How I chose to study immunology

"While studying for my A levels, I knew that I wanted to study biology on a molecular level, but I was unsure which specific part I wanted to go into. Part of the reason I chose the course in Molecular Biology at Sheffield is the flexibility it offered. I was able to study a wide range of topics, before eventually deciding that I wanted to pursue immunology (the study of the immune system).

"My fourth year project involved the study of a disease known as melioidosis, which claims up to 90,000 lives per year in developing countries. Meliodosis is caused by a bacterium known as Burkholderia pseudomallei, which uses both its own proteins and proteins from the human host to cause white blood cells to fuse. I worked with white blood cells to try and identify some of the host proteins involved in white blood cell fusion, and I managed to identify five proteins with a potential role in fusion.

I really enjoyed my course, and sincerely recommend MBiolSci Molecular Biology to anybody considering it. It is not without its difficult moments, and certainly not for the faint-hearted, but I can truly say it was all worthwhile, and I have come out equipped with the skills I need for a career in research.

Amyleigh Watts

MBiolSci Molecular Biology

"Before undertaking my fourth year project, I was unsure whether or not I wanted to pursue a PhD. However, the project really allowed me to develop my laboratory skills, and gave me a feel for what it’s like to work as a researcher. Everybody in the lab I was in was incredibly helpful and welcoming, and it wasn’t long before I decided to start applying for PhDs. I have since accepted an offer for a fully funded PhD in immunology.

"I really enjoyed my course, and sincerely recommend MBiolSci Molecular Biology to anybody considering it. It is not without its difficult moments, and certainly not for the faint-hearted, but I can truly say it was all worthwhile, and I have come out equipped with the skills I need for a career in research."