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Oxford Biochemistry vs Biology

Hello everyone,

I was just wondering if you would kindly be able to help me decide which course to apply to at Oxford. If any students or alumni would be able to provide a breakdown of all the modules available throughout both courses, I would be extremely grateful! I am quite interested in most topics in Biology, but am particularly interested in:

Immunology, Epigenetics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology, Neuroscience.

I am completely unsure as to which course to apply for! I am aware that Biology has an emphasis on organisms and plant Biology which I also enjoy, but is it possible to specialise in the molecular side? Moreover, are the above topics covered in the Biochemistry degree, such as physiology?

I am currently predicted 4A* in Further Maths, Maths, Biology and Chemistry and have 10A* at GCSE, so are my chances decent??

Any help is hugely appreciated, thank you very much!
Reply 1
Hello,

Firstly some modules on both degrees will overlap, but Biology will also look at things such as Plant Biology, Evolution etc. Biology looks at more of an overview on a lot of different topics. Pretty much all topics covered at A Level will be covered in the degree just in more depth.
Biochemistry is more specific and looks at things on a very molecular level. There will be more chemistry involved such as learning and using equations including the ones you have learnt at A Level and beyond. Modules for Biochemistry will include cell biology, immunology, haematology, neuroscience, chemistry for bioscience, physiology & anatomy, pharmacology, protein structure, genetics etc. Both degrees will also include practical skills and assessments. It just depends on what modules you are most interested in and what field you might like to go into after the degree. I would have a look at some possible career options and a further breakdown of modules on the Biology degree. I did have a look but I only managed to find them for Biochemistry. Your chances also look good and all the topics you mentioned above are covered in Biochemistry and in Biology.
Good Luck!
Original post by deanna02
Hello,

Firstly some modules on both degrees will overlap, but Biology will also look at things such as Plant Biology, Evolution etc. Biology looks at more of an overview on a lot of different topics. Pretty much all topics covered at A Level will be covered in the degree just in more depth.
Biochemistry is more specific and looks at things on a very molecular level. There will be more chemistry involved such as learning and using equations including the ones you have learnt at A Level and beyond. Modules for Biochemistry will include cell biology, immunology, haematology, neuroscience, chemistry for bioscience, physiology & anatomy, pharmacology, protein structure, genetics etc. Both degrees will also include practical skills and assessments. It just depends on what modules you are most interested in and what field you might like to go into after the degree. I would have a look at some possible career options and a further breakdown of modules on the Biology degree. I did have a look but I only managed to find them for Biochemistry. Your chances also look good and all the topics you mentioned above are covered in Biochemistry and in Biology.
Good Luck!

Thank you very much for the detailed reply. This is very useful, I am very grateful for your time! I will try to find more details if possible. Seems like they cover pretty much everything in the courses then!

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