Mehreen Alan: BSc Medical Physiology -2011

Now studying towards a degree in Dentistry at Newcastle University

Medical Physiology at the University of Leicester has been both an exciting and challenging degree, giving me a broad understanding of human physiology ranging from the molecular level to the cellular and systems level. The course modules acquainted me to the common diseases in each of these systems and their scientific treatment. I had the opportunity to witness a spectrum of experimental techniques because of the excellent facilities available. The support from the academic staff in the department has been excellent. My tenure here has also assisted me in developing a host of transferable skills, in particular individual and group study, organisation, time management and communication.

In short, my time at this university has been rewarding and I am proud to have graduated from here. I shall be carrying the strength of the acquired knowledge towards my next degree in dentistry.

Nailah Sattar: BSc Biological Sciences -2010

Biology Teacher at Queen Elizabeth I College

My keen interest in biology led me to study Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester. It was a challenging degree however it was equally interesting and rewarding. A vast range of modules were available and I was free to choose the modules that were of interest to me. Hence allowing personalised learning for all students. The department has state of the art laboratories and the practical aspect of the course taught me various key skills that are vital for scientific research and are currently being used in industry too. The academic staff at the University are very supportive, encouraging and helpful. I wanted to share my passion and enthusiasm for biology with others hence I pursued a career in teaching. I am currently doing a one year Postgraduate Degree of Education (PGCE) at the University of Leicester and I have recently got a job as a Biology Teacher at the ‘Outstanding’ Queen Elizabeth I College. I will start in August 2011, once I successfully complete my PGCE. The University expects and demands high standards from their students and encourages every student to reach their full potential. My time at the University was one of the best and most unforgettable experiences of my life; I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the University.

Louise Farmer: BSc Medical Physiology -2010

Now studying for PhD at University of Leicester

Studying Medical Physiology at the University of Leicester gave me the knowledge and experience I needed to make the decision to undertake a PhD. The course included a wide range of modules as well as allowing in depth study in the topics I was more interested in. In the practical element of the course we were able to try many techniques, giving good insight into the world of lab research. I found the lecturers approachable and friendly and always willing to help if I had a question about their subject. The best part of the degree program for me, was the opportunity to do my own lab project in the final year which allowed me to develop skills in a range of techniques and showed me what research was like on a day to day basis. My project went well and my research was recently published as part of a peer reviewed article. It was this experience of lab work which made up my mind to stay at the University of Leicester and study a PhD in the department, of which I am now in my first year.

Stephen Holloway: BSc Medical Physiology -2009

Market Analyst for InMedica

"My degree in Medical Physiology from Leicester University provided me with the key skills and knowledge to succeed in my career as a Market Analyst at InMedica. The course continually provided me with opportunities to develop key skills vital for my role today, such as data analysis, oral and written presentation, IT skills, verbal reasoning, teamwork, organisation and time management, while stimulating my interest in human physiology and disease. The course teaching and programme provided a well- rounded basis of knowledge, and  a basis to explore my own subject areas and interests within physiology.
The course was also flexible, allowing me to study for one year in Ruprecht-Karls University in Heidelberg as part of the ERASMUS scheme,  broadening my horizons in the medical and physiological fields, which aided my decision to pursue a career in the medical business sector. I am now working for a dynamic and successful medical market research company, and a large part if my success is due to the teaching and training I received while studying BSc. Medical Physiology."

Charlotte Binks: BSc Medical Physiology -2009

Now studying towards a degree in Dentistry at the University of Leeds

"Medical Physiology at the University of Leicester has been both an interesting and challenging degree, which provides its students with an in depth insight into the world of scientific research. Students on this course have the opportunity to observe a wide range of experimental techniques as a result of the department's fantastic facilities. Furthermore, the academic staff in the department are extremely accessible and approachable; they constantly exceeded my expectations, and never failed to impress me with their enthusiasm for the course, which is clear in their teaching. The classes are relatively small, which helps when attempting to work closely with the rest of the group, and to make friends. The University of Leicester's campus is quite small and compact, which makes a busy timetable easier to handle. Altogether, my time at this university has been absolutely fantastic, and my degree in Medical physiology has been a vital step in my career."

Hanna Tilly: BSc Biological Sciences -2008

Now studying towards a BMBS Medicine degree

The decision to study at the University of Leicester is simple – the city is welcoming, culturally and academically thriving and it will quickly feel like home. I graduated with a BSc Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) degree in 2008. It was inspiring to be taught from people at the forefront of cutting edge research and I experienced some of the best teaching in my life during my time at the University. The course starts off with biological sciences 101 and as you progress through each year you are able to develop your knowledge and skills in areas that you are particularly interested in. The University grounds although compact, is close to the city yet still offers the feeling of a campus university, giving you the best of both worlds.
I am now in my third year of medical school. As soon as I started the course I instantly felt I had a head start in the pre-clinical lectures. The BSc has given me an excellent grounding for the demanding medical course and the skills required to pursue clinical research through an academic medical career.

Aimie Riding: BSc Medical Physiology -2008

Now studying Medicine at the University of Leicester

My degree in Medical Physiology has given me a sound background in knowledge required to study medicine and provided me with a platform from which I gained a place at Leicester Medical School.  After finishing my degree, I took a gap year in which I was given the opportunity to work in the Cell Physiology and Pharmacolgy Department, continuing the research that I started in my third year dissertation.  I soon realised how much I enjoyed research and plan to return to the lab in the near future.  I am currently a second year Medical student and feel I am very privileged to be a Medical Physiology graduate as my degree has helped me immensely throughout my first two years.  It has given me a solid background of knowledge that covers all aspects taught in medical School, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, allowing me to balance my workload well and succeed in each of the exams I have taken.  I am very grateful to the Cell Physiology and Pharmacology Department and Dr Grubb for giving me the opportunity to study Medical Physiology and allow me to pursue my dreams of becoming a doctor when few people beleived in me.  I really enjoyed each year of my degree, each one challenging me in different ways, and I was always offered help and support when I needed it.  I highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to study medicine or a PhD in the future.

Louise Weir: BSc Medical Physiology -2008

Biology Teacher

After graduating from Leicester, I have completed a PGCE in Secondary Science. Since finishing my teacher training, I have been employed full time as a Biology teacher for two years. I really enjoy my job, and I feel that my Medical Physiology degree allows me to make my teaching more interesting. It also gave me confidence in my ability to see challenges through. For example writing my dissertation helped me to write masters level essays for my PGCE. I have now enrolled to do a Masters in Teaching and Learning, which I will complete over the next two years as a distance learning course.

Kayleigh Else: BSc Medical Physiology - 2008

Now studying at Bristol University Medical School

"I just wanted to say thank you for your help with my medical school application this year. I managed to get a place at Bristol University on their Graduate accelerated 4 year course and started last week. I just wanted to let you know that the knowledge I have from the Medical Physiology course has already given me excellent grounding for the lectures so far and I expect will form a great basis for the mass of material that I will be expected to learn this year."

Hayley Shaw: BSc Biological Sciences -2007

Knowledge Exchange Manager at Cranfield University

I work with a team of researchers at Cranfield University, who are developing tools that help government access and manage environmental risks in the UK – that includes everything from flooding, to nanotechnology, to foot and mouth disease. My job is to take our research and make sure it is used and understood by those who need it – both in government and elsewhere. I also help network environmental risk experts through events, e-newsletters, and the web, so that people can share knowledge, experiences and ideas about how to deal with environmental risk.

I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to study at Leicester. A Leicester Biological Sciences degree will not only give you subject-specific knowledge, it also gives you a whole host of skills that make you employable in a range of job markets. During my degree I had the opportunity to develop my scientific writing and presentation skills, lead scientific debates, publish my findings in academic journals (which is a rare opportunity for any undergraduate degree!) and get to grips with statistics that are helpful in a range of disciplines. I thoroughly enjoyed my degree topic, but the extra skills that the Biological Sciences Departments are committed to developing in you had meant that I have been able to take opportunities that are just that little bit different, and progress my career further than I could have imagined. My Leicester BSc degree has been invaluable – I would never have got the job I have now without it.

Sophie Bradley: BSc Biological Sciences -2007

Research Associate at Universty of Leicester  -1st Post-Doctoral Position

My keen interest in pursuing a career in biological sciences led me to study for a BSc Biological Sciences (Physiology with Pharmacology) at the University of Leicester. I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my degree, particularly during the final year, where undergraduates get the opportunity to take on individual research projects for a short period of time in the laboratories. Here I realised my passion for scientific research, and in 2007 I was awarded a studentship to study for a PhD in the same department. My project was sponsored by the BBSRC and GlaxoSmithKline, giving me the opportunity to gain experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry. I have recently completed my PhD, and have published my findings in several peer-reviewed articles. The Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology is outstanding, with extremely experienced and enthusiastic academic staff working in with excellent research facilities. Undertaking the challenge of both a BSc and PhD at Leicester has provided me with the skills and knowledge necessary to further my career in research, and recently I began my first post-doctoral position here at the University.

Ben Coomber: BSc Biological Sciences -2004

Research Scientist - 2nd Post-Doctoral Position

After completing my degree (BSc Physiology & Pharmacology) at the University of Leicester in 2004, I undertook a neuroscience PhD investigating the anti-epileptic effects of cannabis-related drugs, and am now in my second post-doctoral position. My degree course had a big impact on my decision to pursue a career in science; it provided me with an excellent foundation in different fields of research, as well as an introduction to the many different research techniques used by biomedical scientists. The research strength of the Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology was reflected in the range of taught modules and practical sessions, and in the guidance I received whilst doing my dissertation. Ultimately, it has enabled me to work on a variety of projects since completing my degree, initially working with a model of epilepsy, then moving to a model of stroke, and finally to auditory neuroscience in my current job. Working as a research scientist is enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding, and the inspiration for my decision to pursue this career came from the staff who taught me during my time at Leicester.

Bina Mistry: BSc Biological Sciences -2002

Researcher for Pharmaceutical Company

I graduated from the University of Leicester in 2002 with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biological Sciences. I chose this University mainly because of its personalized, intimate atmosphere. I wanted to be acknowledged as an individual; not just a face in the crowd or a just a number. I particularly liked the interactive learning environment, I had access to professors for that one-on one interaction as well as group tutorials which is so important when trying to understand complicated biological concepts. The skills and experience that I gained from the course both in the classroom and in the laboratory allowed me to begin my career in research. After graduating from the University of Leicester, I decided to continue my studies and I enrolled in a 2-year Masters program at Cambridge University. Since completing my studies I have gone on to work in Industry for a small biotech company and more recently I have joined a large pharmaceutical company where I am researching and developing new drugs for cancer therapy. I continue to use the skills that I gained from both my undergraduate and graduate degree and find that they are very much a part of my day-to-day work.