"I've always been a fan of science," says Indi Scott.
The New Zealander comes from a family of female scientists, with her sister and mother both in science-based careers.
Indi is now on the path to joining them with a degree in Biomedical Science.
She applied for the course via Clearing after moving to the UK shortly before the academic year was due to begin. But her choice was far from impulsive.
"Many different aspects of the course appealed to me when choosing where to study", she says.
"I liked the modules I would be taking.
"The opportunity to do a placement year and the fact the degree is accredited also appealed to me," she adds.
"Greenwich has many aspects that make it special."
Making a difference
Indi also had specific reasons for choosing a Biomedical Science degree. The course provides broad knowledge and training for lifesaving careers, with plenty of time in the labs.
"Biomedical Science is packed full of interesting knowledge," she explains.
"The lectures provide a wide knowledge of different topics and areas of biology, including biochemistry, disease, and medical science.
"It also gives me lots of laboratory experience in areas including microbiology, genetics and microscopy," she says.
"I enjoy being able to learn a topic and then apply my knowledge hands on. I love it when I understand what I'm doing and comprehending the results."
The current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic highlights the importance of having skilled scientists all over the world. It also flags how many different skillsets are needed to respond.
"Biomedical Scientists are a key part of the NHS as they perform tests, from urine or blood to tissue," says Indi.
Without biomedical scientists, the healthcare system would cease to run.
Indi will soon be undertaking a placement as an analytical chemist, which she found through her family.
"It's mainly laboratory-based skills," she says. "I will be using all the skills I've learnt since I've been at uni."
Broad career options
The university also encourages students to develop additional skills that will be attractive to a range of employers.
"I thought Biomedical Science would give me a lot of options for anything I want to do after graduation," says Indi.
"The degree mostly prepares you for being a biomedical scientist and working in a hospital or private lab.
"But it also contains a lot of transferrable skills and knowledge for other pathways should you decide it's not for you.
"We have lectures on how to apply for jobs, how to write a CV, how to do basic maths, how to use data programs, how to write reports, as well as other IT and maths-based topics," she adds.
"These provide us with skills to use during study and after we graduate."
The best experience
Indi has embraced university life in Medway and appreciates the diverse international community.
"The large number of international students and the support we get means a lot to me," she says.
"The Faculty of Engineering and Science specifically contains people from many different backgrounds.
"Plus, there are three campuses, meaning people from various parts of London and Kent can commute and people from other parts of the country can experience living here," she adds.
She says the academic staff and facilities have enhanced her experience of the course.
"I've been taught by cardiovascular, immunology, and cell biology specialists, among others, working in fully-equipped laboratories and buildings" she says.
"Greenwich is constantly looking for feedback, such as filling out surveys, to make sure they can provide the best experience for students."
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