What made you choose this degree programme?
I studied biology as an advanced course at school and was fascinated by it. I was particularly interested in how life works - even in its smallest parts, such as on a molecular and cellular level. It therefore made sense for me to study biology in order to pursue this curiosity and gain a deeper understanding of it.
In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?
My expectations were fulfilled in the sense that I was able to gain many exciting insights into the areas that interest me the most, such as microbiology and botany. I was able to get a taste of what it means to work in these sub-disciplines through excursions and practical exercises in the modules. In microbiology in particular, you learn to understand how microorganisms work and how you can use them. However, at the beginning of the course I underestimated the amount of information you have to absorb and retrieve in a short space of time - it was a bit stressful at first. After the first semester, however, you get used to prioritizing better and learning more effectively.
Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?
I enjoy working in the lab the most, as you can combine theory and practice there. I always find it particularly exciting to carry out experiments where you can visualize the molecular mechanisms behind the functions of cells and enzymes. Biology is super versatile and application-oriented, so there is always something new to discover. It also feels like you are actively contributing to solving real problems through your work.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
The biggest challenge during my studies was learning to manage many different tasks at the same time. There are always several projects, internships, lectures and exams running in parallel, and you have to be well organized to keep track of everything. This constant change requires not only flexibility, but also the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new topics.
What would you like to become after completing your degree?
I would like to work somewhere in biotechnological research later on, whether it is the development of sustainable production processes or the use of microorganisms for environmentally friendly technologies. However, I am deliberately leaving everything open to me at the moment, as there are many interesting areas and it is of course possible that I will decide on a completely different direction and a different career path later on.
Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?
Be aware that studying can be demanding and involves a lot of learning. But don't let this put you off - you will get used to it over time. A genuine enthusiasm for biology and enjoyment of practical laboratory work are important prerequisites. Then it's also incredibly important to make friends during your studies. Studying can be demanding, and it helps enormously if you have people with whom you can learn, exchange ideas and laugh together about a messed-up exam. It also makes studying more enjoyable if you don't have to go through it alone. So my tip would be: use internships, tutorials or study groups to make contacts and stay open to new people.
