Anyone studying for a science degree with more than 2 children?!

[KateF]

I am thinking of going back to university to study biomedical science. I graduated from medical school in 1994 and worked in the NHS and then for a charity but I don't want to go back into clinical medicine. I was always interested in pathology and would like to specialise in medical microbiology but need to go back to the beginning to get my lab skills up to date. I am 37 with three dds aged 7,6 and 3. Am I mad or could I manage it?

I did a year at college (PGCE) when my little ones were 3 and 1. It was fine - they continued at the same childminder (I had been in paid employment till then). The biggest issue was the loss of income, but still having to pay for childcare.

Theoretically, it shouldn't be a lot different to a job, except perhaps for some reading at night.

Thanks scienceteacher. I think it would have been easier when they were younger and could have been with a childminder all day but now I will have to juggle school drop-offs and pick-ups and after-school activities. I hope someone can tell me how much time I can expect to be actually at the university - with medicine it was 9-5 every day but I believe that's not the same for all degrees?

I think the only way is to ask the university. When I did my chemical engineering degree, we had labs on two afternoons a week from 2pm - 5pm.

I think you will need to have some support. It is unlikely that your course would run to shorter than primary school hours.

Hmmm, support is something I'm a bit short on. Any help I have I have to pay for. Perhaps I should go for the part-time course but will take your advice and phone the university.