Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons) third-year student Chukwuebuka Nebechi (known as Chuck) shares his university experience with us.
Can you tell us a bit about your educational background, and what led you to choose London and London Met?
Originally, I am from Ireland and attended university there for a year before transferring over to London Met. London Met was among the few universities that had my course. Science was among one of my favourite subjects in school. Biology was my favourite area, whereas chemistry wasn't. However, coming to London Met helped me brush up my chemistry knowledge and I'm confident in the knowledge I've acquired and I realised this course is definitely for me. Not only because I perform well in it, but I'll be able to use the never-ending ideas that keep coming into my head in the future.
I chose to study in London instead of Ireland because I wanted to have a different experience and I needed to mature and become independent. London is a city of opportunity and I thought why not.
What makes pharmaceutical science a valuable degree?
Pharmaceutical science is such an engaging course. It amazes me how medicines and drugs can affect the body in many ways – positively and negatively. One of the things I love about my course is that we are split up into small classes which allows us to have more time with our lecturer which is invaluable to me – this allows us to have longer discussions and debates on topics we are studying.
Now I'm in my final year, this is when the fun starts – as part of our module we're taught how to develop drugs from various formulations such as tablets, ointment, capsules and creams.
Have you had any work or industry experience as part of the degree?
I did a work placement module in my second year at the University's Superlab which is one of the biggest teaching labs in Europe. We were given an insight as to what the role of a technician assistant consisted of. This helped brush up all the skills that are required to work in the pharmaceutical industry and will help me when I apply for jobs in the future.
What are the lecturers and facilities like?
The facilities are top-notch and the lecturers are always lending a helping hand. I'm always making sure to take advantage of this because most universities don't help out its students in the way that London Met does. We always have drop-in sessions for different courses and workshops to help us develop our CVs, personal development portfolios and other aspects. One lecturer that has stood out to me is Dr Sil who teaches us on our formulations and quality assurance module – he knows what he's talking about and is so passionate about the subject that I feel like I am not just learning I am inspired. Dr Sil is currently my project supervisor and I am so lucky I got my first choice, he is great!
What is your highlight so far?
One of the major highlights of my university experience is being selected as a student ambassador, since not just anyone can be given the role. I am essentially proud of this as I was never an ambassador in my previous university, so for this, I am grateful.
If you had to describe your experience in one word, what would it be?
Rollercoaster – you will have your ups and downs but you know the ride is going to come to an end with satisfaction, leaving you wanting to ride again.
Are you a member of any clubs or societies?
I am currently part of the men's basketball team and also a member and executive for the Life Science Society. This is a society for all the Life Science students from chemistry to sports science. We aim to help students develop their employability skills and make life sciences fun and enjoyable subject to study.
What do you do outside lectures when you have free time? Any favourite London spots?
I mainly spend my free time studying or doing some shifts from my student ambassador job. Or I'm at the gym trying to stay fit and healthy because even though studying is fun, there's no point if my body isn't up to the task. I also try to explore London as a whole because there are a lot of tourist attractions.
Can you tell us what your plans are after graduation?
After graduation I aim to do my master's in either pharmacology or drug development. These areas of interest stemmed from my formulation module. In the future, I want to be able to create medicines that can be used to treat athlete's health.
Any advice for new students?
I would like to tell new students looking to start university what my parents told me: do what makes you happy and not anyone else. At the end of the day, it's your life and your story. So make sure to write a good one.
