Kate Chadwick Science Foundation Year

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

By the time I progress on to my degree I will have had to submit various pieces of course work including research projects and lab reports, as well as exams, all of which I will be required through out the degree, so I will already have an idea of what is expected at this level.

1. What made you decide to take the Foundation Year?

I have had a long period away from education (14yrs), and needed to obtain additional science qualifications to gain a place on the Marine Biology course. It was a chance to refresh and learn about new topics

2. Why did you choose to come to Southampton?

Southampton has a really good reputation and after visiting the campuses and meeting the course lecturers for all my options I felt that Southampton was going to be the place that would provide me with the most opportunities and best learning experience.

3. What did you enjoy most about the Foundation Year

I have only done the first semester, but I have really enjoyed the variety of topics covered and the practical lab work. It is really fast paced but I have enjoyed being pushed academically.

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

On the whole the lecturers have been really enthusiastic, and are happy to take time out with any issues we have. They are very supportive when it comes to exams.

5. What are the teaching facilities like here?

Very good, and a massive change from when I was first at university. It's great that the foundation year also have the base room to work out of and the extra computer facilities

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

I don't spend too much time on campus if I'm not in lectures, but the library is impressive and having the shop and a number of places to eat is great. Having all the banks on site is also really handy

7. What degree are you hoping to go on to once you have completed your Foundation Year?

Either the BSc or MSc in marine biology

8. How do you think the Foundation Year will benefit you as your progress on to your undergraduate degree?

By the time I progress on to my degree I will have had to submit various pieces of course work including research projects and lab reports, as well as exams, all of which I will be required through out the degree, so I will already have an idea of what is expected at this level. I will have also worked with the Harvard Referencing System.  I will be used to the way lectures are structured and the amount of additional private study needed to get the most out of my degree.  I will be familiar with my surroundings and already be settled into the student way of life.

9. What advice would you offer to students considering this course?

It is a lot of hard work and very fast paced, but a great experience. It will really stand you in good stead when moving onto a full degree course and prepare you for university life.  It is really important that you do some background reading over the summer prior to starting especially if you are not coming straight in from science A'levels. This will help you to keep on top of the topics covered and I would recommend GCSE and AS Level revision books as a starting point.

Keep on top of the reading you are advised to do during the course.

10. Anything you would like to add?

There are 7 different degree courses that follow on from the Science Foundation Year so I would remain open to these and whilst you have to state the degree you want to do via UCAS there is the potential to change.