A degree in the Biological Sciences can equip students with essential skills for careers in many sectors. As undergraduates reach their final year of studies, they can now choose from three special modules aimed at helping them use their knowledge in different ways.
Bioscience Education involves the communication of science to an audience. Although ideal for students considering a degree in teaching, it has wider applications. “Not everyone studying biological science wants to work in a laboratory,” explains Co-ordinator Dr Amrit Mudher. “We challenge our students to research a suitable subject, devise an innovative activity to explain the concept and come up with a tool to measure its effectiveness.”
Up to now, the third years have worked with A level students at Peter Symonds College in Winchester and the education centre at Marwell Wildlife. Topics chosen have included the role of animal research in Parkinson’s disease and memory tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.
“I'm hoping to go on to a graduate job I have secured at GSK and even though pharmaceuticals are very much different from teaching, the skills I have obtained in communicating science will be extremely useful,” says student Thomas Cross.
Bioscience Business examines the process of drug discovery from the laboratory to the pharmacy. Students find out more about how ideas are generated, clinical trials, market research, intellectual property, raising finance etc. Scientists and other professionals from pharmaceutical companies deliver seminars and workshops and students work in groups to investigate a potential drug and make a presentation about it.
“Many of our students are interested in careers in the pharmaceutical industry,” says Co-ordinator Dr Jessica Teeling. “Successfully completing this module will give them the edge in the highly competitive jobs market.” Students commented: “It was a unique learning experience and we learned teamwork, presentation etc.” “While I was applying for graduate jobs, companies were very interested in this aspect of my degree and I actually got an internship from this experience.
Science communication supports students to cut through the jargon to spread the word about research through a blog, newspaper feature, scientific article and video. Co-ordinator Dr Declan Doyle says: “A good scientist is a good communicator. It is important for us to be able to talk about our work in clear and simple language to inform the general public and motivate the next generation of students,” he says. “This module introduces them to the skills and techniques they will need to get the message across.”
Student Charlotte Pollins enjoyed the experience: “I’m a biomedical scientist and used to scientific analysis but it was refreshing to look creatively at the subject and communicate with a general audience.”