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The Science of Life
Biology
As we prepare to enter the new millennium, biology is
becoming increasingly important. As a field, it is expanding
and developing rapidly, and on a global scale. Consequently,
those wishing to add their skills and enthusiasm to the
biological arena are always in demand. If you are hoping
to establish a career in biology, you would be well advised
to enhance your attractiveness to employers by spending
part of your academic career in the UK.
There are many reasons why studying Biology in the UK is
a great idea. As the UK has a leading and international reputation
for its research science, both in terms of industry and academia,
studying here would lend kudos to your 'curriculum vitae'
in an increasingly competitive job market. An advantage of
courses being taught in English is that it would enable you
to better your knowledge and understanding of the undisputed
language of international science and commerce. Socialising
outside of study hours and being surrounded by the English
language in general would provide further opportunities to
improve your fluency.
Most universities are very cosmopolitan, as the UK draws
in scholars from all corners of the earth. The scientific
realm in this country is, like so many other learned spheres,
a cultural melting pot that gains much from the exchange and
cross-pollination of ideas and values that this diversity
facilitates. Studying here would broaden your horizons on
both personal and professional levels, enabling you to make
links and contacts on a global scale.
There is a wide spectrum of universities from which to choose,
ranging from those located in relatively rural settings within
easy travelling distance of some of the most picturesque countryside
in the world (such as the University of Leeds and the University
of Aberdeen), to those situated in the hearts of the bustling,
dynamic cities (such as the Universities of London and the
University of Newcastle).
The phenomenal pace at which scientific knowledge evolves
is often matched and complemented by some of the most up-to-date
architecture, apparent in state-of-the-art lecture theatres
and research laboratories. Additionally, the UK boasts many
international centers of biological excellence, such as the
Natural History Museum and Kew Gardens.
As the teaching and training here tends to be vocational,
you would be provided with a real preparation for employment.
While education elsewhere emphasises cognitive development,
our universities stress the important of skills development.
Courses here aim to develop students' key transferable skills,
such as recording and interpreting information and data through
practicals and fieldworld. The usefulness of computer literacy,
measuring and evaluating samples and observation, are stressed
also.
Teaching is done through a combination of lectures, practicals,
seminar and project work. Assessment is made through a combination
of assessed coursework, short tests, exams, practicals and/or
a research project. In addition to your academic needs being
addressed by your tutors, you would be assigned a personal
tutor who would be conscious of the practical needs of young
people who may be studying in a foreign country for the first
time. Support would be provided whenever it is needed.
To study Biology in the UK, you will need to provide evidence
of your academic suitability. You will also need to demonstrate
a good standard of English. Personal qualities such as enthusiasm
for your subject, dedication, an open-minded approach, thirst
for knowledge, attention to detail, self-reliance and team-working
skills are important also. Any concerns over your suitability
should be discussed with the Admissions Tutor of the relevant
department of the universities in which you are interested,
or your local careers advisors.
There is a wide range of courses, modules and levels of study
from which to choose. Generally, courses consist of smaller
units from which you are allowed to build a coherent programme
of study. The advantage of this arrangement is that it enables
you to focus on a specific area or to maintain a broad coverage.
Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses tend to allow considerable
diversity and flexibility in the first year, but encourage
greater specialisation later on. This gives you both a broad
background and depth of knowledge in a particular area. Should
you not want to gain a qualification here, many universities
allow you to study for just one or two semesters at a BSc-level.
Master of Science (MSc) courses (for post-graduates) aim to
develop your understanding of your specialism to the full,
with fewer topics studied in more detail. PhD students tend
to work with a small team managed by a supervisor whose research
interests direct what is studied. Normally, it takes three
years to gain a PhD.
Obviously, an article as brief as this can only touch upon
a fraction of the options open to student biologists wishing
to study in the UK.
For further, more detailed information, consult your college's
careers office, your local British Council office, and/or
UK universities direct. Remember to take decisions which could
affect your career only after careful consideration of all
the information and advice on offer.
Author
Christopher Ryan
External Contracts Manager
Institute of Biology
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