The student experience

When you join our Faculty, you will become part of a scientific and educational community. Because of the favourable ratio of staff to students, there is a friendly and informal atmosphere in which undergraduate students are encouraged to play an active role in the life of the Faculty.

What do our students say about…

Staff? ¦ Courses? ¦ Facilities? ¦ The Faculty? ¦ Manchester?

Staff?

“The enthusiasm and support from staff are second- to-none. I am starting my lab research project this year and I am really looking forward to working with some top researchers in my field”

Cate Winstanley - Microbiology

“Balancing uni life with the demands of my sport can be difficult. With the support of the uni and in particular the Faculty of Life Sciences, I am managing to cope with the different pressures. The staff have been incredible; whether it be giving up their time to go through lectures or accommodating deadlines and work. Help has always been available and without this I would not be able to fulfil my sporting commitments.”

Jamie Bonsels – Biomedical Sciences
Represents England in international badminton tournaments.

“The staff in the History of Science, Technology and Medicine Centre are so approachable. If you are having trouble with an essay, or don’t understand a lecture, you can pretty much ask anyone and they are eager to help you.”

Gemma Reed - Biology with Science and Society

See: Teaching and Learning

Courses?

“I have enjoyed developing as an individual and gaining confidence whilst at the University of Manchester. I am continuously learning new things, whether that's in my Optometry clinics, or at home when I have to attempt cooking dinner!

I am excited to take the skills I have gained from University into the world of work. I hope that the new found confidence and the interpersonal skills I have gained will help me to succeed in years to come.”

Sunayna Verma - Optometry

“I really enjoyed the fact that we had tutorials every week so that we can get ongoing help and guidance and see the same friendly faces every week.”

Aisling Rollason - Biomedical Sciences

“I have enjoyed every aspect of coming to Manchester. From experience life in a big Northern city to making friends with people who I would never normally socialise with.

However, I have to say that overall my favourite part of coming here was the course and the lecturers. It is great to be able to study something which I am genuinely interested in and from people who are genuinely interested in what they are teaching me.”

Natasha Brewer - Biology with Industrial Experience

“I have learnt about some of the most striking phenomena of the body, and also to understand the processes involved in disease and how different treatments work. I have also been able to study some slightly unusual optional units. In my second year, I was able to go and watch a post mortem at Manchester Royal Infirmary to complement a pathology course unit. This was incredibly memorable and interesting, although not something I would do again!”

Jenni Walton-Gould – Pharmacology and Physiology

“The best feature of studying this degree at Manchester is the ability to refine my degree to my interests over the three years – I’ve enjoyed a wide range of optional course units, from genetics to proteins to immunology.”

Ben Grimshaw - Medical Biochemistry

“There is a wide range of course units to choose from, all of which are very well taught and fascinating, especially in the third year. What I have enjoyed the most is my third-year project, as I have had the chance to research a specific area – a neurodegenerative language problem – that I am really interested in.”

Philippa May - Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology

See: Courses for 2012
See: Modules

Facilities?

“The anatomy facilities here at the university are incredible. The labs are really modern and have everything you need. I get the chance to do human dissection this year, which will be really interesting.”

Kim Leong - Anatomical Sciences

“I find the lab work particularly interesting – we use modern techniques and equipment to investigate genes responsible for particular diseases. I enjoy working with friends in the labs, it is really fun even if the experiment goes wrong!”

Rosanna Pagan - Genetics

See: Facilities and Resources

The Faculty?

“I have enjoyed having the chance to really be a part of the University! It's great to be able to be so involved within the Faculty such as with PASS and being an ambassador. I am really looking forward to my final year project and having the opportunity to learn in depth about an interesting topic of my choice.”

Abi Robertson - Anatomical Sciences

“From first year I'd say I've most enjoyed how much there is to do in Manchester with the University, both socially and within Life Sciences. Socially my highlight would be starting a new sport, American Football, which I now play for the University. I've loved the team nights out and I'm now vice-chairman for the team. I'm now looking forward to studying this year and hopefully getting a very good placement for my year in industry. There is so much flexibility within the department and such wide ranging units available to study. There is great support available should you need it, be it from tutors, academic advisors, programme directors or the placement team, you never feel like you are lost and you always feel you can approach anyone with any questions.”

Tom Bemand - Medical Biochemistry with Industial Experience

Manchester?

“I love living in Manchester because it is so diverse in terms of the food and culture you can get on your doorstep (the Curry Mile is amazing). Manchester also has amazing venues for live music and great shopping.”

Emily Hind - Biology

“Manchester is a vibrant city, and unlike most cities a lot of the attractions and nightlife are within relative walking distance of the University. The transport to University and to the city is frequent with reasonably priced. As most parts of the Stopford and other life sciences lecture building have been refurbished, lecture theaters and labs will have up to date and quality equipment for teaching and learning. When combined with friendly and helpful locals, The University of Manchester has been a pleasure to study at.”

Moses Chidowe - Biomedical Sciences

“I have really enjoyed the amount of culture and diversity that is available to me in the society (Manchester Culture) here. Meeting different people and learning about there cultures has always been an interest of mine. I also loved Public transport in Manchester, Coming from the USA it’s really difficult to get anywhere by walking or even bus because they just don’t really exist. I have never felt so free to not have to drive and this has been a very enjoyable experience. And finally all of the different opportunities everywhere that are just waiting for me to go and take hold of them because I never like to waste my time and want to make the best of my time in Manchester and I am glad there are so many opportunities for me here.”

Jeffery Rahal - Genetics