Bethany Cook

“Undertaking a placement can be challenging but it is so rewarding.”
Bethany Cook conducting research on her placement year.
 

My motivation to do a placement

Throughout my first and second year, I volunteered a lot of my time helping Dr Anne Plessis (Lecturer in Plant Biosciences) with her research within the area of salt stress on cereal crops which sparked my passion for research.
This motivated me to get involved with more hands-on research and conduct some experiments of my own in my placement year.
My experience enables me to go into my third year a lot more confident in my abilities and sets me up with the desirable skills and experience to succeed in the workplace as a graduate.

My daily routine

I had various projects and responsibilities throughout my 10-month placement which meant every day was variable. Some of these projects included the effect of microplastics to insect communities, and comparing the effect of fermented seaweed bio stimulants on basil plants.
Each project required different tasks and managing my daily tasks was challenging at times but this was a great transferable skill to develop. Although much of my work was independent, I had my supervisor I could go to with questions about my work and she was always so helpful in steering me in the right direction.
Bethany Cook conducting research on her placement year.
Bethany Cook in the lab on her placement year.
 

My best moment

I worked on research which has meant I will be a co-author on a scientific paper.
This is a great opportunity for an undergraduate and I am very proud to be able to finish my degree already with my name on a paper.

How I arranged my placement

The University Careers Service provided me with a list of employers that students have previously conducted placements with, which was very helpful in evaluating my options.
When I decided that I would stay in Plymouth, my academics on my course were very helpful in helping me organise and decide what I wanted to do and what would be feasible.
Bethany Cook in the lab on her placement year.
Bethany Cook conducting research on her placement year.
Bethany Cook in the lab on her placement year.

The skills I've gained

I have developed transferable skills in organisation, administration, teamwork, time management, troubleshooting and using my own initiative.
I have also learnt lots of new subject specific skills such as:
  • how to operate a specialist equipment (e.g. HPLC, spectroradiometer)
  • understanding the specifics of plant germination and growth
  • learning about different sugar extraction and quantification protocols
  • sterile seed germination
  • data analysis and many more.

Making contacts

I have made lots of contacts from working with a wide variety of people within the University.
I have also had the opportunity to attend a research conference this year where I met academics and researchers from different universities as well.
 

My advice to others considering a placement

Absolutely do it. Undertaking a placement can be challenging but it is so rewarding.
My placement has given me so much more confidence in my abilities to work in the field of biology and I feel ten times more confident going into 3rd year than I did a year ago.

I want to gain more industry experience and be as prepared as I can to hopefully undertake a PhD in the future.

Are you passionate about biology in all of its forms?

Do you want to study a broad biology degree without the constraints of choosing a specialism too soon, with equal emphasis on lab and field skills?
Build an understanding of biology from microorganisms to mammals, and from woodland to hydrothermal vents, gaining state-of-the-art practical and transferable skills highly sought by employers, graduating ready to shape the future of fields like ecosystem management and biotechnology.
Biological Sciences students on a fieldtrip (full bleed)