Lily Davidson - BSc Biomedical Science
Where are you from and which course did you choose to study?
I have lived in Greater London (Southeast) all of my life I did AS levels in business and finance before changing my mind and completing new A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and English Language in 2020; upon completion of these in 2022 I decided to enrol on a BSc Biomedical Science (hons) degree at LSBU.
Why did you choose LSBU?
I chose LSBU for many reasons, one being that the transport links surrounding are great making it easy to travel to and from my SE London home. Being a couple of years older, I decided that accommodation was not the right route for me, therefore, it was important to choose a university that had great transport links.
Another reason I chose LSBU was because of the location; the campus is within walking distance to so many great spots, including the riverside walk, London Bridge, and Waterloo. There are great food spots around and places to visit with friends.
Finally, the facilities at LSBU, including the laboratories really stood out to me, there is some really specialised pieces of equipment for science students to access, including a scanning electron microscope. The library was also very modern and provides a really comfortable environment that is never overcrowded or insufficient for use.
What was your inspiration or reasons to study this subject?
I decided to Study Biomedical Science because I wanted to explore the clinical side of science but without the pressure of completing a 5-year medical degree. I liked the balance between science and medical teaching. Accreditation was also an important factor for me, and the IBMS accredits the Biomedical science degree at LSBU.
I have always been interested in life sciences (Biology & Chemistry), and I wanted to pursue a clinical career but did not have the desire to become a doctor, however, the fact that this degree could lead students directly into year 2 of a medical degree was another great aspect I took into consideration. I felt that this degree was perfect to lead me into a clinical job that was not doctor/nurse.
I also wanted to study this course because I wanted to also gain laboratory experience at a higher level and learn new skills. I was interested in learning about the human anatomy and related disorders and then exploring the diagnostic factors and laboratory assays used to identify particular markers of diseases.
Tell me about how the course lecturers have supported you?
The course lecturers have been amazing for supporting me. My project supervisor, Shpresa Haliti has been really supportive and provided me with regular meetings and support for my dissertation. Other lecturers have made sessions engaging and fun and have been available for answering questions and providing extra help with any weaker areas.
What kind of new technologies and equipment have you learned about on your course?
On this course I have learned about many pieces of specialised equipment and had the opportunity to operate some of them. In the lab we have used a microtome to slice fine pieces of cancerous tissue for viewing under a microscope. We have also used special stains such as eosin and myosin for colouring skin samples in order to highlight and identify abnormalities.
What skills have you learned or developed at LSBU?
At LSBU, I have learned great communication and teamwork skills. We have participated in a lot of group projects allowing me to develop listening and cooperation skills.
I have also improved on organisation and time management in exam periods. Alongside many soft skills I have also gained the ability to operate laboratory equipment and the correct jargon for many clinical terms.
Where do you see yourself in the future and what are your goals?
In the future, I see myself working privately in the clinical sector. I have been offered a place for an MSc in Nutrition, and after my postgraduate degree I hope to begin working within the nutrition sector, helping people with food allergies, aversions and sensitivities. Eventually, I hope to have my own private clinic with a large client database.
Do you have a work experience placement and where are you working?
The LSBU careers team helped me to secure a STEM summer internship in year 1 (level 4) of my degree with BNP Paribas bank. although this was not the industry I wish to work in, it still gave me working experience and the opportunity to network with other students in my field. I also completed a summer internship with Richmond Pharmacology in year 2 (Level 5) of my degree. Again, this was obtained through the help of a professor at LSBU who was able to arrange the Richmond team to come in and give us a talk. This opportunity was great and exposed me to a real working laboratory.
What advice would you give to people thinking about studying at LSBU?
I would really recommend for students to study at LSBU. The facilities and staff are amazing, and they have great links within the industry to help students secure internships, placements and jobs. I have made some great friends at LSBU and really enjoyed my time here. I am grateful for the opportunities LSBU has given me and look forward to seeing where it leads me in the future.