Chemistry Degree advice

esha06

I’m doing a Chemistry degree and i’m wondering whether an ipad or laptop would be better???

Reply 1

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by esha06

I’m doing a Chemistry degree and i’m wondering whether an ipad or laptop would be better???

Hi @esha06,

I'm a third-year chemistry student and I have both a laptop and an ipad. I would say that both have their advantages and disadvantages so it is completely up to you and what your learning style is. I mostly use my ipad to take lecture notes as I can just annotate around my lecture slides and draw mechanisms as I need them. This is good because all my notes stay in one place and I don't have lots of paper everywhere.
However, I do most of my coursework and assignments on my laptop because it is easier to type it up. You can scan and upload any notes if they are handwritten. Also, mainly concerning computational chemistry, there are some programs that won't run on an ipad. This would mean you'd have to do these bits of work at uni and on their computers if you don't have access to a computer at home. It may be worth checking with your uni if this would apply in your case.

There are some laptops which have a touchscreen and that you can draw on. This could be a good option if you are not sure about which one to choose.

Hope this helps!
-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 2

username7255985

Original post by esha06

I’m doing a Chemistry degree and i’m wondering whether an ipad or laptop would be better???

Hey! Where do you do your chem degree and how are you finding it?

Reply 3

esha06

Original post by s_seeker

Hey! Where do you do your chem degree and how are you finding it?

im doing it at queen mary's

its a bit overwhelming at first and you need to make sure you stay organised.

the first thing you encounter is going to be physics so if you don't like physics then be ready. tbh I'm not a big fan of physics myself but its been manageable. I've only had 4 lectures so I cant give u a detailed insight but whenever someone says first year will be easy DONT LISTEN TO THEM.

Reply 4

username7255985

I’m so scared lol I don’t do maths or physics 😭😭😭😭

Reply 5

username7255985

I’m also worried about not understanding things but idk pls give me more insight!!

Reply 6

esha06

Original post by s_seeker

I’m so scared lol I don’t do maths or physics 😭😭😭😭

my uni has extra classes to accommodate for those who didn’t do maths or physics. also one of the modules in the first semester is basic maths skills you will need to have to do the degree. don’t be too scared if you put the work if you’ll defo be fine at the end of the day it’s not impossible work they’re giving you.

Reply 7

username7255985

How are the lecturers ?

Reply 8

username7255985

I’m applying to QMUL KCL and UCL then 2 outside of London

Reply 9

CheeseIsVeg

Volunteer Team

Original post by s_seeker

I’m applying to QMUL KCL and UCL then 2 outside of London

Hey don't worry there is lots of support at uni :hugs:

For more info on chemistry, feel free to check out my whole thread about everything to do with Uni chemistry here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6422876

Reply 10

esha06

Original post by s_seeker

How are the lecturers ?

well we actually learn majority of the content online in our pre reading which is on a platform we use called qmplus. on there there’s videos of the lecturers basically going over all the content which is really useful. these means that during the actual lectures it’s less the teachers talking at us and more application questions.