BSc Biomolecular SciencesSasanka Yilan

Sasanka is a current student at the University of Strathclyde, studying within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS). She is always keen to get involved in new activities and can often be found promoting the student-led Biomedical Sciences Society.

With a strong passion for exploring diverse experiences, Sasanka actively seeks out new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her interests lie particularly in scientific outreach, with a focus on pharmacology and biochemistry.

How did you decide to study at Strathclyde? 

When it came time to choose a university, I found it difficult to decide. What stood out to me about Strathclyde was the flexibility of my course structure. It allowed me to explore all the sub-disciplines of biomedical science before choosing my pathway at the end of second year. In my own experience, Strathclyde stood out compared to other universities. They had a different atmosphere that instantly drew me in. I also found that I wasn’t as nervous about moving to Glasgow and studying there as I was with other universities.

What do you like about your course and Strathclyde? 

My course offers fantastic support, and I really appreciate how the Department actively listens to student feedback and continually evolves in response. I've had a thoroughly enjoyable time here and have met an incredible group of people who’ve supported me throughout my studies.

I’ve also loved getting involved in events hosted by Strathclyde, as well as having the opportunity to help organise some myself. The flexibility I have in my course to explore different pathways before committing to a specific course made the transition to studying in a new city much less overwhelming.

Why did you choose to study Biomolecular Sciences?

In school, I really enjoyed my science subjects. STEM had always interested me, and I found myself naturally putting more effort into those areas. I was genuinely curious and often sought out information on scientific discoveries on my own. Despite this, when attending university open days, I explored a wide range of courses, from psychology to midwifery, because I lacked the confidence to pursue a science degree, and honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind. However, it was at one of those events that I came across a bioscience stall. On impulse, I decided to ask about the course and immediately felt drawn to it. The course content was fascinating, and from that moment on, I began looking into other biology-related degrees to find out what they offer.

What do you like most about Biomolecular Sciences?

I appreciate how multidisciplinary my course is. If I hadn’t chosen this path, I wouldn’t have realised just how many people contribute to the revolutionary discoveries we see today. I truly enjoy what I do and value the opportunity to connect with people from different faculties, gaining a deeper appreciation for their work. I’m constantly learning something new, and what I really love is being able to apply this knowledge to real-life experiences. What the BSc Biomolecular Science course does well is highlight just how much progress science has made in advancing healthcare, and how ongoing research continues to drive innovation in the field.

What are your ambitions for the future, and how do you think your time at Strathclyde will help you achieve your goals?

Currently, I would like to pursue a Masters degree to deepen my understanding of my discipline and eventually conduct my own research. I also have a strong interest in experiencing different cultures, and I’m hopeful that studying at Strathclyde will support my journey around the world, helping me explore how medicine impacts people across diverse communities.

What would you say to anyone considering coming to study at Strathclyde?

Just go for it! Studying at Strathclyde has been one of the best experiences. I’ve met so many amazing people, and even though starting university can feel like a big step, it’s one that truly pays off.

There’s always something happening and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Personally, I’ve made lifelong friends here and have genuinely enjoyed my course. My Department makes it clear that they value their students, which makes a real difference. I hope this encourages you to consider Strathclyde as a university choice.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

If you decide to study at Strathclyde, I would recommend getting involved, join a society, attend science workshops, and meet new people. These have been the key experiences which have made an impact for me. Studying isn’t something you go through alone, and by engaging with others, you’ll build a supportive network that will help you throughout this journey.

Study Sasanka's course