Studying at Sheffield has been a transformative experience for me

What made you want to study your course?

My journey into science was unconventional. Initially, I pursued humanities subjects for A-levels, believing they were my strengths. However, I discovered my true passion for conservation and decided to switch paths, despite having no prior experience in science. I completed a foundation degree in biological sciences, where I won the Science and Engineering Foundation Year Prize. This experience taught me resilience and determination, and I have since focused on gaining diverse experiences in research and conservation.

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

There are numerous reasons why I chose to study at the University of Sheffield. Firstly, the Biological Sciences course truly stood out to me due to its flexible module options, which allowed me to explore my interests in conservation and zoology right from the start. The course structure is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of biological sciences while offering the freedom to specialise in areas that I am passionate about.

Although I couldn’t visit Sheffield before starting my course, I had heard wonderful things about both the university and the city. The University of Sheffield is renowned for its world-class research facilities and supportive academic environment, which were significant factors in my decision. Additionally, the city itself is vibrant and welcoming, with a strong sense of community that made me feel at home immediately.

Studying at Sheffield has been a transformative experience for me. I have had the time of my life so far, so if you have a passion for the biological sciences and are looking for a place that will challenge and support you, Sheffield is the perfect choice."

Phoebe Gardner-Smith

Biological Sciences MBiolSci

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

Practical modules:

The hands-on experience and practical learning opportunities. I extremely enjoy group work, and there was a particular project I will never forget. We were tasked with tackling a global challenge, considering the costs, logistics, practicality and science behind our idea which we would then pitch. My group and I designed a vehicle that would collect ocean waste and suggested possible sponsors to collaborate on our business idea. A potential collaborator was a company that recycles and transforms ocean plastics into products. We contacted this company, presenting our idea to them, which they then used in a committee meeting and sent us samples of their transformed plastic products. This project resulted in an exceptional grade of 90%, but most importantly helped me realise I want an advisory conservation career.

Field courses:

I also did a field trip over the summer to Anglesey which was an extraordinary experience, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity. We observed grey seals surfacing in the coastal waters, and encountered compass jellyfish washed up on the sandy beaches. The rock pools were vibrant ecosystems, home to hermit crabs and brittlestars, and we watched puffins and razorbills in vast breeding colonies. Working in groups, we spent the week exploring the intertidal zones, conducting field research on topics that piqued our interest. Given the high abundance and diversity of seaweeds, we chose to investigate the rate of moisture loss in four related species. With increasing temperature extremes due to climate change, this project highlighted which seaweed species could tolerate the rising heat. When we weren’t hard at work, we explored the island and swam in the sea, followed by delicious three-course meals prepared by our hosts at Outdoor Alternative. At the end of the week, all groups presented their projects in our on-site tipi, covering topics from shell colour choice in hermit crabs to habitat preferences of sea mats. This trip was a great adventure and highlight of my degree, and I thoroughly recommend it!

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Funded research experience:

Outside of my degree, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a six-week funded research internship with the Sheffield Undergraduate Research Scheme, focusing on the traits of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This experience was exceptionally exciting as I got to design and work on a project under the guidance of my supervisor, which helped me explore whether a career in research is right for me.

During the internship, I was involved in collating large datasets, performing statistical analyses, and creating a scientific poster to present my findings. This poster will be showcased at an upcoming event, which is a fantastic opportunity to share my work with a broader audience.

One of the highlights of this internship was that my research led to the publication of my dataset, an achievement I am incredibly proud of!

What skills have you developed during your course?

Throughout my course, I have developed a range of skills that have been pivotal to my academic and personal growth. One of the most significant skills I’ve honed is research proficiency. Through various projects and my internship, I’ve learned how to design experiments, conduct statistical analyses, and present my findings effectively. Additionally, I have acquired proficiency in the programming language R, which is a valuable asset for future career opportunities.

Additionally, engaging with challenging coursework and real-world conservation issues has taught me to approach problems critically and think creatively to find solutions. 

My communication and teamwork skills have seen substantial growth as well. I have become adept at conveying complex information in scientific reports and presentations. As a biosciences student ambassador for the University, I have given presentations and tours to prospective students and now lead tours of our Alfred Denny Natural History Museum on open days. These experiences have greatly improved my public speaking confidence and my ability to work under pressure.

Lastly, the flexibility of the course has allowed me to develop strong time management and organisational skills. Balancing various modules, projects, and extracurricular activities has taught me to prioritise tasks and manage my time efficiently. This has enabled me to maintain a part-time job outside of my studies and even train for and run the Sheffield half-marathon every year.

What are you planning to do after your degree?

I recently transferred over from the Biological Sciences BSc course to the integrated masters MBiolSci course so will be completing that after my third year! I am also going to be searching and applying for more research internships.

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

I would highly encourage you to go for it! The University of Sheffield is an extremely supportive learning environment that has greatly enriched my academic journey. The course is well-structured and provides a perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Studying at Sheffield has been a transformative experience for me. I have had the time of my life so far, so if you have a passion for the biological sciences and are looking for a place that will challenge and support you, Sheffield is the perfect choice.