A supportive research community, the chance to gain valuable experience in industry or the thrill of being at the forefront of new discoveries; there are lots of reasons why postgraduates of Biological Sciences have a such positive experience.
We have a really good scientific community at Southampton of specialists working on neurodegenerative diseases and this kind of research is essential for humanity.
The MRes Advanced Biological Sciences programme here at Southampton provides me with many ideal opportunities to experience the demands of scientific research and expectations of postgraduate scientists. It also provides me with invaluable training for PhD study. We are placed in active research groups based on our research preferences and given novel, high impact projects
We have undertaken a field course to Kenya, and been involved in Marwell’s conservation efforts both in the zoo and at its conservation sites in the UK
I embarked on both postgraduate studies because I saw the potential they had to take me one step closer to the sort of role I am now working in. They also opened the door to a variety of unanticipated opportunities and experiences which I draw from continually.
It has been an enriching experience, in multiple aspects; In addition to the modules, I like the examples and strategies that teachers use in the teaching-learning process. I like the fact that there are many students from different parts, it transforms the academic and university environment into an intercultural experience.
I am exploring the function of pectin modification on plant root development and helping to elucidate the processes coordinating cell wall with carbohydrate metabolism. The project involves collaborations with laboratories from France and Norway.
Being a researcher at Southampton within biological sciences is very exciting. Our colleagues are constantly publishing interesting work that helps to further our understanding of health and disease. Our building is open planned and modern which makes collaboration and socialising easier.
I chose to continue at Southampton as I knew that it had new facilities for general lab research, as well as those specific to Plant Biology, such as the glasshouse and isolated plant growth rooms.
For my PhD at Southampton, I was trying to understand how brain cells die in dementia by studying a particular part of the cell which we believe gets damaged as people age.
One of the strengths of the department is the opportunities we are given to network and collaborate, and obviously the great academics that we can look up to.
