Biology

On average, St John's accepts 4 Biology students per year.

We are looking for students from any background who we think will thrive on our course, particularly those who:

• Share our passion for biology
• Can describe and discuss a biological topic
• Can engage in problem solving
• Can present a reasoned argument
• Demonstrate academic potential

The entry requirements for this course are determined by the University’s Department of Biology

More information about applying to study Biology at Oxford can be found on the Department’s website.

General advice about applying to St John’s can be found here

St John's is fortunate to have two full Tutorial Fellows in Biology (Professor Theresa Burt de Perera and Dr Laura Moody) and a Tutor in Biochemistry (Professor Jason Schnell), all at the frontiers of active research in their fields, and who between them cover a very broad range of teaching interests, from cell biology and developmental genetics to animal behaviour and evolution.

The Tutors are enthusiastic about tutorial teaching and believe it rightly complements the more formal lectures by providing students with the opportunity to explore their own ideas about biology and to develop their ability to express them.

We own Bagley Wood, 200 hectares of mixed lowland woodland on the edge of Oxford that students can use for research and recreation.

St John's encourages any interested biologists to undertake overseas expeditions in order to increase their experience of the natural world, and is able to offer generous travel grants to help.

Biology students in College form a good social as well as academic group, helping one another and enjoying an annual Biology Club dinner.

Biology is a great foundation for many professions which benefit from observation, communication, critical thinking, and intellectual skills.

Some of our students continue to postgraduate research at Oxford or further afield.

Others use their skills and knowledge to establish careers in a variety of sectors, which may or may not have direct connections to biological topics. These include charity and not-for-profit, law, energy and the environment, financial services, consultancy, medicine or health and social care, government and public services, and media, marketing and publishing.

Will is a third-year student reading Biology.

What A Levels (or equivalent) did you take?

Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and French

What inspired you to study at Oxford?

The course was a big pull factor for me as it focused on pure biology from the get go, rather than the wide range of topics covered (and large amounts of maths) in Cambridge's Natural Science course. To be honest, I was also attracted by the aesthetic and 'vibe' of the city. I would definitely visit if you can to get a feel for the place, but if not there is a wide range of online resources that will show you what life here is like!

My sixth form really encouraged me to apply and offered great support. Coming from a state school background in the West Midlands, Oxbridge always seemed quite mysterious and elite, but it's actually quite accessible if you have a passion for your subject. I certainly don't regret coming here!

What do you like about studying at St John's?

St John's is a particularly good college in which to study Biology. The location is optimal, a quick walk away from the department and lecture theatres, and also close to all the amenities in town (notably Oxford Tesco).

John's is also one of the most affordable colleges, with very competitive food and accommodation prices (also guaranteed on-site for all four years!) and generous grants that can be used for trips and academic equipment. I've been able to buy many books and fund excursions that are related to my course but go beyond what is directly studied.

The Biology tutors at John's are very supportive and proactive, with expertise covering different areas so you'll always have someone to help you. From my experience, the support we get here is better than that of many other colleges. Also you get an annual Biology dinner which is always something to look forward to!

What aspects of your degree do you find particularly enjoyable or fulfilling?

One of the key benefits of Biology at Oxford is the breadth of the course. You can take any combination of modules spanning from molecular cell biology and evo-devo all the way to ecology, conservation policy and sustainable development, so you can really tailor your study to what particular aspects of the field you enjoy the most. You also get to organise your own tutorials from 2nd year onwards, so you can give yourself as much or as little essay work as you like really.

You also get to go on two field courses in first year and second year. You create a project and poster presentation after your second year field course, and there are a range of choices to choose from, I went to the Dorset coast to look at how nature is being restored across a range of different habitats. Biologists are also a very social bunch and we'll often meet up to hang out.

How does life in College compare to what you originally envisioned?

I think the work-life balance isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Sure there are some more intense weeks, but generally you should have plenty of time to socialise and do a range of activities as long as you're organised. We're spoilt at John's really, meals in hall are very cheap and convenient, and we have lots of our own green space to make use of.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with friends and taking part in a wide range of societies; with all undergrads on site it's a very convenient college to meet up with other John's students. I'm currently in the John's chapel choir, which is a great community that comes with many benefits (trips, free wine and formals). I also get involved with nature conservation society which hosts many practical conservation activities around Oxford. There are many other biology-related societies too: BioSoc which hosts a range of bio-themed talks and events (and a bio ball!), Deep Blue which has a marine focus, OXOSS the ornithological society that hosts many bird walks throughout term, Entomology Soc which has a focus on insects, and Wildlife Photography Society. You can dabble in societies here and there as you like. There are a range of uni and college sports options as well. I can definitely recommend St John's badminton!

What advice would you give to someone hoping to study at Oxford?

I'd say definitely go for it if you feel like Biology is the right path for you to take. Oxford does lots of outreach and encourages applicants from any background, so you should never feel put off applying. In your personal statement and interview just be yourself, if your passion naturally shines through then this will greatly help you stand out. Demonstrating curiosity is key.

Once at uni, I would also strongly encourage doing either a sport or something musical/arty. Having a community you meet with regularly can really elevate your uni experience in my opinion.

Matilda is a fourth-year student reading Biology.

What A Levels (or equivalent) did you take?

Biology, Maths, Spanish

What inspired you to study at Oxford?

I wanted to study in a place where I'd be surrounded by people as enthusiastic about Biology as me. Oxford is the perfect place to meet both academics and fellow students who are both incredibly knowledgable, and absolutely obsessed with everything I also think is so cool about Biology.

What do you like about studying at St John's?

The college system means that I always feel supported and looked out for. Studying at St John's has allowed me to build close friendships with my fellow biologists so that I always have somewhere to turn with my questions. The Biology tutors are also wonderfully supportive and lovely.

What aspects of your degree do you find particularly enjoyable or fulfilling?

The tutorial system is one of the most fun things about studying Biology at Oxford. You're given freedom to choose the tutorial subjects which appeal most to you, and therefore get to spend your time studying a range of incredibly niche and interesting subjects. Most of these don't directly focus on lecture content (although all are related), meaning you are encouraged to learn outside of the curriculum and not just purely with the aim of learning for exams.

How does life in College compare to what you originally envisioned?

It's much more homely than I had imagined. The college really feels like a little haven with constant fun and free events happening, and a friendly face round every corner.

What do you do in your spare time?

In the summer I like to go for runs and walks around the nearby parks with friends, or plan picnics. On colder days I can generally be found in one of the numerous incredibly cosy coffee shops around Oxford with a board game or a book.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to study at Oxford?

Focus on enjoying your subject of choice and seeking out as much engagement with it as you can!