Rachel Davies
My Harper Adams: Rachel’s uni experience
What attracted you to Harper Adams?
The fact that it was a small university community with an emphasis on practical learning. When I visited on open day I just knew it was the place I wanted to attend.
Why did you choose your course?
I wanted a course that focused on both animals and science. The Bioveterinary Science degree is a perfect combination of these things. And there is so much support! Lecturers usually know us by our first names because our classes are so small, and there is always extra help available.
Tell us a little about what it involves.
The course teaches you about a variety of species from the ground up. We are taught about everything from basic husbandry to practical lab work. We learn about diseases, how they are caused, how we can reduce their impact, and there is always a practical to back up the theory. We have been on several equine trips to stud farms/AI yards, and in first year spend time in the Companion Animal House and on the farm to teach us about husbandry in a hands-on environment. It’s a very eclectic course which opens up a variety of career paths.
What is the teaching like?
Really wonderful.
And the facilities?
Always growing and expanding!
What have been your highlights so far?
Well I think everyone would say Freshers Week is one! It’s an experience I’ll never forget; It was awesome fun and really helped everyone get stuck in to uni life and adapt quickly. My other highlight was the day I was told I had got my placement in the Companion Animal House at Harper Adams - I thought I was going to cry I was so happy!
Have you explored Shropshire and beyond the campus?
I’m always finding new places to walk in both Shropshire and in Staffordshire, just around the corner. My favourite place as yet is Ironbridge. It’s very beautiful!