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What to expect from a Biological Sciences course?

So, now AS results are over, the uni application process starts here. All my life I've been adamant on doing biological sciences as I want to work in research with Stem Cells or work on the development of cancer treatments. My predicted grades are AAA which is enough to get me onto a MSci course in Biological Sciences (generic, not a specialised course). However. I want to know what to expect? I'm nervous about what this course could entail. Don't get me wrong, I love learning about most aspects of biology and anatomy is even one of my favourite topics- but I'm worried I'm going to have to see/work with some pretty gruesome things. I know I'm not taking a medicine or surgery course so this probably sounds stupid, but I can't help but wonder: Will there be any topics where I'm required to work with a body? Or watch videos of real-life surgery? I know that with the field of work I'm going into I need to get over my nerves of seeing these things, but I'd like to know whether I need to prepare myself for these things as of next year? So could someone with experience in a biology degree let me know?
It will really depend on the university you chose. From my experience we have never really covered human biology. Of course we learn about human biology, but it's usually in the context of genetics or cell signalling rather than explaining how a liver works, so we haven't had to see a body or watch videos of surgery. At my university that sort of thing is covered on the Biomedicine and Medicine courses. We have dissected a tiny squid and several flowers, but it wasn't that bad :smile:

Like I said though, it really depends what university you go to. Have a look around and see if you can find out if the courses you're interested in have aspects where you'll have to deal with human bodies - maybe even try asking on here?

Good luck with your A Levels :h:
Reply 2
Original post by Firefly13
It will really depend on the university you chose. From my experience we have never really covered human biology. Of course we learn about human biology, but it's usually in the context of genetics or cell signalling rather than explaining how a liver works, so we haven't had to see a body or watch videos of surgery. At my university that sort of thing is covered on the Biomedicine and Medicine courses. We have dissected a tiny squid and several flowers, but it wasn't that bad :smile:

Like I said though, it really depends what university you go to. Have a look around and see if you can find out if the courses you're interested in have aspects where you'll have to deal with human bodies - maybe even try asking on here?

Good luck with your A Levels :h:



Thank you for your help! The course I'm looking at (MSci Biosciences at Birmingham Uni) does specify that there are some parts about anatomy. I know some universities include a lot of lab-based body work for this topic but others might not. I guess I will just have to suck it up and see what comes my way! But makes me glad to hear that you've never had to do anything like that.
Original post by EmmaL.AM
Thank you for your help! The course I'm looking at (MSci Biosciences at Birmingham Uni) does specify that there are some parts about anatomy. I know some universities include a lot of lab-based body work for this topic but others might not. I guess I will just have to suck it up and see what comes my way! But makes me glad to hear that you've never had to do anything like that.


Hopefully Birmingham won't have too much! I'm sure you won't have to do too much (if any at all), and you can always chose options later on where you don't have to deal with human anatomy. Good luck with everything :h:

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