Studying BSc Pharmacology at Southampton
I had some prior exposure to the university during a Higher Education programme in college, which I really enjoyed. I also liked the wide selection of optional modules available on the pharmacology course.
I thoroughly enjoyed studying at Southampton. I found my course to be a good mixture of exciting and challenging. The Highfield campus is also lovely; it is particularly nice in spring and there are always events which gives a strong sense of student community.
Isabelle, BSc Pharmacology.
I most enjoyed my optional modules during my final year, such as the neurodegenerative disease module. What really shows is the fact that your lecturers are at the forefront of their relative fields, and you get to learn about new research as it's happening.
Dr Andrew Lawrence was super helpful and took time to look over and individually mark my workings for every attempt I sent him. In the end, this was my highest scoring module across my entire degree, and I genuinely attribute that to his help in the leadup to my exam.
Personal and academic growth
I worked within an in vivo antibody lead discovery team for a year, and I absolutely loved it. I got to spend 12 months learning new lab techniques, working on pipeline projects, as well as my own individual research project.
This year was incredibly challenging at times, but I feel it gave me a huge step forward and more confidence when I returned for my final year.
I have completely changed as a person since my first year of university. I've gained subject knowledge, especially in areas of my interest such as neurodegenerative disease and immunology.
Isabelle, BSc Pharmacology.
I have also learnt a range of transferable skills and soft skills, such as presenting, project planning, and various lab techniques. I have become more confident in myself, particularly across my placement year and final year of university.
Further study and a future in research
Throughout her degree, Isabelle received multiple awards for her work, including the Dean's List Award for Outstanding Achievement, the British Pharmacological Society Prize for Undergraduate Performance, and the GlaxoSmithKline Judge's Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Today, Isabelle continues her journey at Southampton as an iPhD MRC DTP student.
I hope to contribute to neuroimmunology research during my iPhD course, and to grow more as a young scientist.
Isabelle, BSc Pharmacology.
