Why did I choose to study biosciences at York? Aside from the beauty of the city and the choice of accommodation, I found that York offered an incredibly flexible Biology course, with plenty of options for specialisation.
Having now completed two years of study, I have also come to appreciate the amazing support that biosciences students receive from staff.
So, without further ado, here is a breakdown of my favourite things about York’s Department of Biology.
Biosciences courses
The Department of Biology at York offers a wide range of courses, and modules within those courses.
You can study Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Biology – or you can specialise to study Biotechnology, Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics or Ecology.
These courses can be studied as a Bachelors degree or an integrated Masters. The integrated Masters adds an additional fourth year to your degree, during which you complete a thesis to graduate with a Masters qualification. You can also do a ‘year in industry’, in which you complete a biosciences work placement, or a year abroad.
The Department at York is super flexible. Provided you meet the grade requirements, you can switch between Bachelors and Masters at the end of Year 1 and Year 2. You can add a year abroad or in industry, and you can change from Biology to a specialist degree, or vice versa, in Year 1 or Year 2.
Module flexibility
This is enabled by the flexibility of the modules offered by the Department of Biology. In Year 1, you will study six compulsory modules. The modules are the same for all biologists, including those on the specialist degrees. They give you a broad base of knowledge and understanding across all areas of biology. Some of the modules are also taken by Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences students.
This forms a great foundation for optional modules in later years, and gives students an opportunity to discover what areas of bioscience interest them most.
In Years 2 and 3, in addition to compulsory skills modules, there is a broad selection of optional modules on offer. Everything from Neuroscience and Human Genetics to Behavioural Ecology and Ageing and Regenerative Medicine. You choose four modules each year from the wide range.
If you are studying a specialist degree (eg Ecology), there will be some ‘optional core’ modules among the choices, of which you must take two each year.
You can change modules until early on in the semester you are taking them (around week 3).
You can also study elective modules from other departments such as Economics, History and Languages. Students may take one elective a year.
So, you see, there is an almost bamboozling amount of choice in the Department of Biology at York! Even the most uncertain bioscientists are sure to find a mix of modules and a course style that they love.
Support from staff
The staff in the Department are, quite simply, brilliant. Whether you need help with coding or want support with an upcoming assessment, a relevant member of staff will make time to speak with you.
Last January, I wanted to discuss my exam result with a staff member from the module. Within a week, I had a meeting with the module co-ordinator, who was very supportive and listened to what I had to say. Several of my friends have had similar experiences.
In addition to module-based support, every student is assigned a supervisor at the beginning of their first year. Students meet with their supervisor three to five times a year to discuss everything from career plans to pastoral needs. Your supervisor remains the same throughout your time at York and is a great point of contact and support.
There is also a Biology Student Services (BSS) team, with a dedicated email address and a desk in the reception area. The BSS staff are very friendly and always happy to help with queries about exams, access cards, modules and more.
In York’s Department of Biology, you will always find someone who can help you!
A quick final word
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. There are plenty more if you want to learn even more about life as a University of York student!
I hope you’re excited about starting uni. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!
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