Testimonials

Previous education

Bachelor's Molecular Life Sciences

Programme

Chemistry of Life

Country of previous education

Netherlands

Hilde Roijackers is a Master's student Chemistry of Life at Radboud University.

What do you like about the programme and why?

I really like how much you can shape your own programme and the fact that there is a lot of time to do internships. There is a lot of room for electives and the choice in electives is very broad.

What do you think about the atmosphere in class?

The atmosphere is class is always nice. The people are friendly and most classes are small enough to have good interactions with the professors.

How has the programme challenged you?

The program has challenged me in the way that I was able to do both courses that were challenging, when I wanted to take these courses. Also, I had to develop my skills in the lab and do a lot of practical work.

How is the supervision within the study programme?

The supervision is quite good. It is clear who you can go to if you have questions or if you get stuck, and there are always fast responses.

What are your plans once you have received your degree?

Once I receive my degree, I hope to continue with a PhD.

Why did you choose for the Radboud University?

I liked the atmosphere, the contents of the study programme, the internship possibilities for my study and Nijmegen itself.

What do you like about Nijmegen?

Nijmegen is a beautiful city with a great balance between active city life and nature. If you want to take walks and nice bike rides and see nature, it is a great city. If you want to shop or go clubbing, it is a great city as well.

Are you involved with a study association? If so, in what way?

I am involved in V.C.M.W. Sigma. I have been in the Alumni committee for one year as the secretary and in the Symposium committee for 4 years: one as a general member, one as secretary and two as chairman.

Which information activities do you find valuable and why?

Open days and fairs are very useful to get to know the programme, its contents and to get a broad idea of what the study is like. Chat with a Student allows you to truly see the study from a perspective of someone who is already studying and how they experience their study programme and life in Nijmegen.

What would you advise students when choosing a study programme?

Look not only at the courses, but also at the internship possibilities. An internship, at least in my study, is a big part of the programme. Make sure to look into the list of departments and to see if there is something that you think is interesting.

Programme

Chemistry of Life

The patent that a Master's student secured through his research after lengthy experimentation exemplifies how things can unfold in organic chemistry, explains Professor of Organic Chemistry Floris Rutjes. 'You need creativity and perseverance for it.'

Floris Rutjes is Professor of Organic Chemistry at Radboud University and annually supervises many students during the intensive Bachelor's and Master's phases of their studies. 'These students conduct research for eight weeks during their Bachelor's phase, and eight months during their Master's phase. This allows for concrete research and helps develop research skills that you can use later.'

Chemistry guest lectures for primary schools

He often uses his own career path as an example for prospective students. 'In secondary school, I had a chemistry teacher who really inspired me, and I felt drawn to that direction. I think it's very important to follow your intuition when choosing your study programme. Occasionally, I give guest lectures at primary schools (final year) because you can't start too early with understanding what you can do in this field.'

Experimental chemistry 

After secondary school, Floris Rutjes deliberately chose not to pursue mathematics, physics or biology, but opted for the experiments promised by studying chemistry. At that time – the 1980s at the University of Amsterdam – while the first two years were heavily focused on physics and mathematics, persistence pays off. Floris Rutjes saw his perseverance rewarded with experimental chemistry in the second half of his studies.

Building molecules 

He spent four years on his PhD and two years in the USA, to engage more deeply in research – read: experiments. 'During that six-year period, I essentially began building molecules, which I still do, and which fascinates me most. Still. That Master's student who achieved a patent with his research into medicines for post-traumatic stress is the finest example of how things can work out.'

The sky is the limit 

Building molecules gained new momentum through the development of so-called click reactions, Floris Rutjes continues. 'In 2022, three professors were even awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the click reaction principle. In this field, the sky is the limit. You can discover new possibilities for this click technology as well. Applications include biomedical chemistry. You need to persevere and think outside the box. But then you have the most wonderful subject in the world, if you ask me.'

 

This article was written and published by TechGelderland.nl. Photo credits: Linda Verweij