School of Mathematics

Colette Brown

BSc Biology and Mathematics (International)

Why did you choose to do Biology and Maths? And why did you choose joint honours?
I enjoyed both of them at school and it was just a case of taking them both onwards really. I thought if I got annoyed with one subject I could enjoy the other, and they both go very well together. Leeds was fantastic when I came to visit so that’s why I’m here.

What do you like best about the course?
I think the range of modules; you can dip into a lot of different topics. The wider range than just doing the single honours course. It’s challenging, definitely, but that’s what university is about. I think you can see how the maths relates to the wider world rather than just doing the formulae exercises as well.

What skills would you say you’ve gained so far from the course?
Definitely managing time and being responsible for your own work. You can’t leave things to the last minute, you’ve got to get on. Areas that I never thought were possible; at school I never thought I’d be able to go this far with Maths, or indeed Biology, but I’m still going and I’m still enjoying it.

Are you on a three year course, or four year?
It’s a three year, but I’m hoping to go to France next year, doing a year out. I’ve applied for a job over there but I’m just waiting to see what happens.

Why did you choose to study at Leeds?
Well it was predominantly the course that brought me here I think, because I applied for Natural Sciences and the joint honours Biology and Maths here and at Bristol. When I came to the open day I already had an offer and I just really loved the campus, everything was here and everything you want is on one site. The facilities are amazing and the School really sold it to me.

How would you describe the student life here at Leeds?
Very vibrant. So much going on. Never a dull moment. Such a wide variety of stuff to choose. Crazy! It really is quite crazy sometimes.

Did you live in halls in your first year? And how did you find it?
Yeah, I was in Devonshire. I really enjoyed it. It was quite a unique place to be. Not what I’d call a typical hall of residence. The buildings were quite old and we had catered dinners and occasionally put on gowns and went for a formal dinner, which was quite extreme but good fun. I met loads of really nice people and it was a nice distance from the University. There were quiet times to study and other options to for people who wanted to do other things.

What do you do outside of studying?
Swimming, down at the new swimming pool on campus. It’s really good. Fantastic facilities again, all brand new. That’s good. It helps you focus. I’m involved in Scottish dancing! Not regularly but sometimes. Barn dancing. I’m involved in a local church but I do find that my time is spent mainly studying. With a joint honours course you’ve got to. That’s the sacrifice I made.

Would you recommend joint honours to other people?
Yes, if you are prepared to work hard.

What would you say you’ve gained from doing the joint honours?
I feel like I’ve matured a lot more since school and covered a wider range of study areas, which gives a wider scope of potential jobs for the future rather than focusing on one particular area. I think if I studied just Maths my brain would hurt a lot. So studying joint honours just gives better variety.

What would you say to people who are thinking of studying your joint honours course?
Just go for it. It’s hard work and definitely a challenge. It pushes you beyond what you learnt at school but if you’re keen on the subjects and you want to continue studying them then do it!