-Describe the anatomical and behavioural changes that have occurred during human evolution, from primate ancestors to the present.
-Describe approaches used in the identification and study of human genetic disorders.
-Give an account of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance of human genetic disorders.
-Discuss the factors affecting the transmission and control of disease.
-Explain how advances in microbiology have impacted on improvements in human health.
-Undertake self-directed library research and construct an essay on a topic relating to human biology.

Teaching & Learning methods:
Lectures: 30 hours
Tutorials: 2 hours
Independent student activities: 68 hours

Assessment:
Continuous Assessment: 40%
University scheduled written examination: 60%

Continuous Assessment detail(s): (MCQ, questionnaires, essays etc) during module 20%, Dissertation 20%

Co-requisites:
BI101