Biological Sciences at Exeter

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  1. Monkeysuit.'s Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 191
    Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Hello, I was just wondering if any current students at Exeter studying Biological Sciences or a related field could give me an insight into the weekly structure/timetable and work load.

    thank you
  2. tiana_tiara's Avatar
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    • Posts: 91
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    ....was totally just about to make this thread. Nice to see someone thinking the same things xD.
    Anyone?
  3. Turkan's Avatar
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    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    im a prospective postgraduate student at exeter in biotechnology :P
  4. Monkeysuit.'s Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 191
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Thank you so much can I ask you how you found the transition from A Level to degree at also what grades/subjects you had at A Level and your degree classification (sorry for the million questions)

    Thank you again!
  5. gingernat's Avatar
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    • Posts: 81
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Were any of you in the Biosciences presentation today? Thought it was brilliant!

    Little bit off-topic question:
    How much extra curricular things are you lots putting on personal statements etc.? Not sure how much Exeter values things like that, but, after seeing Exeter today, my god I want to go!!
  6. Cookieatemyfez's Avatar
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    • Posts: 11
    (Original post by gingernat)
    Were any of you in the Biosciences presentation today? Thought it was brilliant!

    Little bit off-topic question:
    How much extra curricular things are you lots putting on personal statements etc.? Not sure how much Exeter values things like that, but, after seeing Exeter today, my god I want to go!!
    Yes! I thought it was amazing! Did you have a tour of the labs? Oh my gee.

    I went to the talk also on applications and they didn't stress so much on extra curricular activities - but any that you do have you need to sell them; what skills you gained and how that helps in your course. Seems they liked a bit of humour and personality (but not wacky) in the PS as well.


    This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App
  7. earthisearthis's Avatar
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    • Location: london-ish
    • Posts: 98
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    (Original post by gingernat)
    Little bit off-topic question:
    How much extra curricular things are you lots putting on personal statements etc.? Not sure how much Exeter values things like that, but, after seeing Exeter today, my god I want to go!!
    Successful conditional applicant for 2012 here, although I applied for English so may not necessarily be the same, but nevertheless:

    We were told to have ~75% of the application focusing on the particular course; why you wanted to study it, what you have enjoyed studying in the past, how you have supplemented your learning outside of the curriculum etc.
    Then I put a paragraph on how my other A2 choices are helpful in the study of English. However, if you've done relevant extracurricular things (eg volunteer work focused on the degree course ie bioscience) then you should definitely ensure its included yeah.

    However, they say no more than 5% of the personal statement should really be about non-course-specific activities such as sport, extracurricular fun or retail jobs etc. Such things should only really be focused on if a)they are relevant or b)if you run out of things to say and still have three lines to fill at the bottom of the application.


    But I repeat, this was for English so might not be relevant. I suggest you head over to the PShelp section of TSR for whatever specific expert guidance aha. Regardless, deadlines for 2013 application isnt for what, nine months? You've got time maaaaan.
  8. Serentonin's Avatar
    • Peer Of The TSR Realm
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    I'd basically agree with the guy above and I got an unconditional for biological sciences this year. I basically linked my extra curriculars to why I'd be good to have at their uni.
  9. Crazy_Angel's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Location: Nottingham/Exeter
    • Posts: 61
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Hi there,

    I did my undergrad in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry at Exeter and am now doing a Masters by Research at Exeter also.

    With regards to the weekly structure of undergrad Biosciences, in the first year you will have 8 modules (4 each semester). You will have 2 x 3hour practical sessions each week plus 2 hours of lectures per module. Basically you'll have 6 hours of practical and 8 hours of lectures per week. (For the first year you need 40% to pass and it does not count towards your final mark)

    This will remain the same for the second year, except (depending on which modules you choose to take) you may end up with, say, 5 modules in semester 1 and 3 modules in semester 2. (2rd year counts for 1/3 of your final mark)

    From what I remember, in the 3rd year I think it is 5 modules plus a research project. (3rd year counts for 2/3rds of your final mark)

    I hope this helps
  10. Monkeysuit.'s Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 191
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    (Original post by Crazy_Angel)
    Hi there,

    I did my undergrad in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry at Exeter and am now doing a Masters by Research at Exeter also.

    With regards to the weekly structure of undergrad Biosciences, in the first year you will have 8 modules (4 each semester). You will have 2 x 3hour practical sessions each week plus 2 hours of lectures per module. Basically you'll have 6 hours of practical and 8 hours of lectures per week. (For the first year you need 40% to pass and it does not count towards your final mark)

    This will remain the same for the second year, except (depending on which modules you choose to take) you may end up with, say, 5 modules in semester 1 and 3 modules in semester 2. (2rd year counts for 1/3 of your final mark)

    From what I remember, in the 3rd year I think it is 5 modules plus a research project. (3rd year counts for 2/3rds of your final mark)

    I hope this helps
    Thank you so much how much work outside of lectures would you say is needed considering that that total is only 14 hours of teaching time per week?
  11. Crazy_Angel's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Location: Nottingham/Exeter
    • Posts: 61
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Each lecturer will recommend a different amount. Usually there will be additional reading put online for you to download and read. I'd say a minimum of 3 hours extra per lecture (my theory is you get out what you put in).
  12. Monkeysuit.'s Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 191
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    Okay, thank you for your help
  13. Crazy_Angel's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Location: Nottingham/Exeter
    • Posts: 61
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    No worries
  14. gingernat's Avatar
    • Full Member
    • Posts: 81
    Re: Biological Sciences at Exeter
    (Original post by Crazy_Angel)
    Hi there,

    I did my undergrad in Biological and Medicinal Chemistry at Exeter and am now doing a Masters by Research at Exeter also.
    I hope this helps ...
    That's the course I'm hoping to do as well! By any chance, could you advise with personal statements for the course (considering you were accepted)? Is using quotations usually frowned upon? I'm really struggling to start mine!
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