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Course review
Review by: Ricky P
University: The University of Sheffield
Course: Chemistry
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?
20
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Chemistry, Maths, Physics.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
Chemistry was my favourite subject at A level and I felt it was my strongest subject. I also liked the practical, experimental side to chemistry. When I was younger I wanted to do forensic science but felt a less specific degree would be more beneficial and I could still go into forensics afterwards if I wanted.
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
I would like to have known that I would have to do a harder Maths course than the people on the pick-up course, meaning that I am still at a higher level of Maths. Also, I would like to have known that I had to do a module in Biology, which I found very difficult and had not done since GCSEs
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
I normally have around 2 or 3 hours of lectures per day. I have labs from 11-5 one day per week and an hour tutorial on a Wednesday.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Tutorial questions are required once a week, one set of questions for each lecture, normally taking 30-60 per set of questions. The reading outside of lectures is included in this time answering the questions. A pre and post lab are required weekly as well, the pre lab taking about 15 mins, and the post around 2 hours.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The content of the course is very good as it is at the right level for people just leaving A levels. It requires a little more understanding rather than memorising at A levels but can easily be mastered if the effort is put in.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
The lab sessions. This is because I feel that they are too long and require prolonged concentration under time -stressed conditions. A better approach to labs would be to spread it out over several days, doing a few hours per day like other universities do.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
The academics are really good. They always produce good quality lectures and notes and put the notes/presentations on the internet so hurried note making in the lectures is not needed. They are also friendly and any questions will be happily answered via email or at their office.
The facilities are also top quality. There are enough laboraties to split the year group into 3 cohorts, to reduce the size of lab sessions meaning each person has enough space and their own equipment. The lecture theatres for undergrads are a bit old, dark and gloomy but do the job.
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 split into organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. In first year, this is combined as core chemistry but separate modules are introduced afterwards. The content is given away by the titles, and first year builds on a level chemistry. Maths, biology and physics pick-up courses are available for those who did not do them at A level. The teaching methods used are lectures with handouts and powerpoint presentations, tutorials for question answering and personal feedback, and lab sessions to improve lab skills.
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Other reviews for Chemistry
Ben M, 1st Year doing Chemistry at University of Bristol
Yale M, 1st Year doing Chemistry at University of Bristol 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
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University review
Review by: Ricky P
University: The University of Sheffield
Course: Chemistry
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Sheffield University is a fun filled university, with very friendly students that welcome all. There is a great community spirit amongst the students and people are always having a good time. The Union offers help to any that need it, even if it just somebody to talk to. It is a successful academic university, that provides every aspect of uni life to its students.
What is the academic life like at your university?
Obviously, enough work has to be put in to succeed, but this is not too daunting a task if done properly. If the work is done, handed in on time and enough lectures attended then academic life can be relatively relaxed and enjoyable.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
It was pretty much as I expected. Getting to know my new housemates, as well as meeting other new people. It involved drinking games, parties and clubbing. I thought it was really enjoyable and a relaxed way to make new freinds without having any work to do.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The Union is the best thing. It has 2 huge bars, cafes, shops and student help services. There are also club nights there 6 nights per week and a variety of other student activities.
The worst thing is the fact that I am not there in the summer!
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
There is a huge range of sporting activites on offer, with uni teams in virtually every sport, as well as intermural leagues, and 'give it a go' sessions for the casual sports people. Other activities are on offer from the Union, Indian head massage and learning Sign Language are examples of this.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
The social scene is very active. There are club nights available every day, as well as pub quizzes and other alcohol orientated activities all the time. There is such a vast amount of students, that whatever type of social scene you are into, there will be others into it as well. Many of my experiences are alcohol orientated, whether it being with course mates, flat mates, or other friends but this is not the only side to the social scene.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Sheffield is an amazing city. It is very green and the people are genuinely friendly. Their are plenty of shops, and Meadow Hall (a huge shopping centre) is only a tram ride away. The peaks are also easilty accessable. There is a very active nightlife with a huge range of pubs, bars and clubs offering students really good deals.
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 live in a house in a student village. Most people in the village had halls and we were a part of the student community. It is self catered, with Tescos being nearby. Being in a house, it was slightly harder to meet other people not in the house but this was soon achieved by all members. We had a great spirit within our house and it was full of banter. Living in the student village is probably best as it means you are surrounded by other students. Next year I am in a house with chosen friends.
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?
Self catered. It is better as I like to choose what/when I eat. Catered can be a waste of money if meal times are missed, or if you go home for a week/weekend.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £70 pw, self catered including internet and bills. VERY cheap.
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