Undergraduate FAQs
What grades do I need?
What A levels count as ‘Science A-levels’?
Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology, Mathematics, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geology, Science, Science for Public Understanding, and Statistics. Psychology or Geography can fulfill the requirement for a second science at A2 level, for some of the degrees offered by the school, if they are accompanied by Biology at A2 and an AS grade C or better in one of the science subjects on the list.
How many students are admitted to each degree?
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Biology: 85
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Genetics/ Human Genetics: approximately 27 over both degree courses
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Zoology: 35
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Biochemistry and Genetics: 20
Once enrolled on a course is it possible to change to a different degree course?
Yes, you can change to any one of our degrees during the first year or at the start of the second year. In addition it is possible to change between Genetics and Human Genetics until the end of the second year.
It is also possible to change to other degrees outside of the School of Biology. However, you will have to satisfy the requirements of the course that you wish to change to and the School you wish to transfer to will make the final decision.
Can I accept an offer and defer entry for a year?
Yes, this is quite possible. Many will choose to apply in late 2011, for example, for a course to start in 2013, and we will make offers based on the requirements for 2013 entry. Applying in 2011 for 2012 entry, accepting an offer and then deferring entry until 2013 may also be possible, but would present problems if entry requirements were to change between 2012 and 2013.
Will I be guaranteed accommodation?
First year students who apply prior to August will be guaranteed a single room in University-arranged accommodation for their first year. In the second year many of our students choose to live in affordable private housing near to campus.
Do you accept mature applicants?
Yes, we encourage applications from mature students. We consider a range of qualifications and work experience, and we may ask mature students to attend for an interview.
What is the difference between the BSc and the MSci degrees in Biology, Zoology, Genetics and Human Genetics?
The four-year MSci degree differs from the three-year BSc degree in its specialised training in research skills in the fourth year, particularly the intensive full-time project which occupies half of the year. The BSc degree has a project also, but this is taken along with lecture modules, and would normally involve two days work a week. While the MSci degree is designed for those who intend to start biological research on graduation, many of our BSc students currently go straight into a PhD course by research after their three years, and we expect that this will continue.
How many hours of teaching are there per week?
Typically students will receive 18-20 hours per week in direct contact.
During the final year you will undertake a research project. Most people choose to take a lab-based research project. This involves working in a research lab for two days a week in the Autumn, during which you are supervised by the lecturer running your project and receive lab training from postdocs and PhD students working in the lab.
The fourth year research-project in the MSc degree is much more intensive, being full-time laboratory research for half the year.
How much practical work does the course entail?
You will take some lab-based practical sessions and computer-based informatics practical sessions as part of 1st and 2nd year modules.
During the final year you will undertake a research project. Most people choose to take a lab-based research project. This involves working in a research lab for two days a week in the Autumn, during which you are supervised by the lecturer running your project and receive lab training from postdocs and PhD students working in the lab.
The fourth year research-project in the MSc degree is much more intensive, being full-time laboratory research for half the year.
Does the library have all the books I will need?
Yes!
Is it possible to take a gap year?
Yes and we are very happy for students to do so.
Can I take a year in industry during my degree?
We do not require students to take a year in industry between the second and third years of their course, but we are happy if they choose to do so.
Does the School help in finding placements for students who wish to take a year in industry?
The School will be supportive and tutors will try to help where possible.
What careers can I do with a degree from the School of Biology?
There are many careers open to students with a degree from the School of Biology, both in Science and outside. More information on the careers of our recent graduates is given on the web site.
Would I need to take another degree before a career in research?
You can work in research without having to take another degree and many research companies have graduate admissions programmes. However, for a full career in research then you would be advised to study for a PhD.
Are there opportunities to study abroad as part of degree?
Yes there are opportunities for Biology and Zoology students to study abroad via Universitas-21 for a single semester, or exchange for the 2nd year to Oregon State University. It is currently not possible to study abroad for the Genetics, Human Genetics and Biochemistry and Genetics degrees.
What sort of student support is available in the School/University?
All students are allocated a personal tutor who acts as the first point of contact for guidance on any academic or personal matters. There is also a Disability Liaison Officer within the School who has considerable experience in helping students with dyslexia, physical or psychological conditions deal with academic life. The university also provides services for students with disabilities. Please see www.nottingham.ac.uk/disability for more information and see our
disability liaison page.
How does the tutorial system work here?
All students are allocated a personal tutor who will work with you for the whole of the degree programme. Your tutor will take an interest in your academic progress, and check on your well being throughout the course. Your tutor will also undertake academic tutorials including activities such as essay writing, discussion of research papers, presentations etc.
Are there opportunities for field work?
Yes, there is a subsidised field trip to Portugal for Biology students during the second year. In addition, early in the second year, the “Biodiversity” course is a seven-day residential field course in ecological techniques, based in the UK. Some modules and final-year research projects also include field components.
I am interested in Genetics. Would I be better off studying a more general degree (e.g. Biology) and then choosing only the specialist genetics modules that I am interested in?
No, if you are interested in specialising in Genetics then you would be better off taking one of the 6 Genetics courses available. These provide a broad coverage of topics in Genetics (evolutionary biology and population genetics, molecular microbiology and genome dynamics, developmental genetics and gene control, human genetics) and also permit you to take some biology modules. If you take Biology it is only possible to take a restricted set of genetics modules, you will receive no genetics tutorials, and you may be unable to do a project on a genetics topic.
Why are School of Biology degrees taught on both the University Park and Queens Medical Centre sites?
Our teaching takes place in the Biology building located on the University Park campus and in the Queens Medical Centre, just across the footbridge from the University Park campus and approximately 5 minutes walk from the Biology building. This reflects the broad spectrum of activities that fall under Biology in Nottingham, from the purer and organismal-based aspects of the subject, to more molecular and applied approaches. The latter has relevance to Medicine in its broadest sense, and for this reason research laboratories dealing with Immunology, Genetics and Molecular Biology are located in the Medical School and much of the teaching in these areas also takes place there.
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please email: biology-ug@nottingham.ac.uk