hhmmmm

[mollykins]

I want to do something like marine biology/ecology/ocean science at uni.

What if I only carry on biology, chemistry and geography (dropping maths) and do the following course? (only just seen it in the prospectus).

AS EXTENDED PROJECT
Duration: 120 hours delivered through a flexible mode of delivery, typically over two or three terms
Qualification: Extended Project Qualification EPQ

(Equivalent to AS Level and receives the same UCAS points)

This is an opportunity for advanced level study in a specialised subject area, either from one of the subjects you are currently studying or have studied in the past or in an area which you are particularly interested in and want to explore further. You will carry out independent research and demonstrate the results of your inquiry through a dissertation, report, performance or artefact guided by a project mentor who will be allocated to you at the start of the course. There is a taught element to ensure that you have advanced skills in researching a topic, formulating an argument and presenting your ideas. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is highly regarded by universities as it provides an effective way to demonstrate that you have the capacity to engage in independent study.

As you may know, because of the school reorganisation this year, the sixth formers are moving out of the high schools and into a new building. When I first started they ddin't offer the above course, but the new sixth form will. What do you think?

I've emailed all the unis I'm thinking about going to, to ask them aswell, i'll have a word with my head of sixth form on friday . . .

[sherrardk]

Personally I would say approach with caution. This is a new qualification and these are usually viewed in a bad light by the 'better' universities. I have experience of 'New' qualifications such as BTEC courses in school (viewed badly when first introduced but far more widely accepted these days).

[mollykins]

That's why I emailed the unis to chekc with them . . .

[sherrardk]

You have to be careful with some of these new things - are Key Skills still going?

[sherrardk]

(PS - I do have direct experience of this area as, until 2007 when I left teaching, I was a senior sixth form tutor, Head of Vocational Education, Head of Careers and Senior Teacher.)

[mollykins]

I never knew that sherrard, I'll take particular note of any other info you give to do with this kind of thing then . . .

[mollykins]

Not sure about key skills . . . :/

[DTCwordfan]

Stick to your fundamentals - Maths is well valued by employers as well............might cost you down the line, Molly

[mollykins]

An AS in maths is good though and more than what most people have . . .

[sherrardk]

To be fair, some of it might be out of date. Just take care when choosing, the new place might be trying to be trendy but might be misguided. You might be better off taking a more established AS or even carrying on with the maths (depending upon your ability - no rudeness intended).

[mollykins]

It is a bit on the hard side. Plus from the units you do at uni, i can only really see the statistics as being of much use, and we're doing that now so are very unlikely to be next year (mathematical mechanics is not really relevant to marine biology) . . .

[DTCwordfan]

you will be amazed how it comes into play - for example research projects...........and in the future beyond uni. It will also weigh heavier in terms of the better Unis standing up and noticing you at selection time

[erin-x]

I have found that it doesn't really matter if the coursework is relevant to your chosen uni course. When I was applying for primary teaching courses, even though you don't teach that level of math at primary school, the uni's still prefer you to have it, if you get what I mean. :)

[mollykins]

And there's the fact that maths isn't exactly the most interesting subject about and stats is my favourite part of it, I don't know if I'll really hate mechanics . . .

[erin-x]

It's my least favourite subject too. I'm just telling you what I have found because I ended up failing the exam and not getting into uni because of it. Wish I had worked harder for it because I would now be just a year from being a qualified teacher :|

[mollykins]

All I really knew before was that mechanics is like the physicy part of maths, I've just been onto the exam board website for past exam papers for mechanics and it looks like the kind of maths i really don't like . . . :(

[DTCwordfan]

Dont they offer a Stats A level - at least thjat is 1/2 way there and will be seen in a good light as long as you have a good A/S

[erin-x]

Physicy lol.. I know what you mean. I did advanced higher biology aswell and I think it's a biologists worst nightmare! My teacher agreed with me on that one :)

[DTCwordfan]

Chem/Biology/Geog and Maths at A here with A/Ss in Geology/Art/History of Art as well.....

[mollykins]

Not here DT. Although there are units called decision < . . . investigates . . . > hhmmmmm . . .