… by Harry / from China / BSc Mathematics / 1st Year (UG)
I am Harry, and I was born in China while attending high school in the United States. I am a first-year undergraduate student studying mathematics at the University of Edinburgh.
The first-year Mathematics curriculum in Edinburgh consists of three courses: Introduction to Linear Algebra in the first semester, and Calculus and its Applications, and Proof and Problem Solving in the second. I am with ease on Linear Algebra and Calculus, as their contents overlapped with Advanced Math and AP Calculus courses I took in high school, while Proof and Problem Solving was more challenging. Yet, being attentive in workshops and diligently finishing all homework helped me go through all courses comfortably, while still leaving me with ample leisure.
In the first year, Math students were usually allowed to take three more electives. I took four more: one Latin and one Chemistry course in both semesters. Latin, mathematics, and chemistry were my favourite subjects in high school. Although I chose to study mathematics in college, I still wanted to explore the others too, and, thankfully, the Scottish education system allows me to do it. The lecturers in Chemistry and Classic Departments made their courses informative and inspiring, and I have enjoyed the extra load of courses. Taking courses outside of math widens my perspectives, and gives me an experience of variability in my study of mathematics.
Choosing the right elective was not easy. There was a huge number of electives offered (first year math students can choose introductory level courses from most departments), and it was hard to find which was would fit me the best. Moreover, some courses have limited space. When I informed my personal tutor, the Latin course was already full, I had to email the Latin course’s organizer, who placed me on the waitlist to wait for my spot. Some of my friends did not invest much time into exploring the electives that fit them most. Some chose to take the most available elective, but then found the courses not as interesting later into the semester. By this point it was not possible to change the courses.
In the 2021 to 2022 semester, most courses were delivered in hybrid mode. For math and chemistry classes, lectures were delivered online, and accessibility to tutors was restricted to workshops and tutorials, while all material in the Latin classes was delivered in person and there were more opportunities to engage with the teaching faculties. All the teaching staff were patient and responsive when I asked them for help. Their answers were very informative and inspiring, and engaging with them made my academic experience even more enjoyable.