Unlocking the secrets of life: a life sciences student’s story

It feels like only yesterday I arrived in Dundee, a place I had never really been to before. Fast-forward and here I am, a fourth-year student who has not only learned so much of the secrets science holds but also managed to try out some cool experimental techniques firsthand.

What counts as ‘life sciences’?

The School of Life Sciences consists of several subjects, from Biological Sciences, which cover bioinformatics, genetics, and plant sciences, to Biomedical Sciences, which are perfect for anyone interested in physiology, cancer research and immunology. There are also some fun and unique courses like Biochemistry, Drug Discovery, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology. You will get to try out a range of scientific modules in your first and second years and if you realise you have a passion for a certain area of science, you can build your entire degree around that in third and fourth years.

What can you expect?

One of the best things about the courses offered at the University of Dundee is how much you get to do. Learning in the classroom can be fun, but it’s the hands-on experience that will really put you ahead of your peers when you graduate. From day one, you’ll have practical classes based on the theory you get taught and you will get to learn lab techniques that will really help you in future. Besides, it’s a great way to build confidence. Don’t worry, you will have lecturers and technicians there to support you, so feel free to ask lots of questions!  

What other opportunities does the School offer?

The School and The Life Sciences Society host fun talks throughout the year that anyone can enjoy no matter their level of study. These can be a wonderful way to make friends with people on your course and get to know your lecturers a bit better as they are often doing these. Once you progress to later stages of study, you get offered so many opportunities. I feel like that is one of the benefits of being at Dundee. Not only are there semesters or years abroad you can apply for (these include some destinations I had never even dreamed of travelling to before), but you also get emails about internship and placement opportunities. The Research Centre itself will offer some summer placements so you can really get that lab-based experience but also see how the dynamic differs from that of a teaching lab. You don’t just get to study life sciences; you get to live it.

What surprised me?  

When I first applied, I was so nervous about starting my university journey. I knew that scientists can be busy and was worried about the support that would be on offer. Let me tell you a secret: the lecturers here are so friendly! A lot of them have an open-door policy, which means that when they are not teaching, you can just go to their office and ask any questions you have.  

If you’re looking for a course where you can grow, explore, and make great friends, this is the place for you. Whether you know exactly what area of science you want to go into or are only just exploring what’s on offer, we can’t wait to see what discoveries you make here!