Jon Tootill Science Foundation Year

Chemistry Student

Hi, I'm Jon Tootill and I studied Science Foundation Year within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

The maths from my Foundation Year has been invaluable for my chemistry degree. I also gained experience in writing reports, I feel more confident in writing reports and doing presentations.

1. What made you decide to take the Foundation Year and your chosen degree?

I had not taken the appropriate A-Levels when at school, after 3 years out of education I realised that not only did I want to study, but I enjoyed chemical side of science.  A foundation year was the perfect way to reenter education while learning the appropriate subjects.

2. Why did you choose to come to Southampton?

Southampton looked to be a very solid course with a lot of support for the mature students.  Every time I ever needed to ask a question, they were quick to respond.  The pastoral care was important to reducing my nerves in returning to education

3. How did you find the Foundation Year?

The foundation year was really enjoyable.  As with everything, parts of it were easier than others, but there were opportunities to challenge ourselves.

4. What did you enjoy most about the Foundation Year?

I enjoyed being able to study 3 different subjects (maths, chemistry and biology) and learn many different techniques in demonstrating knowledge.

5. How do you think the Foundation Year has benefited you now that you are taking your undergraduate degree?

The maths has been invaluable for my chemistry degree (I still go back to my notes if I forget how to do something).  Also, the biology has aided me in unerstanding the overall contet of some more advanced chemical mechanisms.  I gained experience in writing reports, I feel  more confident in writing reports and doing presentations.

6. How are you finding your undergraduate degree?

A chemistry degree is very challenging, but also very rewarding.  I have really enjoyed studying chemistry and being able to see how it is applied in many aspects of everyday life.  There are some topics which I have found difficult, but others which I seemed to understand without as much effort.

6. What are you lecturers and tutors like? Have you found them supportive?

The lecturers are fantastic.  They try really hard to help you understand the material.  They also provide a lot of supplementary work and resources; they are also willing to answer questions, whether by email or if you pass  by their office.

My personal tutor has been so useful.  Our tutor group has met regularly to discuss our problems, concerns and a general chitchat.  I feel like I could actually go to him with any problems I could have.  He is always willing to help with anything he can.

7. What are the teaching facilities like here?

The labs are really good.  Going into a postgraduate research lab is not a big shock because they are very similar in equipment.There are mutiple computer rooms in the chemistry building so there is never a problem with doing any work.

8. What do you think of the other facilities on campus?

The university is constantly renovating some facility on campus which means that most are new and modern.  The library actually listens to students' comments which has allowed us to eat in parts of the library (helps during exam revision).

9. What advice would you offer to students considering the foundation year?

When doing a foundation year, you must remember that although not part of the degree, you are still at university so should enjoy all aspects of university life.  However, as with most things, the more effort you put in, the more you take out of the experience.  Ask your lecturers lots of questions, they want to help and can only do so if they know you need it.