Katarzyna Kozyrska

Katarzyna Kozyrska came to Dundee from Poland, and graduated in 2011 in BSc in Molecular Genetics.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee?

Ever since entering high school, I knew the Life Sciences were my love and passion. However, many of the practical skills that are a hallmark of a good scientist require training on specialised equipment. I chose Dundee University because of its well-equipped learning facilities, which include state-of-the-art labs and quality apparatus. Thanks to its excellent reputation in research, Dundee University also offers me the opportunity to be taught by and work with top scientists. An added advantage is that the actual city is geographically as far from my home city as possible without having to leave the continent!

What is the best thing about your course and why?

Although my degree title is quite specialised, my course covered a broad range of subjects that gave me a solid, well-rounded scientific background. I really enjoyed the varied array of activities we were encouraged to undertake thoughout the course from traditional lectures and exam preparation workshops to presentations and stimulating lab practicals. In fact, it is the lab work that I have enjoyed the most during my degree - the practicals were varied and fun, making the underlying science easy to understand and remember.

What information do applicants need to know before starting this course?

Once you accept the offer through UCAS, most of the necessary information is mailed by the University. I found my "starter pack" very useful - it contained everything I needed to know before arriving in Dundee, including information about matriculation and my course in general. I didn't even have to worry too much about student accommodation - it was very easy to book a room by sending in a couple of forms. The University website is another excellent resource for up-to-date information for potential applicants.

What has been your best learning experience to date and why?

Although this may sound a little masochistic, my Honours project is the best academic experience I've had so far. Hands-on work on an independent research project in a 'real' lab alongside brilliant scientists epitomises the learning experience offered by the University of Dundee.

Another important part of the University's excellent teaching approach is MyDundee - a brilliant way to distribute learning material and encourage students to give academic support to each other.

What has been your best university experience to date and why?

I have greatly enjoyed my experience at the University of Dundee as a whole. I'm grateful that, throughout the 4 years, I have been given many opportunities to enjoy new things and learn from them (e.g. The Enterprise Gym business challenge for a scientist like me). I have also had the pleasure of meeting many great British and international students, as well as making connections to staff in the scientific field.

What sports activities or clubs/societies are you involved with?

I have been part of the Discovery Challenge hosted by The Enterprise Gym, which involved developing and refining an original business idea and pitching it to a panel of successful entrepreneurs. It was an amazing experience, which showed me that a scientist's career is not limited to test tubes. I strongly recommend The Enterprise Gym

What was your experience of settling into life in Dundee when you first arrived?

I came to Dundee from continental Europe, so I had to make sure that everything was arranged beforehand - thanks to that, I managed to arrive in Dundee without a problem. Scotland is not that much different from home (although it rains a lot more here), so I had a fairly easy time adapting. I received a lot of practical advice from my more experienced flatmates and the Peer Connection service. I also found the workshops, presentations and campus tours running during Freshers' Week very helpful in my transition into life at Dundee University.

Living in the UK is a continual lesson of independence, which I'm thoroughly enjoying. Living away from home does include taking care of bills and dirty washing, but it also gives me the opportunity to enjoy some freedom away from the prying eyes of my parents!

And a word of encouragement to non-British natives: it IS possible to understand the Dundonian accent - just give it a couple of weeks!

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

Studying in a small city like Dundee, you can enjoy excellent teaching and bubbling night-life within a 10 minute walk so you don't have to worry about missing the last bus! But, being a final year student at the moment, I must also add: "Enjoy your freedom while it lasts!"