Flexible life sciences degree course?

[BroughtmyownBag]

DD is pretty sure she wants to study something in the human biosciences but is looking for a course where she can keep her options open and 'taste' subjects like psychology, neuroscience, biomedical topics etc at uni level before specialising and not have to commit up front. But she is clear its human bio and not general bio, or plants.

I did a degree with lots of options and only specialising in yr 3, and it worked very well, indecisiveness clearly runs in the family

Her predicted grades are likely to be AAA-ish I am guessing (based on results so far) and she is keen to go to a "top" uni - whatever that is, but she is aware of the fact that different unis have different reputations, whether justified or not! (tho maybe not Oxbridge), but we're going round in circles a bit on course options, an she has comparison fatigue!

Her A levels are biology, psychology and maths btw - no chemistry, which rules out a number of options.

Obviously we need to do more research, but if anyone has suggestions , or better still, recent experience and recommendations, they will be gratefully received.

Very many thanks!

[BubblesBuddy]

Have a look at Biomedical Sciences at Edinburgh University. There are very many options that can be added to the core programme. It requires AAB.

I think she may have to understand that it's not always possible to find exactly what you want and you have to adapt. Doing a bit of everything may mean you a bit of a "jack of all trades and master of none". I would look at the top courses in this field. They are top for a reason and she will perhaps need to be more flexible.

[BroughtmyownBag]

Thanks Bubbles, and wise words re flexibility about flexibility ;)

[BubblesBuddy]

I just think for sanity it's worth looking at the best courses and being able to jettison certain requirements that are just not on offer! I am always surprised how precise young people can be about course content.
I would say the quality of the course and university matter more.

Also Lecturers leave, go on maternity leave, write a book, get seconded to industry - i.e. You cannot assume all the options will run by the time your DD gets there. Just make sure the course is well respected and has sufficient options.

[StylishDuck]

Everyone doing a science degree at Glasgow uni does general subjects in 1st and 2nd year then chooses their final degree in 3rd year. I applied to do a biology subject, did a combination of biology, chemistry and maths in 1st year, more specific biology modules plus chemistry in 2nd year and ended up doing a degree in chemistry.

[StylishDuck]

Meant to say, you don't have to do chemistry, you can choose all biology based subjects instead.

[esk1mo]

i studied human biology which covers pretty much everything - neuroscience, biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, psychology, nutrition, genetics etc.

after this i went on to do a masters in biomedical science.

[BroughtmyownBag]

Thanks everyone. Alas she has also ruled out Scotland as "too far away" - I know both those unis are great, and they sound like good courses for her. Will have a look at them. Perhaps if we offer her an extra budget for flights home she might reconsider! (she could have some of the £ difference from not going to London (UCL), which is currently an option - though if she does decide on London, we will find a way!)