Biological Sciences

Hilary Colyer

Qualification: BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology

I joined the University of Portsmouth as a mature student, uncertain of how I’d fit in and how I would cope with full time education again. The course structure of being taught as a group meant I made friends easily and having regular deadlines gave me the habit of learning!

The broad basis of the first year made me reconsider my pathway. I decided the Biochemistry and Microbiology pathway would allow me to learn about the aspects of biology that interested me most while keeping my career options open. The second year units advanced my practical skills with a variety of laboratory sessions that consolidated the lectures. Smaller lecture groups meant more interaction which was excellent for learning. My final year was great as I chose a project allowing me to work independently in a microbiology lab, using new equipment and acquiring new techniques. The support of the lecturers throughout the course was excellent.

I have now started a PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, looking at epigenetic modifications in relation to Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I applied for this after learning about epigenetics in my Advanced Biochemistry unit. The practical skills I gained from in relation to cell culturing and aseptic technique are invaluable as they easily transfer to the molecular laboratory I now work in, working with human cell lines.