Hi, I’m Lauren and I’ve been studying biology at the University of York for three years now. I’ve enjoyed it so much thanks to my supervisor, my engaging and passionate lecturers and tutors and the support of the Department of Biology, that I switched my course to an Integrated Masters! I hope to show you what a great place York is to study.
My journey with biology
During high school/sixth form I was introverted, avoided asking questions, and I relied on the teachers telling me what to do. University was such a change for me. While there is still a lot of online and in-person support, there is more focus on independent study and planning. But don’t worry if you find this difficult at first, there’s plenty of advice and support available.
I’ve really developed my essay writing skills at York, and how to code and interpret data. This is something I’d never done before. It felt great to develop a new skill and experience how science is analysed.
I’ve found the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects really liberating. It takes the pressure off having to specialise straight away if you’re not sure what you want to do yet. A lot of the modules and tutorials I picked have a strong focus on bias and criticising papers. This has changed my perspective on reading outside of my degree too.
My favourite biology modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges (Year 1). Coursework gave my group the creative freedom to make a board game for engaging sustainability information
- Neuroscience (Years 2 and 3). I absolutely love how engaging and funny the lecturers are. Learning the content has helped me understand how my own brain works.
Your third year biology research project
- Making a hypothesis and interacting with literature
- Collecting real data in laboratory experiments
- Interpreting/presenting the data and writing the report
Being responsible for my own data and laboratory etiquette helped me realise that research is something I definitely want to do again. Plus it was really fun to come up with my own hypothesis and to see if it fit what I was testing!
Support
The support at York has been so good. When I got the opportunity to write this blog I was excited to be able to give back and show appreciation. From day one I have had my academic supervisor who has been steadfastly providing both academic and life advice throughout my degree. It’s been so great to have someone to talk me through decisions and also to catch up with! I’ve had a couple of occasions where I have struggled with different issues. When I’ve emailed the Department, they’ve been compassionate, offering informative help (and options to meet). They’ve supported me through the problems and gave me flexibility in my exams. Also, staff not only welcome your opinion, but actively seek it out. Your voice is really important to them and can create (and has created) real change in the Department.
Sustainability
As one of the Student Sustainability Representatives for York, I’m really eager to hear ideas from Biosciences students on how to improve sustainability. Already there have been changes to the Department, and there are currently improvements being implemented.
Cookies for thought
But that’s not all! Biology has a range of study spaces, including The Atrium, the Creative Lounge and Think Tank, computer rooms and, of course, multiple labs, depending on the year you’re in. You get your own lab coat, lab book and goggles (so you can show off how professional you look) and access to the Creative Lounge, Think Tank and computer rooms 24 hours in exam season.
The Creative Lounge has a bunch of different colourful study pods, a kitchen and a basket full of blankets so you can have a study space symbiotic with your learning style (maximum comfort). I spend most days in the Creative Lounge with my coursemates discussing ideas and study sessions (you really never have to leave!). There’s also Cookies which sell lunch food so you don’t have to make your own (and of course you have to try a cookie from Cookies).
Biology and Biosoc put together a range of different activities just for you. For example, I experienced a day trip to The Deep in Hull. There are also wellbeing events, academic guest speakers and drinks events, to name a few.
I hope you’re here next year so you can have as much fun as I have studying Biology at York!
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