Jump to Course review
Jump to University review
Course review
Review by: Ben M
University: University of Bristol
Course: Chemistry
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Chemistry forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
30
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Chemistry. Physics. Mathematics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
The career prospects afterwards. Employers see a chemistry degree as one of the most, if not the most, desirable degree to have.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
There is a lot more mathematics involved throughout the degree than I had expected. I didn't take mathematics A level (although I think that it is now compulsory for Bristol applicants) and had to take a unit to catch-up.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Only one third (40/120 credit points) of the first year is made up of chemistry. For the chemistry part of the year, each week there are: three lectures, one tutorial, one afternoon of labs.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Work is set for each tutorial, and most labs have a write up to complete. The homework is less than I was set at school.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
To remain on a masters degree, you must attain at least 60% in chemistry in the first and second years.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The relaxed pace of the first year.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
I both like and dislike the fact that only 1/3 of my first year was actually chemistry. It was nice to have a variety, but I made a mistake in choosing biochemistry as an open unit and I have been told that the second year is somewhat gruelling.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Bristol's chemistry facilities are second to none. I visited a number of other universities when I was applying and Bristol is leagues above the rest. The labs are state of the art and things like the dynamic lab manual are unique to Bristol.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
The course is at a fairly relaxed pace. Material is given in lectures and is covered in tutorials. The lectures don't always occur before tutorials, so the work for the tutorials must be researched yourself. The recommended textbooks are important.
ERASMUS scheme, study abroad and work placements
Have you been on a work placement/year in industry? How has it benefited your study and career prospects:
On the masters course it is possible to do your third year in industry. It isn't necessary to apply for this course through UCAS, as anyone studying chemistry (including those who applied for a BSc) can swap to that course during the first year.
Looking for more information on Chemistry?
Other reviews for Chemistry
Yale M, 1st Year doing Chemistry at University of Bristol
Ricky P, 1st Year doing Chemistry at The University of Sheffield Stephen B, 1st Year doing Chemistry at University of Leicester
Lucy L, 3rd Year doing Chemistry at University of Manchester David Q, 1st Year doing Chemistry at University of Leeds George M, 3rd Year doing Chemistry at Imperial College London Matt P, 4th Year doing Law with Chemistry at University of Bristol
Looking for another course? Or university?
University review
Review by: Ben M
University: University of Bristol
Course: Chemistry
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the University of Bristol forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
A very good, reputable university, situated in a very nice city, full of everything that a student will ever need.
What is the academic life like at your university?
I found the first year fairly relaxed and low pressure. The second year, apparently, is much more intense.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Freshers week was one of the best weeks of my life. My halls (Churchill) had an event organised for every night and they were all great fun.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
Budget for Fresher's week, it will be expensive.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The worst thing is the cost involved, Bristol is an expensive city, it's the second most expensive place to live outside of London. As a result, halls in the first year are expensive, and so are student houses after the first year.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There is the usual array of sports teams and societies available.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
There are loads of clubs and bars, as is expected in a large city. Every night there are student nights at more than one club. Each halls of residence has a bar, which is usually busy and is staffed by mostly first years.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Bristol is a lovely city, especially areas such as Clifton. The only problem is the expense.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I lived in halls in my first year. I thoroughly recommend it, as your social life will be far better if you stay at halls, as you meet so many more people.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
I was in a catered hall, Churchill Hall. I recommend going catered as it gives you one less thing to worry about. The food at my halls was pretty good overall, and being catered reduces stress and frees up time.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £4100pa (catered).
Looking for more information on University of Bristol?