Transcript The world is changing…

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?
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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 5th!)
• 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