First- year student, Joseph Dannatt has been enjoying delving into the fascinating world of drug interactions and medicine development.
Joseph enjoys studying proteins and their crucial role in biological functions on the BSc (Hons) Pharmacology course.
“Amino acid drugs particularly interest me,” he says. “I find receptor molecule interactions and their affinities, along with the study of efficacy once the drug has bound, really engaging.”
Joseph has benefited from the wide range of resources and facilities available at the University.
“The library is a great space for studying. There are many eBooks available to use, as well as many websites the university has subscribed to for journals that are written about high quality research,” he explains.
In the Pharmaceutical Science Laboratories, Joseph has had the opportunity to work with advanced industry-standard equipment such as the flowability tester, tapped density tester, spray dryer and freeze dryer that all work to enhance his learning experience. “For laboratory learning, there is a range of equipment that you will get to see and use. It is certainly an improvement on the equipment you get to use in A-levels and BTEC studies. It's more like what you would be doing post-graduate in a job.”
"For laboratory learning, there is a range of equipment that you will get to see and use. It is certainly an improvement on the equipment you get to use in A-levels and BTEC studies. It's more like what you would be doing post-graduate in a job."
One of the aspects Joseph values most about his course is the engagement and support he gets from his tutors.
“Staff are interested in helping you progress and highlighting postgraduate opportunities, whether that be through a Masters or PhD or going straight into a job. They’re interesting to listen to and also will drop the odd joke here and there to make it feel more like a normal conversation rather than a lecture.”
For Joseph, choosing to study Pharmacology at the University of Central Lancashire was an easy decision.
“I spoke to people who had studied here before, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The cost of the accommodation was another big factor, it’s affordable, which means I can enjoy other aspects of student life that might not have been possible elsewhere,” he explains.
The University’s location in Preston was another major draw. “Preston is well-connected by rail, so it’s easy to visit other places, and it’s only a couple of hours away from my hometown, Rotherham. It gives me independence while still being close enough to home.”
Joseph enjoys studying and living in Preston for the variety of activities available to him. “For those who enjoy nights out, there are plenty of places to eat and drink within walking distance, with affordable prices and a great selection. If you’re into sports, there are plenty of venues nearby to watch live events. And for those who prefer more relaxed activities, there’s bowling, the cinema, and lots of shopping options, all within easy reach.”
Joseph joined the University through Clearing and found the process seamless. “I came through clearing, and the experience was quick and easy. I was enrolled onto my course by the end of results day. This helped massively for an experience that could’ve been, and will be for a lot of people, very anxious and stressful a lot calmer, and a very good first impression.”
"I came through clearing, and the experience was quick and easy. I was enrolled onto my course by the end of results day. This helped massively for an experience that could’ve been, and will be for a lot of people, very anxious and stressful a lot calmer, and a very good first impression."
After completing his undergraduate degree, Joseph hopes to continue his studies with a master’s in Drug Development and Design at the University of Central Lancashire. “I’m also considering doing a PhD, but I haven’t decided yet if that’s the path I want to take.”
Reflecting on his experience so far, Joseph says, “University has given me the experience of what responsibility is truly like, in terms of planning future events as well as basic things such as cooking and washing. It has also helped me find out what I like, and dislike doing, make some new friends, and, most importantly, it’s allowed me to enjoy life.”
For those considering studying at the University, Joseph’s advice is simple: “When studying, listen to what the lecturer is saying they will help you to get into a better routine and do better in your studies. Alongside your studies, make sure you allow yourself to do things that you enjoy. This will both make your experience better, but also will keep you mentally healthy.”
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- Course
Pharmacology, BSc (Hons)
