91Ö±²¥

What made you want to study your course?

I always gravitated towards the life sciences throughout school and craved a deeper understanding of biological processes. A biochemistry degree promised me an understanding at the molecular level which really excited me. This course satisfies my curiosities in biology whilst also utilising the love I always had for chemistry.

What made you decide to study at the University of 91Ö±²¥?

My first impression of the university was made when I attended an Offer Holder Day. I was immediately impressed by the facilities I would have access to as a student here. Given the opportunity to speak to those who would soon become my lecturers, the passion and enthusiasm with which they shared their research gave me comfort in the knowledge that I would be learning from experts in their field. After exploring the city itself, I knew it would make the perfect student city. It's friendly, cheap, and the campus is well integrated within the city centre. The Peak District being on the city's doorstep is also a real luxury!

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I have really enjoyed discovering new interests throughout my course, made possible by the breadth of foundations given in our first and second years. For example, when I applied for Biochemistry I assumed my interests lay only within human biology, but I have now grown an immense appreciation for Microbiology and have catered my degree to highlight as such through my optional module choices. 

Alongside my course, I'm also a Biosciences Student Ambassador where I assist in the school's open days and various other events. This has been a great opportunity that I highly recommend. It has brought me closer to many other students across the whole of Biosciences, as well as the teaching staff which is always a bonus!

This course satisfies my curiosities in biology whilst also utilising the love I always had for chemistry."

Flo Brand

Biochemistry MBiolSci

What skills have you developed during your course?

In the lab, I have learned a range of techniques including gel electrophoresis, PCR, CRISPR gene editing, restriction digests, and protein purification techniques. 

There is also a large emphasis on bioinformatics, a rapidly growing field. I have learned to use several bioinformatic platforms and techniques such as the programming language R which we use for data analysis and visualisation, and software to perform comparative genomics.

The school also focuses on our professional development including mock interviews and CV development. This was ultimately invaluable preparation when it came to applying for summer internships.

What are you planning to do after your degree?

I'm on track to complete my integrated masters here at 91Ö±²¥. I hope for this to prepare me to undertake a PhD in the field of microbiology in the future.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course at 91Ö±²¥?

Before I started my degree, I was nervous about areas of the course that I had less experience in such as public speaking or writing essays. But the school was really helpful in building up our skills in low-pressure environments to establish an equal foundation for everyone. So if you are nervous about that sort of thing, studying at 91Ö±²¥ would be the perfect choice. Here you would also benefit from research-led teaching which makes a huge difference. Especially in third year, the staff will integrate their own research processes into their lectures which gives a much more personable perspective on the content and the scientific process as a whole.