Human Biology (4 years, Bachelor of Science)

Duration (years): 
4
Qualification Awarded: 
B.Sc. Human Biology
Level of Qualification: 
1st Cycle (Bachelor’s Degree)
Language of Instruction: 
English First and second year courses offered also in Greek.
Mode of Study: 
Full-time and Part-time are both possible.
Minimum Credits: 
120
Minimum ECTS Credits: 
240
Profile of the Programme: 

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree Programme in Human Biology is an accredited interschool/interdepartmental, undergraduate Programme. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to receive an interdisciplinary perspective on the relationship between the biological, health and sociocultural aspects of humanity’s origin, development, function and prospects.

A Programme in Biology focuses primarily on natural sciences whereas Human Biology takes a multifaceted approach to study humans, which includes the natural sciences, human health and cultural biology. The rationale behind the program is that the scientific approaches to understanding and resolving human problems today (i.e. those relating to health and to diseases), involve the integration of the knowledge components in biosciences, health and in aspects of social science.

The Programme, therefore, has been designed to allow students -after completion of the core courses (required courses)- to choose, depending on their interests, a more coherent body of specialized upper division courses. These courses aim to give students further particular learning experiences in the areas (themes) of either Cell Biology, or of Health at individual and population level. Students may also choose to take a combination of courses instead, from both areas to gain a more comprehensive knowledge.

Students in the Programme will also have to undertake a research project under faculty supervision. This will give them the opportunity to do independent research and help expand their formal coursework.

The Programme offers the opportunity to attain a good knowledge and understanding of contributory subjects and of ethical issues related to human biology and to human health. It is meant to enable students to develop basic skills and related abilities to work either in a laboratory setting or health-related environment or to follow an academic/research career using the skills acquired i.e. experimental data analysis and interpretation, critical thinking and communication of scientific information, working independently and as a member of a team in a professional matter using life-long learning and transferable skills.

Career Prospects: 

On the basis of the major course requirements and of the combination of programme elective courses you choose upon graduation, you will have the potential to follow a career:
-In a scientific and/or medical research environment.
-In any Biomedical/Biosciences related diagnostics laboratory (public or private).

You will also be able to enter a wide variety of occupations including teaching and those occupations (administrative and research) concerned with Health such as:
-Government Offices (Ministry of Health); the EC,
-Local Health authorities and NGOs,
-Private industry (i.e. pharmaceutical companies),
-Health insurance companies/health service providers,
-Charitable or International Health Organisations (i.e. the WHO, the Red Cross, etc.).

Knowledge in human biology and culture, human health and diseases are essential for professionals working in the latter posts in order to be able to confront the challenges of issues on health education, provision of health services, health policy and health advocacy in Cyprus and the European Community.

If instead you are interested to continue for a higher degree at the end of your undergraduate studies, you will be qualified to study towards a M.Sc. or Ph.D. in a large number of areas as for example, in Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Public Health and others related to Biosciences, Health or Behavioural Sciences. You will also be qualified to study Medicine, Dentistry or other Paramedical Fields.

Access to Further Studies: 

Graduates of the programme can be accepted into Second Cycle degrees (Master’s Degree).