I was exactly the same as you when I was studying my A levels- I am really not a fan of maths or physics. Luckily most universities do not require either of these subjects for you to study genetics or microbiology. Of course, there is a degree of maths involved in these courses, but it is usually very minimal and is nothing to worry about if you have passed GCSE maths.

Most universities require some chemistry study post-GCSE so if you are doing this you should have no trouble applying for the courses you are interested in. Both genetics and microbiology are specialisms within the umbrella of Biological Sciences; when I studied at Manchester University I started out on a general Biology degree and then specialised to Genetics in my second and third years. If you are unsure whether you want to pursue genetics or micro at the moment, it is worth asking the uni’s you are interested in whether you can start out more generally and specialise later.

Whatever course you choose to begin on, all university Biological sciences are 3yr courses leading to a BSc(Hons). There may be the option to incorporate a 4th year into your course, either to undertake some work experience, study abroad for a year or to complete a Masters degree. Whether you choose any of these options is entirely up to you.

I hope this helps to alleviate some of your fears,
Please get in touch if you have any further questions,

Nicola

I applied for the STP straight from University but was not successful in gaining any interviews. The standard of applicants is usually very high, with many people already having PhD’s, MSc’s or considerable laboratory experience. It is up to the individual laboratory to decide who they wish to interview- some labs are happy to accept someone straight out of University and others are not.

I obtained a post as a Genetic Technologist 2 (GT2)when my STP application was unsuccessful. There are varying levels of Genetic Technologist- levels 1-6. The higher the level, the more advanced you are, and higher level technologists may get involved with complex testing, training, analysis and reporting of results or management of the laboratory. Being a GT is considered a profession in itself and again, there are often people with PhD’s or MSc’s who are GT’s and never choose to become scientists.

The main difference between GT’s and scientists is that GT’s perform most of the day to day testing in the laboratory and scientists are more office-based. My typical day involves analysis of data coming out of the lab, assessing referrals (test requests) that come in to ensure they are suitable for testing and ensuring that patients have seen the appropriate medical specialists prior to the test being requested, determining the correct course of testing for each patient then creating worksheets for the GT’s, and reporting patients whose testing is complete. As a trainee scientist, you will also get the opportunity to undertake a research project, which is likely to be development of a test to benefit the laboratory.

Starting out as a GT is definitely a good stepping stone to the STP- it familiarises you with the way a diagnostic laboratory operates and the sort of standards we have to put in place to ensure our testing is appropriate and accurate. It is also an alternative career to consider if you decide you want to spend more of your time ‘hands-on’ testing in the laboratory. GT posts get advertised on the NHS jobs website http://www.jobs.nhs.uk as and when they become available.

Please let me know if you would like any further information and I’ll be happy to help.

Best of luck

Nicola

One way I have found to overcome this is to demonstrate the applicability of the subject to everyday events and situations. Hosting a Science Fair for the pupils to meet with people in Industry or to demonstrate experiments is a quick way to raise awareness and answer any questions they may have.

·make it fun

·get past pupils who have studied sciences involved to advise at options evenings

·sell the international opportunities to be had via a career studying/working in sciences

·sell the scarcity of good quality people qualified in sciences (therefore good career options, well paid roles etc)

·forge links with local businesses who are in relevant industries.

My decision to study A levels in science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths AS) was based on what I needed to get into University for my career of choice (Veterinary medicine).

As it happens I ended up in a very different career (Civil Engineering), but I would not have been able to without Physics as an A level, in fact not having a Maths A level caused me some real problems when applying.

I guess publicising the career options that come from taking science based A levels would be my suggestion based on my experience.