Sinan Ozbek is pictured presenting his talk on "Atom Lasers" at the outing by the level-three class to a mansion in the Highlands where all the students give a short presentation.  He says -

Having decided on St Andrews as my ideal University I was left with the tough decision as to which of my three enjoyable A-level subjects (Economics, Physics, Maths) I should continue with. I chose Physics as I felt it had the potential to provide the most interesting modules to keep me motivated for the four years I would be studying here.

Upon application I was given the choice for Direct Entry into the second year of a five-year Masters in Physics course. Nearly 50% of my class were fellow Direct Entry students and I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had as much free socialising time as my fellow first year entry students. The course was pitched at a level slightly above that taught at A-level, which suited me perfectly as I had no wish to spend a year repeating the physics I had been taught at college!

I am now entering my final year of undergraduate studies and I am making the most out of the flexibility in module choices that a degree in Physics at St Andrews offers. I have taken a number of specialist modules, which have presented new and exciting material such as ‘Experimental Quantum Physics At The Limit’. Last year I took a module on Transferable Skills, which focused on developing key skills, so favoured by many employees. As a result I have gained confidence in preparing and giving presentations to a large audience.

The quality of teaching in the department is exceptional, the lecturers are usually very enthusiastic in their teaching and this provides good inspiration for the students. I have found that my tutors and lecturers pride themselves in being friendly and easily approached and readily give their time to inquiring students. This has impressed me greatly as nearly all my lecturers are, in their own field, cutting-edge researchers.

I have found that the generous timetabling of lectures and labs allows for plenty of time during the week for me to make the most of the numerous clubs and societies available. I try to fit sessions of swimming, football and Ju-Jitsu in each week between evenings spent in the various pubs or on the clubbing bus to Dundee! Last year I entered a team into a University sponsored competition for Innovators and Entrepreneurs. Our team was rewarded with the ‘Most Innovative Business Idea’ cash prize for our vision of developing the next generation of extreme sports as a hybrid form of Laser Quest and Paintball.

The old adage that goes: ‘There is always something to do in and around St Andrews’ I have certainly found to be true. In the last year I have found myself in a number of situations I could not have imagined before arriving here, including: Jumping out of a plane at 3000 feet, Swimming in the North Sea at 5am and being locked in a haunted graveyard on a stormy November night!

First posted BDS 13.5.04