I’d always been interested in forensics and got some advice about how to pursue that interest, and chemistry was a natural choice. During my degree I then learnt about how chemistry opens so many doors into other careers, like finance and data science. There is so much that can be done with a chemistry degree, not just laboratory work.

The working partnership between staff and students, its really helped with learning because I don’t feel intimidated when asking questions to my lecturers, and the “open door” policy has been really well implemented.

The STEM Labs were built in 2017 and give us industrial standard laboratories from the start of our degree, which helps with our practical skills and for our careers. Also, the chemistry department moved to a newly refurbished building, with purpose-built research labs, which is designed for students to easily meet with staff. The refurbishment also gave us brand new lecture theatres and seminar rooms which really help with facilitating our learning.

I really enjoy the lab modules because I learn new techniques whilst also applying the theory from my lectures. Labs can sometimes be difficult and don’t always go right, but the support from the technical tutors means that we still benefit and learn from these experiences, which we can take into the professional world.