Seungbong Lee BSc Environmental Monitoring and Modelling
Current student
The course consists of many field trips designed to provide a variety of hands-on experiences using cutting-edge technologies. The practical sessions are an indispensable part of the learning process as they allow us to put what we have learned into practice, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the course’s content.
Why did you choose to come to Southampton?
I primarily focused on what I wanted to study and how it is taught. The course structure of the University of Southampton’s BSc Environmental Monitoring and Modelling caught my attention. Unlike the courses other universities offered, at Southampton, the Environmental Science course consists of many field trips designed to provide a variety of different hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technologies. I also really wanted to study at a university with a nice campus where I could spend my free time peacefully with friends.
Why did you choose to specialise rather than taking a broader Environmental Science course?
I wanted to acquire new skills that could boost my employability. This course is specifically designed to equip you with essential skills for monitoring many different aspects of the environment, and I found this very appealing.
What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?
As a part of my degree, all first year students had to join a week-long residential field trip to Devon. It was full of exciting activities which gave me a chance to apply what I learned in class into practice. For example, our final task involved carrying out our very first team project, designed by none other than ourselves. I also had an amazing time socializing with both fellow students and the staff!
What are your lecturers and tutors like? Have you found them supportive?
All my lecturers made a great first impression. We had an induction event at the start of the course during which we had time to properly meet everyone. I never expected the lecturers to be really friendly. We also had weekly tutor group meetings designed to help first year students to quickly adapt to their university lives.
Throughout the course, my tutor has supported me in various ways regarding all the problems university students would normally encounter. For instance, when I was preparing for an interview, she kindly agreed to help me by having a mock interview session. I was able to overcome my fear and secured the internship.
In what ways have you been able to tailor your course to suit your interests and career aspirations?
As the course has progressed, I have discovered what particularly interests me. In my first year, I had one compulsory module called ‘Physical Oceanography I’ and this opened up a new career possibility for me as I instantly fell in love with what I was studying. For this reason, I decided to talk to my tutor about choosing ‘Physical oceanography II’ even though it was not one of my optional modules. Thanks to her efforts, I am really looking forward to studying it next semester!
How have the practical elements of the course helped to enhance your learning?
As this course is all about being out there on the field and playing around with the gadgets you have in your hand, I believe the practical sessions are an indispensable part of the learning process. They allow us to visualise what we read in the textbooks and try out what we are taught in the lectures, ultimately leading to a better understanding of the topics.
What are your career plans after you’ve completed your course?
I’m very certain that I will further my studies by taking an MSc in Oceanography at the University of Southampton as I really like the idea of having classes at the National Oceanography Centre. After that, I would either choose to work as an environmental consultant or as an oceanographer at places like British Antarctic Survey.
How do you think your course will help you in your future career?
It has equipped me with the essential tools and knowledge that will aid me when it comes to finding the right place to work. I have already learned how to use many different software products that I had never even heard of before coming to the University. More importantly, it has allowed me to discover where my passion lies!
If you could give prospective students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Think very carefully about what you want to study and ensure you like the course structure offered. Don’t just go for the university’s name as this is an opportunity for you to learn something that you have been dreaming of learning!