Student testimonial
Tim - MSc Animal Sciences (From HBO to WUR)
Tim first checked in with two HBO programmes before studying MSc Animal Sciences. He experienced an easy transition from HBO to WUR. With more in-depth subjects he is at the right place. Especially courses in animal behaviour, health and breeding are of interest to him.
The thing I like most about WUR is that you can make a personal planning. In consultation with your study adviser, almost everything is possible.
Finding the right study
“Initially, I started to study Built Environment at Zuyd Hogeschool. However, when I was doing my internship at a company related to that work field, I concluded that this study was not a good fit for me. Then I switched to the study of Applied Biology at HAS Green Academy, with a focus on animals. During the third year, I had to do an internship again. A friend of mine worked at a fish breeding company at that time, and I was interested in the aquatic sector. At this company, I got the opportunity to research the growth rate of common soles. The internship excited me as it combined research with the practical field. The company was positive about me, and that is when I decided to do my second internship there as well. During this research, I focused again on the common sole, however, this time I dived deeper into the reproduction of this species.”
“During the final year of my studies at the HAS, I had to perform research with a group of students. We were assigned a subject at Wageningen University. This was the moment when I came in contact with the university. Furthermore, throughout the years, studying more and more excited me since I really liked the more in-depth topics.”
Easy switch from HBO to university
“Animal behaviour is a subject that excites me. Additionally, I like animal health and breeding. Then I came across the study of Animal Sciences. Animal Ecology was the specialization I chose. In this specialization, the focus lies on wildlife, grazing animals, marine animals, and aquatic organisms.
The switch from Applied Sciences to WUR was fairly easy. At least, a lot easier than I had expected beforehand. I must say, however, this strongly depends on the courses you want to take at the university. If you pay attention and actively participate during the lectures and practicals, you are already halfway there. In the beginning, I had to become familiar with the English system. However, the guidance of the lecturers helped me. In case you have a question, everyone is willing to help you. This is probably because people working at WUR are passionate about the topics they are teaching about.”
Get Set Research
“Since I chose the Animal Ecology specialization, I was able to write my thesis at the aquaculture and fisheries chair group. Currently, I am researching the gonad development of the white-leg shrimp. Not that much is known yet about the gonad development. This thesis focuses on getting more knowledge about gonad development with differences in diet and stocking density. When I finish my thesis, I may want to do my internship at a company or university abroad.”
Why WUR?
“The thing I like most about WUR is that you can make a personal planning. In consultation with your study adviser, almost everything is possible. I chose, for example, courses that I was interested in and WUR offers great opportunities to study abroad. Especially during my thesis, I realized that I had gotten a great chance to combine scientific knowledge with the practical field.”
Take home message
“I would recommend future students to participate in the student life that Wageningen has to offer. I am a member of Argo, the rowing association. By doing so, I got to know a lot of new people.”