Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry and Human Biology

at Keele University United Kingdom

On this course, you will learn to use chemistry in problem solving, and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively. You will explore scientific instruments and techniques, and enjoy access to dedicated IT facilities. You also may have the opportunity to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research. 

Throughout the business element of your degree, you will learn the fundamentals of business management and explore concepts and debates around a range of topics, which may include organisational behaviour, accounting and human resource management. While developing effective skills in listening, negotiating and persuasion, you’ll become adept at problem solving and decision making. You will also explore and apply theories about the nature, management and experience of employment in its local and global contex.

Our Data Science graduates are trained from first principles in Computer Science and Mathematics. The two disciplines are blended seamlessly throughout your degree. You will study fundamental mathematical and statistical techniques alongside modern software development methods. You will have the opportunity to apply your learning immediately using authentic datasets in our cutting-edge computing laboratories. You will also undertake significant development projects, including a final year data science dissertation. You'll explore a range of advanced technical topics which may include cloud computing, academic research, industry-focused professional skills and practical problem-solving. 

Studying Geography and History at Keele will enable you to develop your appreciation of various global histories, and an array of world issues whilst enjoying the rich history of our local area. In your spare time, you might find yourself exploring the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon metalwork most likely deposited in the 7th century in the then Kingdom of Mercia. The Staffordshire Hoard provides a window to England in the 6th and 7th centuries and also to the warrior elite that existed during these times and now rests less than 5 miles away from Keele.

The History element of the programme will carry you chronologically from the medieval period to the present, and span the globe. You will be introduced to a wide range of history – from political, social, economic and cultural history to the history of gender, health, sexuality and religion. Throughout your first year, you may engage in modules that encourage you to explore topics such as how European rulers tried to strengthen their authority with the increase of military power between the late fifteenth and late seventeenth centuries, or some of the key defining moments in History which may include the 1720 South Sea Bubble in Britain, the 1791 Haitian Revolution or the 1933 Bauhaus movement.

Throughout the Geography element of the degree you'll focus specifically on your preferred area of human geography. This highly interdisciplinary course provides you with a strong theoretical and practical background in human geography giving you the understanding and professional geographical skills to explore an array of world issues from different perspectives. Our staff's diverse research interests and creative methods reflect a modern human geography that can develop your skills to address contemporary societal issues such as climate change, sustainability, health and migration from political, economic, social and cultural perspectives. What you learn here will equip you for future employment and for a lifelong appreciation of the world around you.

The study of International Relations covers key issues of international threats, conflict, competition, cooperation, development and globalisation, provides a solid understanding of international organisations such as the UN and
the European Union. IR as a discipline also covers structures of power and influence. Our IR experts specialise in a broad range of topics, which currently include security and terrorism studies, the environment, gender, development, peace and conflict, international history, political economy, international organisation, and IR and political theories. We currently have regional expertise in the politics of Europe, Eurasia, Africa, China and the Middle East.

Our programme develops a range of analytical skills to help you interpret and explain the processes at work in unfolding current events. In a world of complex interdependence, such skills are of increasing relevance to many areas of business, industry and government. 

Our Single Honours Physics programme builds upon, and then goes beyond, the core topics defined by the UK Institute of Physics to provide both breadth and depth of study, with an additional emphasis on mathematics and computing as tools for physical problem-solving. This occurs in problem classes where practice problems are solved with staff and teaching assistants available to help, in laboratory teaching where practical and computational problems are addressed, and in directed work for assessment.

You will explore the subject fundamentals (including quantum mechanics, relativity and electromagnetism) and apply this knowledge to solve problems, plan investigations, analyse results, and to report and present your work. Your course will be informed by the research interests of staff, and laboratory sessions will enable you to investigate unfamiliar phenomena and develop valuable transferable skills such as scientific writing, programming and presentation. You'll benefit from a flexible approach to learning the mathematical and computational skills that are essential to the learning and application of physics.

Studying Neuroscience, you’ll explore a range of topics which may include how we learn and remember, how the brain controls the body, and how the brain can be targeted by disease but in some instances can repair itself. Working in diverse ways, including our well-equipped labs, you’ll develop your independent research skills as you learn to acquire, interpret and analyse data from multiple sources. You’ll also understand how neuroscience can help us understand medical problems and improve the quality of life.

For the Forensic Science element of the course, you will be taught by academics and forensic professionals, and gain valuable lab and crime scene experience, helping you to stay ahead in this fast-moving science. You will be taught in our modern laboratory facilities and have access to equipment and our dedicated Crime Scene House. 

This course will provide you with a broad education in the core areas of forensic science. Your studies will focus on key topics in forensic chemistry, analytical science, forensic biology and criminalistics science. You will develop your analytical science skills, enabling you to analyse a variety of forensic of evidence. This is complemented by additional emphasis on professional practice and an understanding of the roles of the crime scene investigator and the forensic scientist as an expert witness in the court. You may be able to study abroad for a semester (dependant on subject scheduling) or a year at one of our partner universities.

Our MSc in Geoscience Research is a research-focused masters programme designed to develop generic and subject specific research skills over a broad range of disciplines within Geology and Geoscience, providing a strong educational background for a career in research and development, or the public or private sector. 

The programme is ideal for individuals looking to develop more critical and theoretical perspectives on a broad range of educational matters. The MA Education provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop both intellectually and professionally.

Successful Masters level study will enable you to further develop and reflect on your practice. Our practice-focused modules, such as ‘Reflecting on Practice’, will allow you to reflect critically on aspects of your own practice, and widen your understanding of the latest teaching developments and education research at local, regional, national and international levels. For example, we believe our MA teaching fits well with the latest government strategies and policies published under the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy and the Early Career Framework. We would anticipate that the programme will prepare you to make positive changes in your learning communities and to become an effective mentor for both, early career and more experienced colleagues.

Undertaking our MA will enable you to demonstrate to employers a level of critical and intellectual rigour, which can place you at the forefront of developments in practice. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate the capacity for sustained and systematic engagement with current evidence-driven curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and contemporary policy matters. This can potentially put you in a stronger position for progression, promotion and leadership in education

On this course, you will develop a solid foundation of theory and practical skills, building to cover advanced concepts and contemporary issues in chemistry in later years. You will learn to use chemistry in problem solving and to present your theories and findings confidently and imaginatively. You may also have the opportunity to tailor your studies to reflect your interests, and learn how to pursue your own research, as well as gain experience with scientific instruments and techniques.

Geology is a science fundamental to modern day living, with geologists discovering society’s major resource needs including metals, minerals, energy and groundwater. The combined honours Geology course covers a range of topics which may include looking at rocks, minerals and fossils and geological processes.

You will learn to harness the concepts and debates in organisational behaviour and management, including the diversity in decision making across the private and public sectors.  You may explore topics, such as: markets and consumers, their behaviours and how to understand and communicate with them and gain an appreciation of contemporary issues facing marketers and managers, such as ethics and sustainability. You may also examine contemporary digital marketing, where skill requirements evolve rapidly and employer demand is high. The variety of optional modules available on this course will also enable you to further develop your skills and insights.