What are the views of ecology students?
Students on ecology and environmental biology courses express various emotions and opinions about their educational experience. On the one hand, they appreciate the diversity of the campus community and find the course content interesting, well-structured, and up-to-date. They value practical scientific knowledge acquisition opportunities, particularly through field trips and lab work. Students also praise the teaching staff as knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic.
On the other hand, students voice concerns about the lack of standardisation in marking, with some experiencing harsh or unrealistic standards. They feel that assessment feedback is often slow to arrive and inadequate, making it difficult for them to improve their work. Some students express frustration with the organisation of certain modules, citing poor communication and last-minute changes.
Mental health support is another concern, with students reporting long waiting lists and feeling that the well-being services are understaffed. They also mention that they do not always receive the help they need when experiencing mental health issues. Furthermore, some students feel that they have been misled about course options or requirements, leading to disappointment and frustration.
In terms of academic skills development, students appreciate the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving but sometimes find it challenging to express their ideas effectively in writing. They value group work and collaboration opportunities but occasionally experience difficulties with time management and meeting deadlines.
Overall, while students on ecology and environmental biology courses are generally positive about their educational experience, they identify areas that require improvement, including feedback mechanisms, mental health support, and course organisation.