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Best UK university for biology

Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.
Original post by Lazypillow
Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.

I would say Russel groups are most likely high up in the raking. Besides those maybe the accreditated courses and also depending on the course content if they cover a wide range of necessary topics.
Original post by Lazypillow
Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.

Hi @Lazypillow 🌟

I know that choosing university could be quite stressful, however, there are many supports mechanisms that could aid you to make the best decision! Let me tell you why The University of Essex would be a perfect place for you!📚✨

The University of Essex is a research-based university which will equip you with necessary foundations for your future career. At Essex, you’ll be learning from experienced faculty who are experts in their fields. The School of Life Sciences is known for its innovative teaching methods and cutting-edge research, ensuring you receive a top-notch education. Plus, the university provides a supportive environment, with plenty of resources to help you succeed academically and personally.🌟🏫

From cancer-screening to blood transfusions, from infections to genetic diseases, our BSc Biomedical Science teaches you the causes and diagnosis of diseases and the effectiveness of the medicines that cure them. You apply the concepts of biochemistry and cell biology to the study of health and disease in the human body. Our multidisciplinary approach means you learn skills that are at the forefront of advances in medical research.📈🌟

We are the top university in the country for providing NHS placements as part of our applied biomedical science course. You will gain fast-track career progression within the NHS by studying with us. At Essex, our research focuses on genetic diseases, infection and immunity, and age-associated conditions such as cancer.

Our course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) which is crucial to become a biomedical scientist in the UK at the same time giving you a head start in your career.🚀💪

Being a Non-Russel Group university does not make us less of an institution! We're 10th in the UK for Anatomy and Physiology in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 2nd for anatomy, physiology and pathology for overall positivity score (National Student Survey 2023, English Broad Discipline Institutions).🌍🎓

You graduate ready to move into a wide variety of industrial and public sector careers, from the NHS to pharmaceuticals, research, health and safety, teaching. Our students have gone on to work in a number of laboratory-based roles in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and in hospitals, clinics and healthcare companies. Others have gone on to work in sales, publishing and management, while others still have chosen to enhance their career opportunities by studying for MSc or PhD degrees. 📊✨

Our BSc Biomedical Science course also provides the ideal background for entry onto postgraduate medicine programmes. We have an established scheme for helping students prepare their applications and an excellent success rate with respect to students gaining places at Medical Schools throughout the country.⭐️

Hope this help! If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out.🌈🎉

Best wishes,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️
Original post by Lazypillow
Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.


"Biology" is a pretty broad field and some places that have great strengths in e.g. ecology, conservation, evolution, zoology and plant sciences might be weaker in the "biomolecular" sciences e.g. (human) physiology i.e. biomedical sciences, molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, genetics, neuroscience, biochemistry, etc. Or they might only be strong in some areas of the former and of the latter.

All bioscience degrees in the UK should in principle be experimentally oriented and in principle research driven (although the variety of research driving a particular course and range of research opportunities for undergraduates may vary considerably).

You've mentioned biomedical sciences but in a sort of vague manner - can you be more specific about what you want to apply to in terms of subject, and also at what level (as considerations for an undergraduate degree may be different than for a PhD!).
Original post by Lazypillow
Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.

Hi there,
Coventry University Student Ambassador here😊,
I am a 2nd year biomedical science student going into my 3rd this year at coventry university. I would say the information that you have acquired regarding the ranking is absolutely right as universities can do vary across course choices and your decision on choosing the right university should be majorly focused and selective of your course rather than the university itself.
From my experience to pursue a career in the academia I chose coventry university for building foundation needed for it through my graduation due to many reasons. One of which were the amazing facilities the university has to offer here on campus. As our super labs are equipped with most up to date technologies and equipment with free range of availability to use them in our practice.
The main motive which drove my decision towards coventry was also how they are always trying to equip their students for the world of work with the help of our talent team while providing them with all the theoretical knowledge we are also to study modules which introduce work place professionalism and integrity to us which I believe is a very important aspect to have while getting considered for employment.
At last, I have always really liked the designing and arrangement of the modules throughout the degree for us. Each year and semester has felt a gradual addition to my knowledge through my learnings all year rather than getting overwhelmed with a lot of work load all at once. This is also been one of my favourite thing about this degree and specially coventry university.
The course we offer is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) and Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) adding further to its credibility.
I hope me sharing my experience here would be of relevance to your decision making process and would also help you get a clearer and broader view.
I will attach the course page link:BSc (Hons) Biomedical sciences which I highly recommend you take out the time to check as they will provide you with a deeper insight on the subject.
I wish you luck for where you choose to go in the future.
kind regards,
Harleen.
(edited 2 months ago)
Hi, I just applied to biology last year. I'd say if you're interested in research in a particular area - google the unis and find out what their specific research areas are - they will have like 3 or 4 specific sections so keep an eye out for the ones you're interested in
Original post by Lazypillow
Hi. I heard the national ranking board was inacurate and how good a university is can differ with the courses. That being said, what would be the best universities for experimental/research based biology either biomedical or something like that. Just asking a random question.

Hi @Lazypillow,

You are right that ranking boards can be inaccurate or miss leading at times. So here is some general advice for choosing courses.
I would suggest looking at student feedback and satisfaction ratings of the courses. One of the best and least biased places to find this is the National Student Survey (NSS). You could then compare this to national rankings and create a more well informed picture of a university.
If you are interested in the research and experimental side of a degree then a Russel group university is probably the way to go. I would recommend having a look on university websites to see the types of research they are doing at the moment. Here is the University of Southampton's latest news.
Finally, it is your choice and I would also prioritise your love of the universityand the area as you will have to live there for at least 3 years. Therefore, I would take into question if you would prefer a city or campus university, if you want to be close to shops, restaurants or a busy night life etc.

We would love to see you here at the University of Southampton BSc Biomedical degree or any of our biological sciences.

I hope this helps you decide on a university.

Abby,
4th year student at UoS

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