Louise Needham - BSc (Hons) Biology
I am taught by a variety of enthusiastic lecturers
”Why Derby?
For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a secondary school teacher. My chosen path was to complete a science degree, after which I would gain a PGCE and go straight into teaching. I was lucky enough to have brilliant support from my school, college and family with regards to my career path so coming to Derby was an easy choice to make. It was commutable to my home town, Nottingham, which would allow be to continue to earn a living by keeping my Saturday job and the reviews I had heard about the science department were excellent. Like any college student looking around a prospective university I was nervous and apprehensive about making the right choice but Mary Joseph, who showed me around, explained that Derby is home to students of multiple abilities and the aim of the first year is to ensure that we all have a good understanding of the necessary material.
First year
Arriving at Derby on my first day I was incredibly nervous, but excited to start a new step in my life. Over my first year I was taught by a variety of enthusiastic lecturers in lecture theatres and laboratories, as well as taking part in field trips throughout the year. The individuals on my course were very varied but as Mary said, first year served to enable us all to feel at the same level of knowledge as our peers.
Passing my first year left me eager to continue my course as I was able to pick modules in my subject of interest. Although the work load was much greater in the second year I found the key fitting everything in was being organised. I also played in the hockey team which took up some of my time but, as long as you are organised and treat extracurricular activities as a time to relax and a break from studying, it can be a great way to focus your mind as well as making new friends. At times I struggled to adjust to a different way of learning but if I was struggling or needed support the lecturers were always available to help. They know that studying for a degree is not easy, after all, they were once in this position.
The course
Coming to the end of my second year I made the choice about what I was going to undertake as my Independent Study project. The course so far had given me a breadth of knowledge in areas such as genetics, ecology and human biology, and it was at this point I realised that my original plan to become a teacher was going to be postponed.
Although I would still like to teach, the past two years has made me feel that I am not ready to stop learning. I am excited to carry out my Independent Study project on the 'threat of biological organisms in war' and I am hoping to apply for a Masters degree once I graduate. Although I would not be able to study this at Derby I know that the staff have given me the knowledge and qualifications to follow my new career path and hopefully gain a job in research.
