Meet alumnus Emma who opted for a combined master's programme.
Alumnus Emma van der Minne shares her story about the study programme Advanced Technology. About how she ended up at the University of Twente (UT), how she feels about this programme and her study life at UT, what she decided to do after her bachelor’s programme and why.
From antennas and beers to the 'real world'!
Emma van der Minne opted for a friendly Twente and a good student life. A bachelor's programme that could offer her a combination of chemical processes, the foundations of physics and the theory and formulas of mathematics: Advanced Technology. A programme that provided her with the knowledge to choose for a double master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and Applied Physics after her bachelor. A challenge to grab with both hands.
A double Master’s programme in Chemistry and Physics
After completing Advanced Technology, Emma opted for two master programmes at UT: a study programme in Chemical Engineering and a study programme in Applied Physics. Emma explains: "During my bachelor's I was educated in a wide range of disciplines. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I had decided to pursue the master's programme in Chemical Engineering at UT. However, after a while, I noticed that I was missing something. For example: what causes us to see a certain phenomenon in chemistry? This is something that can be explained in physics. Before I started with module 2, I had already made sure that I could continue my studies in a combined programme in both chemistry and physics. This enabled me to satisfy my hunger for applications within chemistry and the backgrounds and foundations within mathematics and physics. It's hard work, but I’m still happy with my decision to go for this double degree", she shares.
What makes a combined programme attractive and interesting to pursue?
“You can approach a problem/assignment from two different scientific perspectives. This way, you can meet the client's needs more easily because you can look at the question in different ways. For example: what's the use of materials or synthesis methods? Is there a known substance or does it change in the process? Where do we ultimately want to go or what result do we want to achieve? Do we accomplish that by means with existing data, or do we go back to the foundations to create something completely new? Do we have to make mathematical models, in order to test the results to be achieved? Since you learn different disciplines through your double study programme, you teach yourself a way of thinking which enables you to combine all disciplines to achieve a good end result. I like that way of approaching and solving problems", Emma explains.
How did you end up at UT?
Emma: "I did extensive research by visiting open days at the technical universities UT, TU/e and TUD. Friends of mine had decided to go to TU/e and UT. But I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do yet. When I visited the Advanced Technology programme at UT, I knew for sure. It had to be Advanced Technology, so that I could still do a lot of chemistry, physics and mathematics in my programme. I was fascinated not only by the chemical materials, but also by how you could find out why something is the way it is. This programme offered me a broader insight into everything I found interesting."
What did you learn within Advanced Technology?
One of Emma’s favorite subjects of the study programme Advanced Technology was Electricity & Magnetism. "During the module assignment, you are making an antenna. You are engaged in a very practical matter since you produce something that works. At the same time, you gain much knowledge by understanding how the antenna that you are making actually works. The technical knowledge you learn during this subject is, of course, very valuable. It was not an easy subject, but it offers a challenge. After a while, you notice that everything falls into place and your module assignment becomes a success", Emma explains.
She continues: "Another great subject is Quantum mechanics, a real chemistry/physics subject with many beautiful formulas and physical proofs. Here you learn more about atoms and their behaviour. The great thing about this, is that you can suddenly explain the phenomena you observe in your first few years from a text book with the help of mathematical formulas. What fascinates me most about this subject is that I really enjoy trying to explain why things happen or why they are the way they are. I want to be able to explain the chemical processes of materials or reactions of substances, but I also want to know why they react like this. And that is where physics plays a role again. I really like to combine all these disciplines."
What's your student life like?
Emma: "During my first year, I first lived on campus. When I joined the TASTE student association (info in Dutch only, red.) in the city, I got to know more students who lived in the city. That's why I decided to move to a student residence in Enschede. But both options have their charm: if you live on campus, you get more out of campus life and when you live in the city, you get more out of what's going on there. It's both equally fun. And if you combine it well, you can enjoy all the benefits."
Study association Astatine
"Of course it's not just studying as a UT student, I was also a member of Astatine, AT’s study association. I was the one tapping beers during drinks and I organised a number of small social events. Through the Student Union, I organised a large festival on the carillon field together with fellow students during the 11th UT lustrum. We called it 'sunshine at home’, which was quite a big project. We had to deal with the layout of the festival, budget management, logistics, where do you have taps for electricity, how do you arrange the food for everyone, etc. It was a major job, but certainly super fun and I learned a lot."
Intermediate year between bachelor and master
"During my membership of TASTE I did an intermediate year between my bachelor and master. I ran a pub, set up a charity month for a muscle disease fund, organised a benefit dinner and organised the DIES. A highly instructive and interesting experience, and it's great that you are able to do this during an intermediate year. What’s also very nice, is that I was able to set up a UT sailing team with a group of people and took part in a clipper race that took us to England. Unfortunately we finished in second, but it is certainly a beautiful memory! You can see that you not only gain much knowledge at university, but also learn a lot from everything you do alongside your studies."
What’s next?
"In February 2020 I'm going to start my internship at Nouryon in Deventer. An exciting time, because until now I actually worked at UT only and now I’m going to collaborate with others in the business world. I don't have the actual assignment description yet, but I'll be working on solving problems by bringing different disciplines together. During the internship you'll move from theory to 'the real world' and you'll be able to use the knowledge you've gained", Emma says.
More information
Inspired by Emma’s story and would you like to know more? Read another testimonial or participate in one of our study orientation activities, such as an open day or taster activity.