Interested in a career in Biology, but the idea of a degree in it sounds daunting.
Ok, keeping this short.
Im considering a career in Zoology, Entomology (Insects) or Marine Biology. I find these subject areas fascinating and the idea of studying them.
THE BIG BUT(s); I find alot of the biology at A level (and quite probably at degree level), dull. Many topics, such as infection, the human body, etc.
I do not like the idea of straying too far from maths. I would want maths to play a role in what I study.
AS Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths.
I forget my question, or if I even have one. Im just looking for arguments for a degree in Biology, Or against it, considoring my doubts.
Im considering a career in Zoology, Entomology (Insects) or Marine Biology. I find these subject areas fascinating and the idea of studying them.
THE BIG BUT(s); I find alot of the biology at A level (and quite probably at degree level), dull. Many topics, such as infection, the human body, etc.
I do not like the idea of straying too far from maths. I would want maths to play a role in what I study.
AS Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths.
I forget my question, or if I even have one. Im just looking for arguments for a degree in Biology, Or against it, considoring my doubts.
(edited 13 years ago)
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Biology A level is quite dull, don't forget you'll be able to choose the units you like at uni. And you could always do some research into different unis and see how their courses differ, which ones have the best facilities for bio etc.
Also, why not just cut out the middle man and do a zoologyor a marine biology degree?
Also, why not just cut out the middle man and do a zoologyor a marine biology degree?
For starters, Biology is a huge subject, and so biology at A level is very broad, whereas at degree level it's much more specialised. A good 2/3 to 3/4 of the subjects you study at A level you'll never see again at degree level.
Zoology, entomology and marine biology are all organismal biologies, so cellular and molecular biology such as microbiology is barely going to pop up (well, apart from plankton in marine biology). I think some anatomy is involved in zoology, since an understanding of anatomy is useful for understanding evolution. But look at the specific modules involved on uni websites and you'll get a good idea of what parts of A level you can escape and what you can't.
(I did microbiology, so the only understanding I have are from uni friends who studied zoology and my brother who studied marine biology).
As for maths, it's a bit of a background role in biology. There is obviously statistics, but it's more of a side subject to learn what's needed to get by rather than a one of the main focuses. You can concentrate on it and learn a lot if you choose, but in my uni statistics was confined to online tests for the first 2 years, so it definitely wasn't at the forefront of the degree.
Zoology, entomology and marine biology are all organismal biologies, so cellular and molecular biology such as microbiology is barely going to pop up (well, apart from plankton in marine biology). I think some anatomy is involved in zoology, since an understanding of anatomy is useful for understanding evolution. But look at the specific modules involved on uni websites and you'll get a good idea of what parts of A level you can escape and what you can't.
(I did microbiology, so the only understanding I have are from uni friends who studied zoology and my brother who studied marine biology).
As for maths, it's a bit of a background role in biology. There is obviously statistics, but it's more of a side subject to learn what's needed to get by rather than a one of the main focuses. You can concentrate on it and learn a lot if you choose, but in my uni statistics was confined to online tests for the first 2 years, so it definitely wasn't at the forefront of the degree.
(edited 13 years ago)
Original post by alex5455
i was going to answer this but i do biochem, so everything you find dull i like, cant see there being much maths in zoology except ecology
Unless I had a sudden drift towards studying marine life at a microscopic scale, (Phytoplankton, energy transfer, etc). But I think BioChem is not really going to be close enough to what im looking for.
Thanks for the reply, any suggestion is helpful at this stage.
Original post by Dissey
Biology A level is quite dull, don't forget you'll be able to choose the units you like at uni. And you could always do some research into different unis and see how their courses differ, which ones have the best facilities for bio etc.
Also, why not just cut out the middle man and do a zoologyor a marine biology degree?
Also, why not just cut out the middle man and do a zoologyor a marine biology degree?
I thought the first year was the moduals that are compulsory? Then second year you begin to have some choice?
And thats true, Manchester do one I belive. However it was scoffed at by my Biology teachers. Unsure as to why though..
Original post by Svenjamin
For starters, Biology is a huge subject, and so biology at A level is very broad, whereas at degree level it's much more specialised. A good 2/3 to 3/4 of the subjects you study at A level you'll never see again at degree level.
Zoology, entomology and marine biology are all organismal biologies, so cellular and molecular biology such as microbiology is barely going to pop up (well, apart from plankton in marine biology). I think some anatomy is involved in zoology, since an understanding of anatomy is useful for understanding evolution. But look at the specific modules involved on uni websites and you'll get a good idea of what parts of A level you can escape and what you can't.
(I did microbiology, so the only understanding I have are from uni friends who studied zoology and my brother who studied marine biology).
As for maths, it's a bit of a background role in biology. There is obviously statistics, but it's more of a side subject to learn what's needed to get by rather than a one of the main focuses. You can concentrate on it and learn a lot if you choose, but in my uni statistics was confined to online tests for the first 2 years, so it definitely wasn't at the forefront of the degree.
Zoology, entomology and marine biology are all organismal biologies, so cellular and molecular biology such as microbiology is barely going to pop up (well, apart from plankton in marine biology). I think some anatomy is involved in zoology, since an understanding of anatomy is useful for understanding evolution. But look at the specific modules involved on uni websites and you'll get a good idea of what parts of A level you can escape and what you can't.
(I did microbiology, so the only understanding I have are from uni friends who studied zoology and my brother who studied marine biology).
As for maths, it's a bit of a background role in biology. There is obviously statistics, but it's more of a side subject to learn what's needed to get by rather than a one of the main focuses. You can concentrate on it and learn a lot if you choose, but in my uni statistics was confined to online tests for the first 2 years, so it definitely wasn't at the forefront of the degree.
Well thats very reassuring!
And I anticipate some parts of the subjects im intrested in will cross over into areas that do not intrest me. But so long as it was connected to these subjects then I would have no problem studying them.
And thats a little dissapointing, but I dont know what I was expecting to be honest! I was never going to find a Biology course encrusted with Mechanics moduals :P
Thanks for the reply.
Have you looked at combining biology and maths. Lots of unis do joint degrees. Bit of research for you but imagine that you might find something that suits your interests. Happy hunting!
Original post by llys
I think you should consider Quantitative Biology, Mathematical Biology or Biophysics.
I have considord these areas. Quantitative Biology Is somthing to considor, but it has alot of biolchemistry and biotech, like Mathematical biology. The areas they cover do not immediately appeal (desptie covering my two intrests).
Bio Physics, again, alot of chemistry and some other areas im not so intrested. However the conservation of energy and use of energy within organisms may be closer to what I had in mind. Ill look into it, thanks.
Original post by sweetchilli
Have you looked at combining biology and maths. Lots of unis do joint degrees. Bit of research for you but imagine that you might find something that suits your interests. Happy hunting!
I have looked through uni websites AND ucas website, but no joy. I will keep looking ofcourse, because it may be exactly what im looking for.
Hey,
I did a Biomed degree (in Physiology actually), and I gotta advise anyone who's taking a Biology degree to really REALLY think about it. I was so bored of it. I think the majority of my course felt the same. Of the people I've stayed in touch with, only a handful do anything Biology related, and those that do have gone onto further study. It's a very tedious course, and mine was full of molecular and cellular biology, and although this was my strong point, I got very bored, very fast.
So since you know that you're interested in Zoology then DO IT. Don't worry about what your teachers have said. They've probably scoffed because they're unsure of the degree. I would have loved to do something like marine biology (but a fear of water and sea creatures was too great). Make sure it's 100% something you want to do, because jumping into a Biology degree like I did was the worst thing I think I've ever done.
I did a Biomed degree (in Physiology actually), and I gotta advise anyone who's taking a Biology degree to really REALLY think about it. I was so bored of it. I think the majority of my course felt the same. Of the people I've stayed in touch with, only a handful do anything Biology related, and those that do have gone onto further study. It's a very tedious course, and mine was full of molecular and cellular biology, and although this was my strong point, I got very bored, very fast.
So since you know that you're interested in Zoology then DO IT. Don't worry about what your teachers have said. They've probably scoffed because they're unsure of the degree. I would have loved to do something like marine biology (but a fear of water and sea creatures was too great). Make sure it's 100% something you want to do, because jumping into a Biology degree like I did was the worst thing I think I've ever done.
Original post by linkdapink
Hey,
I did a Biomed degree (in Physiology actually), and I gotta advise anyone who's taking a Biology degree to really REALLY think about it. I was so bored of it. I think the majority of my course felt the same. Of the people I've stayed in touch with, only a handful do anything Biology related, and those that do have gone onto further study. It's a very tedious course, and mine was full of molecular and cellular biology, and although this was my strong point, I got very bored, very fast.
So since you know that you're interested in Zoology then DO IT. Don't worry about what your teachers have said. They've probably scoffed because they're unsure of the degree. I would have loved to do something like marine biology (but a fear of water and sea creatures was too great). Make sure it's 100% something you want to do, because jumping into a Biology degree like I did was the worst thing I think I've ever done.
I did a Biomed degree (in Physiology actually), and I gotta advise anyone who's taking a Biology degree to really REALLY think about it. I was so bored of it. I think the majority of my course felt the same. Of the people I've stayed in touch with, only a handful do anything Biology related, and those that do have gone onto further study. It's a very tedious course, and mine was full of molecular and cellular biology, and although this was my strong point, I got very bored, very fast.
So since you know that you're interested in Zoology then DO IT. Don't worry about what your teachers have said. They've probably scoffed because they're unsure of the degree. I would have loved to do something like marine biology (but a fear of water and sea creatures was too great). Make sure it's 100% something you want to do, because jumping into a Biology degree like I did was the worst thing I think I've ever done.
Ok, thanks! The last thing I want is to begin a degree in somthing I hate. Even more so If I do A2s that restrict me to Biology.
Im going to look further into the Zoology at manchester, or other specific biology degrees. And ofcourse see what others have to say.
Original post by GottaLovePhysics! :)
Ok, thanks! The last thing I want is to begin a degree in somthing I hate. Even more so If I do A2s that restrict me to Biology.
Im going to look further into the Zoology at manchester, or other specific biology degrees. And ofcourse see what others have to say.
Im going to look further into the Zoology at manchester, or other specific biology degrees. And ofcourse see what others have to say.
Try this website
http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/degree-courses/zoology-and-mathematics-degree-courses-united-kingdom/zoology+and+mathematics/m/united+kingdom/united+kingdom/25/0/a1/0/r/0/1/0/uc/page.html
Slim pickings then!
But thanks for the website, ima fav that and have a play with it in a bit, see what other options I have.Ive just stumbled across Bristols Zoology Degree. Im going to look into it. It has a respectable offer aswell (AAA-AAB) Oddly without an extra AS?
I always dreamed of being a cardiologist since I was a kid. I had tried almost everything in the world to know more about The Heart and I really had great knowledge on that stuff....when my interests were put aside and I had no other choice but to choose Commerce as a stream for my years to come and be something I had never thought to dream. I convinced myself before my 10th. It took me 2 years to get whole and sole convinced about the disastrous change and I forced myself to dream for those 2 years about being somewhere in some office doing management work when I had dreamed of actually checking patients and doing surgeries of their hearts.
When I chose commerce in 11th...it soon started become interesting and now I dream of becoming a business woman. Dreams change with time. I am loving what I am doing. And I think...it wouldn't have been possible without my mom's advice which I thought was utterly bitter in the beginning but has reaped me sweet fruits now at the later stage. Now, dont you think that I am just trying to maskao my mom...there is - 10 million chance that she is going to check this reply. She is so busy with her schedule and stuff. But this "thanks" was something which just came up in my deep heart and I just typed them out in neat, crystal clear words.
When I chose commerce in 11th...it soon started become interesting and now I dream of becoming a business woman. Dreams change with time. I am loving what I am doing. And I think...it wouldn't have been possible without my mom's advice which I thought was utterly bitter in the beginning but has reaped me sweet fruits now at the later stage. Now, dont you think that I am just trying to maskao my mom...there is - 10 million chance that she is going to check this reply. She is so busy with her schedule and stuff. But this "thanks" was something which just came up in my deep heart and I just typed them out in neat, crystal clear words.
Original post by Insiya
I always dreamed of being a cardiologist since I was a kid. I had tried almost everything in the world to know more about The Heart and I really had great knowledge on that stuff....when my interests were put aside and I had no other choice but to choose Commerce as a stream for my years to come and be something I had never thought to dream. I convinced myself before my 10th. It took me 2 years to get whole and sole convinced about the disastrous change and I forced myself to dream for those 2 years about being somewhere in some office doing management work when I had dreamed of actually checking patients and doing surgeries of their hearts.
When I chose commerce in 11th...it soon started become interesting and now I dream of becoming a business woman. Dreams change with time. I am loving what I am doing. And I think...it wouldn't have been possible without my mom's advice which I thought was utterly bitter in the beginning but has reaped me sweet fruits now at the later stage. Now, dont you think that I am just trying to maskao my mom...there is - 10 million chance that she is going to check this reply. She is so busy with her schedule and stuff. But this "thanks" was something which just came up in my deep heart and I just typed them out in neat, crystal clear words.
When I chose commerce in 11th...it soon started become interesting and now I dream of becoming a business woman. Dreams change with time. I am loving what I am doing. And I think...it wouldn't have been possible without my mom's advice which I thought was utterly bitter in the beginning but has reaped me sweet fruits now at the later stage. Now, dont you think that I am just trying to maskao my mom...there is - 10 million chance that she is going to check this reply. She is so busy with her schedule and stuff. But this "thanks" was something which just came up in my deep heart and I just typed them out in neat, crystal clear words.
I get it, I mean my intrest in my subjects has changed, however Biology has always stood fairly strong.
Thanks for the reply
I would second the idea of a natural sciences degree perhaps. It seems unlikely that you will be able to get maths to play a significant role in the kind of theing you want to study (but then again I know very little) but at least with natsci you could keep doing maths at uni level in tandem with the biology.
Original post by sam1am
I would second the idea of a natural sciences degree perhaps. It seems unlikely that you will be able to get maths to play a significant role in the kind of theing you want to study (but then again I know very little) but at least with natsci you could keep doing maths at uni level in tandem with the biology.
That is another degree I looked into. Fortunately UCL have just introduced it (Cambridge I think would be a little optimistic). Theres a great selection of modules aswell.
But looking at their website I could do a first year in Biological sciences and then in my second year follow a zoology rout and end with a degree in zoology.
Would you happen to know if you could do a mix of physical and biological modules in a Natural sciences degree?
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