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Course review
Review by: Tom L
University: University of Exeter
Course: Biological Sciences
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
15
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Biology. Chemistry. Geography.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I enjoy Biology and it is of interest to me. The facilities are great at Exeter and being improved at the moment, so will be very state of the art within a year or two.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I'd like to have known about the involvement of Chemistry, but that was due to my lack of research as against the fault of the Biology school.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
First Year is based on 4 modules in each semester, you have two hours for each module per week (total of 8hrs of lectures) and up to 6 hrs of labs (split into 2 three hour sessions). No seminars, but the occasional tutorial done in groups of 8 or so.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Minimal work or reading outside of lectures; it is recommended in order to do well in exams, but by no means necessary to pass the year, if that is your initial aim!
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
It is a diverse course, which is great for those who don't know where they want to specialise, or what they'll enjoy. It offers a 'taster' in all aspects of the subject in the first year allowing you to get an idea as to what you'll enjoy studying in more detail in the second and third years.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
It offers a wide variety in the first year with some very diverse modules available in the second and third years. Including one module which is completed in the Bahamas.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
There is one compulsory module in the first year which is Biochemistry. I cannot do Chemistry. Not really an issue as you are allowed to fail one module as long as it isn't core, which this isn't.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Great facilities, one of the best around. Fantastic sports facilities and great halls available for first years. Diverse courses meaning diverse people, which is always good.
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 content is relatively basic level and really just A-Level with longer words and a bit more detail. However, this is by no means spoon feeding teaching. They tell you and you learn it.
All lectures are based around PowerPoint presentations which are available on the internet after the lectures to allow you to recap. Teaching methods vary greatly on the lecturer, some are more 'hands on' and involving than others. But they get the point across one way or another.
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Other reviews for Biological Sciences
Tracy L, 3rd Year doing Biological Sciences at Oxford University
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University review
Review by: Tom L
University: University of Exeter
Course: Biological Sciences
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the University of Exeter forum and see what people are discussing right now!
Click here to go back
Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Exeter is a buzzing place which is made so by the students but not to the level where it is a nuisance, just a reassuring presence. It is great fun and you get your work done. It is a university driven by experiences rather than timetables.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Relaxed, it is by no means a geeky university. You go there to work, yes. But fun and socialising is a big chunk of anyone at Exeter.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
So much better than I expected, I was thinking 'organised fun' and team building. In fact it was very relaxed, there were things on offer, loads of things, but nothing compulsory so you could go to as little or as much as you liked.
There was a good rep presence so you could always find someone to help if you needed it but they weren't 'in your face'.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Best is the campus, so scenic and well looked after. Unfortunately,for it to be scenic, it must be on a hill. Exeter has a bad press for being full of Public Schoolies.. This is partially true, but it is by no means exclusive.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Every sport under the sun is offered and if it isn't you can start it up. So there are no limits to what you can do.
Facilities as second to none and you won't be disappointed.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
It's alcohol orientated like any university, but not excessively, due to a recent alcohol related incident in Exeter, it has become a lot more responsible as a city. So you can still have fun out but its monitored.
The social scene is big and diverse. Something for everyone.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Great city, the Uni isn't right in the middle so you don't have to put up with traffic and noise, but only a 10 minute walk away so pretty perfect. Just where you'd want to be.
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 for my first year which was so much fun. A MUST in my opinion. There is a lot of choice so suitable for everyone's budget/taste. Best halls probably Pennsylvania Court which has the best rooms and the friendliest atmosphere, less cliquey than other halls of similar standard.
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?
They offer self catered and catered for halls. In my opinion catered is better, as it allows you to have more time to get to know people and the place, rather than worrying about shopping/cooking and the rest, it could just be a bit too much of a shock.
Of course, if you enjoy cooking, then it might be a nice escape, each to their own for this one I think.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £156 per week (catered) for the most expensive: Holland, Birks, Pennsylvania Court.Cheapest: Lafrowda, Ransom Pickard around £60 to £80 a week?
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