Studying Chemistry? Advice?
I am currently a y13 predicted 3A*’s in biology, chemistry and geography intending to study chemistry at university.
I will be applying at UCL, KCL, QMUL and Warwick.
I have a few concerns and questions.
1. These unis do not require a maths A-Level although I understand that there is a large component of chemistry reliant on maths and I worry this jump will be too large. What are your thoughts on this?
2. What kind of job prospects come along after doing a chem degree?
3. I plan to do Bsci Chem then either a masters in chemeng or go back and do a masters in chem, obviously depending on where I get in. When do the MSci and BSci courses begin to differ?
4. In terms of the unis I’ve listed above, what’s the teaching like and difficulty of the course, I worry about being overloaded with work but I love chemistry and find it super interesting.
5. What does the university do to support those who haven’t done A level maths?
Thanks and any tips and insight would be very helpful.
I will be applying at UCL, KCL, QMUL and Warwick.
I have a few concerns and questions.
1. These unis do not require a maths A-Level although I understand that there is a large component of chemistry reliant on maths and I worry this jump will be too large. What are your thoughts on this?
2. What kind of job prospects come along after doing a chem degree?
3. I plan to do Bsci Chem then either a masters in chemeng or go back and do a masters in chem, obviously depending on where I get in. When do the MSci and BSci courses begin to differ?
4. In terms of the unis I’ve listed above, what’s the teaching like and difficulty of the course, I worry about being overloaded with work but I love chemistry and find it super interesting.
5. What does the university do to support those who haven’t done A level maths?
Thanks and any tips and insight would be very helpful.
Reply 1
Original post
by s_seekerI am currently a y13 predicted 3A*’s in biology, chemistry and geography intending to study chemistry at university.
I will be applying at UCL, KCL, QMUL and Warwick.
I have a few concerns and questions.
1. These unis do not require a maths A-Level although I understand that there is a large component of chemistry reliant on maths and I worry this jump will be too large. What are your thoughts on this?
2. What kind of job prospects come along after doing a chem degree?
3. I plan to do Bsci Chem then either a masters in chemeng or go back and do a masters in chem, obviously depending on where I get in. When do the MSci and BSci courses begin to differ?
4. In terms of the unis I’ve listed above, what’s the teaching like and difficulty of the course, I worry about being overloaded with work but I love chemistry and find it super interesting.
5. What does the university do to support those who haven’t done A level maths?
Thanks and any tips and insight would be very helpful.
I will be applying at UCL, KCL, QMUL and Warwick.
I have a few concerns and questions.
1. These unis do not require a maths A-Level although I understand that there is a large component of chemistry reliant on maths and I worry this jump will be too large. What are your thoughts on this?
2. What kind of job prospects come along after doing a chem degree?
3. I plan to do Bsci Chem then either a masters in chemeng or go back and do a masters in chem, obviously depending on where I get in. When do the MSci and BSci courses begin to differ?
4. In terms of the unis I’ve listed above, what’s the teaching like and difficulty of the course, I worry about being overloaded with work but I love chemistry and find it super interesting.
5. What does the university do to support those who haven’t done A level maths?
Thanks and any tips and insight would be very helpful.
1.
If a university doesn’t require a subject, it will teach you the necessary content from it (if any) on course.
2.
See the list here. It is by no means comprehensive, but gives you an excellent idea of jobs available: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/chemistry#job-options
3.
I believe BSc and MSc chemistry courses are typically identical for the first three years and the only difference is the MSc is a year longer for you to go into research and obtain a master’s.
4.
I wouldn’t know unfortunately as I don’t study at any of the four. I am at Oxford, where I am routinely swamped with work (we have 8 week terms when everyone else bar Cambridge has 11 week terms) and my honest opinion is that of you guys do get the same amount of work as us per term, it will perfectly manageable but still challenging and rewarding nonetheless.
5.
See my answer to 1. - expect them to get you up to speed with the necessary maths content. They will likely have maths classes and lectures you are expected to attend for your own understanding.
Reply 2
10
Original post
by TypicalNerd1.
If a university doesn’t require a subject, it will teach you the necessary content from it (if any) on course.
2.
See the list here. It is by no means comprehensive, but gives you an excellent idea of jobs available: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/chemistry#job-options
3.
I believe BSc and MSc chemistry courses are typically identical for the first three years and the only difference is the MSc is a year longer for you to go into research and obtain a master’s.
4.
I wouldn’t know unfortunately as I don’t study at any of the four. I am at Oxford, where I am routinely swamped with work (we have 8 week terms when everyone else bar Cambridge has 11 week terms) and my honest opinion is that of you guys do get the same amount of work as us per term, it will perfectly manageable but still challenging and rewarding nonetheless.
5.
See my answer to 1. - expect them to get you up to speed with the necessary maths content. They will likely have maths classes and lectures you are expected to attend for your own understanding.
What’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university? Do you have any tips? Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?
Reply 3
10
Original post
by s_seekerWhat’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university? Do you have any tips? Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?
Also in what ways does it differ than chem at A level?
Reply 4
Some excellent questions
“What’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university?”:
Academically: I personally really enjoy the tutorials (Oxford/Cambridge exclusive) as they involve in-depth discussion about areas of chemistry with like-minded individuals with a similarly high enthusiasm for the subject. You will likely have a rough equivalent of these at other universities and hopefully they will be enjoyable for the same reasons.
Non-academically: Outside of study, there are lots of wonderful places to take a stroll. I’m sure this is true of all major university cities and you will find amazing societies etc if taking a long stroll isn’t really your cup of tea.
“Do you have any tips?”:
Don’t be daunted. Moving out and being thrown into the deep end with unfamiliar material may come as a shock.
Do not hesitate to ask your lecturers and professors questions where you feel you haven’t properly understood the material in some way. They are paid to be there to help you and you aren’t bothering them or wasting their time. There is also no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t let that put you off.
I would suggest making sure you are familiar with the area (i.e attend open days and visit these universities) and that you know what shops and things there are. After that, work out how best so save money (i.e if there is a Tesco nearby, get a clubcard and buy food from there).
Most importantly however, you need to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spending hours on end draining your brain and driving yourself mad won’t help. Find anything you can do outside of study that you’ll enjoy. Walks, societies etc are all good options.
“Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?”:
If you plan on taking notes in a lecture, an iPad is probably better. Something like goodnotes would be recommended.
However, you may need to run some forms of software that will require a laptop (e.g MestreNova for NMR spectra, ChemDraw for structures and mechanisms, Vesta for visualising lattices and ionic compounds). You may be able to access these with a login on university-owned computers, however and this may work out better.
In summary, if you cannot get hold of both an iPad or a laptop, a laptop is more versatile and better if you can’t access the software on uni computers but an iPad is better if you can access uni computers with the required software.
“Also in what ways does it differ than chem at A level?”:
Chemistry at A level is quite basic to be frank. There is a lot you just accept as fact and recite on command. Oftentimes the explanations given aren’t particularly rigorous or are even entirely incorrect.
Essentially A level chemistry teaches you to pass an exam - undergraduate level, however is much more complicated and puts much more of an emphasis on why things happen, why certain molecular interactions are favoured and equips you with the tools to predict outcomes of unfamiliar reactions. It does a much better job of teaching you chemistry, really.
“What’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university?”:
Academically: I personally really enjoy the tutorials (Oxford/Cambridge exclusive) as they involve in-depth discussion about areas of chemistry with like-minded individuals with a similarly high enthusiasm for the subject. You will likely have a rough equivalent of these at other universities and hopefully they will be enjoyable for the same reasons.
Non-academically: Outside of study, there are lots of wonderful places to take a stroll. I’m sure this is true of all major university cities and you will find amazing societies etc if taking a long stroll isn’t really your cup of tea.
“Do you have any tips?”:
Don’t be daunted. Moving out and being thrown into the deep end with unfamiliar material may come as a shock.
Do not hesitate to ask your lecturers and professors questions where you feel you haven’t properly understood the material in some way. They are paid to be there to help you and you aren’t bothering them or wasting their time. There is also no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t let that put you off.
I would suggest making sure you are familiar with the area (i.e attend open days and visit these universities) and that you know what shops and things there are. After that, work out how best so save money (i.e if there is a Tesco nearby, get a clubcard and buy food from there).
Most importantly however, you need to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spending hours on end draining your brain and driving yourself mad won’t help. Find anything you can do outside of study that you’ll enjoy. Walks, societies etc are all good options.
“Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?”:
If you plan on taking notes in a lecture, an iPad is probably better. Something like goodnotes would be recommended.
However, you may need to run some forms of software that will require a laptop (e.g MestreNova for NMR spectra, ChemDraw for structures and mechanisms, Vesta for visualising lattices and ionic compounds). You may be able to access these with a login on university-owned computers, however and this may work out better.
In summary, if you cannot get hold of both an iPad or a laptop, a laptop is more versatile and better if you can’t access the software on uni computers but an iPad is better if you can access uni computers with the required software.
“Also in what ways does it differ than chem at A level?”:
Chemistry at A level is quite basic to be frank. There is a lot you just accept as fact and recite on command. Oftentimes the explanations given aren’t particularly rigorous or are even entirely incorrect.
Essentially A level chemistry teaches you to pass an exam - undergraduate level, however is much more complicated and puts much more of an emphasis on why things happen, why certain molecular interactions are favoured and equips you with the tools to predict outcomes of unfamiliar reactions. It does a much better job of teaching you chemistry, really.
Reply 5
10
Original post
by TypicalNerdSome excellent questions
“What’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university?”:
Academically: I personally really enjoy the tutorials (Oxford/Cambridge exclusive) as they involve in-depth discussion about areas of chemistry with like-minded individuals with a similarly high enthusiasm for the subject. You will likely have a rough equivalent of these at other universities and hopefully they will be enjoyable for the same reasons.
Non-academically: Outside of study, there are lots of wonderful places to take a stroll. I’m sure this is true of all major university cities and you will find amazing societies etc if taking a long stroll isn’t really your cup of tea.
“Do you have any tips?”:
Don’t be daunted. Moving out and being thrown into the deep end with unfamiliar material may come as a shock.
Do not hesitate to ask your lecturers and professors questions where you feel you haven’t properly understood the material in some way. They are paid to be there to help you and you aren’t bothering them or wasting their time. There is also no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t let that put you off.
I would suggest making sure you are familiar with the area (i.e attend open days and visit these universities) and that you know what shops and things there are. After that, work out how best so save money (i.e if there is a Tesco nearby, get a clubcard and buy food from there).
Most importantly however, you need to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spending hours on end draining your brain and driving yourself mad won’t help. Find anything you can do outside of study that you’ll enjoy. Walks, societies etc are all good options.
“Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?”:
If you plan on taking notes in a lecture, an iPad is probably better. Something like goodnotes would be recommended.
However, you may need to run some forms of software that will require a laptop (e.g MestreNova for NMR spectra, ChemDraw for structures and mechanisms, Vesta for visualising lattices and ionic compounds). You may be able to access these with a login on university-owned computers, however and this may work out better.
In summary, if you cannot get hold of both an iPad or a laptop, a laptop is more versatile and better if you can’t access the software on uni computers but an iPad is better if you can access uni computers with the required software.
“Also in what ways does it differ than chem at A level?”:
Chemistry at A level is quite basic to be frank. There is a lot you just accept as fact and recite on command. Oftentimes the explanations given aren’t particularly rigorous or are even entirely incorrect.
Essentially A level chemistry teaches you to pass an exam - undergraduate level, however is much more complicated and puts much more of an emphasis on why things happen, why certain molecular interactions are favoured and equips you with the tools to predict outcomes of unfamiliar reactions. It does a much better job of teaching you chemistry, really.
“What’s ur favourite part of studying chem at university?”:
Academically: I personally really enjoy the tutorials (Oxford/Cambridge exclusive) as they involve in-depth discussion about areas of chemistry with like-minded individuals with a similarly high enthusiasm for the subject. You will likely have a rough equivalent of these at other universities and hopefully they will be enjoyable for the same reasons.
Non-academically: Outside of study, there are lots of wonderful places to take a stroll. I’m sure this is true of all major university cities and you will find amazing societies etc if taking a long stroll isn’t really your cup of tea.
“Do you have any tips?”:
Don’t be daunted. Moving out and being thrown into the deep end with unfamiliar material may come as a shock.
Do not hesitate to ask your lecturers and professors questions where you feel you haven’t properly understood the material in some way. They are paid to be there to help you and you aren’t bothering them or wasting their time. There is also no such thing as a stupid question, so don’t let that put you off.
I would suggest making sure you are familiar with the area (i.e attend open days and visit these universities) and that you know what shops and things there are. After that, work out how best so save money (i.e if there is a Tesco nearby, get a clubcard and buy food from there).
Most importantly however, you need to make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance. Spending hours on end draining your brain and driving yourself mad won’t help. Find anything you can do outside of study that you’ll enjoy. Walks, societies etc are all good options.
“Do you recommend an iPad or a laptop?”:
If you plan on taking notes in a lecture, an iPad is probably better. Something like goodnotes would be recommended.
However, you may need to run some forms of software that will require a laptop (e.g MestreNova for NMR spectra, ChemDraw for structures and mechanisms, Vesta for visualising lattices and ionic compounds). You may be able to access these with a login on university-owned computers, however and this may work out better.
In summary, if you cannot get hold of both an iPad or a laptop, a laptop is more versatile and better if you can’t access the software on uni computers but an iPad is better if you can access uni computers with the required software.
“Also in what ways does it differ than chem at A level?”:
Chemistry at A level is quite basic to be frank. There is a lot you just accept as fact and recite on command. Oftentimes the explanations given aren’t particularly rigorous or are even entirely incorrect.
Essentially A level chemistry teaches you to pass an exam - undergraduate level, however is much more complicated and puts much more of an emphasis on why things happen, why certain molecular interactions are favoured and equips you with the tools to predict outcomes of unfamiliar reactions. It does a much better job of teaching you chemistry, really.
You are so awesome thank you so incredibly much! I had actually had the chance to visit St John’s a couple months ago for a chem open day and it was super fun so I’m sure you’re really enjoying the course/ the city. I was wondering what resources you’d recommend in terms of revision outside of lectures etc (definitely getting ahead of myself considering I’ve not applied yet) Lol.
Reply 6
Original post
by s_seekerYou are so awesome thank you so incredibly much! I had actually had the chance to visit St John’s a couple months ago for a chem open day and it was super fun so I’m sure you’re really enjoying the course/ the city. I was wondering what resources you’d recommend in terms of revision outside of lectures etc (definitely getting ahead of myself considering I’ve not applied yet) Lol.
I’m loving uni. I’m actually at St John’s of all colleges, though I don’t believe we would have met on the chemistry open day as I had one of my prelim exams on the day.
It is actually pretty difficult to find good uni level resources for chemistry online (bar the ones that will be provided to you on the university’s virtual learning environment). Typically the universities you are applying to will have a reading list or recommended textbook that they more or less follow as the basis for what they teach you. ChemLibretexts, TMPChem, Professor Dave explains and The Organic Chemistry Tutor are all really good imo.
I’d personally say “Chemistry^3: introducing inorganic, organic and physical chemistry” by Burrows et al is an excellent read for an A level chemistry student who is making the transition to undergraduate level.
Reply 7
10
Original post
by TypicalNerdI’m loving uni. I’m actually at St John’s of all colleges, though I don’t believe we would have met on the chemistry open day as I had one of my prelim exams on the day.
It is actually pretty difficult to find good uni level resources for chemistry online (bar the ones that will be provided to you on the university’s virtual learning environment). Typically the universities you are applying to will have a reading list or recommended textbook that they more or less follow as the basis for what they teach you. ChemLibretexts, TMPChem, Professor Dave explains and The Organic Chemistry Tutor are all really good imo.
I’d personally say “Chemistry^3: introducing inorganic, organic and physical chemistry” by Burrows et al is an excellent read for an A level chemistry student who is making the transition to undergraduate level.
It is actually pretty difficult to find good uni level resources for chemistry online (bar the ones that will be provided to you on the university’s virtual learning environment). Typically the universities you are applying to will have a reading list or recommended textbook that they more or less follow as the basis for what they teach you. ChemLibretexts, TMPChem, Professor Dave explains and The Organic Chemistry Tutor are all really good imo.
I’d personally say “Chemistry^3: introducing inorganic, organic and physical chemistry” by Burrows et al is an excellent read for an A level chemistry student who is making the transition to undergraduate level.
I was wondering what you included/ how u wrote ur personal statement, id love some help as I am genuinely lost and like it’s quite difficult to find chem related experiences.
Reply 8
I personally didn’t have millions supercurriculars to include or any work experience. I focused on how the books I had read and the chemistry Olympiad had furthered my knowledge of chemistry as a whole.
I recall highlighting how MO theory could explain bonding in an ion that A level couldn’t and how total synthesis problems introduced me to a range of new organic reactions that piqued my interest.
I personally think a good place to start would be here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/chemistry/
Whilst the format of the personal statement appears to be changing, the ways in which extracurriculars and supercurriculars have been discussed will be useful to consider replicating.
I recall highlighting how MO theory could explain bonding in an ion that A level couldn’t and how total synthesis problems introduced me to a range of new organic reactions that piqued my interest.
I personally think a good place to start would be here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/university/personal-statements/chemistry/
Whilst the format of the personal statement appears to be changing, the ways in which extracurriculars and supercurriculars have been discussed will be useful to consider replicating.
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