Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Health and Fitness] From University of Plymouth

The course draws on specialists from a number of different faculties in the University. Lectures introduce most of the material you will need and provide the core concepts and theories for each paper. Tutorials, given by specialists in different fields, allow you to consider particular topics in greater depth. They also allow students from different academic backgrounds to gain the necessary grounding across a range of subjects.

The course is unusual in having its own building within the University, the Pauling Human Sciences Centre. It has a seminar/lecture room, tutorial rooms and a reading room. The Human Sciences Centre office is a particularly valuable resource, offering a variety of information and guidance about teaching arrangements, lecture timetables, course syllabuses, and books and journals in other libraries to which students have access. In addition, the centre has a cross-section of books covering different aspects of the course, which are specifically chosen for undergraduate use. The centre is also a focus for many informal activities, ranging from student-organised symposia to regular lunches. In general, the centre provides a friendly base which contributes greatly to undergraduatesÕ involvement in the course.

Recent graduates have found opportunities in fields including the Civil Service, government, health services, teaching, the media, law, industry, commerce, computing, management consultancy and accountancy.

Alison currently works as the Principal Scientist in HIV epidemiology at the Health Protection Agency. She says: ÔMy undergraduate degree in Human Sciences was excellent preparation for my career. The field of HIV is multifaceted which means we not only measure the prevalence and incidence of HIV but also seek to understand the complexities of sexual behaviour and the political and social context of HIV. Human Sciences gave me a solid grounding in statistical methods, biological and social sciences. Specifically, the cross-disciplinary ethos of the course taught me the importance of collaboration with academics and advocates with a wide range of expertise and the need to interpret data within a social, human context.Õ

Graduate Vanessa produced the series Frozen Planet. She has worked as a producer/director on a variety of wildlife series including Wildlife on One, The Natural World, Life of Mammals and Planet Earth. She also co-wrote the book accompanying Frozen Planet and has contributed to a number of academic books including The Biology of Religion, as well as magazines on various wildlife and conservation subjects. Several scientific papers have also been published on the basis of exceptional behavioural footage taken on films she has produced.