Frequently asked questions

There may be questions that you want to ask that have not been answered elsewhere in the admissions pages, so we have gathered together, here, some of the more common questions we get asked, along with the answers, of course!

If your question is not answered here, then do feel free to contact us so we can either help directly, or can put you in touch with the best person to deal with the query.

Am I guaranteed accommodation if I accept a place at Sheffield?

First years are guaranteed a place in a Hall of residence or University-owned self-catering flat to all single applicants providing they fulfill the necessary criteria (see: the undergraduate accommodation guarantee for details).

What is the typical workload?

All our single subject degree courses require attendance at approximately 15h of classes per week (lectures, tutorials, practical classes). In addition, you will be expected to do in the region of 20h per week of private study (reading, report, essays and other assignments) and some courses require attendance on field courses during the Easter or summer vacations.

Can I change my course if it does not suit me?

A small proportion of our students wish to change degree course within Animal and Plant Sciences at the end of the first year.  Because there are a number of core components in common across all our degrees at Level 1, then this is usually possible.  It may involve doing a little extra reading to familiarise yourself with topics you haven't covered, but which are needed as background at Levels 2 and 3.  Your tutor will be happy to discuss this with you, and advise you on your options if the need arises.  

Can I change my non-compulsory modules once I have started them?

You are permitted to change your optional modules within the first 3 weeks of each semester.

Is there a choice of projects in the third year?

There is choice in both laboratory projects and literature review projects at Level 3. Towards the end of the second semester at Level 2, you are asked to select a number of project areas (linked to academic supervisors) and indicate your order of preference. Most people get their first or second choices, though for the most popular project areas student allocations to project areas are linked to assessment performance.

Is it possible to combine the degree course with a year abroad, or work experience?

The modular structure of the degrees means that it is straightforward to have a year out (usually between Levels 2 and 3) if you wish to gain relevant work experience.   There are a range of ways this can be done.  Study abroad is a formal part of the Biology with a Year Abroad degree, and if you opt to take a Degree with Employment Experience then work experience can also be formally incorporated into your final degree award.  There are also various other ways of getting work experience (see our Work Experience page for more details), and studying abroad.  There are various exchange schemes for whole or part years of study to be taken in another country (e.g., the Erasmus scheme), and the Department has a study abroad advisor who will be happy to discuss options with you and advise on applications.

What sort of jobs do people do with a degree from APS do afterwards?

The simple answer is, a very broad range of things! Many people stay in biology, in research, industry or government agencies, while others move into other subject areas (information technology, management, planning, the media, finance). We have a good record for graduate employment, and effective support for career planning through the University Careers Service (See our Careers page for more details).

How do I decide whether to apply for the degree I am interested in as a BSc, or an MBiolSci?

You need to consider what your goals in doing the degree are. The BSc provides a good all-round coverage of whole organism biology, and a widely applicable set of generic and practical skills. The MBiolSci covers exactly the same ground in years 1 - 3, but provides an opportunity to get more in depth and hands on research experience during the fourth year. The MBiolSci is particularly aimed at those who have a definite intention of pursuing a career in biological science, either in a research, or related area.  Bear in mind that you can change from the MBiolSci to the BSc at any point up until part way through Level 3, but you cannot change in the other direction (BSc to MBiolSci) , so if you think you are interested in the MBiolSci then it is best to apply for this initially.  See the MBiolSci page for more details.