Student profiles
Lisa Abbott
MEarthSci Earth Sciences
Lisa is originally from Wigan, where she completed A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Computing, before working as a marketing analyst. She is currently in the fourth year of the MEarthSci Earth Sciences degree at the University of Manchester.
For me, the best part of the course has been the range of learning experiences – from practical classes, to fieldtrips, tutorials and lectures. I’ve particularly enjoyed the variety of practical classes we have had, from working with microscopes, to computing based labs, to conducting experiments with flume tunnels. The range of practical classes and fieldwork is fantastic and the experience has helped me with my independent projects in my third and fourth years. What has been really important for me is how supportive and friendly the lecturers are and this has allowed me to gain confidence in my work as my degree has progressed.
My favourite modules include Isotope Geochemistry and Igneous Petrology. I enjoyed the practical aspect of these courses and this led me to choose a geochemistry lab based project in my final year. This project has been the best experience I’ve had at University, giving me the opportunity to complete some independent research on igneous rocks in our Isotope Geochemistry labs. This has been great fun, and has allowed me to gain experience using lab equipment including mass spectrometers.
Everyone quickly settles in as it’s easy to make friends on this course - meeting people in tutorials and practical classes, on fieldwork and on the geology society nights out. We often meet up outside lectures for lunches and nights out - quite often ending up in a curry house at the end of the night! Outside the course, there is also plenty to do - I’ve been part of the choir and climbing societies, but the most fun I’ve had is with the caving society. Manchester is only a short train journey away from the Peak District, meaning you’re never far away from the country if you fancy going hiking or caving.
Manchester is an amazing city, with a great variety of pubs, clubs, music venues, theatres, museums and shops to suit everyone. Having just accepted a PhD place at Manchester I can happily say that if you come here to study Geology you won’t want to leave!