Biology or Environmental Science?

Hi,
I've just received my last offer and the time has come to decide a firm choice but I'm stuck between Biology and Environmental Science. I have applied for both in Bath Spa, and I have no doubt that that's where I want to go, but I just can't make up my mind. I'm aware that I can change between the two if I really want to but I don't know how easy this process would be, and I'd rather choose the right one in the first place. Can anyone tell me the advantages or disadvantages of each, and what are your personal experiences with them? I did want to go for just Environmental Science as it is more practical but I think Biology has a wider range of subjects so could be more interesting. Any help would be great.
Thanks! :biggrin:

Reply 1

la95

16

Original post by seafox

Hi,
I've just received my last offer and the time has come to decide a firm choice but I'm stuck between Biology and Environmental Science. I have applied for both in Bath Spa, and I have no doubt that that's where I want to go, but I just can't make up my mind. I'm aware that I can change between the two if I really want to but I don't know how easy this process would be, and I'd rather choose the right one in the first place. Can anyone tell me the advantages or disadvantages of each, and what are your personal experiences with them? I did want to go for just Environmental Science as it is more practical but I think Biology has a wider range of subjects so could be more interesting. Any help would be great.
Thanks! :biggrin:

Do you know what sort of career you might like to have in the future? What are your interests?

Reply 2

seafox

OP

Original post by la95

Do you know what sort of career you might like to have in the future? What are your interests?

For a career, I'm not sure really... In my A level Biology I enjoy most of the human biology parts and plants too, but its things like microbiology and genetics that aren't my favourite (though I still enjoy learning about parts of them).
Oh, and I really don't like A level chemistry!! :smile:

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 3

la95

16

Original post by seafox

For a career, I'm not sure really... In my A level Biology I enjoy most of the human biology parts and plants too, but its things like microbiology and genetics that aren't my favourite (though I still enjoy learning about parts of them).
Oh, and I really don't like A level chemistry!! :smile:

Have you looked into the range of modules available within each degree course across different universities? If not, doing so might give you a better idea of which course you'd enjoy studying more. It might also be a good idea to look at the career paths open to somebody with a degree in biology or environmental science.

I had a quick look at the BSc Biology and BSc Enviromental Science courses at the University of Nottingham, and they appear to be very different degrees: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/biology/bsc-biology.aspx and http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/ugstudy/courses/biosciences/bsc-environmental-science.aspx. I scanned the biology course description and the word 'genetics' (or something similar) jumped out at me as you stated that that particular aspect of biology wasn't your favourite. As I said above, I'd strongly advise looking at the modules available within each course at different universities to get a feel for which you might prefer. And don't forget that there are more specialised degrees available, e.g. Biological Sciences (Plant Biology) at the University of Birmingham: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/biosciences/biological-sciences-plant.aspx.

Reply 4

Stuart.cannon

Original post by seafox

Hi,
I've just received my last offer and the time has come to decide a firm choice but I'm stuck between Biology and Environmental Science. I have applied for both in Bath Spa, and I have no doubt that that's where I want to go, but I just can't make up my mind. I'm aware that I can change between the two if I really want to but I don't know how easy this process would be, and I'd rather choose the right one in the first place. Can anyone tell me the advantages or disadvantages of each, and what are your personal experiences with them? I did want to go for just Environmental Science as it is more practical but I think Biology has a wider range of subjects so could be more interesting. Any help would be great.
Thanks! :biggrin:

Hi,

Im a third year studying Biology at Bath Spa and just so you know it I very easy to switch between the biology (BY) and environmental science (ES) courses. ES - BY is easy because BY mdule is part of the ES programme. BY to ES you need to take the geography core in the first year. So don't worry too much!

Reply 5

Lukeyjh

Hi,

I am a second year Environmental Science Student at Bath Spa. In your first year ES students do the core biology and core geography module and you also get two optional modules. Since ES students take the core biology module it is very easy to transfer from ES to Single Hons Biology in second year, if you chose biology to start with, you would need to take the core geography module if you wanted to switch over to ES in second year.

In terms of the focus of the two programmes ES is geared towards the ecology, environmental sustainability end of biology and the physical end of geography with a variety of optional modules. If you chose biology however, you have more options for human biology, micro biology, food etc. Maybe think back to A level biology which part of biology did you enjoy most? Also make sure you check out all the module choices for both biology and ES for second and third year. It is likely you will find your interest areas in first year because of how broad the core biology module is.

As a final word, if you do decide to put biology as your first choice I strongly recommend you take the core geography module in your first year, so if you do change your mind and want to switch to ES the process is a lot easier.