When it comes to applying to study biology at university, academic excellence is only part of the picture. With many highly qualified applicants competing for limited places, admissions tutors are looking for more than top grades — they want to see genuine enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and a sustained commitment to the subject. This is where super-curricular activities make all the difference. Whether it’s exploring popular science books, taking part in fieldwork, completing online courses, or undertaking work shadowing, these experiences allow you to engage with biology beyond the classroom, deepen your understanding, and stand out as a well-rounded and passionate applicant.
1. Listen to podcasts to extend your scientific literacy
- BBC Radio 4 shares the latest news from the science world.
- : BBC Radio 4 interviews with leading scientists about their life and work.
- Lighthearted chats about scientific research, with the creators of the SciShow YouTube channel.
- Comedic panel programme hosted by Brian Cox looking at bizarre science questions with scientists and celebrity guests.
- Popular public lectures for the very latest knowledge.
2. Read for wider understanding
- : Weekly coverage of global science news. The e-editions are available to read for free on if you sign in with your local library card number.
- by Richard Dawkins and Yan Wong (2016): A reverse journey back through the biochemistry of evolutionary history.
- by Steve Jones (2002): How molecular, genetic and biochemical mechanisms drive human development.
- by Nick Lane (2005): The surprising importance of energy production to the complexity of living organisms.
- by Peter Medawar (1979): Classic outline of the mindset, problem-solving skills and curiosity that will help biomedical research careers.
- by Matt Ridley (1999): One chapter for each of the 23 chromosomes in human genetics.
- by Adam Rutherford (2016): What our genes tell us about history and human behaviour, and what they don’t.
- by Brian Sykes (1994): Firsthand account of research on the ‘Ice Man’ and how mitochondrial DNA and biochemistry can trace the ancestry of modern Europeans.
- by Nick Lane (2022): How the living metabolic network is ‘a scientific renaissance hiding in plain sight’.
- by Nick Lane (2009): Ten evolutionary innovations and their legacy today.
- by Horace Judson (1979): A classic history of early molecular biology, including personalities, discoveries and techniques.
- by Paul Nurse (2020): Fundamental questions answered by a biochemist.
3. Take online courses for academic depth
- (Harvard University on edX): Comprehensive university-level introduction covering molecular structure, metabolism, enzyme function and cellular processes.
- (University of Colorado Boulder on Coursera): Introduction to Biology as a discipline of enquiry, and its relationship with Chemistry.
4. Subscribe to YouTube channels and watch documentaries for short primers to interesting topics
- (YouTube channel): Half-hour science explorations that pique your interest.
- (YouTube channel): Humorous animations to demystify science ten minutes at a time.
- (YouTube channel): The presenter, Andrey, explains key concepts in 10-15 minutes with amazingly detailed notes in the background. There is a playlist of Biology videos specifically.
- (YouTube channel): Full-length lectures and short films across the sciences and technology.
- (2009): BBC documentary series exploring how life’s essential processes are powered by complex biochemical reactions.
- (2012): Visual dramatization from inside a human cell, narrated by David Tennant.
5. Enter a competition to inspire your motivation
- : Advanced problem-solving competition for A-Level students in February. Two 45-minute multiple-choice papers on unfamiliar topics. Past papers available on the website.
Biology University Entrance Tuition
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