Progressing into Biosciences Dr Sarah Hodge Why study

Progressing into Biosciences Dr Sarah Hodge

Why study biology?

Why study biology? The world is changing… Mitigate against climate change Cure diseases Solve food shortage issues Understand biodiversity Prevent extinction crisis Educate the new generation

Why study at University? • • • Exposure to cutting edge research Opportunity to be involved in real science Opportunity to specialise in a particular area of biology Chance to meet like-minded people and be independent Experience different ways of learning Focus on thinking not memorising

What do biologists do?

Where to study? 1) Course content All biology degrees are not created equal! • Lots of degrees in the biological sciences e. g. Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Animal Behaviour, Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Science etc. • Even degrees with the same name have very different content - Look at modules taught - Look at staff research pages - Look at teaching methods

Where to study? 1) Course content Teaching methods can vary • Field teaching, lab teaching, lectures, seminars • Extent to which students do their own research • Exposure to external organisations (e. g. work placements, year abroad, year in industry) • Employability support

Where to study? 2) University quality Aim for the best Universities within a particular area of interest • Use league tables (but be aware they use different criteria!) • Aim for a research intensive university

Where to study? 3) Lifestyle Students should think about where they want to live • Big city or small town? • Close to home or far away? • Campus or non-campus?

Where to study? 4) Cost • University fees? • Living expenses? • Are there bursaries available?

Our degrees Degrees in: • BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology and Ecology • BSc (Hons) Zoology • BSc (Hons) Evolutionary Biology • BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour • BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Our degrees

Our degrees • University of Exeter in UK top 10 (Biosciences 5 th!) • Excellent research and teaching • Friendly and enthusiastic staff • Mix of field, lab and lectures

How should students decide where to go? 1) Work out which aspects of biology interest them the most 2) Aim for the best Universities that excel in those areas 3) Consider cost (fees and living expenses) 4) Think about where they want to live

Getting their chosen degree 1) Grades are important! 2) Extra-curricular activities make students stand out e. g. work experience, Duke of Edinburgh, Positions of responsibility 3) Personal statements - Must be well written and concise - Should say why the student wants to do the degree - Should say what they feel they can bring to the University