Faculty of

Health and Life Sciences

SCHOOL OF
LIFE SCIENCES

Coventry University

Ranked 13th in UK
Guardian University Guide 2019
Welcome

I am delighted to introduce you to the School of Life Sciences,

based within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at
Coventry University.

Research inspired and practice-led, our school and its staff are
committed to providing you with a learning environment that
has been specifically designed to engage, inform and excite you;
setting you on a journey of life-changing learning and exploration.
We want you to get the very best from your university experience,
by providing a high-quality learning environment and state of the
art facilities. Our staff are experts in their fields and will provide
you with practical advice and support to find the career of your
choice when you graduate.

As a school, we share a passion for the biological basis of

human health and disease, analysis of the chemical composition
of materials and the evaluation and defence of forensic evidence
against legal challenge. We also focus on the application of
scientific principles to the way the body functions during sport
and physical activity, prevention and treatment of injuries, food
science, and nutrition and diet-related health issues.

By being part of our school, you can expect to be offered a range

of opportunities, whether you are looking to explore our latest
research, global networks and partnerships, experiment with
the latest technology in our laboratories, or secure practical work
experience opportunities that will help you to become a leader
of the future.

The following pages provide you with an overview of everything

our school and the faculty has to offer. I hope that you are able
to join us on our exciting adventure.

The Faculty of
Health and Life Sciences

Ann Green
Head of School
The contents of this brochure are correct at the time of going
to press. The course information within it relates to the 2019/20
academic year. We regularly review our course content, to make
it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. Please visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry for up-to-date information
on courses and other facilities and services described here before
making any application or accepting any offer.
Inspires our students and partners to
engage with and explore their passion
for health and life: through high-quality
teaching, practical application and
simulation, research and enterprise.
Working together, we make a difference
to individuals, organisations and a
global community.
Contents

04 Learning through exploration

06 Our approach
08 Teaching excellence
10 Employability focus
12 A global outlook
14 Life-changing research
16 Sport and Exercise Science
17 Sports Therapy
18 Food and Nutrition
19 Nutrition and Health
20 Food Safety, Inspection
and Control
21 Analytical Chemistry
and Forensic Science
22 Biological and Forensic Sciences
23 Biomedical Science/
Applied Biomedical Science
24 Human Biosciences
25 Medical and Pharmacological
Sciences
26 Next steps

GOOD
UNIVERSITY
GUIDE
2019
UNIVERSITY
OF THE YEAR
FOR STUDENT
EXPERIENCE

Awarded Gold for outstanding

teaching and learning 2017.
Learning through
exploration
Our new flagship multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building is
home to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for microbiology, cell
culture, molecular biology/genetics, biochemistry and forensic
science as well as sport and exercise science simulation and
the latest sports therapy equipment.
We encourage you to be curious, challenge existing thinking and
develop robust experiments to test your ideas. Using the excellent
facilities and through discussing ideas with our staff you can
develop new knowledge.
Our learning through exploration approach enables you to discover
the answers to questions and be active participants in your
learning rather than passive recipients of knowledge. Set across
five floors, the Alison Gingell Building complements our existing
health and life sciences facilities with a range of specialist and
practical facilities, social spaces, meeting and general teaching
rooms. The building offers an excellent learning environment by
bringing together all the essential practical and simulation
equipment required by aspiring leaders and the next generation of
health and life sciences professionals.
Students from the School of Life Sciences work alongside health
and behavioural sciences students as part of our wider faculty
mission to combine technology, science, health and well-being
together, collaborating to create life-changing ideas and expertise.
In January, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially opened
the building and saw for themselves the innovative teaching and
simulation activities.
4
Many of our facilities are used by the local community.
We are proud to work in partnership with local companies
and organisations to develop joint initiatives that help us to
be a university in the city, for the city.
Ground floor – Features a mock ambulance, specialist
laboratories for sport science, biomechanics, strength and
conditioning, a running track for gait analysis and a sports
therapy clinic. There are also dedicated research areas for
physiology and sport science and an environmental chamber.
1st floor – Features a mock hospital operating theatre, hospital
wards, midwifery suite, clinical skills rooms, consultation rooms,
high dependency units and an orthotics laboratory. There are also
two community houses to showcase assistive design and practice.
2nd floor – Features research laboratories for chemistry, molecular
biology and microbiology, physiotherapy and sports therapy
treatment practice rooms.
3rd floor – Features an analytical laboratory for forensic science,
environment and geographical science.
4th floor – Our Lab+ has the capability to accommodate up to
270 students at once and features the latest audio visual learning
aids which help us to make sure that we have consistency between
classes and more opportunities for students to learn and explore
together. Our laboratories are well equipped with the latest industry-
standard equipment including facilities for microscopy, cell culture,
haematology, DNA analysis, chemical analysis and forensic testing.
The state-of-the-art
Alison Gingell Building
provides opportunities
to interact, engage and
collaborate, positioning us
as a hub of scientific learning
and exploration.
Our approach

We share a passion for exploring and understanding the science Our community and industry partners are already using the Alison
of life and inspiring others to do the same. Our staff are committed Gingell Building, which in turn creates further opportunities for our
to providing you with a learning environment that supports you on students to take on placements and work on real-world research
a journey of life-changing learning and exploration. programmes throughout their time at university.

We want our students to be able to make a positive impact in the
world, whether through improving the safety or nutritional quality
of the food we eat through developments in food science or
assisting individuals to become healthier through exercise or
nutrition. By exploring how forensic evidence impacts on criminal
cases our students contribute to the delivery of a fair process
through the criminal justice system.
There is a growing demand for highly skilled life sciences graduates
with the ability to work in multidisciplinary teams across industry – in
the health service, government establishments, research and
educational institutions. The role of sport, exercise and therapy
sciences in society has also shifted significantly over the past ten
years. It is not only an area that we consider for top class athletes,
we explore how science informs and underpins everyday life,
helping people to live healthier and more fulfilled lives.
By encouraging learning through exploration, we ensure that
our students and academics have every possible opportunity to
connect with the local community and industry, whilst working
together to challenge each other to become pioneers in our
chosen fields.
In addition to making an impact on the health and lives of people
across the globe we are also conscious of the impact of our
activities on the environment. We are proud that in the 2017
People and Planet University League, which ranks universities on
their environmental and ethical performance, Coventry University
was in the highest ‘First Class’ category.

The investment in our state of the art Alison Gingell Building

provides opportunities to interact, engage and collaborate,
positioning us as a hub of scientific learning and exploration.
The building – which houses professional-standard science
laboratories and equipment, Olympic-grade fitness and
sports research areas and a sports therapy clinic – has been
purposefully designed to make it easier for students to interact
with other disciplines. These state-of-the-art facilities will prepare
our students to work in a simulated professional, industrial
environment from the day they join us.

6
We share a passion
for exploring and
understanding the science
of life and inspiring others
to do the same.
Teaching excellence

We know the difference good teaching can make to your time at
university. A great experience can make you happier, help you to
learn more and contribute to giving you an edge when it comes to
getting a job.
That’s why we’re proud of our teaching achievements, including
being awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
the government’s first major assessment of teaching quality in
universities. We’ve also been awarded 5 stars for our teaching
excellence (QS stars 2016) and are ranked in the top 12 for
Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University
Guide 2018).
Professionally accredited
The majority of courses within the Faculty of Health and Life
Sciences are formally recognised by professional accrediting
bodies including the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), The Society of
Sports Therapists (SST) and The British Association of Sport and
Exercise Sciences (BASES). Accredited courses are reviewed and
tested by the approved professional bodies to ensure they reach
a set standard. We are very proud of our accreditations because
they help us to ensure that our students graduate with high levels
of professional expertise and recognition.

The School of Life Sciences is nationally and internationally

recognised for its high standards of teaching and research.
Our staff and students work hard with the aim of ensuring
that upon graduation, our students are:

• C onfident, capable and resilient following a transformative Preparing you for the real world
university experience
Our courses provide real-life experience through industry
• Industry-ready with relevant knowledge, skills and
engagement, work experience, ‘live’ projects, actual case studies
understanding to secure a job
and simulation. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-
• Community-minded and ready to make a difference in our society
on experience of a wide range of experimental techniques –
• Work-prepared with professional skills in decision-making
for example using the latest laboratory and research equipment
and teamwork
in biomedical sciences, or using extraction and purification to
• Worldly-wise with a global outlook and cultural awareness.
analyse the composition of meals in food science, through
to gait analysis in sports therapy.
Research inspired
Our undergraduate teaching is heavily influenced by our research, Our specialist employment and placement advisors will help
with research-active academics teaching across the School on a you to find professional placements and internships in the UK or
regular basis. This means that you will have access to the most abroad, as well as supporting your transition into employment.
up-to-date thinking in life sciences disciplines. You may also
have the chance to collaborate with staff on research projects. Well-rounded skills
Our life sciences courses focus on developing your professional
Laboratory work is a substantial component of many of our
knowledge and skills, including scientific communication (written
courses, mirroring the research techniques used in professional
and oral), study skills, research methods, information retrieval, IT,
and academic practice. In our brand new, well-equipped
data processing and presentation. You can also expect course
laboratories, you will have the opportunity to learn a wide range
level career advice and Personal Development Planning (PDP)
of scientific techniques, developing the key experimental, data
from your tutor.
handling and reporting skills required for a career in science.
In your final year, you may also have the opportunity to collaborate
Our courses also incorporate the latest technology, whether
with our staff on a research project.
you’re analysing electromyography (EMG) activity of muscles or
profiling DNA from blood samples. In addition, the faculty’s Centre
In the past, such projects have led to students winning prizes at
for Excellence in Learning Enhancement (CELE) and our team
the Forensic Institute Research Network (FIRN) Midlands regional
of Learning Technologists work across all our courses to apply
conference, attending the international Forensic Research and
innovative learning methods into each course.
Teaching (FORREST) conference and publishing articles in
academic journals.

Coventry University

2nd in UK for Teaching Excellence (TEF)

Times Higher Education metrics ranking 2017

8
Coventry University was
awarded Gold in the
Teaching Excellence
Framework (TEF) - the
government’s first major
assessment of teaching
quality in universities.
Employability focus
Working in partnership with professional bodies, employers and the
life sciences sector generally, is vitally important to the School of
Life Sciences. We are well connected, locally, regionally, nationally
and internationally so that we can provide you with the best
possible opportunities.
Placements and employment
The school provides a dedicated support unit to develop and
guide you in obtaining relevant work experience, industrial
placements, internships and volunteering experiences to
enhance your employability skills and attributes. The team
provides 1-2-1 advice and workshops. They also liaise with
a wide range of employers on your behalf to help you to
successfully secure a placement, graduate employment
or further study.
Industry links
The school has close relationships with employers across all
industries, for example, the NHS, professional sports teams and
athletes across the West Midlands, Key Forensic Services Ltd,
Nemaura Pharmaceuticals Ltd, West Midlands Police and the
food industry.
In addition, many of our staff have extensive professional
experience as accredited Biomedical Scientists, Chartered
Chemists or Biologists, Sports Therapists and Nutritionists and
are professional members of the Institute of Biomedical Science
(IBMS), the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), Society
of Sports Therapists (SST) and British Association of Sport and
Coventry University
97% employed or in further study
DLHE survey, UG UK, 2016/17 (published 2018)
10
Exercise Sciences (BASES). They have worked across the life
sciences sector both in the UK and abroad. Many tutors have
held senior positions as managers or in advisory capacities,
informing on legislation, policy, governance and practice
developments. This means that you can expect specialist and
expert knowledge of both national and international practice.
For example, staff who work on our food and nutrition related
courses have experience of research in food chemistry/
biochemistry, food science and technology, analytical and
instrumental analysis, food microbiology and gut microbiota,
food quality, assurance and safety inspection, nutrition and
dietetics, coeliac disease and the gluten-free diet, probiotics
and immune function, medication and dietary adherence, and
Parkinson’s disease.
Getting involved
One way to enrich your student experience is to join one of
the many student societies and clubs, often run by students
themselves. Subject-specific societies, which organise social
and professional activities, provide an ideal opportunity to interact
with students with similar interests and career aspirations.
Our courses provide
real-life experience through
industry engagement,
work experience, ‘live’
projects, actual case studies
and simulation.
A global outlook
Opportunities to travel are a real perk of choosing Coventry
University. You can expect unforgettable life experiences, and
start to stand out from the crowd of other graduates. With trips
abroad, language classes and a Global Leaders Programme
at your feet, there’s no telling where you might end up as a
Coventry University student.
There is also the opportunity to work internationally without having
to leave the UK through Online International Learning (OIL)
projects. These partnerships, developed with institutions in a wide
range of countries including India, Canada, Ethiopia and Finland,
allow collaboration between students internationally to share
ideas, discuss course specific issues, explore cultural differences
around your subject area and encourage an intercultural dialog.
Our courses provide you with the opportunity of studying abroad or
taking a professional placement year within or outside the UK. We
run a number of subsidised field trips, with destinations in previous
years including Poland, Germany, Tokyo, San Francisco, South
Africa, Amsterdam and Sri Lanka (additional costs may apply).
An international experience develops independence, a global
outlook and an openness to new ideas and experiences, all
of which are valuable graduate attributes.
Coventry University
1st for overseas student experiences
Based on the number of student trips abroad - HESA 2016/17 UK
12
Go Abroad scheme
We strongly believe in offering all students the opportunity to
go abroad, and there is funding available to support you if
you decide to take this challenge.
Open to all Coventry University students, our Go Abroad schemes
offer multiple opportunities to gain international experience and
acquire knowledge, attitudes and skills to become globally-agile
citizens and globally employable graduates. Each year, many
students spend between 3 and 12 months abroad studying,
working, volunteering or travelling.
For more information visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/study-at-coventry/
centre-for-global-engagement/go-abroad
Global Leaders Programme (GLP)
This exciting, members-only programme* develops industry
leaders of the future. Expand your global skills in our specialist
workshops, experience new cultures and different countries, and
meet global leaders at networking events from the likes of Google,
Microsoft and Facebook. The cost in the 2018 academic year is
£300 for the full three year programme.
www.coventry.ac.uk/globalready
*Fees apply
The international experience
can help you to contextualise
your learning and enable you
to compare and contrast
different approaches to your
subject area.
Life-changing research

The School of Life Sciences is nationally and internationally
recognised for research that contributes to the real world. Our
teaching is heavily influenced by our research, with research-active
academics teaching across the faculty on a regular basis.
You may also have the opportunity to work with staff on research
projects. For example, former students have analysed different
extraction methods of rosemary to extract maximum levels of
antioxidants, created new flavours for testing with tofu and
examined the texture and taste of freshly made bread.
High-quality, applied research lies at the heart of everything we
do; we are committed to making a substantial contribution to
some of today’s most challenging issues, through our dedicated
research centres.
Research themes include:
• Whole-life span approaches from pre-natal to older adult
• Psychological and behaviour interventions
• Pharmaceuticals
• Biochemical innovations
• Sports and exercise
• Health economics
• Social policy
• Disease prevention and innovative use of technology.
Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science (CABS)
The mission of CABS is to advance theory and practice through
behavioural science research to address real-world problems.
CABS works with individuals and communities to understand
societal needs and develop solutions that impact lives and help to
build healthy and resilient communities. This is achieved through
conducting interdisciplinary behavioural science research that is
innovative, rigorous, original and globally significant.
Centre for Innovative Research Across the
Life Course (CIRAL)
Our research is multidisciplinary which impacts on policy, clinical
and social care decision making and practice, and individual and
community health and wellbeing, tackling the grand challenges
society faces today and in the future. A core approach to health
and wellbeing promotion lies in our beliefs – to improve the lives,
health and wellbeing of young children, adults and their families.
Our mission is to understand and optimise the health and wellbeing
of individuals, communities and society through conducting
innovative, rigorous, and original and globally significant,
interdisciplinary research with children, adults, families, and
organisations across health and social care sectors.
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences (CSELS)
Research within the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences
(CSELS) reflects a broad strength of sport, exercise and biological
associated sciences to understand life from the level of molecules
through to the whole body. The Centre has considerable
expertise including areas such as cell biology, genomic and
molecular biology, biochemistry, nutrition and food science, safety
pharmacology, physiology, physical activity and sport performance.

Researcher profile
Professor Mike Duncan is a BASES accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist with research
interests in the field of children, physical activity, exercise and obesity and has published over 150
publications. He is a member of the European College of Sports Science, American College of
Sports Medicine, United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association and a Fellow of the
British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

Mike has experience in working with elite athletes in prescribing exercise programmes and
evaluating performance. He has also worked extensively with community groups on topics such
as physical activity interventions in children and adolescents and the effects of nutritional
manipulation on cognitive and functional performance in older adults.
Professor Mike Duncan
“My research is inspired by trying to understand the ways in which exercise can influence human
Sport and Exercise Scientist
performance and health. I aim to understand the impact of exercise on a range of variables
including health and cognitive performance in diverse groups including elite athletes, children,
older adults and people who are overweight and obese.”

14
We are committed to making
a substantial contribution
to some of today’s most
challenging issues through
our applied research.
Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: C600 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/C600
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
This course gives you the opportunity to learn how the
healthy human body works during exercise, how to prevent or
rehabilitate following injury, as well as how sport and physical
activity promote health.
Endorsed by the British Association of Sport and Exercise
Sciences (BASES), it will prepare you for a variety of graduate level
careers in industry, professional sport, health and education,
providing you with a strong scientific understanding of human
physiology, psychology, anatomy, biomechanics and biochemistry.
The programme has been mapped against the British Association
for Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) accreditation framework,
which covers practical ability in laboratory techniques, reflective
practice, theoretical basis of the physiology and psychology of
sports and exercise.
16
Why Sport and Exercise Science at Coventry University?
• B ased in the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building, with
cutting-edge facilities including indoor running track,
environmental chamber and extensive exercise science
laboratories
• E xpert lecturers in areas including health, strength and
conditioning, biomechanics and nutrition, many conducting
ongoing research and consultancy
• Strong employer links include Coventry City Football Club,
Coerver Coaching and NHS clinical services.
Possible careers for graduates
• Sport scientist
• Strength and conditioning coach
• Performance analyst
• Elite sports coach
• Teacher
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
Our Sport and Exercise Science degree is endorsed by the British
Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), enabling
you to apply for accreditation following a period of supervised
experience as a sport and exercise scientist.
Sports Therapy BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: BC96 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/BC96
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
Sports therapists use sport and exercise principles to optimise
sport preparation and injury risk management within recreational,
training and competitive environments. Able to assess trauma,
they often give first aid, attend to injuries and provide sports
massage pre- and post-activity, implementing appropriate
rehabilitation programmes and referring patients on for
specialist advice and intervention when appropriate.
Accredited by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST), this degree
aims to provide the essential foundations of knowledge and to
develop your clinical practice skills, which should put you in an
excellent position for future careers within the therapy profession.
Containing a mix of practice and theory, you will have the
opportunity to learn to critically analyse scientific information
and evidence, gaining a sound understanding of the techniques
and methods required by sports therapy practitioners.
Why Sports Therapy at Coventry University?
• Top 7 for Sports Therapy in the Complete University Guide 2019
• High levels of student satisfaction – 100% overall in the latest
National Student Survey (NSS) 2018
• Based in the state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building with
fully-equipped sports therapy suites, physiology and
biomechanics labs featuring gold-standard equipment such as
Alter G treadmill, Isokinetic Dynamometry, bod-pod and Vicon
3D motion analysis
• From the second year onwards engage with ‘live’ clients in
our on-site sports therapy clinic and as immediate responders
offering ‘pitch-side’ support to our student teams and organisations
• Partnerships with a number of local sports clubs and clinics to
facilitate hands-on experience
• E xpert staff with research expertise covering injury risk
management, evaluation of treatment interventions, nutrition,
physiology and psychology.
Possible careers for graduates
• Sports therapist
• Cardiac rehabilitation specialist
• Exercise referral specialist
• Teacher
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Society of Sports Therapists (SST) meaning that on successful
completion of this course you will be qualified to work as a sports
therapist with professional teams, clubs or private clinics.
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Food and Nutrition BSc (Hons)

Why Food and Nutrition at Coventry University?

Course information • Ranked 11th for Food courses (Complete University Guide 2019)
• Ranked 3rd for Food Sciences Graduate Prospects
UCAS code: DB64 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/DB64 (Complete University Guide 2019)
3 years full-time or • Gain hands-on experience of a wide range of techniques,
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) such as sample extraction, purification and analysis, in our
well-equipped laboratories, based in the new multi-million
pound Alison Gingell Building
Overview
• Access to kitchen facilities for nutritional testing and
tasting sessions
With a greater awareness of food and nutrition alongside issues • Staff research expertise and high quality publications in the
of food quality and safety, these areas have become key issues disciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, genomic and molecular
impacting upon society. Our course is designed to prepare biology, microbiology, pharmacology, food chemistry and
the next generation of food professionals and scientists to analysis, nutrition and physiology
sustainably promote and protect consumer health. • Strong industry links with professional agencies and
potential employers.
Focused on nutrition, health, food science and food safety, our
course provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of Possible careers for graduates
the complex commercial nature of the food industry, as well as
• Nutritionist
the interactions between food composition, metabolism, diet,
• Researcher
health and behaviour.
• Health promotion
• Public health officer
The course provides a sound scientific and technical knowledge
• Quality auditor
of food and nutritional sciences. We will help to develop your
• Food safety inspector
understanding of the practical side of applied food science and
• Industrial food scientist
nutrition, examining the nature of raw food materials across the
food chain, their transformation into products and the effects of
Note: further qualifications are required for some careers
these processed products on our health and wellbeing.

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Nutrition and Health BSc (Hons)

Why Nutrition and Health at Coventry University?

Course information • Ranked 11th for Food courses (Complete University Guide 2019)
• Ranked 3rd for Food Sciences Graduate Prospects
UCAS code: B400 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/B400 (Complete University Guide 2019)
3 years full-time or • Based in multi-million pound state-of-the-art Alison Gingell
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement) Building which provides facilities for teaching and research,
featuring access to state of the art laboratories and
analytical equipment
Overview
• Gain hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory
techniques such as methods for proximate analysis, texture and
As the number of people with diseases and disorders associated rheometry testing alongside more traditional analysis of volatile
with physical inactivity and poor nutrition rises, the quality and safety and non-volatile food materials
of food, and the nutritional impact of what we eat on human health • Staff research expertise and high quality publications in the
and development, has never been higher in the public awareness. disciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, genomic and molecular
biology, microbiology, pharmacology, food chemistry and
This degree aims to enhance your understanding of the scientific analysis, nutrition and physiology
basis of nutrition with an emphasis on human health and disease. • Strong industry links with professional agencies and
A multidisciplinary course, it draws on the expertise of academics potential employers.
from biological and analytical sciences, public health and dietetics
to provide an integrated course, centred on human nutrition and Possible careers for graduates
healthy eating, food safety and regulatory processes, food
• Nutritionist
analysis and public health.
• Researcher
• Health promotion
You will have the opportunity to learn about the dietary
• Public health officer
requirements of individuals from pre-pregnancy to old age, the
• Quality auditor
psychosocial factors affecting food choice in modern society and
• Food safety inspector
the science of behaviour change, as well as how good nutrition
• Food analyst
enhances wellbeing and can help manage or prevent disease.

Taught in a variety of settings, including laboratories and a Note: further qualifications are required for some careers
purpose-built kitchen for nutritional testing sessions, you will
have the chance to develop the analytical and practical skills
required by employers – working with accuracy and precision
to obtain data and results.

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Food Safety, Inspection and Control
BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: D600 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/D600
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
The safety and authenticity of the food we eat and the
hygiene of food premises that prepare and serve food is
of paramount importance. This is reflected in the work of
government agencies, regulatory bodies and local councils who
have responsibility for food safety. Individual food producers,
suppliers and catering outlets also require knowledge and
understanding of their responsibilities and legal requirements.
This is a versatile and exciting degree course which encompasses
a variety of food issues with both a UK and international food
focus. The areas which we cover include Food Regulation and
Law, Food Microbiology, Food Inspection, Hygiene Management,
Food Fraud and Global Food Sustainability. This course is
designed to meet the needs of the food industry and regulatory
agencies by covering skills including how to assess food safety
risks, advise on food hygiene and safety, inspect food and food
premises, and understand and apply legislation relating to food.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of
Environmental Health (CIEH).
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Why Food Safety, Inspection and Control at
Coventry University?
• Ranked 11th for Food courses (Complete University Guide 2019)
• Ranked 3rd for Food Sciences Graduate Prospects
(Complete University Guide 2019)
• Based in multi-million pound, Alison Gingell Building which
provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring access to
state-of-the-art laboratories and analytical equipment
• The second year of this degree covers the academic content
of the Higher Certificate in Food Control, which needs to be
completed by anyone who wishes to develop their career in
Food Inspection, recognised by Local Government and the
Food Standards Agency
• E xpert teaching team who aim to impart their own research and
professional experience into their teaching, alongside organised
visits from practitioners and professionals from industry and
various regulatory authorities
• Practical based teaching sessions including the opportunity
to take part in inspections of food and food premises and to
prepare and present a court prosecution case
• Strong links with a number of Local Authorities and
food industries.
Possible careers for graduates
• Food safety inspector
• Public health officer
• Quality auditor
Note: further qualifications/training may be required for
some careers
Analytical Chemistry and
Forensic Science BSc (Hons)

Why Analytical Chemistry and Forensic Science at

Course information
UCAS code: FF14 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/FF14
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
Responding to the growing demand for analytical scientists
both nationally and internationally, this course is designed to
provide you with a thorough understanding of modern analytical
chemistry, preparing you for a career in contemporary science.
Coventry University?
• B ased in the multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building featuring
a suite of analytical and biological laboratories, a video linked
‘crime-scene’ house and the largest Class II containment
teaching lab in Europe
• E xperienced staff, many of whom bring professional or
research expertise to their teaching in the areas of toxicology,
environmental analysis, pharmacology, biochemistry, genomic
and molecular biology
• Scene of crime outfit, laboratory coat and safety spectacles
provided for use
• Strong network of professional agencies and potential
employers and excellent research links.

Analytical chemistry techniques are used in a diverse range of Possible careers for graduates
industries – from medical, pharmaceutical and environmental
• Analytical scientist
analysis to cosmetics and food manufacture. Alongside
• Forensic scientist
molecular sciences, they are also used extensively during the
• Research scientist
investigation of criminal offences, in areas such as toxicology,
• Laboratory positions
fibre analysis, fingerprints, questioned documents, the analysis
of blood, DNA and fire/explosives residue.

This degree allows you to practice techniques to build forensic

evidence records and oversee investigations from ‘crime
scene to courtroom’. The applied nature of this course not only
provides a stimulating academic experience, but also means
that you have extensive opportunities to graduate as an all-round
analytical chemist with a thorough training in the applications of
forensic science.

21
Biological and Forensic Sciences
BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: CF94 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/CF94
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
This exciting course blends the study of human biology with
the rigorous scientific techniques used in forensic laboratories,
including analysis of blood, fibres, fingerprints, drugs,
documents, DNA and fire/explosives residue to solve crime.
If you are interested in working in the fields of human bioscience
or its application to forensic science, this course will help to
prepare you to design, implement and evaluate appropriate
investigative techniques.
Our experienced staff adopt a ‘Crime Scene to Court’ approach
to their teaching, which really helps you to understand forensics,
in particular the need to methodically collect samples, analyse
them and present the results to the standard required by
the courts.
22
Why Biological and Forensic Sciences at Coventry University?
• E xcellent student satisfaction ratings – 92% overall and 96%
for the quality of teaching (NSS 2018)
• Ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the Complete University
Guide 2019
• Based in our new Alison Gingell Building, which provides an
outstanding learning and research environment, featuring
a video-linked ‘crime scene’ house, outstanding analytical
laboratory facilities and the largest Class II containment teaching
laboratory in Europe
• Hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory techniques
such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing,
cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection
and bacterial growth
• Strong network of professional agencies and potential
employers and excellent research links
• Scene of crime outfit, laboratory coat and safety spectacles
provided for use
• Free student membership of The Chartered Society of
Forensic Science for final year students.
Possible careers for graduates
• Forensic scientist
• Research scientist
• Laboratory positions
• Teaching
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
Biomedical Science/
Applied Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: B940 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/B940
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
Key contributors to modern healthcare, biomedical scientists play
a vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease,
monitoring and inventing new treatments and cures by developing
advanced diagnostic tools or novel therapeutic strategies.
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), which is
required for practice within the NHS, this broad-based science degree
integrates a wide range of subjects to promote the understanding
of how the human body works and the biology of disease.
Our extensive links with leading healthcare and research
laboratories enable us to ensure course content is relevant
to contemporary industry practice. Particular emphasis is
placed on the specialist areas of biomedical science: clinical
biochemistry, medical microbiology, cellular pathology,
haematology, immunology and genetics.
Why Biomedical Science at Coventry University?
• R
 anked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the Complete University
Guide 2019
• S tate-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building featuring a suite of
analytical and biological laboratories – including the largest Class
II containment teaching laboratory in Europe – where you can
gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques
• On successful completion, you can apply for entry into NHS
Health Care Scientist registration training programmes
• Successful completion of Applied Biomedical Science course
provides eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC
• E xtensive links with employers, such as the NHS, university
research labs, public health laboratories and biotech companies.
Possible careers for graduates
• Biomedical scientist
• Research scientist
• Physician’s assistant
• Laboratory positions
• Teaching
• Technical and scientific writing
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Applied Biomedical Science is approved by the Health and
Care Professions Council (HCPC).
23
Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: C110 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/C110
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
Human Biosciences embraces some of the most rapidly changing
and dynamic areas of modern science, in recent years responsible
for an array of ground-breaking scientific discoveries in human
health and disease.
This exciting degree can potentially lead to a range of research and
health related careers in biomedicine and health. The broad range
of subjects covered, such as microbiology, molecular biology and
medical genetics, together with immunology, physiology and cell
biology, are of increasing importance in medical research and
underpin the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), enabling you
to join as an associate member (AMSB) during your studies, our
degree aims to enhance your understanding of how the human
body functions in health and disease at the tissue, cell and
molecular level, throughout the lifespan.
24
Why Human Biosciences at Coventry University?
• H igh levels of student satisfaction – 94% overall in the
National Student Survey (NSS) 2018
• Ranked 5th for Graduate Prospects in the Complete University
Guide 2019
• Based in new state-of-the-art Alison Gingell Building, which
provides facilities for teaching and research, featuring a
state-of-the-art super lab – the largest Class II containment
teaching laboratory in Europe
• Hands-on experience of a wide range of laboratory techniques
such as gene amplification using PCR, gene sequencing, cell
culture, flow cytometry, tissue staining, protein detection and
bacterial growth
• E xtensive links with employers, such as the NHS, university
research labs, public health laboratories and biotech companies.
Possible careers for graduates
• Research scientist
• Biomedical scientist
• Laboratory positions
• Teaching
• Technical and scientific writing
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) –
students are eligible to become Associate Members of the Royal
Society of Biology.
Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
BSc (Hons)
Course information
UCAS code: BB92 www.coventry.ac.uk/ug/BB92
3 years full-time or
4 years sandwich (study abroad/work placement)
Overview
This broad-based science degree will suit students who wish
to pursue careers in integrative medical and pharmacological
science or are interested in focusing on drug development.
It was designed in response to the growing demand for a new
breed of scientist who can apply scientific knowledge and skills
to speed up the critical task of translating laboratory medical
research into commercially-ready medical technology and drugs
that can be used to diagnose and treat patients. This emerging
area of science is known as ‘translational medicine’.
Following British Pharmacological Society (BPS) guidelines,
this course is designed to give you a solid foundation in areas
of biology that support an understanding of pharmacology.
We apply pharmacology and physiology to topics including
diagnosis, understanding and treatment of disease, classical
clinical trial design and health outcomes, supported by our
excellent laboratory facilities.
* Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
Why Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
at Coventry University?
• O utstanding track record in graduate employability with 93% of
graduates in work or further study after six months (DLHE 2016/17)
• Multi-million pound Alison Gingell Building featuring a suite of
analytical and biological laboratories – including the largest
Class II containment teaching laboratory in Europe
• Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge industry techniques
such as flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, high performance
liquid chromatography, and confocal microscopy
• E xcellent links with the NHS as well as UK and international
pharmaceutical companies
• Eligibility for graduate membership of the British
Pharmacological Society and the Royal Society of Biology*.
Possible careers for graduates
• Biomedical scientist
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist
• Laboratory positions
• Teaching
Note: further qualifications are required
for some careers, e.g. teaching
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
25
Next steps

Open days Scholarships

University Open Days and Experience Days take place on Saturdays If you are a truly outstanding candidate we may be able to offer
and include presentations, campus and accommodation tours, you a Coventry University Scholarship.
advice, workshops and the opportunity to sample our activity-led
learning approach. Find out more at www.coventry.ac.uk/scholarships

Book your place at our next open day at Entry requirements

www.coventry.ac.uk/opendays
Drop-in events
Our Wednesday afternoon drop-in events are a good option if
you’re pushed for time. You will have the opportunity to meet
staff and students and ask any questions you may have.
Please check the University website www.coventry.ac.uk
for detailed information about each course.
How to apply
For further details regarding how to apply, please visit
www.coventry.ac.uk/ugapplynow

Student-led tours
These weekday tours average around 90 minutes and give you a
student’s perspective on the University and their own experience.

26
 GOOD
UNIVERSITY
GUIDE
2019
UNIVERSITY
OF THE YEAR
FOR STUDENT
EXPERIENCE
School of Life Sciences
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
CV1 5FB
T: +44 (0)24 7765 7688 Awarded Gold for outstanding
teaching and learning 2017.

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@cu_hls
@coventry_hls

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