Field of studies Biosciences (studies in English) - Wrocław University of Technology (Politechnika Wrocławska), PWr (Wrocław) - Study Bachelor's and Master's in English in Poland

1. You read that a common soil bacterium can break down plastic. What do you want to do next?

Find the original paper, look at the methods and think about which genes or enzymes are behind it. Read a short article about it if I come across one. Nothing – it doesn’t really interest me.

2. How confident are you with planning an experiment from scratch, including controls and replicates?

Very – I like designing experiments that give clear, reliable answers. I can follow a protocol, but designing one myself is harder. I’d rather someone else planned it for me.

3. Your PCR results suddenly stop working after weeks of success. What do you do?

I go through each step systematically, test reagents and conditions one at a time and keep careful notes. I repeat it a few times and hope it works. I give up and switch to something else.

4. How do you feel about analysing large biological datasets, such as gene expression data, with scripts or specialised software?

I’m keen – bioinformatics skills are essential in modern biosciences and I want to develop them. I’d manage the basics, but I prefer bench work. I’d avoid working with data and code.

5. You’re asked to present your research at a seminar and defend your conclusions. How do you feel?

Motivated – I enjoy explaining my results and responding to tough questions. Nervous, though I’d prepare and get through it. I’d try hard to avoid it.

6. The programme is taught in English, and your lab group includes researchers from different countries. How do you see that?

As a real advantage – science is international, and I’m happy to discuss experiments and write in English. I can read papers in English, but writing and discussing in it still feels challenging. I’d rather study in my own language, with people from my own country.

7. Which research area excites you most?

I have clear interests – for example, molecular biology, microbiology, plant science or neuroscience – and I want to specialise. Several areas sound interesting, but I haven’t chosen one. None of them really excites me.

8. A colleague’s results look too good to be true. How do you react?

I raise it carefully, suggest repeating the experiment and look at the raw data together. I keep my doubts to myself. It’s not my business.

9. How do you feel about spending long hours in the lab, sometimes with experiments that fail?

I accept it as part of science – each failed experiment teaches me something. I can cope, but it can be frustrating. I don’t have the patience for that.

10. What motivates you most to pursue a Master’s degree in Biosciences?

The chance to do independent research, contribute new knowledge and prepare for a career in science, biotechnology or a doctorate. A higher qualification and a broader range of career options. I’m not sure it’s for me

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