Biology, Newcastle University

University: Newcastle University

Program: Biology (C100)

Year of Study: n/a (Graduated)

Institution: Program:

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Campus Facilities: Academic Environment:

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Social Life: Career Planning Opportunities:

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Overall Experience:

1 2 3 4 5

Contrast Between Workload hours in University vs High School:

I did less work in university than in high school

Same number of hours

1-3 more hours of work in university

4-6 more hours of work in university

7-9 more hours of work in university

10+ more hours of work in university

What made you choose your institution over others?

I think it’s really important to visit the university. I applied to Newcastle based purely on information online like course content and facilities but it was my post applicant open day visit that made me want to go here. Academically, the university is well acclaimed and the facilities available such as careers service are really useful. There are a lot of additional opportunities available such as societies, volunteering and support for starting your own business.

Are there any disadvantages to your institution?

One of the disadvantages is the lack of racial diversity at Newcastle which is particularly obvious if you come from a city like London. Societies such as Hindu and Sikh society and Stand Up To Racism Society, amongst others, run events on campus to showcase different cultures and ensure that minority voices are heard on campus. The existence of liberation officers (racial equality, LGBT+, disability, international student etc.) and sabbatical officers (President, welfare and equality, education, athletics etc.) mean that students do get to have say on campus; campaigns are often run through the students union for change in the university based on student feedback. Research student representation and the students union to ensure you’re going to a university where you will be supported and listened to.

What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program?

Look into the content of specific modules, not just module titles. Some modules will focus on specific aspects of a topic in depth as opposed to breadth. For example, the general biology course does provide a breadth of knowledge of biology ie. zoology, microbiology, cell biology, plant biology. However, the course does focus on plant and microbiology because a lot of academics at Newcastle specialise in these fields. I also suggest looking into the coursework/exam split of modules as this can have an impact on time management and workload. I had five exams in each semester of second year which I found a lot harder to manage than third year when I had two exams each semester and more coursework based modules. There is a good level of support within the degree: each first year student has a tutor and student mentor. This allows you to meet people on your course.

What was your best experience at university?

Doing my final year project. It was the only independent work I had done on this scale. It helped me to realise the skills I had developed throughout the course of my degree and further improve with my supervisor’s support. It also helped me to realise what I wanted to do after graduation.

What was your worst university experience?

The loss of teaching through both strikes and lockdown. While students do support strikes and the university ensures our grades don’t suffer as a result, we have had to accept a significant proportion of education we would normally receive will not be delivered.

What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?

Second year was particularly challenging due to the high number of modules and exams. It is really important to split your time between modules. I started using checklists a lot more and setting goals for each day or week. You could create a schedule instead. Prioritise giving yourself time to work on specific modules as well as time to relax. My second year experience improved my time management skills ready for the start of third year. It is worth noting that as a result of student feedback, the course is being restructured to have fewer modules in second year by having more 20 credit modules rather than 10.

What was your favourite module/course and why?

In second year, I had the opportunity to do a field course module in Crete. This was great for getting fieldwork experience outside of the northeast of England and the opportunity to travel. I also enjoyed my ecological modelling module in third year. I carried out a small modelling project in an area of my choice; this made me realise I wanted to explore the field of public health after university.

What tips and advice would you give to first year students?

Make sure you know about and make use of all of the support available to you. This includes the careers service, student wellbeing, mentors, tutors, student reps and academics. Speak to academics as much as you can: find out what research they do and ask for potential research experience opportunities. Talk to your final year project supervisor and academic tutor about postgraduate study and careers - they can be really helpful at providing guidance, especially if they work in the field you are interested in. Look into societies and ways of getting involved in extracurricular opportunities provided by the students union and university. If you have a lot of choice in modules, research them. Remember to prioritise your well-being at university to avoid overwhelming yourself with academic workload and other commitments.