The Student Room Group

Is Biology at uni female dominated?

I’m applying to Biology BSc at a few Russel group unis purely because it’s the one science that actually interests me. However I heard it might be a bit female dominated? Is this true? Anyone here do biology at uni and if so what is the gender ratio like?

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Bump?
Original post by mma_jd
I’m applying to Biology BSc at a few Russel group unis purely because it’s the one science that actually interests me. However I heard it might be a bit female dominated? Is this true? Anyone here do biology at uni and if so what is the gender ratio like?

Yeah it is 2/3 female dominated but Isn't that a good thing bro?
Reply 3
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by ben_jamin
Yeah it is 2/3 female dominated but Isn't that a good thing bro?

Obviously there’s one way in which it’s good but I wouldn’t wanna feel out of place as a guy. So it’s not as bad as psychology then which seems to be like 80% females usually ?
Yeah, and it looks to be getting more female-dominated: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/news/11-01-2018/sfr247-higher-education-student-statistics/subjects
Original post by mma_jd
Obviously there’s one way in which it’s good but I wouldn’t wanna feel out of place as a guy. So it’s not as bad as psychology then which seems to be like 80% females usually ?

Yes there are plenty of subjects which are more heavily female dominated. You wont feel out of place as a guy doing biology though. You can also make friends with guys at SU events, flatmates etc. What do you want to do as a career? That is much more important as is going to a uni that you really like.
Reply 6
Avatar for Scotney
Scotney
20
Plenty of guys do Biology plus you can make plenty of male friends doing sports or joining societies at uni.
Reply 7
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by ben_jamin
Yes there are plenty of subjects which are more heavily female dominated. You wont feel out of place as a guy doing biology though. You can also make friends with guys at SU events, flatmates etc. What do you want to do as a career? That is much more important as is going to a uni that you really like.

There’s a few potential careers that interest me mostly to do with the health & fitness industry such as personal training, dietician, nutritionist, etc. Do you think biology is even the right degree for me based on that?
Original post by mma_jd
There’s a few potential careers that interest me mostly to do with the health & fitness industry such as personal training, dietician, nutritionist, etc. Do you think biology is even the right degree for me based on that?

Yes I think biology could be the right degree for you but you should perhaps ask representatives from the course at open days this to be sure. In any case this is more important that how many girls will be there.
Reply 9
Avatar for Scotney
Scotney
20
Original post by mma_jd
There’s a few potential careers that interest me mostly to do with the health & fitness industry such as personal training, dietician, nutritionist, etc. Do you think biology is even the right degree for me based on that?

You need to do more research on this.

Original post by ben_jamin
Yes I think biology could be the right degree for you but you should perhaps ask representatives from the course at open days this to be sure. In any case this is more important that how many girls will be there.

I agree.Just a quick google shows that there are other degrees like Bsc in Nutrition is also one alternative.You need to do more research on this.
Reply 10
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by Scotney
You need to do more research on this.


I agree.Just a quick google shows that there are other degrees like Bsc in Nutrition is also one alternative.You need to do more research on this.

Yeah but I don’t wanna fully specialise in one niche because I’d like to keep my options open, that’s why I’m leaning towards biology and then I can always do an MSc in dietetics for example
Original post by mma_jd
Yeah but I don’t wanna fully specialise in one niche because I’d like to keep my options open, that’s why I’m leaning towards biology and then I can always do an MSc in dietetics for example

Yes well if you are happy to do a Masters then Biology is fine.:smile:
At least you might have a good chance of getting a girlfriend at uni though mate! Are you interested in any sports/have any interests outside of biology?
Reply 13
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by metallic67
At least you might have a good chance of getting a girlfriend at uni though mate! Are you interested in any sports/have any interests outside of biology?

Sure boxing, skiing/snowboarding, cycling/running, weightlifting

I guess more girls being on the course could be seen as a good thing but I’m just wondering if it’s like psychology where guys stick out like a sore thumb and are often assumed to be gay (no offence to gay people absolutely nothing wrong with it just don’t want people making that assumption about me)
Original post by mma_jd
Sure boxing, skiing/snowboarding, cycling/running, weightlifting

I guess more girls being on the course could be seen as a good thing but I’m just wondering if it’s like psychology where guys stick out like a sore thumb and are often assumed to be gay (no offence to gay people absolutely nothing wrong with it just don’t want people making that assumption about me)

People over the age of 12 don't tend to assume you're gay because of the subjects you enjoy.
Original post by mma_jd
I’m applying to Biology BSc at a few Russel group unis purely because it’s the one science that actually interests me. However I heard it might be a bit female dominated? Is this true? Anyone here do biology at uni and if so what is the gender ratio like?

my biology class at uni was like 65:35 and wasn't a big deal, the only thing that should make you hesitant is the hit-and-miss job prospects of a biology BSc!
Reply 16
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by Theloniouss
People over the age of 12 don't tend to assume you're gay because of the subjects you enjoy.

I see your point but when you’re studying a course that has a 9:1 female to male ratio it’s natural that many will make assumptions about that 1 male in the class
Original post by mma_jd
Sure boxing, skiing/snowboarding, cycling/running, weightlifting

I guess more girls being on the course could be seen as a good thing but I’m just wondering if it’s like psychology where guys stick out like a sore thumb and are often assumed to be gay (no offence to gay people absolutely nothing wrong with it just don’t want people making that assumption about me)

Great interests mate, there will definitely be societies for some of these sports at most unis. They wont think you are gay if you don't present yourself in that way. Do you look like a typical straight man for your age (dress/hair/masculine mannerisms)? If you like a girl on your course just show interest in her like you would normally and don't worry about them thinking you are gay.
Original post by mma_jd
I see your point but when you’re studying a course that has a 9:1 female to male ratio it’s natural that many will make assumptions about that 1 male in the class

It's not 'natural', it's childish, homophobic and a little ridiculous.

Not to mention, your gender ratio for psychology keeps getting more extreme. It appears to be 4:1 (from 2011, but it can't have changed that much).
Reply 19
Avatar for mma_jd
mma_jd
OP
11
Original post by Theloniouss
It's not 'natural', it's childish, homophobic and a little ridiculous.

Not to mention, your gender ratio for psychology keeps getting more extreme. It appears to be 4:1 (from 2011, but it can't have changed that much).

I’m not saying it’s right, I’m saying it’s natural in our current society that people will make assumptions about men that choose an occupation that is heavily female dominated. Just like the stereotype about male flight attendants being gay is quite popular. I suppose you could say I’m playing devils advocate here.

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you