Progressing intoBiosciences

Dr Sarah Hodge

Why study biology?

Why study biology?The world is changing…

Prevent extinction crisis

Mitigate against climate change

Solve food shortage issues Educate the new generation

Cure diseases

Understand biodiversity

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

• Lots of degrees in the biological sciencese.g. Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Animal Behaviour, Microbiology, EvolutionaryBiology, 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

All biology degrees are not created equal!

Where to study?

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

1) Course content

Where to study?

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

2) University quality

Where to study?

Students should think about where they want to live

• Big city or small town?• Close to home or far away?• Campus or non-campus?

3) Lifestyle

Where to study?

• University fees?• Living expenses?• Are there bursaries available?

4) Cost

Our degreesDegrees 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 oute.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