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Course review
Review by: Laura M
University: Aston University Birmingham
Course: Pharmacy
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
20
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Chemistry and Biology will help with the basic knowledge needed for the course, however I didn't take Biology A-Level, and have managed fine without. Maths will allow better access to harder materials, and I would really recommend taking it, even just for
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I felt Pharmacy offered a great career path, with constant demand even through the recession. After all, everyone needs healthcare, and there are many avenues available to someone with a Pharmacy degree. I felt the course was varied enough so, should I choose to go outside Pharmacy, I would still have the skills to cope, and I enjoy covering a variety of subjects.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
That it is very important to read up lectures at the time, as you simply won't have enough time in the summer. And also that you must start revision early, as exams are quite difficult and have an awful lot of subject matter.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
A combination - usually we have about 2 lab sessions a week, in two subject areas e.g. Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, Pharmacy Practice. These last 3 hours, but there is work to be done to prepare, and complete the lab work outside sessions. There are normally around 18-20 lectures a week, which are 50 mins in length in a variety of modules, and we have tutorials/seminars towards the end of the term to advance our knowledge for exams.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
There isn't as much as some courses, as a Pharmacy degree is more knowledge based than most. However, lectures are fast paced and I have to do some work outside to ensure I understood all that was covered. There is minimal coursework, mostly limited to lab write ups which only take an hour or so a week.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
I like the variety of subjects, and it is exactly what I enjoy learning about in the sciences. There is a mix of core content, and modern healthcare, and I think I will be very successful after uni because of the degree choice.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
There is a lot of seemingly useless information, which we will only need to know to pass our exams, and has no use in actual pharmacy practice.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Generally, the pharmacy staff are good, however there are a few who are incredibly clever, but cannot lecture appropriately. Yet, whenever I need help, the staff are available to talk to. The facilities are not fantastic, but sufficient. The library is good and well stocked, if lacking in some computer facilities (but as I have a laptop it doesn't matter to me). There are a lot of recently refurbished lecture rooms which make a good learning environment. The Life and Health sciences department seems well organised and efficient.
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.
There is usually a pure Chemistry module, 2 Biology modules (becoming more and more tailored to Pharmacy each year), 2 Pharmaceutics modules (rates of equations etc), 2 Pharmacy practice modules and a Key Skills module. The first year is mostly spent allowing everyone to catch up to the same standard, although it is difficult to weed out those without the commitment to the course.
The course is mostly taught in lectures with the aid of PowerPoints. There are smaller groups for lab work and tutorials on particular subject areas. All material is available on the Internet (usually prior) so can be read before the session.
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:
Summer placements are very important in Pharmacy, and any experience will elevate you above other candidates. If possible, some work experience before university is desirable, as you will be more likely to get a summer placement, and it will help you understand the course some more.
A summer placement in the 3rd year is the best way to get a pre-registration year, which you must complete to qualify as a pharmacist.
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Other reviews for Pharmacy
Keira C, 1st Year doing Pharmacy at Cardiff University
Janet T, 3rd Year doing Pharmacy at University of Manchester Michael P, 3rd Year doing Pharmacy at University of Portsmouth Katie J, 2nd Year doing Pharmacy at Liverpool John Moores University Billy J, 2nd Year doing Pharmacy at Aston University Birmingham
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University review
Review by: Laura M
University: Aston University Birmingham
Course: Pharmacy
Year of study: 3rd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
Visit the Aston University Birmingham forum and see what people are discussing right now!
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Aston is a small but dynamic university, offering facilities all on one campus, right on the doorstep of the city of Birmingham. There is a real buzz and spirit to the place, and everyone can call it home. The small size does not hold it back, and it is always highly placed in league tables.
What is the academic life like at your university?
The days are quite structured, but there are breaks which make it possible to do work during the day. The Pharmacy lectures fit within a 9-5 timeframe unlike some other subjects, which make it much easier to get into a routine. There is the Aston Pharmacy association and course reps who fight any battles and overall improve the course experience.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
I really enjoyed it. Everyone made me feel very welcome, and I met so many people who are still friends today. It was very intense, and tiring and I was faltering by the end of the week, but I still enjoyed it and I felt at home immediately. The information I received beforehand was sufficient that I knew what to expect and there were no surprises.
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?
It is very important to look around the places on your university shortlist, as you have to choose somewhere that you want to live, and feel happy spending your time.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Best - It is a campus and everyone knows each other and there is a very friendly atmosphere.
Worst - Can be completely disorganised, and its small size sometimes eliminates it from the opportunities at the larger universities.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There are a wide range of sports on offer, mostly the traditional sports but also more obscure ones like Ultimate Frisbee and Thai Boxing. The majority of sports are catered for. The university does not have the highest standard in sport of the university leagues, but holds its own, and there are lots of teams to cater for a range of standard of players.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The nightlife is quite alcohol orientated, but I wouldn't say the social scene is. There are lots of religious festivals celebrated by everyone and lots of cultural nights, so the non-alcohol events are improving. However, like most universities, the nights out are mostly around alcohol, which the sport clubs promote. But saying that, I am not a heavy drinker, and still have great nights out. There are lots of fancy dress events, the guild being open for 2 RAG (charity) weeks, and every other Friday night. This is just enough to make it a thrill, without being repetitive. Birmingham as a city is fantastic for nightlife, and suits everyone's tastes.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
I love Birmingham. It has everything a student should need. Some people worry about sending their children to Birmingham, due to it's much out of date reputation. It is very safe, for such a large city, but not too large that you end up lost. There is fantastic nightlife, great transport and lots of shopping to enjoy!
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 have lived in Halls of residence for all my years at Aston, as they are closer to the University (walking distance) whereas the student houses are all a bus journey away. I think the best option is a hall of residence due to the convenient location and en-suite, but they are much more expensive, and if living on the cheap, student houses are still a great choice.
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?
The Halls are self catered. There is a catered package available, but I think the best option is definitely self catered. This allows you to eat when you want, cook with your friends, have your own routine and become self sufficient. It is also cheaper to cook for yourself.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
A Catered package is available on a week/term or yearly basis. They are around £4 a day for 2 meals I think. Accommodation is £67 a week for a basic room which is not ensuite, and there are lots of people to a kitchen (but they are cleaned daily and still great fun) and £100p/w for the ensuite new accommodation.
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