Course Overview
Overview
Human Embryology and Developmental Biology is the study of the fascinating process in humans and animals that turns a single fertilised egg into a whole new individual with all the many specialised cell types.
Developmental Biology is the modern synthesis of biological and medical sciences that looks at how the tissues and organs of our bodies are built.
This degree programme will provide a broad and multifaceted training in modern biology, ranging from traditional morphology and experimental embryology to the latest molecular and bioinformatics approaches in genetics, cell biology, stem cell biology and biotechnology.
Research in Developmental Biology is central to the search for cures for many human genetic diseases, including cancer, and is at the forefront of recent advances in modern medicine, which includes stem cell maintenance regeneration and tissue repair.
5 year MSci degree
This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
A degree in Human Embryology & Developmental Biology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
How You'll Study
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of Northampton University Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by MyNorthampton, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of ‘educational voting’ handsets in class, remote control ‘clickers’ that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences (including a first taster of Developmental Biology and a closer look at the cell) and Chemistry for Life Sciences. You will also take courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
- The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.
In year 2 introduce the broad foundation for Human Embryology and Developmental Biology, in addition you will be taught core research skills and complete a project on a developmental disease or embryological topic of your choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (NT20B2) – 15 Credit Points
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT20M3) – 15 Credit Points
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (NT25B2) – 15 Credit Points
- Energy for Life (NT25M7) – 15 Credit Points
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
In year 3 you are provided with an in depth study of Embryology, Birth Defects and Developmental Biology.
Compulsory Courses
- Human Embryonic Development (NT3301) – 15 Credit Points
- Development of Organ Systems (NT3804) – 15 Credit Points
- Principles of Developmental and Reproductive Biology (NT3006) – 15 Credit Points
- The Early Embryo (NT3503) – 15 Credit Points
- Genetics (NT3502) – 30 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
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In your Honours year the focus of taught courses is on special aspects of Developmental Biology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Molecules Membranes and Cells (Stem Cells and Regeneration) (NT4010) – 30 Credit Points
- Evolution and Development (NT4002) – 15 Credit Points
- Developmental Neuroscience (NT4302) – 15 Credit Points
- Developmental Biology Honours Project (NT4501) – 60 Credit Points
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Human Embryology and Developmental Biology?
- You will be trained in embryology, reproductive biology (including fertility/IVF science), stem cell technology, tissue regeneration, and the causes of, and cures for, human birth defects.
- You will benefit from access to excellent facilities and receive hands-on laboratory training.
- Teaching is delivered by world-leading researchers who are at the forefront of current research in developmental biology and stem cell technology.
- Emphasis is put on medically-relevant developmental genetics and stem cell technology.
- The majority of the Model Organisms used to study developmental biology are used by staff in the state-of-the-art Institute of Medical Sciences, using cutting edge techniques which genome editing as well as gene misexpression technologies.
- Feedback from students consistently ranks the degree programme as excellent, which is reflected in the high number of 1st Class passes obtained by our students.
- 91.8% of our students were satisfied that staff were enthusiastic about teaching their subject, and 92% were satisfied with teaching on their course (National Student Survey 2014).
Careers
The Human Embryology and Developmental Biology degree offers particularly good prospects for research careers in academia, industry and hospitals because of its broad training in medically-relevant modern biology with many transferable skills.
Many of our graduates follow their degree with PhD research in a wide range of laboratories. Others move in to positions in hospital research, fertility sciences, diagnostic laboratories, research institutes and in administrative capacities in the civil service, pharmaceutical and related industries.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions