Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health BSc

Course overview

Are you determined to understand how the body works, the mechanisms that allow us to function, and what goes wrong in disease? Understanding how our body reacts to physical activity is a crucial area of contemporary science.

On this course, you’ll discover how physical activity is vital for leading a healthier and longer life. Exercise can help prevent and treat a wide range of common health problems such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, arthritis, depression and dementia.

Be part of an investigative-based learning experience, informed by cutting edge research and delivered by world leading academics. Your first year will equip you with a broad understanding of the principal body systems, and important hands-on practical experience.

Areas of study will include gross anatomy and movement, how the different systems of the body (including the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and endocrine systems) allow us to move and function, and how cellular and molecular mechanisms (such as metabolism and electrophysiology) underpin whole-body function. You will explore how physical activity can be applied across a range of settings to inform rehabilitation strategies, improve health and combat disease.

Our focus will be on making you workplace ready. You’ll undertake an independent capstone or culminating research project, bringing together the knowledge, skills and attributes developed throughout your degree.

This 3 year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. You would study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project within one of the major research laboratories in the School of Biomedical Sciences or an appropriate period of work based practice.

Course Highlights

• Designed to give a broad scientific foundation and key graduate skills for those interested in human physiology, physical activity and health.
• Explore world-leading research in exercise and biomedical science through working with expert researchers.
• Delivered using inspirational, engaging and inclusive approaches, developing the key skills and attributes of a global graduate.
• Utilise our state-of-the-art physiology, biomechanics and motor control laboratories, including the use of our environmental chamber and motion capture system.
• Design and conduct experiments to find answers to key health related questions.
• An independent research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the key skills and attributes that will set you apart in the graduate job market.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Wellbeing afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Flexible degrees

Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences which offers you some flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Some of our programmes share a common first year which means that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval.

Course details

Year 1

This course equips you with a broad knowledge of the exercise science and biomedical sciences. Your first year features an introduction to a range of topics, including essential anatomy and physiology of human systems, biochemistry of the cell, exercise science concepts and biomedical science concepts.

You will be taught essential academic and professional skills to help you progress successfully through the course and into further study or employment. You’ll also develop the fundamental practical laboratory techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies.

There is the opportunity in year 1 to take optional modules within other areas of the biomedical sciences, biosciences or some health and nutrition related modules.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure may offer you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable, related degree courses, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

Compulsory modules

Team Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be provided with the opportunity to address a current human health-related challenge in a facilitated team-based environment. You will develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges which may cover topics such as the prevention and treatment of disease or healthy ageing, aligned to your programme whilst working in interdisciplinary groups. Challenges tackled and skills gained will compliment taught content in other first-year modules.

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the cornerstone skills and capabilities that are essential for scientific research in the field of Human Physiology and Physical activity and Sports and Exercise Science. This module includes hands-on practical application of these skills and will include those applied in a clinical setting, in a laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support such activities for example research design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing and data analysis.

Structure and Function of Human Body Systems (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You will also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

Introductory Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the four key disciplines of Sport and Exercise Science: Biomechanics, Physiology, Motor Control, and Psychology. You will focus of the fundamental theories within each topic to prepare you for later more advanced and applied material. You will also cover principles of experimental measurements and testing. Each discipline is clearly discussed independently but we then consider how each of the disciplines are required to be examined for a comprehensive picture of human physiology and exercise sciences.

Applied Concepts in Sport and Exercise Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll build on the previous introductory core concepts for the four key disciplines of Sport and Exercise Science: Biomechanics, Physiology, Motor Control, and Psychology. It connects these fundamental theories to the more applied core concepts within each topic. Application of the disciplines will be considered by working through examples and case studies relevant to human physiology, physical activity and the impact on health.

Optional modules

20 credits from the following, at least one module from basket 1

Basket 1

Biology of the Mind (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Introduction to Pharmacology (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development. Learning concepts will be covered using cutting-edge examples drawn from different pharmacotherapeutic approaches, disease states and pathophysiology.

If only one module is selected from basket 1, choose an optional module from basket 2

Basket 2

The Microbial World (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to a wide range of microscopic life forms and viruses, giving you a sound introduction to Microbiology and exploring the diversity of microbial life with emphasis on how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections as well as those that do not normally cause disease. You will learn how microorganisms interact with each other and how they influence the lives of more complex organisms, for good or ill and will learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

Elements of Human Nutrition (10 credits) - You’ll be introduced to the underpinning physiological processes that govern health such as nutrient function and metabolism, dietary intakes and food sources, deficiency diseases and nutritional requirements. You’ll too look apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

Leadership and Teams (10 credits) - This module is designed to enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of teams and how different styles of leadership affect the experience and outcomes through participating in a variety of outdoor adventurous activities and team building games. You’ll be given the opportunity to lead and to observe others in leadership positions, with the goal of relating this to future goals.

Introduction to Sports Analytics (10 credits) - You’ll be provided with an introduction to the use of analytics in elite sports. A key theme is the difference between analytics in invasion-territorial team sports (e.g. the various codes of football) and striking-and-fielding team sports (e.g. baseball and cricket) arising from the greater tactical interdependence of players in invasion-territorial team sports. The lower degree of separate individual player contributions creates several analytical challenges in invasion team sports. The initial focus is the development of analytics in baseball (i.e. The Moneyball Story) followed by developments in soccer and rugby. The analytical methods covered include exploratory data analysis, win-loss analysis, correlation and regression analysis, and win-contribution analysis.

Introduction to the Physical Activity and Exercise Industries (10 credits) - You'll critically explore the UK physical activity (p.a.) and exercise industries, including current policies, strategies, and the challenges for professionalisation in p.a. and exercise. You will develop a deeper understanding of personal experiences and critical skills through looking at this industry, its professional development, and the role it plays in government strategies.

Discovery Module (10 credits) - As well as the compulsory and optional modules that make up your programme of study, you may be able to choose something different to your main subject as a Discovery Module.

Year 2

Building upon year 1, in the advanced concept units you can choose specialist topics from the sub-disciplines of exercise science (e.g. muscular performance, biomechanics of exercise, social psychology of exercise, skills acquisition and motor learning) and biomedical sciences (e.g. cardiorespiratory physiology, neurobiology and gastrointestinal physiology).

You will further develop your research and applied skills in our state-of-the-art exercise science and biomedical sciences laboratories.

Flexibility is offered for taking modules outside of the School, such as diagnostic imaging, nutrition and disease or other health related modules. In year 2 the modules are taught in a way that balances facilitated and independent learning.

You will further develop your personal and professional skills including critical thinking, creative problem solving, team-working and critical reasoning skills. Apply your knowledge and skills to evaluate scientific evidence and create solutions to major biomedical and health problems.

At the end of year 2 you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Compulsory modules

Practical Research Skills in Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health Sciences (20 credits) - You’ll develop more complex practical skills to address research questions. You will participate in practical activities and mini projects, using key experimental approaches and methods used in the biomedical sciences. This will allow you to develop key research skills including experimental design, and appropriate statistical and mathematical methods or approaches for analysing biomedical data and information.

Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits) - In line with key UN sustainability goals (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Sustainability (leeds.ac.uk), you will build skills in knowledge application, analysis, and scientific data presentation. You’ll work as a team to research and create biomedical solutions to a global grand challenge or UN SDG. You will develop and practice key academic and professional skills including the critical analysis of research papers, verbal, written and graphical communication, team-working, planning and organisation, and negotiation.

Advanced Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health Concept Units I (20 credits) - You’ll build subject specialist knowledge by choosing concept units that most interest you. This module builds on Year 1 and prepares you for Specialist Topic units in Year 3. Units may include, for example, the cardiorespiratory systems, and the impact of physical activity on these, or the social psychology of physical activity.

Advanced Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health Concept Units II (20 credits) - You can build subject specialist knowledge further by choosing concept units that most interest you. This module further builds on unit 1 and prepares students for Specialist Topic units in Year 3. Units may include, for example, the biomechanics of physical activity, motor control or skills acquisition.

Year 3

The focal point for year 3 is an independent capstone research project that you’ll carry out under the supervision of a field-leading academic. Here you will be able to select from a wide range of project types, enabling you to focus on a specific subject and develop the skills which will set you apart in the graduate job market.

Examples of previous projects are:

• Guidelines for physical activity prescription in cancer patients.
• The impact of pregnancy and the postpartum period on family lifestyle behaviours and health.
• Limitations to oxygen delivery during exercise in heart failure.

Alongside this, tailor your degree to include topics which interested you in earlier years. Specialised topic modules allow you to choose from a menu of different research topics so you can focus more on your areas of interest. Areas such as motor control and neuro-rehabilitation, exercise and psychological health and exercise medicine, health and nutrition, stem cells, neurodegeneration, and cellular cardiology.

Compulsory modules

Specialised Topics in Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health I (20 credits) - You’ll have the opportunity to build your knowledge of research in specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. It will introduce you to a range of research topics in the physiological sciences, physical activity and health, and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include, for example, motor control and rehabilitation.

Specialised Topics in Human Physiology, Physical Activity & Health II (20 credits) - You’ll further build your knowledge of research in specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in the physiological sciences, physical activity and health, and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School, and may include, for example, exercise and psychological health, health and nutrition, or cellular cardiology.

Advanced Skills (20 credits) - You’ll attend a series of compulsory and optional units designed to provide scaffolding and support for their capstone research experience. This will develop and utilise your research, employability and 4th Industrial Revolution skills required both for the capstone project and for the workplace. You’ll select the units which develop key skills and attributes required for your individual capstone project and/or future employment. The assignments for this module provide further scaffolding and support for the creation of your capstone project.

Capstone Research Project (40 credits) - You’ll design and undertake, either individually or as part of a team, an extended enquiry-based project in an area or topic relevant to human physiology, physical activity or health. This project could be one of many formats including scientific research, public engagement, grand challenges report, or the development of educational resources. This will allow you to apply knowledge and skills gained in earlier years of the programme, acquire new understanding, and develop new research and employability skills. You’ll communicate the outcomes or outputs of your project in different ways to a variety of audiences. Students may choose the capstone project or format of interest to them, being mentored by one of the leading academics in that field of study.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is delivered through a combination of large and small group workshops and practicals. We take a student-centred approach to learning and so our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, team-work activities and mini-projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We put a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of University learning and you will be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through regular meetings with your personal tutor who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you will be able to access our extensive library of online materials, some of it designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discuss content with peers and teachers. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment on the course in a varied mix of course work submitted during the semester and exam periods (Jan and May) each year.

There is also a mixture of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and longer essay questions used in an online time limited assessment.

Many modules adopt authentic assessment approaches where appropriate. These assessments aim to develop the personal and professional skills required in the workplace. This includes:

• Writing laboratory or other reports
• Grant applications
• Oral presentations
• Poster presentations
• Reflective accounts and portfolios

Communicating science to a wider audience is a key skill. In some circumstances there may be a choice of assessment piece to make it more relevant, meaningful and engaging for you.

Assessments in the school are prepared in a fair and inclusive manner adhering to relevant and up to date guidance.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Including biology or physical education, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, psychology, statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) or Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level (BSc applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. . For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £9,250 (per year)

International: £30,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 2024/25. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Application decisions

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The number of applicants exceeds the number of places available so, to ensure that we treat all applications fairly and equitably, we wait until after the UCAS equal consideration application deadline has passed before making a final decision on applications.

If we put your application on hold for review after the UCAS application deadline, we will send you an email to let you know. Although you may have to wait longer than usual to receive a decision, you will hear from us by mid-May at the latest, in line with the deadline that UCAS sets universities for making decisions on applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline.

Offer decisions are made based on an overall review of applications including predicted grades, breadth of knowledge demonstrated through qualifications, personal statement, extra-curricular and work experience, and contextual information. We look for enthusiastic and talented students who have the potential to succeed in their studies with us and contribute to our community.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills and attributes required to enter the diverse careers available to biomedical science graduates and those that specialise in human physiology physical activity and health. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, active learning, online learning, team working, creative problem solving, and independent learning.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of skills and attributes which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal and professional development and make the most of your time at university.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Exercise physiologist/rehabilitation
• Personal trainer
• Clinical scientist
• Biomedical scientist
• Academic researcher
• Physician associate
• Medical communications
• Clinical rehabilitation
• Clinical research associate
• Teaching
• Medical sales representative

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Clinical exercise specialist
• Cardiographer
• Clinical research coordinator
• Clinical trials associate
• Fitness coach
• Graduate management trainee
• Civil service fast stream
• MSc Data science and analytics
• MSc Physiotherapy
• Trainee clinical scientist (NHS STP)
• Graduate medicine
• PGCE (teaching)
• Research analyst
• Commercial development coordinator
• Therapy assistant (NHS)
• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist

Careers support

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer numerous additional opportunities in addition to volunteering and placements. This includes our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more. The Faculty opportunity team organises regular careers talks from employers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Employability is an essential focus that is nurtured in all students via the excellent work placement programme. Taken as a 12 month extension to your studies which take place after second year, an industrial placement allows the opportunity for students to undertake a diverse range of professional employment, from such areas as cutting edge scientific research and development, clinical research management right the way through to areas such as scientific business consultant roles, all working alongside industry experts, developing highly transferable skillsets and experience. We have a strong track record of working with industrial employers that are seeking to recruit graduates demonstrating a practical understanding of the professional workplace, and this makes Biomedical Sciences graduates with an industrial placement year really stand out. Many students gaining employment post-graduation based on experience from their placement work.

It is worth noting that industrial placements may be in the UK or overseas. Our students are consistently successful in securing highly competitive industrial work placements in major multinational companies and research institutes around the world from the U.S.A. to Australia. In any geographical location, we work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of the year.

We have a dedicated industrial placements team that help support you by highlighting a range of opportunities, advice and support on applications and CV writing as well as a range of key advice and experience in the entire recruitment process.

Industrial placements elevate you above the standard graduate and can also help you decide on your career. Working professionally in an area you are interested in for a year provides a unique insight to that career and can help sculpt and direct future career plans which can be further developed alongside the Faculty employability team and the university careers service on your return to university.

Find out more about work experience and the support for careers on the Careers website.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.

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