What MingHeng says about the Master's in Applied Computational Science, Biology
Introducing MingHeng
Hi! My name is MingHeng and I'm the student ambassador for the Master's programme in Applied Computational Science, Biology. I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the programme, courses, student life, and life in Lund and Sweden via the Unibuddy Platform, where you can chat with me (see below). Please note that I cannot answer questions about the application process, scholarships, or residence permits.
Why did you choose Lund University?
"I submitted numerous applications to various universities, and Lund University stood out as the most welcoming and informative. Lund University consistently provided applicants with various information throughout the application waiting period, allowing us to know more about not only the application process but also the school and how it values its students. In addition, Lund University has a high reputation in education and innovation, which are really attractive to me. I would like to learn and get inspired from here."
What are your first impressions of your programme? Does it meet your expectations?
"My first impression of the programme of Applied ‘Computational Science is its’ strong emphasis on practical application. Its programme sheet and syllabus show that it has a clear aim to better the student’s skills in handling big data and using mathematic and modelling strategies to solve problems in the field of biology. With approximately half of the courses in bioinformatics and half in math, it gives me chances to have a deeper understanding of both fields. I also have more opportunities to choose from in the future. I am currently taking the mandatory courses with students in the Bioinformatics programme, and I think I am learning a lot and expecting to take the math course in the next month. I think so far, the programme is just what I expected."
What have been the highlights of your first months in Lund?
"The highlights of my first months in Lund are the intense yet knowledge-rich coursework. The first month introduced me to a wealth of new knowledge, and I dedicated my full effort to it, which I believe has been a rewarding investment. The other highlight must be the people I met here. The lecturers, coursemates, and even clerks and waiters in the shops are all friendly and can easily communicate with me. I believe I can reach out to them whenever I encounter a problem, making me more confident in living in a foreign country."
What do you think of the teaching style in Sweden?
"The teaching style and course arrangement in Sweden are different from my prior educational experiences. By taking only one course at a time, it allows us to focus fully on mastering one topic. The non-hierarchal relationship between teachers and students also makes the course atmosphere more relaxed and allows for different opinions. In addition, besides learning from listening to lectures, the courses provided lots of practical exercises, which I find highly commendable."
How international is your programme?
"I think the programme is really international. My classmates are all from different countries as do the lecturers in our courses. This dynamic mix provides an excellent platform for cultural exchange and the exchange of information."
Have you been able to gain any practical experience during your studies?
"Yes, although I haven’t had the opportunity to work directly in labs or companies, I’ve been able to complete multiple small projects as part of each course. I believe these projects are quite practical, especially within an academic setting, as they build hands-on skills and simulate real-world applications."
Why should prospective students choose this programme?
"This is an integrated programme that welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, which I find valuable. Computational skills are essential in so many fields today, and this programme provides a solid foundation that prepares students to apply these skills across various disciplines. So, you won't be disappointed if you hope to know more about data science in other fields of science."
What is it like being an international student at Lund University?
"The university feels truly international, and Lund does a great job of balancing the student ratio in the programme with people from all over the world. This diversity allows us to meet people with a wide range of perspectives, which leads to unique insights and enriching conversations."
What do you do in your spare time?
"In my free time, I love exploring local grocery stores, trying out different foods, and baking. It’s fun to relax and discover more about local ingredients and flavours."
What have been the highlights of your first year in Lund?
"The biggest highlight has been seeing myself step outside my comfort zone. I’ve grown a lot through new experiences and have become more open to challenging myself."
Do you have any advice for students that are considering coming to Lund?
"Be mentally prepared to experience new things and embrace change. Studying here will likely push you to grow in ways you might not expect!"
Have more questions for MingHeng?
You can chat with her and other current students directly via Unibuddy by clicking the card below.