autumn term

Sheffield is home to two universities. And since last week, the city has seen an increased incidence of asymmetrical and calico-coloured hairdos and Ugg boots.

The university school system here differs from Canada, in that the academic year starts in October rather than September. The exams for the first term conclude at the end of January, after a 4-week Christmas holiday. Truthfully, I would much rather write my exams before I go for Christmas break.

My autumn term is starting to take shape. I'm drawing on my previous experiences and doing some demonstrating and facilitating work in biostatistics, research methodology, and literature appraisal this term.

I am also auditing a Master's level health economics module. Since I've completed by credit requirements, I've opted to audit this course because everyone knows that it is much easier to sit and listen to lectures rather than to sit and listen to lectures and write the exam at the end.

Or so I thought.

I decided to take the health economics module offered through the Department of Economics -- intended for future economists -- rather than the one offered through the School of Health. So, since my first class last week, I've spent hours reading my textbook and looking up concepts on the internet in an attempt to understand the Grossman model. To make matters a bit worse, the module instructed by my research supervisor so there is a constant pressure -- inflicted by myself, of course -- to impress.