Student profile: Lydia

Why did you choose to study Integrated Natural Sciences at Warwick?

I picked Integrated Natural Sciences because of how broad and flexible the course was, and how the course heavily emphasised research. For me the course structure, particularly the small cohort size and the fact that lab work makes up around 50% of contact time in the first year, made me want to study in a more interactive and engaging environment.

How have you found the course so far?

At first I found the start of first year challenging. Because the first year focuses on how life works from a multidisciplinary perspective, you will learn new skills such as coding in python and collecting and analysing data that you wouldn't normally do in an A level class. However, overall, I found it really rewarding and it has helped me use different tools and further develop my research skills. I found that the labs were really interesting and interactive, and I learnt so many new laboratory skills. In my second year I have found the modules that I have chosen to be more specific but extremely interesting and something I would like to read further in my forthcoming years at Warwick.

What have you enjoyed most about the course?

The lab time and using new experiments, such as using the EduWOSM microscope and observing live cell imaging. I have enjoyed doing more course work than I did during my A levels, as I can work more independently on a specific scientific question.

How have you found the university experience outside of the course?

I love the campus at Warwick. It's so pretty, and I enjoy studying in different places. I am in INSoc and there are many socials such as laser tag and bowling that I enjoy going to. I am also in the first team at the Warwick Women's Football Club and I was a fresher representative for the club this year. From being in these societies and clubs I have made so many memories and lifelong friends!

What are you planning to do after graduation?

At the moment, I am still keeping doors open but I am very interested into going into research, particularly biomedical sciences and understanding how the human body works.

Do you have any advice for people joining the course?

Take every opportunity you can, whether that’s attending career events, applying for placements, or getting involved in research. Because of the small cohort size, there are so many opportunities to explore different scientific disciplines and learn directly from researchers across the departments.

Which three words would you use to describe your experience of studying at Warwick Medical School?

Interactive, independent, fascinating.