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Your experience learning Biochemistry Bsc (or other STEM disciplines)

I figured I would make this post so that any of you that read the title would be interested in sharing your experience, I'm curious about it! So feel free to share if you want to. (Also hi! I wish the best for you!)

I'm currently studying biochemistry at University of Leicester, its been ok. Well, that is minus the amount of work you have to do for it. But my grades aren't horrendous at least (68.7 overall so far), but it certianly could be better, obviously you would have to do lots of extra work other than sitting in the lectures, the little amount of details you could note down during those tutoring sections is only as helpful as a garlic press (I couldn't care LESS about using it, it's so hard to wash! Just use a knife).

After I got a better understanding of the contents, everything I learnt were questioned in various ways, including writing an essay, doing presentations, experiments, reports, and obviously exams. Honestly for me, I didn't do anything crazy, all I did was hang on with what little determination I had left after each day, drag yourself into the library (and gym) even if it meant killing the remaining joy you could have had, and yeah, I have a shot at first, and I'll continue to do it!

I'm in my final year now, working on dissertation, there are more contents, and the clock is ticking. And yeah, its still the same deal, its not about doing outstandingly well, its about hanging on. I hope I can get first by the end of it, its SOOOOOOO close.

So that's my experience, how did biochemistry go for you? well if you are from other STEM disciplines you are welcome to share too! In any case, good luck to you! (and to me...)

Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymous
I figured I would make this post so that any of you that read the title would be interested in sharing your experience, I'm curious about it! So feel free to share if you want to. (Also hi! I wish the best for you!)
I'm currently studying biochemistry at University of Leicester, its been ok. Well, that is minus the amount of work you have to do for it. But my grades aren't horrendous at least (68.7 overall so far), but it certianly could be better, obviously you would have to do lots of extra work other than sitting in the lectures, the little amount of details you could note down during those tutoring sections is only as helpful as a garlic press (I couldn't care LESS about using it, it's so hard to wash! Just use a knife).
After I got a better understanding of the contents, everything I learnt were questioned in various ways, including writing an essay, doing presentations, experiments, reports, and obviously exams. Honestly for me, I didn't do anything crazy, all I did was hang on with what little determination I had left after each day, drag yourself into the library (and gym) even if it meant killing the remaining joy you could have had, and yeah, I have a shot at first, and I'll continue to do it!
I'm in my final year now, working on dissertation, there are more contents, and the clock is ticking. And yeah, its still the same deal, its not about doing outstandingly well, its about hanging on. I hope I can get first by the end of it, its SOOOOOOO close.
So that's my experience, how did biochemistry go for you? well if you are from other STEM disciplines you are welcome to share too! In any case, good luck to you! (and to me...)

Hi! 🙂
Great idea!
I'm currently a second year student at UEA, studying Natural Sciences (MSci). For the majority of my first year I chose biochemistry modules, and this year I am also doing a bit more physical chemistry and some computer science.

I'd say it's been okay too. There is a lot of work in STEM subjects but I feel like if you organise your work you can definitely manage other things such as social life, exercise etc... (I am guilty of leaving a couple of coursework tasks till last minute though! 🤣)

For me, I try to research topics I find interesting in lectures. This is usually in the form of scientific journals/papers. Sometimes I include this information (of course referenced) in my coursework/even exams and I think lecturers like to see that you've read around the subject.
Another thing I've found to help is to actually review lecture material before the lectures. I've noticed this helps me to retain the information for longer.

Another aspect of STEM degrees is the labs. I personally find them quite fun and interesting. They are a great way of putting things you've learnt into practice.

Some advice I'd give if you're just starting your journey in a STEM subject:

Second year content builds on from first year content so make sure you keep up with content throughout your degree!

Have fun!! There are times where STEM subjects can be challenging but they are equally rewarding! 🙂


I hope your dissertation goes well, I'm sure you'll smash it!!! 🙂
Fatma.
Original post
by Anonymous
I figured I would make this post so that any of you that read the title would be interested in sharing your experience, I'm curious about it! So feel free to share if you want to. (Also hi! I wish the best for you!)
I'm currently studying biochemistry at University of Leicester, its been ok. Well, that is minus the amount of work you have to do for it. But my grades aren't horrendous at least (68.7 overall so far), but it certianly could be better, obviously you would have to do lots of extra work other than sitting in the lectures, the little amount of details you could note down during those tutoring sections is only as helpful as a garlic press (I couldn't care LESS about using it, it's so hard to wash! Just use a knife).
After I got a better understanding of the contents, everything I learnt were questioned in various ways, including writing an essay, doing presentations, experiments, reports, and obviously exams. Honestly for me, I didn't do anything crazy, all I did was hang on with what little determination I had left after each day, drag yourself into the library (and gym) even if it meant killing the remaining joy you could have had, and yeah, I have a shot at first, and I'll continue to do it!
I'm in my final year now, working on dissertation, there are more contents, and the clock is ticking. And yeah, its still the same deal, its not about doing outstandingly well, its about hanging on. I hope I can get first by the end of it, its SOOOOOOO close.
So that's my experience, how did biochemistry go for you? well if you are from other STEM disciplines you are welcome to share too! In any case, good luck to you! (and to me...)

Hi Anon,

I'm a biochemistry student too, and also a final year. I love my course and the content. I've had a good amount of practical sessions, I've found the workshops helpful, and I've enjoyed the range of coursework. However, I am not a fan of exams, I never have been, and honestly sometimes knowing that I'll eventually have to sit an exam on the content can affect how much I enjoy learning the more complex topics.

I managed to secure a placement year last year, and I loved working in biotechnology and I know I want to be in scientific research. When I started at university, it felt like university was my whole life but now it feels more like means to an end, and a way to open the next door. I'm definitely nervous about leaving the safety net and familiarity of university, but mainly I'm so excited to graduate and to move onto the next part of my life!

Also, I only have one last exam season and then I'll never have to do an exam again!

Rebecca (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 3

Not gonna lie, I think I made it anonymous by accident, but hi all! 😂

There’s already 2 posts and somehow they are both from reps (I am a course rep too!) so that’s kind of nice to see!

I wish the best for you all! And uh, hi! My name is Raekon!

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