Peter Tunbridge MChem Chemistry with External Placement*, 2018
Junior Energy and Climate Analyst at Ember Climate
My placement was in the University of Auckland and my project involved using electrochemical methods to study red wines.
Choosing Southampton
A major factor when choosing to study at Southampton was the six-month placement opportunity, which I was very interested in and no other universities offered at that time. I really enjoyed the Visit Day and made my decision after having genuine conversations with current students about the course.
The course is challenging but rewarding
Chemistry is challenging in the first two years, getting up to speed with university standards. Third and fourth year have been the most enjoyable as there are more optional modules, so I could pick the modules which I found the most interesting. I’ve studied oceanography, geology and ethics modules which helped broaden my education and see how chemistry is applied to other subject areas.
I’ve developed many transferable skills through my degree, such as problem solving and working independently. I have become much better in the lab and much better at presenting scientific material. I was even able to join the electrochemistry research group in my third year. The scientists in the group are conducting world-class research, so it was an amazing opportunity.
I would say that the thing I’ve most enjoyed about the course is learning about how chemistry can be applied to help solve the world’s energy, sustainability and pollution problems.
Studying wine chemistry in New Zealand
My placement was in the University of Auckland and my project involved using electrochemical methods to study red wines. Studying wine science was very new to me at the start and I learned a lot about how chemistry can be applied to the world of food and drink. I felt as though living and studying in another country was as much of a learning experience outside of the lab as it was in. Learning about a new culture and way of living was great.
*Previously known as MChem Chemistry with Research Placement Abroad