Student testimonials

In the area I grew up in, going to university is not very common, and going to a university as prestigious as St Andrews, even less so. Because of this, I didn't consider that St Andrews could be an option for me until I was in my 5th year of school, when I successfully applied to a Sutton Trust summer school, a programme designed to encourage students from low income backgrounds to attend university.

That summer, I spent a fully funded week staying in St Andrews with other 5th year pupils from all across the UK, staying in student accommodation, attending lectures in my chosen subjects (Biology and Chemistry), receiving advice on applying to university and obtaining scholarships, and being mentored by current students who had come through the same programme.

From that very first day setting foot in St Andrews, I knew it was the place for me. The town was beautiful, the people were friendly and the teaching was world class, and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.

The field trip we took to Orielton, Wales in the summer before 3rd year was one of the best weeks of my university career – we got to know our classmates very well and were able to work on independent projects. My partner and I studied a very rare starfish species that can be found no where else in the world but that beach. We found that the species was still going strong and had a lot of fun doing it!

Don't worry if you don't know exactly what area of biology you're interested in, or think you might change your mind down the line – the degree programme is really flexible and you'll learn about things you've never even considered before, so stay open-minded! If you can, be sure to attend a visiting day and come along the Biology presentation – you can meet staff and current students and find out about the modules you can take, and generally get a better sense of what biology at St Andrews is like!

Placement Year In Industry: an integral part of my degree was a year working in industry. I worked at a pharmaceutical company called Heptares Therapeutics. This was a fantastic year for me, as it allowed me to learn lab techniques way beyond the scope of my degree and I experienced working full-time in a scientific environment. This has really helped me prepare for both scientific and non-scientific careers in the future.

I would encourage everyone to get in touch with group leaders early on in their degree, and try to get involved in something beyond the teaching timetable. The best thing would be if you could spend some time here over the summer on a short placement. This way you can find something that really interests you sooner rather than later, and it also looks really good for your CV.

After graduation, I will be starting a PhD in the group of Dr David Bhella at the University of Glasgow's world-leading Centre for Virus Research. I am excited to get started, using cryo-electron microscopy to study the structure of herpes viruses. I am lucky to have been chosen for this highly competitive project, and it has only been made possible through all of the practical experience that I have gained during my time at St Andrews.

I didn't originally intend to study at St Andrews, but my secondary school in sixth form brought us to a University Fayre for attracting prospective students. I came across the St Andrews stand and spoke to a few of the students representing the University there. They really showed their passion and fervour for this place, and from that moment on I knew I would definitely apply here. Fortunately, I was offered a place here and excitedly arrived here that September.

I think my biggest highlight as a biologist in St Andrews, was figuring out what I want to do in later life – biology teaching. I took the 'Communication and Teaching in Science' module, where I visited a secondary school over one semester. During that time I was given responsibilities in the classroom, helping out and answering questions, which eventually culminated in me getting the opportunity to lead the class for a lesson of my own.

Definitely get up to speed with statistics computer programmes, particularly 'R'. This will help you enormously in completing assignments and lab reports successfully. Also, if you have any doubts, do speak to current students or members of staff – they should be to answer your questions.

Managing Director at Echoes Ecology Ltd.

I run an ecological consultancy and we carry out protected species surveys to assess the impact of proposed developments on habitats and species. We survey all over Scotland and for a variety of species such as bats, birds, otter, badger, reptiles and amphibians. My role is to manage the team of ecologists, run the business including the financial aspects, manage large and complex projects and undertake business development activities to facilitate exiting client relationships and bring in new business. I still get out into the field but not as much as in the earlier stages of my career.

I studied BSc (Hons) Behavioural and Environmental Biology at St Andrews from 1999 to 2003. After graduating I worked as a zookeeper at Chester Zoo for a year, then moved into retail management. I returned to university to complete a MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at Napier University in Edinburgh between 2005-2006. In 2007 I started working at Echoes. The company had only formed in 2006 so I helped shape and grow the business as well as my own ecological career. In 2017 I bought into Echoes and am now majority shareholder and Managing Director.

Curator of Biomedical Science at National Museums Scotland

I'm responsible for the medical and veterinary collections here at National Museums Scotland. My job involves research, public engagement and collections management.

I studied Zoology at St Andrews and then joined the Wellcome Trust Graduate Scheme. After 18 months, I began a fixed-term Assistant Curator of Biomedicine role at National Museums Scotland working on the new galleries. My role was extended and I then applied for the curatorial role I now hold.