Biological Sciences

Becca Frettsome

Qualification: BSc Hons Genome Science

When it came to choosing a degree I wanted to keep my options open as much as possible so I chose Genome Science as a lot of areas of Biology have at least some aspects of genetics and I thought it would give me a great basis of knowledge from which to build in whatever direction I chose. I also loved Portsmouth, the city has a great atmosphere with loads going on for students.

Over my three years I studied lots of different units, some of which I could pick myself giving me control over what I learnt. I also found there was a great variation in experiments we did in the labs which gave me good knowledge of different techniques. There is also a great emphasis on presenting work in different formats for example with posters or oral presentations, this was a really valuable experience for a future career. I really enjoyed the developmental biology aspects of my course which is why in the third year I chose to complete my project within the field, creating variant Xenopus laevis Retinoic acid receptors that control the alternative splicing of FGF8. I really enjoyed it and gave me valuable experience in a more professional lab environment.

After my positive experience within the lab I knew I wanted to carry on studying broadening my knowledge further, I applied for PhDs and this autumn started a PhD at University of Birmingham in Reproductive Biology, trying to make human embryonic stem cells differentiate into oocyte like structures. What I learnt at Portsmouth has given me a great base from which to build my career and I enjoyed my time at Portsmouth immensely and would thoroughly recommend it!