Year 12 Rotation Placement

Ten Year 12 students completed a one-week rotation work experience placement at the LMB.

During the week, the students spent most of their time in pairs gaining hands-on experience in labs and facilities. Students also work shadowed in one of the support services and attended workshops about health & safety, animal research, science communication, career development and a careers roundtable. At the end of the week, each pair of students prepared a presentation to share some of the scientific concepts or techniques that they had learned in the labs.

Hear from four of the students, Luca, Zeynep, Diana and Zohal:

What were some of the most memorable moments during your placement?

Luca: I really enjoyed all the work we did in pairs, especially being able to have our own little research project that involved using the techniques and lab equipment we were learning about. It was rewarding to then present our findings to the rest of the group.

Zeynep: Talking to intelligent and passionate people who loved what they were doing and were able to give us an insight to what it’s like to work in a research area.

Zohal: Seeing the vibrant colour of the protein sample that told us we had purified our proteins correctly.

What have you gained from your time at the LMB?

Luca: I gained a real insight into how science works in everyday life outside of education. I learned about getting into science careers after university. The placement covered many areas of biology that I had never heard of before, like flow cytometry, and I now know a range of basic lab techniques.

Zeynep: This placement made me realise I really want to become a researcher and how much I love lab work.

Diana: I think I have gained a much better understanding of future careers in science, as well as what it’s like to work in a lab.

Zohal: I now have a better understanding of what a career in research entails and the career opportunities in science. I have also gained the ability to apply my knowledge that I learned in school to real-life techniques. My time at the LMB has been really useful in helping me decide that I want to pursue a career in science.

What advice would you give to someone who’s potentially thinking about applying for work experience?

Luca: I would 100% recommend the placement to whoever is interested in biology. It was a great experience that covered pretty much every aspect of biology-related work including fusions with chemistry and physics.

Zeynep: Don’t be nervous about meeting new people or asking questions—even if they seem silly. Everyone was welcoming and happy to help.

Diana: Try to make the most of it — make friends, ask questions, be proactive, come prepared and motivated.

Zohal: I would recommend making the most of this work experience opportunity as it is unique, insightful and educational.