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 AAQ Applied Human Biology?

In a world where health and well-being are more important than ever, understanding the workings of our own body and finding new ways to keep it working well are part of daily life for most of us.  

This course empowers students to explore the science behind human health and disease, from the smallest building blocks of life to the systems that keep us alive. You’ll learn how cells, tissues, and organs function, how diseases develop, and how the body defends itself through the immune system. You’ll explore the power of genetics to understand inheritance and the potential of personalised medicine and gene therapy to change lives. 

Through both theory and practical, hands-on laboratory work, you’ll develop the skills used in real-world biomedical settings—skills that are essential for careers in healthcare, research, and life sciences. You’ll investigate how scientists develop new medicines in the Drug Development unit, and explore the science of fertility, pregnancy, and assisted reproduction in Human Reproduction—topics that are both deeply personal and globally relevant. 

Whether you want to become a nurse, doctor, researcher, or simply understand your own health better, Applied Human Biology gives you the tools to make informed choices and contribute to a healthier society. 

It pairs naturally with subjects like OCR Sport, A Level PE, Health and Social Care, and Sociology. With the rise of data-driven medicine, Computer Science is also an exciting and valuable companion. 

If you’re curious about this specific area of biology, passionate about helping others, and driven to make a positive impact on the health of society, this course would be a great platform to begin your journey.

Course Contact

Mr Steve Dell
Applied Human Biology Subject Leader

Course Content

Component 1: Principles of Applied Human Biology

(20% of the final grade assessed through external exam at the end of Year 1) 

  • Structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.  

  • Use of tissue cultures and organoids in research. 

  • Tissue types: epithelial, muscle, connective, nervous, blood.  

  • Mitosis and meiosis; comparison and significance in inheritance.  

  • Microscopy techniques and cell observation.  

  • Cell differentiation and specialisation.  

  • Organelles and their roles. 

Component 2: Human Physiology, Organs and Systems

(20% of the final grade assessed through external exam at the end of Year 1) 

  • Definition and role of physiology.  

  • Structure and function of major organs.  

  • Common diseases and disorders affecting organs.  

  • Transplants and artificial organs: benefits and limitations.  

  • Overview of body systems  

  • Diagnostic tools and measurements  

Component 3-6: Non-examined Assessments (NEAs) 

(60% of the final grade, assessed through three internally assessed assignments throughout the two years)

  • Genetics 

  • Biomedical techniques 

  • Drug development 

  • Human reproduction

The exam board for A Level Biology is Cambridge OCR 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 was first introduced in September 2025.  

The first cohort of students will complete the course in Summer 2027.