Pathways Podcast - Warwick Chemistry · Warwick Chemistry

S3-E6: Exam Support in Chemistry

·23 min·2 clips

Dan explains why focusing too much on your first exam can sabotage your later results.

This episode focuses on the chemistry department's support for students transitioning back to in-person exams after years of online assessments. Hosts and guests include student Max Campbell, Director of Undergraduate Studies Dr. Dan Murdoch, and student experience officer Adam. They formed an exam working group with students Alvia SF and Tor Riches to gather feedback and design support initiatives. The group surveyed second and third-year students about potential aids like mock exams and cheat sheets. Mock exams for core modules will be held under formal conditions in week six of term two for third years and in term three for second years. These mocks will not be graded by staff but will include provided answer solutions and walkthroughs. The department decided against allowing a handwritten cheat sheet into exams despite survey support, citing concerns from a similar trial at the University of Bristol. Instead, for physical chemistry, students will receive pointers to equation sheets available on Moodle. A key support initiative is the "We Are Chemistry" project, featuring town hall Q&A sessions starting January 25th and study spaces with pizza on Wednesday afternoons. An anonymous Padlet is available for students to submit questions, which will be compiled into an FAQ webpage. Dan Murdoch notes a past trend where students over-revised for their first exam, leading to poorer performance on the final exam regardless of the subject. He advises a generalist revision approach, allocating equal time to all modules until shortly before each exam. A significant shift is that in-person exams require understanding and linking concepts rather than relying on digital notes or the Ctrl+F function to search documents. The exam environment itself will be a quiet hall with small desks, a contrast to taking online exams at home in comfortable clothing. Max Campbell reflects that many exam techniques, like reading the entire paper first and managing time per question, are similar to those used in GCSEs and A-levels. The tone is collaborative and reassuring, blending practical advice from staff with peer perspectives from current students. The style is conversational and informational, structured around specific department plans and study strategies. This episode is ideal for Warwick chemistry students seeking clarity on the new exam format and available academic support resources. Listeners looking for a broader discussion on educational theory or those not facing exam transitions may find the content too specific.

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Pathways gives chemistry students a steady, practical guide to the move from online to in-person exams.

Pathways tracks the move from online to in-person chemistry exams with calm, student-facing clarity. It works best when it draws a simple contrast between leaning on notes or Ctrl-F and having to rely on real understanding.

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Need a calm chemistry exam briefing before the term ramps up?

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