Which course to do Biomedical sciences or biological sciences?

[SKA]

Right now I can do either course but don't know which one to pick. I've spent a year in a lab and don't really like what the BMs do. I'd like to go on to further study but I don't know which course will be better.
Anyhelp?
TIA

[LazyGun]

You talk about spending a year in a lab which has formed your opinion of Biomedical Science and the fact that you dont like it... was that all the disciplines?
In any event if you have spent one year and don't like what BMs do, it doesn't seem likely further study in Biomedical Sciences would be of benefit.
I would think you need to decide what it is that you do and don't like about Biology / Biomedical Science / Biological Science etc first ,and then find out which of those pathways offers you the best prospects.

[Peter Pedant]

lots of sympathy SKA

I worked in a lab for two years and that fixed any interest in lab based science

so I did Medicine and Law

but this was years ago (1970s)

at least you know labs are not for you
so any lab based courses I suggest are a waste of time

Law ? Medicine ? Engineering ? Accountacncy ?

[pauliwauli2]

WOAH! You did medicine AND law, Peter?

[theprof]

It's not unusual pauliwauli2. My wife and I have a very dear distingushed friend by the name of Margaret Branthwaite. Google her name: she spent years at the Royal Brompton Hospital as a consultant physician before retraining as a barrister in the early nineties.

Prior to her retirement, she undertook numerous cases involving medical negligence where both extensive medical and legal knowledge were required. In many cases, her expertise avoided the need for medical "expert witnesses" as she was regarded as one of the best herself.

[theprof]

SKA, I really do sympathise with your predicament. Over the years, I've spent quite a few hours discussing with students similar situations as you've outlined.

If you really don't like biomedical sciences, I think you need to ask yourself exactly what it is that you dislike about it. Would you prefer to study the life sciences or biomedical sciences? As you don't seem to dislike the laboratory environment per se, it may well be that moving to the biological sciences may suit you better.

You've not given us much information on what biological sciences are available at your academic institution. This could be important as you may be able to study, say, botany, zoology, biochemistry or ecology as dedicated subjects. Does one of these appeal to you more than another?

In my own university, I nearly always suggest to a student that he or she has an informal chat with their tutor to discuss the options open them. Tutors often have they're "finger on the pulse" when it comes to things like this and will give you sound advice. You can speak to them in confidence and they're often better placed to arrange transfers between courses as well - in my own department I always insist that I have young, postgraduate PhD or D.Phil tutors to hand for this very purpose. After all, not everyone feels they can cry on the shoulder of a fuddy-duddy professor and dean like me!