People Like Me: Nicola
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The Open University has supported the development of this page, in partnership with The University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the BBC. This page was written by Becky Seeley and Adam Smith of Bristol University, with the kind support of their colleagues.
Who studies science? We talk to students and graduates - and meet Nicola
Name: Nicola
Studying: B.Sc. (Hons) Biology (3rd year)
Ultimate ambition: To save a species from extinction
Life at University
I most enjoyed being around experts in their field, passionate about what they are doing – you learn a lot from them. I did a unit in my first year covering the different types of plants and animal and how biology interlinks. I found genetics quite challenging in the first year it gets more complicated than at A-Level. In my second year I have specialised in more environmental units, conservation and ecology. I did my field course in Mediterranean plant biodiversity in the Algarve. Before I didn’t really think about plants, but I really enjoyed working on them. I now volunteer at Bristol Museum, and am currently working on identifying a collection of plants for them. Meeting academics has made me realise how many opportunities there are that I was not aware about at school, such as the opportunity to work and travel.
How I got here
I chose biology because I have always been interested in plants and animals. I went to university straight from school, after doing my A-levels. I was thinking about having a gap year, but did not feel confident about travelling on my own. Bristol is only a couple of hours from home and it’s been a nice intermediate step. In the summer holiday after my first year of university I went away for a couple of months on my own to Greece working in a sea turtle rescue centre and this summer I am going to South Africa for whale and dolphin research. By the time I graduate I’ll be a lot more confident about travelling.
One of the rescued turtles at a rescue centre in Greece
Future
I really enjoy marine biology and am interested in reptiles after working with turtles. I would really like to work on more conservation projects and I am also thinking about doing a Ph.D.
Advice
Research your degree very carefully. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. Visit the city and learn a lot about the course you are going to do. If you are interested in a subject, it is a pleasure to study.
Content last updated: 04/10/2004
