1) As the semester progresses, so does the workload increase - and things are starting to get busy for us. A large part of our first module (half, to be exact) marks hinges on writing an essay, out of five options given. There are some really interesting topics to choose from, but the requirement is the same - answer all questions relating to that topic, and write an essay no more than 2,000 words. Some of you may scoff at such an insignificant number of words, but I can assure you - the challenge lies in keeping within the word limit. Also, writing an essay at MSc level is not the same as writing an undergraduate one - so we just have to adapt quickly...
2) In addition to essays, we have a three hour exam at the end of our first module - held somewhere in December if I'm not mistaken. In subsequent modules, we have clinical presentations where we challenge existing (or widely-held) beliefs, and finally a research project under a supervisor - whose marks count for a huge chunk of our entire course. But that's basically next year. First I need to start thinking about how to plan my essay.
3) Lectures and tutorials are really helpful - some of it is revision of our own undergraduate course in neuroscience, while other topics are quite new or much more in depth than we learnt in medical school. Regardless, it is really nice that they record the lecture (using Lecture Capture) so that we can replay and revise at our own leisure. Most of our lectures are at the Denmark Hill Campus, with some of them held at the Weston Education Centre - an 8 minutes walk away.
4) I've basically settled down into my daily routine of getting up late, rushing to make it for lectures (and being grateful if they are none!), having lunch at the IOPPN canteen with my friends, then continuing with lectures, before heading back home to nap and end the day. It's a simple routine really, but a nice one really. Of course, I really need to get started on that essay, so I'll end my blog post here for now. Thanks very much for visiting, and have a lovely week ahead. Cheers!
P.S. All picture credits (with myself in them) go to my good friend Sai :)
Classmates! (except for Revd Tim Ditchfield FKC standing in the back :)
(l-r: Myself, Malavika, Abdi, Cao, Sai, Karen)
Somerset House on a bright and sunny morning
King's College Chapel - part of the Strand Campus of King's College London
The Grade I listed chapel was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott
HRH Reggie the Lion is the King's hero and mascot :)
Strand Campus courtyard
Lunch today - lamb meatballs with mashed potato :)
Finally got a nice pic in front of this gate haha
A friendly squirrel
I can't quite remember what this was supposed to be - I only remember this for the "delicious" carrot raita ;)
A typical lunch menu
Pork crackle chops with kale and roast carrots was really good!
The Weston Education Centre (WEC) cafeteria
Lunch at the WEC building today (after our morning lectures)
Fish & chips is something they'll always excel at - perfect cooked, crispy exterior and flaky inside!
Breakfast at Costa today :)
Trying to eat a little healthier :)
The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute - just beside the WEC cafeteria and library
The WEC library - lots of sitting space! :)
I cannot get over how beautiful (and delicious-looking!) the desserts look <3
Like this chocolate cherry muffin
First time visiting "The Shack"@ Bush House, KCL Student Union
The student lounge
Bush House - where Sai and I went to check out King's merchandise (at the KCL Student Union Shop)
Finally, got a nice pic in front of the Maughan Library sign
The entrance to the Maughan Library
Was half in mind of complaining, but decided to let it pass...
(P.S. It's 2.23pm on my watch, and the sign indicates that the TechBar should be open, but it was not)
At least I got some nice pics in the iconic Round Reading Room
Didn't care at all for the occupants trying to study haha
(it's tit for tat - you have no idea how inconsiderate some people can be in the library!)
And another pic for good measure
Lunch today was an all-Japanese affair :)
This pork katsu with mayo was surprisingly good!
As you can see, I've gotten nine stamps already haha
Today's lunch menu included this - a large lamb burger with mint!
First time at Guy's Campus - which is right next to Guy's Hospital
Guy's Campus, King's College London
Turns out they sell keep cups here
The student cafe at Guy's Campus
Waiting for the 35 Bus - all aboard now!
(Not so leisurely) morning jog at Ruskin Park
The park is really quite beautiful - it's also really large at around 2km!
The Thursday lunch courtesy of the Chaplaincy
Very filling indeed, and delicious too :)
Three medical doctors (I think!), two medical students, one genetic engineer, one Reverend
Friday after-class chats at Reem Restaurant
Talking about healthcare systems in each other's countries was really interesting!
Lamb kofte (basically skewered lamb meatballs) was tender and juicy :)
Another day, another coffee
The WEC library is really cosy and conducive for studying (or in my case - sleeping!)
KFC's zinger box meal for dinner today
Coat of arms just outside the WEC building
Some panoramic photos coming your way - this is the courtyard outside King's Building
Panorama of "The Shack" @ KCLSU, Bush House
Maughan library
Round Reading Room
