Do you want a career where you can make a difference to the health of others? Then you will need to know how the human body works, in good and poor health. There are many ways that human health can be affected, from individual biology and genetic makeup to lifestyle decisions and actions taken by individuals and populations.


Why Study BTEC Applied Human Biology?

Our goal is for students to drive the future of innovation and advances in medical research to sustain good human health. Hopefully this can lead to new treatments and technologies that address current and future health challenges thereby enhancing the quality of life as individuals and societal well-being, now and always.

Applied Human Biology covers a broad range of topics essential for understanding the inner workings of human beings and the associated practical applications. The course will equip students with a foundation of knowledge based on understanding cells, tissues and biological molecules, providing the fundamental knowledge necessary for any further study or career in biology and health sciences. Knowledge of genetics, immunology and microbiology, how diseases develop and how the immune system combats them, which is critical for careers in healthcare and medical research.

In addition to this, students will also develop practical skills through hands-on laboratory experience which is invaluable for developing the technical skills needed in scientific and medical professions, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world applications. Critical thinking throughout learning will enhance analytical and problem-solving skills, which are important for diagnosing and treating health problems.

This course is particularly suitable if you have a genuine interest for human physiology and would like to learn more about it and the interactions and links with other subjects. Students who study the subject often also study OCR Sport, A Level PE, Health and Social Care and Sociology, although Computer Science is now a very welcomed accompaniment to biology as data analysis, modelling and AI is playing more and more of a role in modern research.

Course Contact

Mr Steve Dell
Applied Human Biology Subject Leader

Course Content

Component 1: Principles of Applied Human Biology

(25% of the final grade assessed through external exam at the end of Year 1)

  • Cells, Tissues, and Biological Molecules
  • Human Body Systems
  • Cellular Injury and Repair
  • Diagnostic Techniques
  • Immune Response and Dysfunction
  • Genetic Expression and Disorders

Component 2: Practical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

(25% of the final grade, assessed through internally marked coursework including lab competencies)

  • Classification and nature of microorganisms
  • Transmission and treatments of infectious diseases
  • Application of techniques to culture and identify microorganisms
  • Effects of antimicrobial agents on the growth of microorganisms.

Component 3: Human Biology & Health Issues

(33% of the final grade, assessed through external exam at the end of Year 2)

  • Analysis of Scientific Information: Developing skills to analyse, interpret, and evaluate scientific data.
  • Health Issues: Exploring various health issues and their impact on society.
  • Research Skills: Learning how to assess the reliability of sources of published scientific information.
  • Evaluation and Reporting: Enhancing abilities to evaluate and report on scientific findings.

Component 4: Genetics & Genetic Engineering

(17% of the final grade, assessed through internally marked coursework)

  • Structure and function of nucleic acids, gene expression and protein synthesis
  • Cell division and variation
  • Principles of inheritance and their application in predicting genetic traits
  • DNA techniques and the use of genetic engineering technologies.

The exam board for A Level Biology is Pearson and the specification for the course can be found here.

Where can this take you?

After studying Human Biology at St Edward’s, students can move on to university and study one from the huge variety of degree courses linked to the subject. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to admission requirements of many relevant health science courses such as Occupational Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Sport Science or Physiotherapy. Alternatively, it could be taken as a route to a newer, emerging sector such as Computer Science and Human Biology, Metagenomics or Biomedical Systems Engineering. Students can also apply for Degree Apprenticeships as an alternative to university.

Student Destinations 

This course is running for the first time from September 2024. Students will complete the course in Summer 2026.

Key information