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University of Glasgow

So You Want to Study Life Science?

University of Glasgow via FutureLearn

Overview

This short, free online course will introduce you to studying life sciences at university level.

We’ll take you on a whistle stop tour of the exciting world of life sciences, exploring the vast array of subjects within the discipline – from anatomy to zoology and everything in between, including immunology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology and parasitology.

Find out what it’s like to study and work in life sciences

You’ll also hear from individuals working in a range of different life sciences career areas, including basic, field and applied research, scientific communication, teaching and science writing.

You’ll also get lots of tips on preparing your university application, adjusting to life at university and securing that first life sciences job.

By the end of the two weeks, you’ll:

  • be aware of the variety of branches of life sciences;
  • be confident making a university application to study life sciences;
  • be able to describe some of the career pathways open to you as a life sciences graduate;
  • and have met other people on the same journey of exploration into life sciences.

Learn with the University of Glasgow – a life sciences centre of excellence

So You Want to Study the Life Sciences? has been developed by the University of Glasgow – a centre of excellence for many branches of life sciences.

On the course, you’ll learn with Leah Marks, Maria Jackson and a team of educators who, between them, have extensive experience across life sciences disciplines, including biochemistry, genetics, and cellular and molecular biology.You’ll follow the progress of student Kevin as he decides which subject to study at university.

This course will be of particular interest to individuals considering going to university or college to study a life sciences related subject.

While the Educators themselves aren’t available to facilitate this run, we encourage you to engage with other learners and there are opportunities to do this throughout the course.

Syllabus

  • Welcome to life science!
    • Welcome and introduction
    • Beginnings: What is Life Science?
    • Which Life Science?
    • Thinking Ahead: Careers
    • Week 1 Summary
  • In depth life science
    • Applying to university and becoming a student
    • Which Life Science? (Part 2)
    • Thinking Ahead: Careers (Part 2)
    • Week 2 Summary and Goodbye!

Taught by

Leah Marks

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