Biological Sciences Student Story

Natalie Byles

The University offered an environment providing state of the art facilities, a variety of resources, and subject experts within the scientific field, which is why I chose to study there.

Suffolk is a thriving area, full of beautiful scenery, lively towns and great restaurants. The University is located on the Ipswich Waterfront, which was great for socialising as it was in a bustling area with a variety of restaurants and bars. I also found the location was really convenient for me as I was too far from home and only a short commute from London.

The Bioscience degree included a wide range of modules covering current innovative developments, practical based skills, and biotechnology business related topics. This provided me with the necessary skills and a strong understanding of the industry, preparing me for future employment.

A huge benefit of this course were the subject expert lecturers, who were able to share knowledge, skills and expertise for each module.  Teaching was through engaging practical sessions, debating and challenging theories, and critically evaluating cutting-edge findings. 

Being taught by highly influential tutors was so beneficial for me at an education, and also a personal level, as they were all dedicated to supporting students to strive to succeed.  I really enjoyed the challenges set throughout my course and the satisfaction of discovering and learning new things.

Since completing my studies I have been working as a Quality Assurance Officer for Benchmark Vaccines Limited, a company specialising in the production of animal based vaccines. I have also passed aseptic gowning training allowing me to observe specialist processes in different laboratories to help gain a broader understanding of how specific products are made and developed.

Kingsley

There is so much I enjoy about the course, it is hard to say what I enjoy the most. During theory blocks I really enjoy being around like-minded people. Before I started the course I was worried about how I was going to get on in a completely different environment to what I had been used to for the last 6 years, I was more nervous starting this degree at the age of 28 than my first degree when I was 18. My anxiety was quickly calmed though, I can honestly say that there is something special about everyone on this course. In fact, seeing people do well on this course is one thing that has inspired me along the way. I am now in my final year and I see fellow students on placement who have grown and developed so much, people who sat in silence during lectures in the first year are now handing over patients with confidence to senior members of staff or even groups of staff. Everyone has achieved so much and we have all worked so hard to get where we are today.

Without doubt the most enjoyable element of the University of Suffolk for me is the whole atmosphere. If you want to be in a crazy busy city that never sleeps and take overcrowded public transport to an overcrowded university then University of Suffolk is not for you! There is a real sense of community and calm. The facilities available to nursing students are perfect. For academic studies, the lecture halls and smaller seminar rooms are great and facilitate both central lectures and smaller group-based tasks. The library has plenty of space for individual study and group work. Also, the amount of online resources available is incredible and very user friendly. As part of our studies we have had a lot of sessions in the James Heir building which is a specialist clinical simulation suite that have lots of rooms for smaller group work to really get hands on practice with clinical skills such as CPR and medicines management. 

Roxanna Mirica

I have always been a daydreamer with a contemplative outlook on life. If someone had told me a while ago that I will end up doing a Bioscience degree, I would have probably laughed in their face.

Somehow I made the decision to study science and it was the most eye opening experience I was ever part of. I believe science is fascinating and being able to understand bits and bobs of such a vast and intricate area is very satisfying. 

The way the BSc (Hons) Bioscience course is organised at the University of Suffolk creates a great balance between practical skills and theoretical aspects of the modules covered. If you like a good challenge but being looked after at the same time, then this is definitely the place for you.