r/OpenUniversity • u/aoifeea • 1d ago
BSc in Biology, is it worth it?
I’m 22 and a registered nurse. Since qualifying last year I’ve had more and more regret that I didn’t pursue a career in science. (I originally planned on doing a degree in either molecular biology or microbiology prior to switching to nursing in sixth year (ireland) during Covid)
I wouldn’t be able to afford quitting my full time job to go back to a traditional university (definitely couldn’t justify it after just completing a nursing degree) so open university seems the most logical option as it would allow me to keep working full time while studying. I work three day shifts or four nights shifts (13 hours) a week so realistically I would have to choose the part time mode of the course.
I suppose I’d love to hear others experiences especially those who are completing or completed the BSc Biology or another STEM related course.
I’m definitely worried about the implications of not gaining practical lab experience during the degree, has anyone struggled as a result of this?
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u/AlarmedBug4068 1d ago
Hi!
I’m doing combined STEM but I am enjoying biology. I switch between which subjects I enjoy so combined STEM is a good option for my indecisiveness. I’ve really been enjoying it, on my current module there are experiments to do at home. I think the lack of practical lab experience is only going to be an issue if you want a career or future study that require it. It may be worth looking into what requirements you need for specific careers and see if there’s a way for you to make it work with a degree from the open university. I like to think that there is always a way for you to achieve your dreams!
In regards to not having lab experience I am almost certain there are actually opportunities for you to go to the university in Milton Keynes specifically for lab experience if you’re able to. Depending on what modules you pick there may be a bit of field work or residential schools built into some modules, I think I saw one module where it is mandatory but there was an option for a virtual version too. I also had an email recently about a module that you’re able to do that is just for lab experience. I believe it is called laboratory skills for science. I’m not sure how it all works as it is not something I want to do but it is there if you’re able to afford it and travel there!
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u/_Calluna_ 4h ago
There are remote labs, and in-person residential schools! You would get practical experience.
You sound like you would be very busy, but if it's something you're passionate about, you'd regret not doing it!
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u/Last-Astronomer4545 1d ago
Hey!
Congrats on qualifying as a nurse and landing a nursing role, although it seems this might not be your ideal situation now, that’s a massive achievement in the current job market!
For context I recently turned 23, and I’m completing my final module of the BSc Health Sciences pathway with the OU, after 4 years of study.
In September last year I started my role at NHS Blood and Transplant where I work in the cleanroom laboratories processing human tissue donations. We make a variety of grafts, ranging from skin, tendons to heart and bone…! It is a very fulfilling role.
With regard to the practical lab experience, the OU runs two in person lab schools at the Milton Keynes campus. I only attended the first of the two, we learnt the basics of aseptic technique, following GMP, PCR, gel electrophoresis etc. it was well run by the senior lecturers and looks amazing on the CV.
I appreciate this would be quite a distance for you if you are based in Ireland. Although, if it is any kind of encouragement I actually made friends at the lab school with a fellow OU student who I still keep in touch with, and she had flown from Northern Ireland!
Your nursing degree would provide you with excellent background for the OU science degrees, Biology, Health Sciences or Biomedical Science. Level 1 study with the OU is pretty similar if not, slight low below A-level standard of knowledge. It just aims to bring everyone up to speed before ramping up in levels 2 and 3.
I think you’re right, part time study is probably the best option around your shift patterns.