School of Biomedical Sciences – teaching and learning

Engagement, experience and expertise

The teaching and learning philosophy of our school can be summarised in three words: engagement, experience and expertise.

We encourage all our students to actively engage with the subjects they are studying, using a range of different teaching methods and through a number of learning opportunities provided within the curriculum. We strongly believe that learning is both enhanced and reinforced through direct experience related to the 'real world of biomedical and healthcare science'. We are also committed to providing access to the depth and breadth of expertise in the academic and professional staff within the school and the wider University.

Working in partnership with you

It is our intention to work closely with you at all times to deliver the best experience possible during your time at University. We have therefore developed a partnership agreement to set out the expectations of staff and students in ensuring we share a vibrant and stimulating learning environment. On our part we undertake to:

Our ethos and inspiration

Share our enthusiasm for science.
Develop an appreciation of the cutting edge of biomedicine through integration of research-informed teaching by expert staff in all stages of the programme.
Provide opportunities to develop subject specific and generic graduate skills that will equip you for careers in biomedicine and many other areas.
Encourage you to become members of a professional and responsible learning community, based on fairness and mutual respect.

For your teaching and learning

Provide a rich programme of scheduled lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars (including external speakers), and ‘hands-on’ research investigations.
Provide clear briefings and learning outcomes for all modules, together with varied resources for active learning via the TuLiP online portal.
Develop core skills and techniques for laboratory studies.
Show the range of opportunities for voluntary research experience, work-based learning and placements within our Research Centres and other institutions.

For your assessment

Provide a wide range of innovative assessments such as case studies, presentations and 'real-world' problem solving, as well as traditional essays and examinations.
Give clear information about all assessments and advance notice of submission dates for each module.
Endeavour to spread assessment deadlines in your study programme.
Assess your work fairly and efficiently, using clearly defined criteria.
Validate assessment procedures using internal moderation and verification by external examiners.
Return marked coursework with constructive feedback, normally within four working weeks.
Provide detailed advice on good practice in assessment, explaining how to avoid plagiarism, collusion, and other assessment offences.

For communication and representation

Provide accurate and up-to date programme and module information via TuLiP.
Provide detailed instructions and explanations in programme meetings, lectures, practical classes and field courses.
Respond positively and constructively to your requests for information and feedback.
Endeavour to respond promptly to reasonable e-mail requests for information, normally within five working days of receipt.
Designate a system for arranging individual meetings with you on request.
Inform you of rearrangements of teaching sessions at least 24 hours in advance, except in unavoidable circumstance such as staff illness.
Encourage you to comment on operation of the programme via stage meetings, Teaching and Learning, Programme and Student-Staff Liaison Committees, and evaluation questionnaires.
Respond to issues raised by you, including annual review of the Student-Staff Partnership Agreement.

For your support

Provide you with a personal tutor who will act as a source of guidance for academic and personal matters.
Discuss your progress with personal development planning and awareness of employability skills.
Provide clear links to the network of School and University support mechanisms – personal, pastoral, and learning development.
Explain what to do if ill health or other personal issues affect your learning or completion of assessments.

eBooks have arrived

Students joining us this year will have access to a range of eBooks which can be read on a range of devices. View this video to see the potential of eBooks for learning.

Back from placement

Years 1 and 2 from our healthcare science degrees have recently completed their workplace learning in hospitals around the South West of England.

Research bursaries

You have the opportunity to apply for research bursaries and work in the laboratories of scientific experts.