Jignasha Parmar

I had researched a few universities in the UK, Australia and at Scotland before deciding on the University of Leeds. The main reason for selecting this course at Leeds foremost was the faculty (who are pioneers in the field), secondly, it was the practical aspect of the course, which no other university reciprocates, its unique to the course I had chosen and above also because of Christopher Benjamin. He has been prompt in replies, always helpful, kind towards any queries, he is truly an asset. These are a few reasons why I settled on selecting the University of Leeds.

From lecturers to the tutorials and practical sessions in the LIGHT lab, everything was above I had ever imagined. Our coursework was very inclusive and comprehensive at the same time, giving every student an opportunity for analysing, logical reasoning and critical thinking in science. It gave a new perspective of looking at science altogether.

The highlights of the course are firstly the hands on experience in the Lab, the tutorial section after completion of each module (especially Helen’s tutorial) the exit cards of Dr Matt’s lecturers, the feedback sessions with the faculty, and above all the workshops of module 6.

The greatest challenge throughout the course is that I had difficulties in writing essays for my coursework at the start of the course as well as doing my lab work as I am from a clinical background, and was never acquainted to the essay writing and holding pipettes, having said that, I had immense support from the guide assigned for me, Dr Karen Forbes, she helped me navigate essay writing and Phil Warburton, helped me immensely with my lab work. It was relentless dedication by the faculty towards teaching that I could adapt towards the course easily.

My research proposal was designed to understand the dynamics of intracellular pathways in human primordial follicular activation for fertility preservation. My optional research project was on Microfluidics. 

The research proposal that I had designed, gave me an opportunity for ambitious thinking, it enlarged my vision in understanding and critically analysing scientific literature as well as I could design a near to ideal experimental study. The optional research project on Microfluidics acquainted me towards new developing technology in embryo culture systems. Working on the device was surreal, the interaction and knowledge shared by Dr Virginia on device making and visiting her lab for the same was supreme.

If the rating was from 1-10 for the research proposal, I would rate it 10/10. It has enhanced my own experience in understanding how research is being conducted of which I was ignorant always. 

All the activities of LUU, get out and get active trips were highlights of time spent at Leeds.

Health sciences library is equipped with all we need for our course as well as MINERVA has all links to the digital footmarks of the course.

I have been a member of Book Club of LUU, get out and get active, and joined the edge sports for body jamming. Joining the mentioned clubs and society was a way of meeting and interacting students of other faculties.

 The student aiming to join the same course need to understand that the course is not about the theory, to understand the key concepts it’s important to have a hand on experience with actual issues which only the course at the University of Leeds provide. The faculty, their teaching methods and interaction with students in superior.

My ambitious for the future are to return to my home country and work as an ART specialist.

Read more about other clinical embryology students.