Alvina Ngu Pei Yu

: Bachelor of Science (Hons) of Applied Biology and Biopharmaceutical Science

Galway City – Dublin Road

Where are you from?

Malaysia

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course

I am a person who is always eager to ask ‘why’ questions, especially during class, and I love diving into experiments to find the answers. The reason I chose my course is because of how well the modules are tailored to allow me to explore and deepen my knowledge. I appreciate that the course enables me to engage with life sciences without the need to become a doctor. Additionally, the inclusion of work placements in the course is a major draw for me, as it will be invaluable for my career development.

Tell us why you chose ATU

I chose ATU because I love how the university emphasizes practical skills, enabling us to apply our knowledge in real-life situations. The small class sizes offer personalised guidance, allowing for more focused attention from lecturers. ATU also demonstrates a genuine care for international students by offering scholarships, which significantly reduce the financial burden. I truly appreciate how supportive and helpful the lecturers are throughout my studies.

What do you like about life in your campus location?

Galway is a well-known tourist destination, renowned for attractions like the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher. While it might not be as diverse as Dublin, there are still plenty of places to explore. I’m happy that there are some Asian food spots here, which help ease my homesickness. The city also offers a variety of places to hang out with friends, including cozy coffee shops, cinemas, restaurants, and even escape rooms. I love how the music in the streets contributes to the vibrant energy of the city. And most importantly, the friendliness of the people in Galway made me feel comfortable and welcome.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

I would recommend ATU if you are looking for a hands-on experience in the science field. Always check for the modules to make sure they match your interests and goals. ATU hosts open days every year, which is the opportunity to visit and meet the lecturers and see whether this is the right place for you.

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

I love how the modules not only provide strong theoretical foundations but also connect that knowledge to real-world applications.  Although time constraints sometimes end up with the lecturers only being able to cover the basics during the class, they always share additional resources for us to explore further. The most enjoyable part of my course was seeing a clearer picture of how the theories I learned in Years 1 and 2 could be applied to my thesis project. I felt truly amazed by how much I learned in each module.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

First of all, definitely make the effort to attend classes. Lecturers often explain verbally, which makes everything much clearer, and sometimes you can only really understand the images or diagrams by being there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your classmates or the lecturers, as it is part of the learning process. I would also encourage you to take your own notes, because it really helps you to understand and remember the material better. And most importantly, take the advice your lecturers give, which can be really helpful for your studies.

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?

I was recently awarded a Silver Certificate for my Student Ambassador role. As a Student Ambassador, I assist first-year students in familiarising themselves with ATU and in guiding them through the academic year.

What are your plans after graduating?

My plan after graduating is to work in a company related to my field, exploring various roles to gain valuable experience to further develop my skills.