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BSc (Hons) Plant Science course preparation

To help you feel prepared for your university studies, we’ve gathered together a range of course related activities including suggested reading, useful websites and some great things to do right now. Open the links below to find out more:

Suggested reading

You will be given lots of information about which textbooks to read and introduced to the University Library, as well as the many ebooks we have for you to access, when you begin your studies in September.

In the meantime, there are a couple of popular science books you might like to read before starting your degree if you can. We don’t recommend rushing out to buy texts before you arrive but if you can pick some up second hand, borrow from a library or access online, we suggest:

  • The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History – by Elizabeth Kolbert
  • Lab Girl – by Hope Jahren
  • The Miraculous Fever-Tree: Malaria and the Quest for a Cure That Changed the World – by Fiammetta Rocco
  • Plants from Roots to Riches – by Kathy Willis and Carolyn Fry
  • What a Plant Knows – by Daniel Chamowitz
  • Making Eden – by David Beerling

Useful websites

Did you know you can hang out with scientists online via The Natural History Museum or the Linnean Society London?

You can also use the BBC and Guardian websites to follow science (especially biology and plant science) stories in the press. Focus of the scientific principles rather than the human element as you read.

For some great articles and insights, the NewScientist.com is highly recommended. And, as it’s never to early to start thinking about topics you enjoy, you could try comparing news articles to scientific papers you can find on Google Scholar. This will be a useful skill for your studies.

Other useful websites include:

Things to do now

Here are a couple of ideas for you to try some Bioscience related fun:

  • Try some home experiments: STEM Learning has some good ideas
  • Discover a new and exciting topic with a TED talk
  • Start a journal: get practicing for writing a lab book!

Meet your programme lead

Sven Batke
[email protected]

Additional ways to prepare

Preparing to start

This session examines how to make a successful transition to university. From planning your results day, accommodation and commuting tips, extra support available to you and general advice on uni life.

Watch the session

Find out more about who you are

The following information provides an insight into what to expect when coming to university along with some good advice on how to navigate some of the potential challenges you may face.

Start preparing yourself