Human biology course curriculum

Human biology involves many different components and systems. Learners new to the topic may find it helpful to first learn about the individual elements that contribute to human life. These include:

• Cells, the building blocks of life, perform different functions across tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• Tissues, groups of cells that perform similar functions such as organ linings, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nervous tissue.

• Organs, unique structures made from different tissues, such as the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.

• Organ systems, groups of organs that work together to perform a specific function necessary for survival, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems.

From there, you might move on to exploring subsets of human biology, including the studies of: 

• Genetics, which studies genes and DNA and how they are passed along generations through heredity.

• Physiology, which studies the function and coordination between various bodily systems.

• Anatomy, which studies the structure of the human body, including organs, tissues, and systems.

• Immunology, which studies how the body’s immune system responds to disease through the production of antibodies and immune cells.

Start building the knowledge you need to work in the human biology field with edX. From accelerated boot camps to comprehensive programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s degree or (for more advanced learners) a master’s degree, there are many different learning formats available to fit your needs. Busy professionals can even take advantage of executive education courses tailored to those in leadership and management positions. Find the right course for you.

Explore jobs in human biology

Knowledge of human biology is essential for many career paths. With proper skills and training, you may be able to pursue roles such as:

• Medical assistant: Aids physicians in various medical procedures, such as samples for biological testing.^{Footnote 1}

• Nutritionist: Evaluates clients’ nutritional needs and provides guidance around healthy eating habits.^{Footnote 2}

• Physician: Addresses patient concerns and health challenges through recommended resources, tests, and treatment plans.^{Footnote 3}

• Medical writer: Contributes written works on behalf of the medical field, such as newspaper articles, whitepapers, grant proposals, and other content.^{Footnote 4}

• Occupational therapist: Works with patients experiencing injuries, illnesses, or disabilities in their recovery and improvement of physical functions.^{Footnote 5}

While many of these roles exist within similar industries, employment qualifications for careers that may rely on human biology knowledge differ based on the position and employer. Some roles may require a higher level degree while others may only ask for a demonstration of skills that can be acquired through hands-on experience. Before deciding on which learning path will work best for you, research potential roles you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your professional aspirations.