Anyone doing Biomedical Science 2015 entry

I'm going into my second year if anyone has any questions about the course

I'm going into my second year if anyone has any questions about the course

I'm going into my second year if anyone has any questions about the course

My first year went pretty well I got 83.5% average over 8 modules with two of them being in the 90s.
I really wouldn't be nervous, I thought uni would be such a big step up but to be honest I was surprised at how easy it can be to keep up if you're organised and prepare with enough time before exams (which, by the way are multiple choice so easier than long answer exams)
Every lecture is available on recap to listen to again so missing some or not understanding a topic isn't necessarily an issue. The lab practicals for me got me the highest module marks cause they were straight forward and you have time to go away and look up the answers. You only have 2 essays to write all year, both of which you're given the title ahead of time for.

Do not buy any books it's pointless in first year, the only time you're likely to need them is just for the essays so go to the library they have plenty of copies

You're given a work submission timetable right at the start of the year so you can never miss a deadline.
Don't worry people are very friendly and you'll soon settle in

It's the Newcastle forum so newcastle haha, I'd assumed everyone on this post was going there too?

In a word, extremely.
At the start of the year they asked who intended to transfer to medicine and the majority of people (in a year of ~360) raised their hand. Saying that the number of people considering it does decrease over time, either they like the course and decide not to change or decide it's unlikely they'll get in or get grades lower than they had expected after the January exams.

They're competing for 7 places so it's always going to be tough but I do know a girl who made the transfer and will be doing medicine this year

I'll just start off by listing the modules for first year:
Semester 1 - cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, practical skills 1
Semester 2 - physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and immunology, practical skills 2

My favourite module would probably be physiology, it's broken down into components of the body but it was really interesting to learn about the eye and the ear.
Aspects of genetics and M&I were probably my least favourite and had a tendency to be dull. Infact the genetics of microbes so those combined was the worst for me.

Sometimes you can have interesting practicals but you can also have 3 hours setting up 80 test tubes and adding solutions, putting all the lids on, vortexing taking the lids off adding a component, lids back on, waiting 30 minutes etc but I guess it's all good experience

Thanks so much for answering - really interesting.

Just one more! Are there many mature students in your intake? I'm a bit nervous that I'll be the only one and find it difficult. I'm planning on joining in as much as I can but also have other commitments outside uni.

Actually yeah a few, I don't know how mature you're talking but if I looked around a lecture theatre id probably see about 5-10 people 25+ If not more but obviously that's just what I can assume from looks. I wouldn't worry though I'm sure you'll find some people in the same boat as you

Ah well you have to ignore what I said about exams and workload cause it could be entirely different at that uni. I'm sure you'll cope fine never the less, good luck

As long as you have a good UKCAT score and do consistently well in your modules (I think it's like 75%+ to start off with) you should atleast get to interview I'd think. Make sure you keep up with work experience or something extracurricular but relevant while you're at uni so you've got current things to mention in your personal statement. They hold sessions for people wanting to transfer to guide you through so it should be okay

The girl I know that transferred got 735 average but I don't know what the cut off was but obviously competition is high.
The first session was 5th dec I just checked my timetable

The girl I know that transferred got 735 average but I don't know what the cut off was but obviously competition is high.
The first session was 5th dec I just checked my timetable

I got A*AAA at A level, with a 770 UKCAT if I remember rightly, I got an offer from Leicester which I rejected, and then I got a call from Newcastle on results day offering me a place on medicine there, but I again decide to turn it down and let it go to someone else who wanted it more