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The University of Southampton
Chemistry

Annabelle Collins MChem Chemistry with year long industrial experience, 2017

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The best part about studying in Southampton by far was the year in industry part of my course. I got to work as part of a team of real professionals in the Neuroscience department of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Belgium, working on the design and synthesis of drug molecules. This placement showed me just how great working in chemistry is and helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life

Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?

I chose to study at Southampton as I liked the campus and department. The Athena Swan Silver award also drew me in as I thought that this would give me an equal opportunity to progress as a woman in science.

What is it like studying here? 

I love studying chemistry, it's a hard subject but really worthwhile! I like the opportunity to choose option modules that allows you to mould the course around your own interests, not only ones in chemistry. I also really like the open door policy most of my lecturers adopt, where I am able to go to their office if I ever get stuck and am almost always welcomed in to sit down and talk it through until it makes sense. They really put the time and effort in to make sure I don't leave their office confused if I ask for help - which is amazing considering how busy they all are!

My final year project has been fantastic. Even when the chemistry was a little tricky, my supervisor was the perfect blend of always there to support me and able to let me work independently and try things on my own.

What have been your Southampton highlights?

I really like the Excel Placement scheme which makes it a lot easier to gain experience in chemistry over the summer, and still be earning. Some of my favourite times at Southampton have come from my friends met through societies such as the Guild of Assassins Guild or Picnic Society, there is such a broad range of societies that you are pretty much guaranteed to find one perfect for you.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

The best part about studying in Southampton by far was the year in industry part of my course. I got to work as part of a team of real professionals in the Neuroscience department of Janssen Pharmaceutica, Belgium, working on the design and synthesis of drug molecules. This placement showed me just how great working in chemistry is and  helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. I developed a large number of practical and theoretical chemistry skills but also made a lot of friends with people from all over Europe.

Did you have the opportunity to study modules outside of your core subject area?

I had several opportunities to study modules outside of my core subject area, including modules in astrophysics or biological engineering. This helped me discover the breadth of my education, and how I could apply a lot of the principles I'd learnt in chemistry to almost anything.

What is the city of Southampton like to live in?

Southampton is a nice place to be. It has a lot of really nice places dotted about like the Bookshop Alehouse, Boardgame Café, and the new part of West Quay is great for eating out.

What one word sums up how you feel about your experiences at Southampton?

One word to sum up how I feel about my experiences studying at Southampton? Around exam time: Kummerspek!

What are your aspirations for the future? How will your degree assist with your ambitions?

I will be working on the synthesis of diabetes medicine at Kalvista until Christmas and after that I am starting a PhD in Biomimetic chemistry at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Having a first class degree from a great university has opened the doors for a lot of opportunities that I didn't even know existed!

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