ucl chemistry

hi i know this thread is quite old but i thought i d reply just in case theres students now wanting to apply
1) id say that the chem degree itself is quit a big step from alevel chem, even tho the entry requirements say otherwise you're kind of expected to know alevel maths and physics to a high degree esp since most of your peers will know it already. its definitely one of the most rigorous degrees at ucl with high contact hours and material to study, i.e. i noticed it was mainly always chem students on campus in study spaces.
2) unfortunately it really depends, some lecturers are okay but since most of them have to be focusing on their research at the same time as teaching ~200 students, its very rushed. Also chem ahas a system where if yiu have any questions or need help you have to post it to a forum that everyone in your year can see. i personally hate this since not everyone wants to share that theyre struggling and you can wait ages for a decent answer but the teachers say its good for peer support...
3) again not a lot of support when you're being drowned in a lot of work all the time and having to chase it by having to find your own resources. dont get me wrong i know uni is about independent learning but paying £9k+ to be teaching everything to yourself is ridiculous.
4) it really depends on how much you're willing to dedicate yourself to chemistry, if you're only focussed on getting a degree for the name of ucl then go for it, but if you want better teaching id day look elsewhere
hope this helps

Hi, is chemistry mainly on the old campus or the new campus?
I'm thinking of commuting from home daily, but it's a 45 minute train to Euston. Not sure if it's feasible. I live outside of London. Are lectures online and do I have to commute everyday?

all of it is on the old campus so euston area although your lectures can be spreadin different areas, none of the lectures are online and the timetable is packed so you would commute everyday but the lectures are recorded, practical labs are mandatory attendance

Doing final year of UCL BSc chem. UCL scheduling is bad. Practicals and lectures occurring simultaneously is one of many examples

Start with the pros: huge variety of laboratory projects available in 3rd year. Great labs in year 2 and 3 (albeit poorly scheduled).
I'm not familiar how it compares to other Russel group unis. Most lecturers are good but you get a few who are clearly focused on their research and don't care to teach.
Here's an example that really annoyed me in the stereoselective synthesis module in 3rd year: professor will put an MCQ problem on the board during a lecture. Let's say there are 5 possible answers. Each answer will literally have 20% of the votes and the prof seems to take some pride in that. Doing well in that module requires extra work outside the provided lecture slides, and lecture content - its simply not worth it for most students wishing to optimize their grade (huge time investment for only 5 credits-worth). This is a huge shame especially if you're interested in organic synthesis.
The net result is that UCL chemistry department awards the lowest proportion of first's and 2:1s out of every department at UCL (I checked with their published data last year).
In terms of finding a job, I am starting as a technician in an analytical development lab. Used no uni support except references for this. In fact, if you want to do industry science afterwards then don't go to UCL, go somewhere that offers a placement year. It is invaluable.

Thank you that was really helpful.
Do you live in london or do you commute? How have you found it?

Start with the pros: huge variety of laboratory projects available in 3rd year. Great labs in year 2 and 3 (albeit poorly scheduled).
I'm not familiar how it compares to other Russel group unis. Most lecturers are good but you get a few who are clearly focused on their research and don't care to teach.
Here's an example that really annoyed me in the stereoselective synthesis module in 3rd year: professor will put an MCQ problem on the board during a lecture. Let's say there are 5 possible answers. Each answer will literally have 20% of the votes and the prof seems to take some pride in that. Doing well in that module requires extra work outside the provided lecture slides, and lecture content - its simply not worth it for most students wishing to optimize their grade (huge time investment for only 5 credits-worth). This is a huge shame especially if you're interested in organic synthesis.
The net result is that UCL chemistry department awards the lowest proportion of first's and 2:1s out of every department at UCL (I checked with their published data last year).
In terms of finding a job, I am starting as a technician in an analytical development lab. Used no uni support except references for this. In fact, if you want to do industry science afterwards then don't go to UCL, go somewhere that offers a placement year. It is invaluable.

all of it is on the old campus so euston area although your lectures can be spreadin different areas, none of the lectures are online and the timetable is packed so you would commute everyday but the lectures are recorded, practical labs are mandatory attendance