Maybe I can do this whole Physics thing after all...

I am ridiculously happy with my exam results. Just for anyone who is interested, here they are:

Mechanics and Matter (20 credits) - 72%
Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 (10 credits) - 66%
Mathematical Practise for Physical Sciences (10 credits) - 87%
The Universe from Particles to Galaxies (10 credits) - 85%
Experimental Physics (10 credits) - 62%. 

I'm still surprised by my lab mark, as I really did find it a challenge. However I must leave, as it's time to go (back) to the Taf (pub).

I can't wait for Astrofest tomorrow :)

Goodbye exams, hello new modules!

Exams are finally over, and my new modules begin today. I'm really looking forward to my modules this term, as they sound a lot better than the Autumn ones. The 60 credits worth of modules that I get to study this term are:

• Electromagnetism & Waves
• Planets & Exoplanets
• Computational Skills for Problem Solving
• Mathematical Methods for Physicists II
• Experimental Physics II

It's safe to say that I really don't fancy another term of labs, but at least I don't have to do it next year (it gets replaced by Observational Techniques in Astronomy!!!).

Enough of the boring timetable discussion, I have a bit of an exciting announcement. In a previous blog post, the STEM ambassadors programme was mentioned, and I now have the date of my first activity. I'm going into a primary school to help out with an astronomy evening. This does involve talking about myself (eek) & about my studies, but I then have the opportunity to talk about the night sky and help the pupils find constellations. As exciting as the prospect of finally getting involved in outreach is, I am absolutely terrified. I'm not entirely sure how to prepare for this evening, but I do need to gather together fun space facts (if anyone fancies contributing). 

I would like to mention that I do receive (unofficially) my module marks early in February, so if they're not dreadful I will post an update. However as my first lecture of the Spring semester starts in 10 hours, I am going to have to try to sleep.

Goodnight.

I miss George :(

...and I am back in Nottingham

Now all my work is complete, and I only exams left to go, I feel a bit lost. I haven't had to revise properly in such a long time, therefore I don't know where to start. With A level exams, there were so many past papers available, you could just do them, revise where you struggled and do another. It's not that simple when it comes to university level papers. For starters, the papers all have a new format this year, so previous papers (if any are available) will not really help me as much as they could. Plus, background reading is a very important aspect of completing the harder parts of exams (apparently) and I know I haven't done enough yet. It's all a bit of a nightmare if I am honest. 

Enough of that boring nonsense, as I am back in Nottingham for 3 weeks! I've been looking forward to coming home for weeks now, and I am finally here. The only downside is the lack of desk in my "new" room, so I am forced to work on the dining room table. As my Mum isn't working currently, due to no fault of her own, she tends to be a bit of a distraction. This is with the new Dining/Living Room divide up. Also, George is a bit of an issue. He's a puppy, and he probably requires more attention than a baby. Nightmare. Yet again, I have ended up on the topic of revision, but I do have some other news. 

Somehow, I have managed to acquire a job over the Christmas period. I'll only be working every Friday and Saturday night until I leave, but this does suit me rather well. This does also mean that I will be able to earn some of my deposit back - as I have signed a tenancy agreement for a house for next year (also big news). 

I think that's all I really have to say for now, as I really should be revising (without George).

George trying to be really helpful.

Busybusybusy

I am almost ashamed of how little I have blogged since moving to Cardiff. This is probably one of the most exciting times of my life so far, and I have nothing to look back on. I'm a little disappointed, but I really have been a busy bee. 

The workload for a Physics degree is insane. I have work due in everyday, and most of it takes 2-3 hours to complete - sometimes more! Although it is paying off, as my marks have been improving, and I do feel like I have absorbed most of the nonsense I have had thrown at me. As much as I moan about it on twitter, I do love my degree. I learn new things everyday and I have started to become actively involved in some fascinating projects. 

For example, I have recently become a STEM ambassador! I am yet to actually do anything for the programme, but I have agreed to help out at an Astronomy evening, at a local primary school. It's not until the second half of the Spring term, so I have plenty of time to brush up on the Spring sky. I'm also a student rep! Which has proved to be a lot of fun so far - as I generally just listen to first years moan about 9am lectures -but I have helped to improve homework feedback (a bit) and I did get a lecturer to explain a physics topic better. 

I would love to catch my blog up with current events, but I am extremely tired, so I will try again soon - I promise. 

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the Peak Star Party!

First Cardiff AS lecture.

After applying for my membership on Monday, I finally managed to attend my first Cardiff Astronomical Society lecture. It really was fascinating. Prof Mike Disney, of Cardiff University, presented his thoughts on several things. Although, my memory of them is pretty poor. As I spend my entire week taking notes, I decided to just listen and enjoy the talk. The only things I can remember from the lecture are; downsizing (the idea that larger galaxies formed before dwarf ones) and that we are seeing galaxies that we shouldn't be able to (Tolman effect - as the redshift of a galaxy increases, intensity of light coming from that galaxy rapidly reduces - I think). I suppose only being able to remember two main points from a lecture isn't bad. 

I am rather looking forward to the next lecture.

On a completely unrelated topic, I baked with my housemates the other day.

Finally getting an education...

Whilst freshers was amazing, I am so happy to actually be learning something. I must admit that it's taking a while to get back in to it, but I am really starting to enjoy Maths and Physics again. Although, I must exclude Tuesday from generally enjoying everything. Having 2 hours of lectures, followed by a 4 hour lab session, and after only 4 hours of sleep was traumatic. Students of House H need to learn how to cook, as I do not appreciate being woken up at 3:40am by the fire alarm. 

A few highlights from freshers...

The last photo illustrates how I intend to spend the rest of my year :)

I have also managed to finish off my noticeboard, so my room finally feels like my own.

I need to sleep now, as I have a 9am lecture, but I will update my blog tomorrow. I'm attending my first Cardiff Astronomical Society lecture at 19:30, and I am rather looking forward to it.

Hello Cardiff!

I want to make my first official Cardiff blog post interesting, but I haven't really got a lot to discuss and I am also very sleep deprived. I'm barely keeping up with being so social for freshers, and I am currently getting by on about 4 hours of sleep per night. Even if I do come home at a decent hour, you can guarantee someone will decide to burn toast at 4:30am. Not that I am moaning, I am having a fantastic time and also meeting some lovely people.

My full timetable will commence from Monday, therefore I need to start doing some work. I could barely recognise the double angle rule in the weird lecture-type thing that I attended today, so I am a little worried. I hope I will adjust this new system of learning (lectures, tutorials, etc), but I think it will take a while. Any tips for coping with lectures and lab sessions will be greatly appreciated :)

Meet my new textbook - Principles of Physics by Halliday, Resnick and Walker.

On a quick note, I have just noticed the new Hubble image, which includes the most distant galaxy. It is beautiful, but also slightly scary when you see that there are 5,500 galaxies in the image. Check it out!

08/10/12 UPDATE:

I forgot to upload a lovely (kidding) photo of me on the train.