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Name: Sasha Noah
University: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Program: Biomedical Science
Year of Study: Year 3
Contact details: sasha.v.noah@gmail.com
Institution: Program:
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Campus Facilities: Academic Environment:
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Social Life: Career Planning Opportunities:
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Overall Experience:
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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?
Cardiff Met is an incredibly inclusive and diverse university where all walks of life are constantly welcomed and celebrated. As an institution, you'll always be assured incredible amounts of support, opportunities for involvement within your course and the university as a whole, and the atmosphere is very comforting yet it allows you to excel beyond your current skills.
My particular course was very attractive to me the first time I saw it, because it is structured very effectively and you never feel that the workload is overbearing. Biomedical Science gives you this incredible opportunity to work with people who have been involved in some amazing contemporary research (and whom will always offer exciting chances to partake in studentships/summer programmes etc so keep your ears peeled!), and also it allows you to actively interact with the laboratory setting. The staff of whom teach on this course supports everyone equally; no one feels disadvantaged with regards to their educational journey and so with that sense of always being uplifted (even if you don't think you'll be the student at the top of the class), there's always a chance for you to become extraordinary! Individually, I myself have never felt so educationally elevated.
In addition, Met has some brilliant facilities; the library is brilliant with many rooms depending on how you like to study (and in this university, every learning style is supported to the max), the eating facilities are great, and even if you just want a quiet place to sit down you're certainly guaranteed that. Staff are always willing to help you whenever you've got personal or school-related issues, and they'll never falter in supporting you until the very end!
What did you wish you knew before choosing your specific program?
Unlike some universities, on going into my second year, there wasn't the opportunity to choose specialised modules alongside the core modules. I think it would've influenced me much earlier to decide what I was most passionate about within this field. Also, I feel these modules would've diversified my learning experience much more considering that everyone on my course was learning exactly the same things.
I've always found it incredibly important to maintain a healthy and productive relationship with my university tutor because once I finish my degree, they'll be the one I know I can always turn to for advice/support when career opportunities come my way. Tutors were assigned randomly, and so it was quite difficult trying to seek the best advice from someone who's field of work wasn't exactly what I was interested in. Often, it would be a case of taking time out from another lecturer's busy schedule to seek advice from them.
What was your best experience at university?
Becoming much more social and comfortable with the amazing friends (and boyfriend) that I've made. Being able to balance my experience with social events, seasonal quizzes and society-related activities made university not seem like a stressful place anymore. Rather, a great place to be brave and step out of your comfort zone to find all the advantages that lie beyond.
What was your worst university experience?
My first week in the lab! There was a breakage, and a spillage, and an unfortunate bruised knee but I guess that's what you get for being incredibly clumsy at times! I think when you're on a course where there's a perception that everything you do needs to be precise and almost perfect, it does throw you off guard and you end up psyching yourself out to the point where you end up making really silly mistakes. Best advice; stay calm, you'll know what you're doing.
What is the hardest part about your program and what were the steps that you took to overcome any difficulties?
Biomedical Science is a challenging course. Given that it's an accredited course, the content is bound to push you to the limit. It may even drastically change both your learning and revision routines (it certainly did for me!). Just know that lecturers will want you to succeed and so I found they stop at nothing to make this course as smooth and doubt-free as possible.
There are modules dedicated to statistical work (which can be just a tad dry sometimes), and those can be quite difficult especially if mathematics isn't your strong suit. However, your lecturers will always be willing to go over things again and give individual support if you still find things difficult. Also, there are some really helpful textbooks in the library that can help, not only teaching you how to perform statistics but also relating them to biomedical situations.
Exams across all universities plan to check what you do know, rather than what you don't know. Unlike GCSEs or A-levels, university exams test you on what you've learnt both in and out of lectures; you will be credited for both. As long as you're aware of what your preferred learning style is, preparing for exams will be less stressful than you think! In preparation for my exams, I take out 3-4 books from the library and just pick out sizable facts that relate to the exams I'll be sitting. That outside reading can make all the difference for your marks.
Group work is always going to be a hurdle especially when working with people who are polar opposites to you, or don't seem to care as much. This happens a lot at university. Stay as calm and diplomatic as possible, but try not to become too passive or too authoritative. Maintain your own personality within a group, but don't be afraid to offer help or speak up if you feel justified in doing so!
What was your favourite module/course and why?
Physiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology (or PPT for short) in Year 2. There was a lot to learn and consolidate in the first 3 months, so it was a bit overwhelming at first. However, it challenged me in all aspects; mathematics, lab work, group work, critical thinking, essay-writing, reports, reflective practice, starters for 10 etc. Once you get past the overload of knowledge you have to take in, this module is truly fascinating. The morbidity of learning about toxic chemicals is counterbalanced by the joy of learning about reproduction; it is this balance between these topics that make it, on the whole, very enjoyable. I found that there is something for everyone to enjoy in PPT.
My favourite first year module was Infection & Immunity A. It's essentially half lecture, half practical so a nice balance. Both aspects were examined. The lecturers are friendly and approachable and the module itself is very interactive and fun (lots of Kahoot quizzes to be expected!).
What tips and advice would you give to first year students?
First year can seem like a perfect way to remodel yourself and become the much better version of your former self, but it is so much better to stay as authentically close to your true self as possible. The only way that you'll stand out is by being you, so champion that!
As far as the course goes, be prepared and be organised. Try to consolidate after every lecture: spend a few hours in the library browsing all the textbooks available to you. If you need help, the open door policy encourages you to speak up.
If you have the ability to take part in any extra opportunities (eg careers fairs, seminars, societies), make them a priority. Cardiff Met has various academic opportunities for students but sometimes, it will be your responsibility to reach out. This shows a strong sense of enthusiasm for whatever you're interested in. Don't let that scare you; when you reach out, you'll be incredibly grateful for that reward. You'll gain so much out of taking part in extracurricular activities and they may develop your skills in ways that you wouldn't have imagined.
Most importantly, your experience should be as happy and as healthy as possible. As long as you're able to maintain both of these factors during your first year, I can assure you that you'll be able to overcome any hurdles!
Additional Comments
Cardiff Met have a number of support services for students, whether it be for mental health, financial issues, personal health, living in halls, discrimination, and more. If you ever are faced with something troublesome, there is always going to be someone for you to talk to. Especially for students who aren't local, these services are essentially to make your university experience and home life equally as good.
Cardiff Met is often overshadowed greatly in favour of more mainstream and better known universities which have well known academic records and a higher calibre of students. However, doing Biomedical Science at this university has truly changed my life. I never thought I'd enjoy learning and socialising (and even exams) so much. For those of you who are considering Biomedical Science, I'd strongly recommend looking into Cardiff Met's programme. It may be much better than you think!
