Gail Kennedy, MSc Analytical Toxicology
Working from home was not how I envisioned spending my time on my MSc Analytical Toxicology degree. Adapting to change and rising to the challenge were skills that have taken me through my masters up and until now. Even though I am disappointed, uncertain, and stuck at home I intend to use these skills to cross the finish line. This is a great opportunity to reflect on why I picked this course and the experiences I have had as a postgraduate student.
Return to academia
My return to academia came after taking a year out to work in a commercial laboratory as an Extraction Chemist. From August 2017 I had already decided what MSc I would be applying for. I was in the middle of my summer placement in Leiden and reflecting on what path I wanted to take after my 2018 graduation. Further studies were always something that was on the horizon but narrowing it down was challenging. With the help of PROSPECTS (https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses ) and FindAMasters ( https://www.findamasters.com/ ) I searched through different potential courses before making a firm list. While I loved the forensic applications of my course, I wanted to specialise in toxicology. The MSc Analytical Toxicology degree at King’s College London seemed like a perfect fit. A blend of different branches of toxicology and analytical applications that would help me along the way to my ideal job.
Hard truths
Postgraduate study is no walk in the park. The work is demanding, challenging, and mostly independent. But every obstacle overcome is rewarding and the spirit of togetherness with my course mates made the experiences worth it. While there are a lot of expectations to take up further reading and spend a certain number of hours working independently, the key to sanity is finding a balance between university work and relaxation.
Waterloo campus
Waterloo campus overlooks Waterloo Bridge and is a stone’s throw away from the BFI IMAX cinema, the London Eye, Southbank, and the National Theatre. While it does not share the traditional architecture seen with the other campuses, it is in an ideal location with great travel links. It is made up of three buildings and I spent my time in the Franklin-Wilkins building which houses the 24-hour library, café, and a canteen. There are also sleep pods available for those late-night library sessions. I was pleasantly surprised to find that both the restaurant and café had a wide range of food, including many vegan options. But the canteen is not for everyone, so I would recommend visiting the food market outside of St John’s Church- the falafel wraps are divine! Or taking a walk to Covent Garden which is about 15 minutes away over Waterloo bridge. If you decide to bring lunch in from home, there are plenty of microwaves on campus, but be prepared to queue around busy times.
Personally, I loved studying in the library. It is comprised of different zones suited to a range of different types of studies. There are also bookable study rooms for group work, skype pods, charging stations, and loads of online resources you can access from home. If the library is not your cup of tea, try visiting the other campuses or coffee shops.
Typical days and an insight into my degree
My days were well structured, with time scheduled for independent studying where we were encouraged to meet up with our study groups. Many of our lectures were delivered by current experts in the field, giving me the chance to ask questions and discuss the wide range of career opportunities available to me. Laboratory sessions also took place in groups of 5 which gave us time to apply taught theory to actual samples and explore the different instruments used. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to discuss the methods used with the attentive staff during our laboratory sessions and these practicals helped consolidate the taught theory. My favourite sessions were the Mass Spectrometry workshop sessions. We covered system performance, modes of operation, and the detection and quantification of mephedrone in urine samples. I would say that my degree has more lecture and theory-based aspects, but this is normally balanced out by the three-month researched-based laboratory project in the third term.
Opportunities outside of the classroom
Take full advantage of the amazing opportunities outside of your degree such as workshops, events, and joining one of the many societies. From film screenings to football clubs and various styles of dance.
The student union (KCLSU) often held events at the Waterloo campus such as making memory boxes that were designed to take our minds off the mounting deadlines and stresses associated with student life. It was refreshing and nice to engage in conversations about different holidays and cultural dishes.
Another outlet for stress would be to join one of the many different societies. There is something for everyone and it is a great opportunity to meet new friends from different courses and backgrounds. I really enjoyed my time at the Gymnastic Society.
The wonders of London
I was born and raised in London but studying in the heart of the city was a new experience for me. I took full advantage of my student discount when booking theatre tickets at the National Theatre and for museum exhibitions.
There are a lot of free things to do, I would recommend keeping up to date with events on TimeOut ( https://www.timeout.com/london ). Especially around the holidays, like Christmas. I would urge you all to visit Winter Wonderland. If you are a foodie London is a great place to study in. From traditional pub grub to food from all over the globe. Make sure you ask if the restaurant offers a student discount.
If you are planning on taking public transport be sure to see if it is more cost-effective to buy a student oyster card which offers a discount on travel cards.
Lasting impressions
There are many skills I learned outside of the classroom that came from trying new experiences and opportunities. Attending seminars made for an excellent networking experience, a skill that extends beyond the degree. The only regrets I have looking back over the first two terms all come from not pushing myself to join more societies or attend more talks. University is an amazing place where you can grow and challenge yourself in many ways.
If you manage your time appropriately you will be able to balance a social life alongside your studies. King’s was the right fit for me due to its diverse student body, numerous societies, and reputation. I have been challenged, stressed but very grateful.