Thomas Lane

Thomas graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc undergraduate degree in Medicinal Chemistry. He is now a medical student studying at the Wawick University.

Undergraduate life in Leeds

“I chose to study at the School of Chemistry due to the flexible degree structure. I didn’t know what branch of Chemistry I was interested in before starting the degree and the flexibility appealed to me greatly. The city of Leeds also attracted me when I first visited during the Undergraduate Open Day. Leeds is such a student populated city, and I also enjoyed the fact that the University is a campus university close to the city centre.”

I chose to study in the School of Chemistry due to the flexible degree structure. I didn’t know what branch of Chemistry I was interested in before starting the degree and the flexibility appealed to me greatly.

Thomas originally chose Chemistry at Leeds, but after completing his first year, he decided to change his course, and chose Medicinal Chemistry instead. He said, “I decided to change my course because I found myself enjoying my time in the lab most and wanted to do this more. Organic chemistry also came to me a lot more naturally than physical chemistry so I was keen to pursue a degree that combined lots of lab time with more organic chemistry – medicinal chemistry was perfect for that. One of the best aspect of my course was how much time I got to spend working in the labs. I would say I was spending at least 9 hours working in the lab each week.”

One of the best aspect of my course was how much time I got to spend working in the labs.

Outside of my studies, I was part of the Yorkshire University Air Squadron which I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to anyone who enjoys adventurous training or flying with a military aspect. I also played some rugby and took part in the Leeds University Rugby League which helped me develop both my fitness and skills.”

Life after Leeds

After graduating from Leeds, Thomas is currently in his second year of a four-year graduate entry medicine course at Warwick University. He found his experience at Leeds has helped him develop into a more independent worker as well as a more rounded person.

...the ability to be able to manage your own experiments but still have professors on hand really created an environment that aided my learning.

“My advice for prospective students would be – Chemistry is great if you enjoy independent working – the ability to be able to manage your own experiments but still have professors on hand really created an environment that aided my learning. It also helped me with my current degree as independent learning, self time management as well as knowing when to ask for help are all vital skills for a career as a Doctor. I felt that Leeds helped me develop these skills and helped me to get the career I want.”

Find out more 

Discover more about our Undergraduate degree courses in the School of Chemistry.