NatSci Cambridge/Bio Oxford?

I have been researching the differences between Oxford and Cambridge as my school is encouraging potential oxbridge candidates to state our preference as soon as possible. I have not visited either yet. As the title suggests, my decision mainly comes down to Biology at Oxford or NatSci at Cambridge. I do have widespread scientific interests (A Levels: Bio, Chem, Maths, English Lit) however recently I have become much more passionate about Biology. That said I know that Cambridge has a greater reputation for the sciences. Any advice would be appreciated!

Reply 1

A Rolling Stone

Original post by zooxanthellae

There's an admissions test for NatSci, I don't believe there is for Biology at Ox. In NatSci you will have mandatory maths modules in first year. As someone who did biology (not at Oxford) I don't recommend it unless you 100% want to go into research or have strong work experience.

Follow PaigeY on youtube who's doing NatSci :smile:

Reply 2

Doones

Original post by zooxanthellae

oxbridge candidates to state our preference as soon as possible.!

Why? Seems entirely pointless. Visit first, do more research, and then decide in your own good time.

It's your application, not your school's

Reply 3

Plagioclase

Original post by zooxanthellae

Cambridge does not have a better reputation for the sciences - both universities have a world-class reputation for sciences (as with all of their subjects) and differences in their rankings are generally minor to the point of being irrelevant. The question is whether you want to prioritise breadth across the sciences and/or have the security of being able to switch away from Biology if you want (through Natural Sciences at Cambridge) or breadth within a single discipline (through Biological Sciences at Oxford). Neither course is superior to the other, it just depends on what you want from your degree. Go through the modules offered and make your decision based on that.

One thing I would mention is that Oxford does allow you to continue to study for a MBiol, whereas Cambridge only allows you to continue to fourth year for certain specialisms as far as I'm aware.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 4

Doones

Original post by Plagioclase

One thing I would mention is that Oxford does allow you to continue to study for a MBiol, whereas Cambridge only allows you to continue to fourth year for certain specialisms as far as I'm aware.

https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/contacts/course-websites#part-iii
Including Systems Biology
https://www.sysbiol.cam.ac.uk/Part%20III

(which may or may not interest the OP, of course :smile:

)

Reply 5

Plagioclase

Original post by Doonesbury

https://www.natsci.tripos.cam.ac.uk/contacts/course-websites#part-iii
Including Systems Biology
https://www.sysbiol.cam.ac.uk/Part%20III

(which may or may not interest the OP, of course :smile:

)

According to that list Zoology and Plant Sciences (which are the two major biology departments, at least in Oxford) aren't included, which means that there's a fairly high probability that a biologist doing NatSci wouldn't continue to fourth year. Obviously that's not necessarily a con, just something to consider.

Disclaimer: I don't do NatSci so I don't actually know

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 6

Doones

Original post by Plagioclase

Yup.

It's a bit odd really, because they do have MPhil Zoology and MPhil Plant Sciences - although Zoology is research not taught.

Reply 7

zooxanthellae

Thanks for all the responses so far! I'm more inclined towards straight Biology as I agree that if I know that's what I want to specialise in it would give me more options within Biology (including the option of MBiol)