Biology taster session

This taster session gives you an insight into studying Biology at university.

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Explore our evolving planet: Tropical rainforest ecosystems to COVID-19

A free virtual taster session for Y13 students.

Please note this is a repeat session to the one held in June. You are welcome to attend again, however, please be aware the content of the session will be the same. 

Book your place here

The following Taster session is aimed at any Y13 pupils who have not yet submitted their UCAS form, and are therefore not holding any offers with the University of Sheffield. Any pupils who are offer holders and book onto a taster session will instead be invited to join us for our Virtual Applicant days from December - April.

When: Wednesday 21 October, 4:00pm - 5:45pm

50 places available

Year 13, A Level, BTEC

This session is for students studying A Level Biology with an interest in studying biology or a related subject (e.g. ecology and conservation, zoology, plant science) at University.

Want to do some fun and interactive biology from the comfort of your own home? We will first of all transport you (virtually) to the tropical rainforest. You will be guided through an exercise using sound recordings of bird calls to investigate the effects of urbanisation on tropical rainforest ecosystems. After a quick break, Professor Andrew Beckerman will then explore the ecology of disease with you in a mini-lecture. Professor Jon Slate will then follow this with an exploration of the evolution of COVID-19 using online DNA sequences of the virus to investigate its origin and spread. To finish off the session, there will be a chance for you to find out more about being a biology student at the University of Sheffield as you take part in a Q&A. You will have the chance to talk to some of our current undergraduate students, and our admissions tutor, who will all be on hand to answer any queries you might have about studying biology at university.

Schedule 

Time Activity
4:00pm Log in and get comfortable
4:10pm Welcome and introductions
4:30pm Practical activity: Using bird song to monitor biodiversity
4:40pm Comfort break
4:45pm Mini lecture: "Disease ecology"
4:55pm Practical activity: The evolution of COVID-19
5:15pm 'Being a biology student' - Q & A
5:35pm Closing remarks

We look forward to meeting you!

For informal enquiries please email tasterdays@sheffield.ac.uk.

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