• Question: Is it extremely difficult to achieve a first class degree in Chemistry/Biology?

    Asked by Bryony to Francesca, Laura, Matthew, Andrew, Rebecca on 10 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Rebecca Ingle

      Rebecca Ingle answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      I got a first in Chemistry so it definitely is achievable. Some people say that, although people are likely to get 2:1s and above in arts subjects like history, people actually get more firsts in science (just more people fail the degree as well…)

      It’s certainly not easy but if you turn up to lectures, revise hard and manage your time well I think it is achievable.

    • Photo: Laura Schofield

      Laura Schofield answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      It’s tough, but as Rebecca said, definitely possible! You have to get an overall mark of 70% to get a first so you can definitely do it if you work really hard. I managed to get one but only just! I worked really hard in my final year to make sure my average was pushed up and was so relieved to get it!

    • Photo: Andrew McKinley

      Andrew McKinley answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      Getting a first class degree is definitely doable. It’s not easy, but then – as a wise person once said – nothing worth having is easy.

      I didn’t get a first class degree (which means consistently scoring more than 70%), but it hasn’t stopped me doing what I want to do.

      A note on grades: 70% at university is considered a very high mark! Remember that marks are awarded at university for everything you demonstrate you have learned – consequently there is no upper limit! Very different from school.

    • Photo: Matthew Camilleri

      Matthew Camilleri answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      Nothing worth having in life comes easy, but if you focus and put your mind to what you want to achieve it is certainly doable.

      I honestly believe that it is more important to enjoy what you are doing, and have fun doing it rather then focusing on the marks. If you love what you do, the marks will come because you will be enjoying your whole experience, making the subject a million times easier.

    • Photo: Francesca Palombo

      Francesca Palombo answered on 10 Nov 2014:

      No, I don’t think so – it depends on commitment and talent

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