Gifty Amponsah Pokuaah Addae’s love for biology has always gone beyond textbooks.
What began as an interest in the subject during senior high school has developed into a practical, skill-oriented academic journey at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.
Now in her third year as a Biological Science student, Addae says her choice of programme was driven by a long-standing curiosity about living systems, reinforced by moments when lessons were explained through real-world examples rather than theory alone.
“I’ve always loved biology,” she said. “Even when the teaching wasn’t perfect, I enjoyed the subject, especially when our lecturers explained things practically.”
At KNUST, she described the Department of Biological Sciences as supportive and committed to helping students understand science through application. According to her, lecturers encourage critical thinking by challenging students to analyse concepts rather than memorise them.
“Our lecturers really guide us and ask questions that push us to think differently,” she said.
A defining feature of her training, Addae noted, has been exposure to laboratory work that builds confidence and competence over time.
“Even when you feel like you don’t have all the experience, they help you acquire the hands-on skills you need,” she said.
The Biological Science programme combines classroom instruction with practical sessions and internships, covering a broad range of disciplines including invertebrate zoology, entomology and immunology. Through this approach, Addae said she has strengthened her analytical skills and gained a clearer understanding of laboratory practices.
“We learn in a very practical way,” she said. “It’s not only about reading. You get to apply scientific concepts, and that’s what makes the course interesting.”
Looking ahead, Addae hopes to build on her undergraduate training through further studies, with a focus on human heredity.
“I want to pursue higher studies and learn more about human heredity,” she said. “I’m considering fields like molecular biology or genetics.”
By: Ama Pokuaa Mensah | Alice Kyerewaah Prempeh | Akosua Bandoh
