During these three years, I was exposed to a diverse array of lab techniques which granted me a first-hand glimpse into the life of a researcher

Lara Borkotoky
Lara Borkotoky
Undergraduate Student
BSc Biomedical Science
Lara was first drawn to the University of Sheffield because of its status as a Russell Group University. But what made her experience special was the encouragement and support from the academic staff in a course that gave her lots of options.

What made you want to study your course?

I had always been interested in learning about human biology in health and disease. However instead of merely understanding the clinical aspects, my interests lay in exploring the scientific mechanisms underpinning it. Unlike the narrower focus of immunology, microbiology, etc., my interests were more eclectic. Due to its broad coverage of subjects ranging from molecular and cellular biology, to pharmacology and physiology. Biomedical Science perfectly satisfied my requirement.

What made you decide to study at the University of Sheffield?

At first, the university drew my attention due to it being a Russell Group university. However, the course structure is what truly caught my interest. The course provided a foundational introduction to biomedical Science in the first year. This setup allowed me to have a well-rounded understanding of different fields within the discipline. It perfectly aligned with my desire to have a comprehensive overview before delving deeper into my chosen specialization in the final year. Finally, the Students Union being the best in the UK assured me that the student experience and student voice mattered and had an influence over various university decisions. This conviction was reinforced through my own experience as a biomedical Science student representative at the Faculty of Science Student-Staff meetings!

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

I greatly appreciated the course's broad scope that allowed me to find fields of deep intrigue. Through lectures, projects, and assignments, I had ample opportunities to explore diverse subjects and carefully choose my area of specialization. Approaching the final year, I was able to concentrate my studies in neuroscience leading me to an engaging research project. Additionally, for the part of me that revels in crime fiction and detective work, the forensic anatomy module was a genuine highlight. I gained practical insights into forensic techniques, seamlessly building upon the foundation of my human anatomy knowledge. 

What skills have you developed during your course?

This course has provided me valuable skills in academic writing and fostered my independent thinking abilities. It has improved my ability to critically analyze existing literature, and devise solutions for challenges and experimental enhancements. During these three years, I was exposed to a diverse array of lab techniques like western blotting, RNA extraction, immunofluorescence staining, etc. which granted me a first-hand glimpse into the life of a researcher.

What would you say to a student thinking about studying your course at Sheffield?

Go for it!! I think there is definitely something for everyone at Sheffield. There is a lot of encouragement and support from the academic staff and I thoroughly enjoyed my academic journey. The student-friendly atmosphere of the city combined with the fantastic SU events and activities guarantee a memorable university journey.

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