Subjects

Biomedical Sciences

A Stimulating Academic Community

St Catherine’s has a large and friendly community of undergraduates within the Medical Sciences Division, studying Biomedical Sciences, Experimental Psychology, Medicine and Philosophy, Psychology & Linguistics. We encourage networking between the Biomedical Sciences students and these different student groups at joint social and academic events, such as:

  • Catz Biomedical Society. Once per term, we meet together to hear about the research of a college tutor and/or a senior student, followed by Q&A. The students and tutors attending then share a dinner together in Hall, where they can continue their discussions of the science presented over a meal.
  • Journal Club. Once per term, students meet to debate the merits and consider the implications of a recently published research article.
  • Welcome and Farewell Drinks. Held at the beginning and end of each academic year, and attended by students and tutors.

Exceptional Tutorial Support

At St Catherine’s you will have specialist tutors to cover the wide range of Biomedical Sciences subject fields including neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology, immunology, pathology, physiology, anatomy and genetics (see tutors below). Tutors run small group tutorials to compliment the material covered in core course lectures and laboratory classes. This tutorial support will be overseen by a dedicated Director of Studies for Biomedical Sciences (Dr Sumathi Sekaran) who will be your first point of call with regards to your academic studies at college.

During tutorials, 2-3 students meet to examine selected biomedical science questions in depth. You will be encouraged to discuss, question, critique and develop evidence-based arguments – essential skills for your development as a scientist. You will usually write an essay on a set topic beforehand, and the tutor will provide individual feedback on your written work. Some tutorials may even be held individually with your tutor.

In the final honours school (FHS) year of the Biomedical Science course, you will often share tutorials with Medical Sciences (overseen by Prof. Heidi De Wet) and Experimental Psychology (overseen by Prof. Gaia Scerif) students who are also specialising in your chosen topics.

Located near the Biomedical Departments

Biomedical Sciences students at St Catherine’s benefit from living just a 10-minute-walk away from the Medical Sciences Teaching Centre, where many of their lectures and practical classes take place. We are also within a 15-minute walk from other departments participating in the degree course (including Biochemistry, Experimental Psychology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics) and the Radcliffe Science Library.

Career and Personal Development

At St Catherine’s, your tutorials are designed to develop your communication skills and general academic development, in addition to covering the course syllabus. Your Director of Studies and the student support network will aim to ensure that you have any required pastoral care during your studies. You will meet individually with your Director of Studies once per term, and with the college Master once per year, to discuss your achievements and development.

Our Biomedical Sciences students progress to enter a wide range of careers including scientific research (academic or industry-based), publishing, law, graduate-entry medicine and many more (see student profiles below for examples).

Modern and Spacious Library

We have one of the biggest college libraries in the University of Oxford, with an extensive collection of texts in Biomedical Sciences. If ever you need the library to stock a new book for your course, you need only put in an electronic request. The library is open daily until midnight during term.

 

Student Quotes

“Catz is without a doubt one of the best colleges for studying Biomedical Sciences. Tutors are second to none and incredibly friendly, and are always there to support you. Catz is also so close to the medical sciences department that you can cycle there in a couple of minutes, which is very handy for making it to 9am lectures!” Zoe

“The biomedical sciences course at Oxford was perfect for me as I knew I was interested in human biology, but had no idea which parts would appeal the most. The varied options available, and exposure to all sorts of teaching – from lectures to practicals and tutorials – meant that by my third year, I had truly developed keen interests in specific topics (infection and immunity and molecular medicine).” Molly

“I really enjoyed my time at Catz studying Biomedical Sciences. The course was varied and integrated with other subjects over the 3 years. At Catz, we (the 3 Biomed students in my year) were really well supported through our tutorials and in establishing a peer group between us and the related courses’ students.” Emily

Course Duration

3 years

Places Available

3

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