Freshers
Frequently Asked Questions
Labs
Will I be launched into labs straight away?
What do I do before labs?
You’ll start with taster labs early on, designed to get you used to being in the lab and using the equipment and not assessed.
Before labs, you must read the protocol and then complete the pre-lab quiz (a short safety/knowledge test) with at least 80% before 9am on the lab day - you get three attempts, and your highest score counts. If you don’t pass or don’t complete it in time, you won’t be allowed in the lab and will get a zero for that session. Finally, prepare your lab book with safety information of the chemicals used in your lab.
What about during labs? Am I expected to make mistakes?
On lab days, arrive 10 minutes early, store your belongings in a locker, and bring your ID card for card access, lab coat, and safety glasses. When your demonstrator is ready you may enter the lab. Mistakes are expected and part of learning, but you could lose marks for untidy fume hoods, repeatedly breaking equipment, or not knowing what you’re doing. There is no deposit for glassware as it is expected that accidents can occur. Demonstrators are there to help, so ask questions, it won’t affect your mark.
What if I’m late?
If you’re late, you have up to 10 minutes to get in, after that, you may not be allowed into the lab, so it’s best to be on time.
What do I do after labs?
After labs, your work is assessed on technique, results, lab book, safety, and good lab practice. Marks will appear on Moodle. In first year you’ll also practice writing sections of lab reports, building up to a full report on a lab you may have done. More information will be provided to you by your lab module leader.
Moodle
What is moodle?
Moodle is the online platform where you’ll find most of the course info, submit most of your work, and access resources. You log in with the University details you get from IT services at registration.
Help
Who do I go to with questions or for help?
Course info: Check the Year 1 handbook on Moodle first.
Module questions: Ask your lecturer or module leader.
Course or personal concerns: Talk to your personal tutor.
Pastoral support: Contact senior tutors - Dr. Ann Dixon (Ann.Dixon@warwick.ac.uk), Dr. David Fox (D.J.Fox@warwick.ac.uk), or Dr. Rebecca Notman (R.Notman@warwick.ac.uk).
Medical or additional support: Use Student Support Services or the campus health centre.
Wellbeing info: Check the ChemSoc website.
Extra help: Your mentor, which you will be assigned to when you start, can also assist with modules or course questions.
Equipment
What about text books and lab coats?
The department provides free textbooks, available in the library or as e-books:
-
Organic Chemistry – Clayden
-
Shriver and Atkins’ Inorganic Chemistry – Atkins
-
Atkins’ Physical Chemistry – Atkins
Other books may be suggested during the year, and many e-books are available via the library’s Encore system. Each module will have a reading list on Moodle or the library website.
Equipment supplied by department: lab coat, safety glasses, and a molecular modelling kit.
Recommended extra books:
-
Guidebook to Mechanism in Organic Chemistry – Sykes
• • Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry – Fleming
CATS and Assessments
How am I assessed in first year?
In first year, you’re assessed through:
-
Labs: Graded in five areas on a five-point scale; two part-reports in term 1 and early term 2, plus a full report at the end of term 2.
-
Exams: Some core modules have exams you must attend.
-
Coursework: Certain modules include assessed assignments.
You must pass all core modules: 40% is the pass mark for taught modules and the lab module, plus at least 85% lab attendance. Resits are available in September if you don’t meet these requirements, where your grade will be capped at 40% unless the department has approved other mitigating circumstances.
Degree Streams
Are there differences between the degree streams?
In the first and second years, all degree streams (Chemistry BSc/MChem and Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc/MChem) are the same. Differences appear in the third year, with optional modules and the possibility of a placement or sandwich year in industry. Details are on Moodle.
Can I change degree streams?
Yes, you can change degree streams by emailing your personal tutor and the chemistry undergraduate office. Since the first two years are the same for all streams, you don’t need to decide until the end of year 2.
Devices
Can I use Mac or other Apple devices?
What devices do you need?
Yes, you can use a Mac or other Apple devices, many students and academics do without any issues.
A device for writing lots of notes on lecture PDFs and for writing lab reports will be useful. Some students use tablets or drawing devices with a laptop, others print notes and write by hand. You can also use university computers. It depends on preference.
Accommodation
How do I apply?
To apply, first confirm Warwick as your firm or insurance choice. Most first-year students get on-campus accommodation, but if not, there are Warwick-managed options nearby, so you’ll still be close to campus.
What are my options?
You can view all Warwick accommodation options online. Halls differ in cost, let-length, bathroom type, and number of students per kitchen, so consider what’s important to you. All halls are self-catered, but there are campus restaurants and cafés for when you don’t want to cook.
When can I apply?
You can apply for accommodation in late July or early August. You choose at least 5 halls in order of preference and provide info about the type of people you’d like to live with and your own personality. Warwick tries to match you to the best option, and most students get their first or second choice.
When will my accommodation be confirmed?
When can I move in/pick up keys?
Your accommodation will be confirmed in early to mid-September, after Results Day. You’ll get an email with your allocation.
You can pick up your keys and move in from the Saturday before term starts. You’ll be assigned either Saturday or Sunday, but Warwick usually allows changes if you email them. Key pickup locations are listed in your accommodation confirmation, and there will be Welcome Tents and student ambassadors to help. You can also go to Senate House for any accommodation questions.
Useful Links
Can you recommend any useful websites?
Here are some useful websites for Chemistry students:
-
Sigma-Aldrich: sigmaaldrich.com – for safety data and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
-
Web of Knowledge: apps.webofknowledge.com – database for research papers and publications
-
Chem 605 NMR Spectroscopy: chem.wisc.edu/areas/reich/chem605 – NMR data
-
NMRdb.org: nmrdb.org – ¹H NMR predictor
-
Easy Citation Generator: citethisforme.com – creates citations (Mendeley and Endnote also work)
If You Have Other Questions
-
Join the Freshers Group Chat to meet classmates and ask the exec.
-
Come to ChemCafe and speak to a member on our exec (on Every Monday 17:00-19:00, B2.02, Science Concourse.)