Which Halifax university science department is most receptive to teaching mature students?

Question

I want to return to university, but am somewhat itimidated by the science courses I need to take (biology and chemistry). I haven't taken them since high school - 16 years ago!

I don't want to be lost in a mass of hundreds of first year students or find myself taking courses from profs who have no patience with any student over 24 who might need extra help, encouragement, or clarification. (I saw this happen to mature students when I myself was an undergrad in Halifax).

So which school would you recommend - Dalhousie, St. Mary's, or Mount St. Vincent? And why?

Thanks for your input :)

Answer 1

Personally, I would rule out the Mount for any subjects other than Public Relations or Women in Business - although with the small class sizes and extremely high female to male student bias, it is probably the least intimidating. The Mount still has legacy issues with it's religious, girl's school background; which is fine and good if you like that kind of environment...

That leaves the choice between SMU and Dal. Dal has a more international reputation, whereas SMU has a very good profile in the Maritimes. SMU certainly has smaller class sizes and seems to have a more East Coast flavour, but Dal appears to have a better curriculum for the Sciences - especially in the medical field.

The choice is one that you have to make on your own, but if I was making that decision, I would bite the bullet and go with Dal. Think about what you want out of the course you are doing and base your decision on what you can learn and what value each course option will give to your career path.

If you are confident and ask questions of your tutors, they will help you. I know a number of tutors who give mature students more respect because they realise it is a tough decision to go back to University. After all, a mature student is at University because they want to be; they were not pushed into it by their parents or by peer presure. You are paying for their time and if you were not there, they would not have a job. If you can think of your teachers as your employees, you will be far less intimidated by them.

Also there's no harm in finding out what the courses are now and making arrangements to go and see the people that you know would be teaching you. If you approach them in the right way, you will stand out from the crowd and they will be encouraged by your interest. That way you can get a feel for their attitudes and see who you would get along with.

Good Luck.