What what be a good science course?
I'm currently studying maths, biology, chemistry and french at AS level (planning to drop french next year), and I always wanted and planned to do veterinary medicine at uni, and sort of based my a level choices around this, although they probably wouldn't have differed much regardless of this, but I've sort of recently come to the conclusion that it probably wouldn't be the course for me-apart from anything else I'm no where near smart enough! So anyway, I'm really stuck for what else there is to do that is a science (particularly biology) based course, I kind of liked the idea of biochemistry/medical biochemistry for a while but I think such courses kind of have a reputation for being full of failed medicine applicants and the next best thing? I dont know, any advice would really be welcome as I'm clueless about what I want to do and what's out there!
A 'good science course' is very subjective, and mainly personal opinion I'm afraid.
WHAT do you fancy doing once you graduate? I know that question is a pretty huge one, but I'm afraid it'll be the starting point for looking at degrees. Do you still want to work with animals in some form? If so, then veterinary nursing, zoology, Animal Science (in particular before you brush this course off I'd go have a quick glance at Nottingham's prospectus - they break their Animal science course into a nutrition/pharmacology path - either of which being viable job choices either in drug repp'ing/research or with animal feed companies- they've got some fantastic examples of what their current graduates are doing) or even Animal Behavior might be wise courses to begin looking at. (I know other Universities also offer Animal science, but when I was applying for vet med I thought their prospectus was particularly enlightening for that course- so worth a glance if you're considering Animal science!
)
Did you want to work in research/lab based work? Then looking at biomedical science/biotechnology/biochemistry, and you could be doing anything from food/ biotechnology/ pharmacology. Do you want to teach? Another option is a science degree combined with a PGCE. However, also realise that a degree is essentially a 'skillset' that you can transfer yourself to almost anything work wise. Hence why you can find graduates in a wide variety of roles- some relating to their degree, some not (for instance working in management). I would strongly advise against just picking a random science degree out of a prospectus without knowing roughly what you want to do with it: the last thing you want is to graduate and sit there thinking 'well- what now?'. With the competition on graduates to find jobs getting worse, and the increasing need to have quite a bit of work experience in the relevant area for any job you apply for, you really do need to be savvy in this day and age from the get go.
I would be tempted to find a nearby open day (with a wide range of courses) and go along. Visit all the talks, visit all the stands- ask what their current graduates are doing- ask how they feel about the course and ask yourself if that type of course is right for you- even if you don't fancy going to that particular University I'd use it as a stepping stone to finding out more about your degree options. I also would not be tempted to rush this, the last thing you want to do is dive head first into the wrong degree, so if this decision requires a year out to work through it properly- don't be afraid to take it. A gap year is awesome for not only working (money in the bank for Uni), but also for gaining maturity/skills/more work experience. You'll be amazed at how much you gain out of a year out.
Finally, is it work experience that has told you vet is not for you or is it purely grades? If it is the latter rather than the former, then there's no reason why you can't go all-to-the-wall, aim to achieve the grades required for vet med and follow your dream. I say this as when I first sat my A-levels I had it (stupidly) in my head that I wasn't intelligent enough for vet med (I actually applied for English Lit in the end), but here I am almost ten years later with an unconditional offer due to start vet med in September. If vet med is really what you want to do- don't give up on it.
WHAT do you fancy doing once you graduate? I know that question is a pretty huge one, but I'm afraid it'll be the starting point for looking at degrees. Do you still want to work with animals in some form? If so, then veterinary nursing, zoology, Animal Science (in particular before you brush this course off I'd go have a quick glance at Nottingham's prospectus - they break their Animal science course into a nutrition/pharmacology path - either of which being viable job choices either in drug repp'ing/research or with animal feed companies- they've got some fantastic examples of what their current graduates are doing) or even Animal Behavior might be wise courses to begin looking at. (I know other Universities also offer Animal science, but when I was applying for vet med I thought their prospectus was particularly enlightening for that course- so worth a glance if you're considering Animal science!
)Did you want to work in research/lab based work? Then looking at biomedical science/biotechnology/biochemistry, and you could be doing anything from food/ biotechnology/ pharmacology. Do you want to teach? Another option is a science degree combined with a PGCE. However, also realise that a degree is essentially a 'skillset' that you can transfer yourself to almost anything work wise. Hence why you can find graduates in a wide variety of roles- some relating to their degree, some not (for instance working in management). I would strongly advise against just picking a random science degree out of a prospectus without knowing roughly what you want to do with it: the last thing you want is to graduate and sit there thinking 'well- what now?'. With the competition on graduates to find jobs getting worse, and the increasing need to have quite a bit of work experience in the relevant area for any job you apply for, you really do need to be savvy in this day and age from the get go.
I would be tempted to find a nearby open day (with a wide range of courses) and go along. Visit all the talks, visit all the stands- ask what their current graduates are doing- ask how they feel about the course and ask yourself if that type of course is right for you- even if you don't fancy going to that particular University I'd use it as a stepping stone to finding out more about your degree options. I also would not be tempted to rush this, the last thing you want to do is dive head first into the wrong degree, so if this decision requires a year out to work through it properly- don't be afraid to take it. A gap year is awesome for not only working (money in the bank for Uni), but also for gaining maturity/skills/more work experience. You'll be amazed at how much you gain out of a year out.
Finally, is it work experience that has told you vet is not for you or is it purely grades? If it is the latter rather than the former, then there's no reason why you can't go all-to-the-wall, aim to achieve the grades required for vet med and follow your dream. I say this as when I first sat my A-levels I had it (stupidly) in my head that I wasn't intelligent enough for vet med (I actually applied for English Lit in the end), but here I am almost ten years later with an unconditional offer due to start vet med in September. If vet med is really what you want to do- don't give up on it.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Pixelbark
A 'good science course' is very subjective, and mainly personal opinion I'm afraid.
WHAT do you fancy doing once you graduate? I know that question is a pretty huge one, but I'm afraid it'll be the starting point for looking at degrees. Do you still want to work with animals in some form?
Finally, is it work experience that has told you vet is not for you or is it purely grades? If it is the latter rather than the former, then there's no reason why you can't go all-to-the-wall, aim to achieve the grades required for vet med and follow your dream. I say this as when I first sat my A-levels I had it (stupidly) in my head that I wasn't intelligent enough for vet med (I actually applied for English Lit in the end), but here I am almost ten years later with an unconditional offer due to start vet med in September. If vet med is really what you want to do- don't give up on it.
WHAT do you fancy doing once you graduate? I know that question is a pretty huge one, but I'm afraid it'll be the starting point for looking at degrees. Do you still want to work with animals in some form?
Finally, is it work experience that has told you vet is not for you or is it purely grades? If it is the latter rather than the former, then there's no reason why you can't go all-to-the-wall, aim to achieve the grades required for vet med and follow your dream. I say this as when I first sat my A-levels I had it (stupidly) in my head that I wasn't intelligent enough for vet med (I actually applied for English Lit in the end), but here I am almost ten years later with an unconditional offer due to start vet med in September. If vet med is really what you want to do- don't give up on it.
This is the thing, I have NO idea what I want to do anymore! I always thought I was sure about animal stuff but now I am tempted by lab stuff. I just don't know what other useful and rewarding courses there are based on animal science other than the obvious veterinary medicine, and I don't want to just do a course that is considered the next best thing and what you do if you've failed to get into medicine!
It's pretty much 100% the grades, I don't think I am capable of getting anywhere near a good enough grade in chemistry, and also I feel like I am running out of time to be able to fit in enough work experience/volunteer work and other extra curricular activities to boost my chances of getting into vet med, as I know how crazy the competition is and I know I wouldn't stand a chance compared to all the really intelligent and well rounded people I know who are dedicated to applying.
Also, although I love the thought of being a vet, I don't really know if I am quite dedicated enough to spend at least 6 years doing the same course, with only one outcome. Perhaps I am more suited to a more flexible course that can lead to different things if I change my mind, but I have no idea what that course could be. I've tried researching it a lot but I've spent the last few years only researching vet school so now I'm not really sure where to look.!
Original post by carrott98
This is the thing, I have NO idea what I want to do anymore! I always thought I was sure about animal stuff but now I am tempted by lab stuff. I just don't know what other useful and rewarding courses there are based on animal science other than the obvious veterinary medicine, and I don't want to just do a course that is considered the next best thing and what you do if you've failed to get into medicine!
Have you considered taking a gap year instead of going straight to uni - maybe a year of work/travel in order to give yourself a bit more time to decide. I think there is a lot of pressure to do well at school & exams on top of thinking what career you want to do. If you really have no idea, then realise that you don't need to go to uni straight away. A year might give you a chance to mull things over, perhaps do more research into different careers whilst earning a bit of money/travelling.
I would stop talking about some courses being for "failed medics" - doing the course would NOT make you a failure if that is the course that suits you best and what you wanted to do. There needs to be someone to do the research and move medicine forward and often it is scientists rather than doctors.
Also, although I love the thought of being a vet, I don't really know if I am quite dedicated enough to spend at least 6 years doing the same course, with only one outcome. Perhaps I am more suited to a more flexible course that can lead to different things if I change my mind, but I have no idea what that course could be. I've tried researching it a lot but I've spent the last few years only researching vet school so now I'm not really sure where to look.!
The majority of vet degrees are 5 years long and there are a lot more opportunities than just going into practice - but you are right that you need quite a lot of dedication.
I think Pixelbark has highlighted a variety of careers you could look into and suggested going to open days - I agree that's a great idea too. You might also consider perhaps speaking to people who work in those sorts of industries.
Original post by SilverstarDJ
Have you considered taking a gap year instead of going straight to uni - maybe a year of work/travel in order to give yourself a bit more time to decide. I think there is a lot of pressure to do well at school & exams on top of thinking what career you want to do. If you really have no idea, then realise that you don't need to go to uni straight away. A year might give you a chance to mull things over, perhaps do more research into different careers whilst earning a bit of money/travelling.
.
.
I must admit I've never really properly considered it, perhaps because I'm worried I'd waste a lot of time and also am really keen to get to uni, but I'll look into it a bit more
Also I don't know if it was clear but I wasn't saying that I think biochemistry and the like are not good or second class degrees, they're really tricky to get onto and a great but different qualification to medicine, but I've just recently become aware that this is the perception some others have of such courses, and although I know I shouldn't let what others think sway me, I hadn't thought about it before and it's made me doubt it a bit.
Yeah I really appreciate all the ideas, definitely given me something to think about and somewhere to start, just seems to be an endless cycle of finding something I think sounds good, finding out the entry requirements are too high or it hasn't got good job prospects or I'm not sure what I would do with it blah blah
Definitely going to inquire about some open days too!Study pharmacy! (Joiiiiiin ussssss.) I'm kidding. (Unless you want to? 
)
Yeah, as the others have said it's completely up to you OP. Try and have a look at some prospectuses or UCAS so that you can get more information about science related courses. But if you're actually curious about the wonderful, professional degree that I'm studying please feel free to PM me.
) Yeah, as the others have said it's completely up to you OP. Try and have a look at some prospectuses or UCAS so that you can get more information about science related courses. But if you're actually curious about the wonderful, professional degree that I'm studying please feel free to PM me.
Look at these subjects. I've given you one example for each but a quick google will find you lots more, or you could look on www.whatuni.com for what is availble for your likely grades. Btw, Vets and GPs dont win prizes for making medical breakthroughs, but medical scientists and biochemists do.
Medical Sciences : http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/education/medicalsciences/
Pharmacy/Pharmacology : http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/pharmacology
Animal Behaviour/Welfare : http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/undergraduate/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare#.VTk-CyFViko
Wildlife Conservation : http://www.salford.ac.uk/ug-courses/wildlife-conservation-with-zoo-biology
Bio-Vet Sciences : https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/bioveterinary-science-bsc-hons/overview/
Vet Nursing is still an option (doesn't require A grades) : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2015/vet-nursing-biovet-science/bsc-vet-nursing/
Medical Sciences : http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/education/medicalsciences/
Pharmacy/Pharmacology : http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/pharmacology
Animal Behaviour/Welfare : http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/undergraduate/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare#.VTk-CyFViko
Wildlife Conservation : http://www.salford.ac.uk/ug-courses/wildlife-conservation-with-zoo-biology
Bio-Vet Sciences : https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/bioveterinary-science-bsc-hons/overview/
Vet Nursing is still an option (doesn't require A grades) : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2015/vet-nursing-biovet-science/bsc-vet-nursing/
Original post by sydneybridge
Look at these subjects. I've given you one example for each but a quick google will find you lots more, or you could look on www.whatuni.com for what is availble for your likely grades. Btw, Vets and GPs dont win prizes for making medical breakthroughs, but medical scientists and biochemists do.
Medical Sciences : http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/education/medicalsciences/
Pharmacy/Pharmacology : http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/pharmacology
Animal Behaviour/Welfare : http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/undergraduate/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare#.VTk-CyFViko
Wildlife Conservation : http://www.salford.ac.uk/ug-courses/wildlife-conservation-with-zoo-biology
Bio-Vet Sciences : https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/bioveterinary-science-bsc-hons/overview/
Vet Nursing is still an option (doesn't require A grades) : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2015/vet-nursing-biovet-science/bsc-vet-nursing/
Medical Sciences : http://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/education/medicalsciences/
Pharmacy/Pharmacology : http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/ug/prospectus/subject/pharmacology
Animal Behaviour/Welfare : http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/undergraduate/11/animal-behaviour-and-welfare#.VTk-CyFViko
Wildlife Conservation : http://www.salford.ac.uk/ug-courses/wildlife-conservation-with-zoo-biology
Bio-Vet Sciences : https://www.liv.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/bioveterinary-science-bsc-hons/overview/
Vet Nursing is still an option (doesn't require A grades) : http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2015/vet-nursing-biovet-science/bsc-vet-nursing/
Thank you so much! This is perfect! Thanks for taking the time to do this it has really helped me find a place to start
Hi Carrot,
Our careers guide for animals subjects might help you http://www.3point7m.com/animals/ everything from lab work to caring for zoo animals.
Good luck!
Jac @Harper Adams
Our careers guide for animals subjects might help you http://www.3point7m.com/animals/ everything from lab work to caring for zoo animals.
Good luck!
Jac @Harper Adams
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- GCSE subjects for future career
- Courses at university
- Pharmacology vs. Biochem?
- What subjects should i choose in A-levels?
- A level options
- Career choices
- Hello .. I am looking for computer science program BSc/BEng 2024 entry
- Job prospects for international BSc Nutrition Graduates?
- uni degree choice
- Nottingham Computer Science
- Should I change course?
- Choice of degree to pursure
- BTEC Level 3 in applied science
- Computer Science Applicants' thread 2023 Entry
- My Clearing choices
- Midwifery
- What the best uni for CS
- best way to complete A level outside college?
- Comp sci help???
- Flexibility of Computer Science in Electronics, Cybersecurity, and Pure
Latest
Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
I don't meet the entry requirements for my GCSEs, what should I do?Trending
Last reply 1 week ago
I don't meet the entry requirements for my GCSEs, what should I do?
