Completing an MChem year taught me how to apply the lab skills and theory taught from years 1-3 into my own unique project. The project allowed me to become more independent with lab work and develop my own scientific ideas to implement into the research I was doing. I always felt supported with my project, whether that was by my supervisor, or other researchers in the lab. During my third year I completed a lab-based industrial placement, which helped me to quickly settle into a research project when returning for my fourth year and using many of the industry lab skills I picked up whilst on my placement. Not only were my lab skills developed, but I noticed improvement in my scientific communication to my peers and academic staff, as well as the ability to present my work professionally, which I did at the end of both my placement year and masters year.

In fourth year, I had the choice of 4 modules to study alongside of my project. This kept me on my toes with planning my time effectively and balancing my lab work and module work, but also added breadth to my chemistry knowledge. I learnt such a wide range of topics and areas throughout the four years of my degree, but the final year really allowed me to push the boundaries and challenge myself, both academically and in the lab and the outcomes were rewarding.

During my fourth year, I undertook an exciting 20-week research project in medicinal chemistry, which incorporated the key components of drug discovery. Through this project, I acquired a range of new skills, whilst refining those I had gained during my previous industrial placement at GSK. The project also provided me with valuable insights into academic research and equipped me with transferrable skills applicable to careers within the field of chemistry and beyond.

Alongside my project, fourth year allowed me to select modules tailored to my interests, such as Advanced Medicinal Chemistry and Advanced Chemical Biology. Completing the fourth and final year of my degree was extremely rewarding, and gave me a deeper appreciation of chemistry and the world of academic research.