LiYu Wang

Wadham College 2006, MSc Biomedical Engineering

I am currently a research assistant and doctoral student at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich.
 
I chose this course because I was interested in Biomedical Engineering; my first degree was in another area of engineering. I was especially interested in biomechanics. 

This course suits students from different first-degree backgrounds including engineering, medicine, physics, computer science, biochemistry, and public health. The course included theoretical and practical training, and encouraged discussion about such problems as bioethics and health product approval.

The course introduced me to biomedicine, which I find very excited. The course is not so long and quite intense, and although the instructors help guide your progress you still need to decide what to do at each stage.

The course included group and individual projects which focused on interesting topics and the practical application of knowledge. Students had a lot of freedom to choose what they would like to focus on. I learned how to carry out experiments, and think systematically and comprehensively. There were opportunities to work with, or in, hospitals and companies.

I managed to distribute my time between lectures, libraries, college, and other activities. It is really important to manage your time in Oxford. Everyone is so busy every day. While at the University, one would miss a lot if they did not take part in the variety of activities available. Time management is therefore very important to maintain a successful academic performance.

There were scholarships at the beginning of the degree course and awards at the end, which I was awarded and found really encouraging.

Living and studying in a college is definitely the best part of Oxford and I really miss college life. You meet people from diverse backgrounds. Dining by candle light in hall is an unforgettable experience. There are also many sports you can take part in. Sitting under a tree in the college garden reading a book is an amazing feeling.
 
In my present academic career, I conduct daily scientific research. Most of the time I need to work independently, which I feel comfortable with because of my Oxford experience.
 
I feel that my time at Oxford helped broaden my horizons. I not only gained a degree, but a fantastic and unrepeatable life experience. I gained confidence, made great friends with students and tutors, and acquired knowledge that benefits me in my work and life in general. Oxford University was one of the best choices I have ever made. I would give rate the overall experience as nine out of 10.